NYE in Clarendon

If you're still planning a New Year's Eve night now, I suggets reading this very detailed listing of all the local venues with their offerings. Thanks to the new Ballston Patch for writing up this article.

Personally, I would rather do something more low key and without a cover charge, like skipping between Hard Times, O'Sullivans, Carpool and Spider Kelly's. Of course all these places, especially Spider Kelly's, are sure to be packed to capacity, so try to head out early if you want a spot at the bar.

Also, its not worth trying to drive under the influence as SoberRide is once again offering free cab rides for certain areas.

Restaurant 3 deal from Living Social today

The online coupon site Living Social, similar to Groupon, is offering a deal for Clarendon's Restaurant 3 today. For $20 you get a coupon for $40 worth of Restaurant 3 dining, drinks not included.

I think its worth it, as this sister restaurant to Whitlows can make a nice dining venue. Offer ends early tomorrow morning!

Hunan Number One

This Sunday was a slow night for Clarendon, as most places were almost empty like the Clarendon Grill which closed around 7pm after the Giants game finished. I was on my way to Iota for the Save the Arlington Planetarium benefit concert, when the freezing wind picked up and I ducked into Hunan Number One for safety. Hunan was also quiet, unlike the previous Sunday before Christmas, but the bartenders were friendly and the huge cheap beers were plentiful.

Hunan is another one of Clarendon's "secrets", as its tucked away down on North Garfield Street opposite of Mexicali Blues. It's famous for their generous 32 oz huge beers and cheap pitchers. They offer good brews like Magic Hat and the delicious Sarana Caramel Porter.

Remember, there is still time to donate to save the Planetarium before the end of the year!

Hot Chocolate at Northside Social

I tried this delicious hot chocolate at Northside Social today made with dark chocolate. Perfect for a cold holiday break!

Most venues are closed for Christmas. But there are still some nightlife options if you are around, as Iota is open from 7pm to 2am on Christmas night with no cover charge.

Merry Christmas Clarendon!

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill opened up on 2424 Wilson Blvd a couple weeks ago above the existing Subway sandwich shop. Despite not having its rooftop on yet as its name implies, I was very impressed with the establishment. After trekking up a flight of stairs customers are greeted by a very tall ceiling, warm dark brown wood accents and more TVs than you can count.

The food is not cheap but good, as it strives to be a slightly more higher end restaurant and not a typical sports bar. their burger pictured here is $10 but includes shoe string fries and bacon if you desire.

Highly recommended as a nice happy hour venue to watch a game or a date night. Can't wait for the spring to arrive so I can try out the roof top deck!

Mad Fox in Falls Church

If you are a beer fan, you should head down Route 7 to try Mad Fox for happy hour or dinner. The new restaurant located in Falls Church welcomes you with its large stainless steel brewing tanks has an amble selection of home brewed beer, meade, and root beer.

The venue also offers pizzas that can rival Fireworks' pies. The soup of the day was mashed potato, which was very creamy and accented with chives and bacon bits.

The main draw is their tasty beer menu, of which there is a good selection and they offer a four glass beer sampler which was very popular. Pictured here is the Stir-About Oatmeal Stout and Ginger-Apricot Meade. I've never had meade before and imagined it as being the drink of sloppy and vicious vikings, but this wine like beverage was sweet and refreshing.

American Flatbread closing Christmas Eve

Sadly, American Flatbread Pizzaria on North Filmore Street has announced it is closing for good after December 24 of this year. The restaurant was never my personal favorite, but it is unfortunate to see a local business leave Clarendon, especially during the Christmas season. In an email to its customers, Flatbread explained three reasons for closing:

1. "Severe issues with the environmental system," of which I don't know anything about
2. The drama with not being able to use their outdoor patio seating, leading to loss revenue
3. Their relationship with a "very adversarial landlord"

 They are staying open until Christmas Eve before the Grinch kicks them out. Drop by before then to help them go out in style! Thanks to Nathan for the heads up about this.

Mike Green charity event for Arlington Food Assistance Center

Thanks to DCist and Living Social for heads up on Mike Green of the Washington Capitals hosting the Greenlife Rock for Charity event at the 9:30 Club in DC tonight at 8pm. There will be performances by G Love and Special Sauce and Billy Woodward and The Senders, with $50 ticket proceeds going to the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

Mike Green has been involved with AFAC over the last year and generously contributed the top item to their live auction benefit in June for AFAC’s Permanent Home Campaign.

To Do This Weekend

Winter is finally here,with the urban landscape of condo towers funneling the wind and discouraging nightlife. But the cold is no reason to stay in this weekend, as there is plenty to do:

• Friday Dec 10 - Make sure to try out the brand new Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill as this is the first weekend it will be open. While the roof is still closed, the bar is open and located here, just past Earl's and near the Subway deli. Also stop by Galaxy Hut on the way to try their excellent beer selection such as their new on top Sierra Nevada, described as an "oak-aged bigfoot barleywine blended with celebration ale and fresh-hop pale ale".
• Saturday Dec 11 - The modern, experimental and refreshing sound of Amateur Hour headlines at Iota.
• Saturday Dec 11 - Well known local band Gonzo's Nose returns to the Clarendon Grill. Check them out before seeing them play at the Grill's New Year's Eve party.

