local business | ARLnow.com

Published August 11, 2011 at 3:34PM

Buttoned-up and professional inside, these restaurants become your chatty pal when you follow them on Twitter. Sometimes outspoken, sometimes outrageous, sometimes attention-seeking, and occasionally Tweeting about something legitimately restaurant-related, these eateries have a personality on social media that has little to do with to the experience of going there and having a meal.

We have selected L.A. Bar and Grill (2530 Columbia Pike), T.H.A.I. In Shirlington (4029 Campbell Avenue) and The Front Page (4201 Wilson Blvd) as Arlington’s Most Outspoken Restaurants on Twitter.

Opinion

Morning Poll: How Do You Feel About the Local Economy?

By ARLnow.com

Published August 11, 2011 at 9:46AM | Updated August 11, 2011 at 11:09AM

Now, as the national economy teeters once again, there’s some question of whether the local economy can remain an island of vibrancy. With federal discretionary spending decreasing, and with the possibility of even steeper cuts down the road, Uncle Sam may not be able to provide the steady flow of cash that kept the local economy going during the last recessionary period.

The local economic indicators are a mixed bag. Unemployment in Arlington is still remarkably low, at 3.9 percent. Home sales are up in the most recent period, but home sale prices are down considerably in Arlington and in the D.C. metro area.

Around Town

Changes Coming to Champion Billiards

By ARLnow.com

Published August 3, 2011 at 1:30PM

Misti Wise and Amy Borek were bartenders at Champion (2620 S. Shirlington Road) during the 90s. Now they’re coming back as owners, hoping to turn around Champion’s moribund business by making the place more attractive as a local food-and-drink destination.

“We want to appeal to everybody in the community, not just the staunch pool players,” said Borek. “Our hope is to be a real neighborhood destination… It will be a great story if we’re successful.”

Opinion

Morning Poll: New Clarendon Businesses

By ARLnow.com

Published August 3, 2011 at 9:13AM

By the end of the week, at least 10 new eateries will have opened in Clarendon since February.

Pinkberry will open its doors on Friday, joining other new food destinations including Burapa Thai, Circa, South Block Smoothie & Burrito, Rabbit, Pete’s Apizza, Larry’s Homemade Ice Cream, BGR: The Burger Joint, Cava and Mad Rose Tavern.

News

The Curious Grape Announces New Location

By Katie Pyzyk

Published July 28, 2011 at 1:15PM

The business, previously located at 4056 Campbell Avenue, will move around the corner to 2900 South Quincy Street.

“After 10 years, it certainly would have been hard to leave Shirlington Village,” said Suzanne McGrath, CEO and president of The Curious Grape. “You can’t beat that sense of becoming part of a thriving community.”

Around Town

Ill-Fated ‘Goth’ Restaurant in Va. Square Torn Down

By ARLnow.com

Published July 15, 2011 at 12:20PM

What would have been a restaurant, bar and lounge called “Haze” is now being reduced to a pile of rubble. Arlington County purchased the property at 3540 Wilson Boulevard one year ago with the intention of tearing it down, and the demolition is finally happening today.

The property will be used to connect Maury Park and Herselle Milliken Park, two tiny swaths of recreational space located on the same block between N. Monroe and Lincoln streets. So what happened to Haze?

Opinion

Morning Poll: Why Wegman’s?

By ARLnow.com

Published July 15, 2011 at 9:24AM | Updated February 13, 2024 at 11:02AM

It seems that every time we run a story on a new retailer coming to Arlington, someone chimes in in the comments, saying that they’d much rather have a Wegman’s.

Around Town

Discount Tattoo Removal Shop Coming to Ballston

By ARLnow.com

Published July 7, 2011 at 10:40AM

Called “Zap a Tat,” the shop is “a new concept in laser tattoo removal,” according to a help wanted ad on Craigslist. The store will attempt to undercut other tattoo removal services on price, according to the Linked In page of its owner, a Harvard MBA alum.

Zap a Tat will “provide high quality laser tattoo removal at a reasonable price,” according to the Linked In page. “We are testing our concept and will begin roll-out soon thereafter.”

News

Arlington-Based Company Expanding Overseas

By ARLnow.com

Published July 6, 2011 at 3:30PM

The Arlington company announced a partnership today with one of Britain’s largest utility companies. Opower will supply home energy management software to the customers of First Utility, the U.K.’s largest independent energy provider.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell hailed Opower in a statement announcing the deal.

Events

Pike Planning Workshops Wrap Up Tonight

By ARLnow.com

Published June 30, 2011 at 3:59PM | Updated July 1, 2011 at 11:25AM

Tonight county representatives will present the results of a week-long public planning and design process intended to help plan the future of Columbia Pike.

The “Work in Progress Presentation” will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 tonight at the Sheraton National Hotel (900 S. Orme Street). Planners will reveal the work that has been completed through a neighborhood planning day — or “charrette” — last weekend and a series of “open design studios” during the week.

Around Town

‘Melody Tavern’ Coming to Potomac Yard

By ARLnow.com

Published June 29, 2011 at 3:17PM | Updated October 18, 2011 at 12:58PM

“Melody Tavern” will serve healthy, modern American fare and will host live music and comedy acts, according to owner Michel Daley. It will target the more mature “professional set,” he said.

Daley, formerly the co-owner of D.C. waterfront hotspot Zanzibar, says the restaurant will be opening in the large, 7,000 square foot space once occupied by the now-shuttered McGinty’s Pub. He anticipates a September or October opening date.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published June 29, 2011 at 8:31AM | Updated June 29, 2011 at 2:14PM

Sign Vigilante Arrested — “Arlington anti-sign vigilante” Robert Lauderdale is facing a felony grand larceny charge for allegedly stealing 240 apartment leasing signs from the Crescent Apartments near I-66. Lauderdale says he removes the signs to reduce clutter along his street and unilaterally enforce Arlington’s sign regulations. He was arrested, taken to jail and booked earlier this month after police showed up at his apartment in the wee hours of the morning. [Falls Church News-Press]

Virginia Is ‘Top State for Business’ — Virginia is once again “America’s Top State For Business,” according to CNBC. “Virginia is a perennial favorite with its strategic location, friendly business climate and diverse economy,” the channel said. The Commonwealth also captured the title in 2007 and 2009. [CNBC]