Bozzelli's in Crystal City opens

The Springfield Italian deli Bozzelli's recently opened a new location much closer to Clarendon in Crystal City. Since they just opened last week, they have a limited menu that does not include their pizzas or all sandwiches. The small to-go only storefront flanks the entrance to new Concord luxury apartment building, and is sure to be come a favorite quick dining option for future residents.

Bozzelli's son was manning the register, and was good enough to honor my Groupon for $15 off the meal even though they aren't 100% operational yet. I had the steak and cheese, which was delicious. Some people think the white bread is bland, but I liked it. The steak cut fries are seasoned just write, but needed to be heated up by the time I started eating.

Parking is tight on the street, but there is a paid garage directly next to the restaurant. Its a steep $5, but you may be able to get it validated and waived by the restaurant.

AAC and AFAC Charity Happy Hour with Screwtop Wine Bar

The Arlington Arts Center is hosting a holiday happy hour and raffle on Wednesday, December 8 from 5:30-7:30pm. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. One raffle ticket for each event ticket purchased. Raffle prizes include an AAC membership, tickets to an upcoming AAC happy hour, and a bottle of wine from Screwtop Wine Bar.

They are also having a holiday food drive for Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), so bring non-perishable goods to the event! AFAC especially needs low-sugar cereals, cooking oil, canned meats, and low-sodium canned soups. You will receive one additional raffle ticket per non-perishable item you bring for the food drive.

Gameday at Clarendon Grill

Ever since they remodeled and refreshed their menu, I've been pleasantly surprised with Clarendon Grill's brunch and lunch offerings. Pictured here is their delicious lump crab cake sandwich and potato crisps, which contained no filler at all!

The Grill was popular today as it made a good spot to watch the Redskins vs Titans game at 1pm with their multiple new flat screens and large projector screen filling in the stage. The new Grill's remodeled interior is much more comfortable and efficient than before, but there still wasn't enough seats to go around for all the Skins fans.

Deleted Scenes at Iota tonight

Looking forward to checking out Deleted Scenes playing at Iota tonight. The local band has a unique sound, and some interesting videos like this one shot on the Metro. They are opening for Modern Skirts around 9pm with a $12 cover.

Party Crashers Art Show at Arlington Arts Center Nov 19

Comic book influenced art is invading Arlington Arts Center this weekend as the Party Crashers show debuts Nov 19.  The show "mashes up comic art and contemporary gallery culture, and features artists who pass back and forth between the two worlds." Thanks to Andy Warhol for jump starting this trend.

The Arlington Arts Center is a private, nonprofit contemporary visual arts center just down the street from Clarendon past Mario's and Pio Pio. The show premiers to the public with an opening reception Friday Nov 19 from 7 to 9pm at 3550 Wilson Blvd Arlington. The art will be on display until Jan 16.

Live music this week

Lots of diverse typse of music this week live in Clarendon:

•Tuesday Nov 9 - One of Stephen King's favorite musicians Slaid Cleaves takes the stage
•Wednesday Nov 10 - Mike Leverone rocks the fresh faced Clarendon Grill
•Thursday Nov 11 - Maserati promises to mesmerize Iota with their ambient / crunk / psychedelic melodies

Matsutake in Ballston

On a random trip, stopped by Matsutake in Ballston, just across from the mall and Frontpage. The restaurant has a lot of competition in the area from the likes of Kabuki, Boru Asian Bistro, and Temple Lounge.

I liked the atmosphere, and there was much more room inside than I expected. The hibachi grill seating was loud, but I thought would be a good spot for a first or second date. That way you have something to talk about and helps avoid awkward pauses, since you are facing the cook and not each other. The other tables were friendly to dinner conversations.


The food is decent, as I enjoyed the shrimp and chicken combo but the sushi was nothing special. Despite the ratings online, I think this small asian chain is worth checking out once.

Halloween Eve at Eleventh

As expected, Clarendon was a hot bed of scandalous and creative costumes during this Halloween weekend. Although nowhere near as packed as the craziness that is the massive sea of people that hits Georgetown, the local dance floors of Spider Kelly's, Ballroom, Mister Days and the rest all had long lines of festive party goers at midnight.

I prefered Eleventh for this year's Halloween partying, as the often overlooked lounge is smaller and had a much shorter line and doesn't charge cover. Like everywhere else, it was full to capacity and people had to wait for some one to leave before they could enter. But its two floors had plenty of activity for great people watching, and our waitress was extremely nice and attentive for such a busy night.

BYT's guide to Fear and Sanity in DC

If you are hopping on the Orange Line this Saturday to attend the Stewart and Colbert rallies on the mall, check out Brightest Young Things first. They have created this handy info graphic of A Sane Person's Guide to DC for hanging out in the city after the events.

Also, thanks to Clarendon Culture for this schedule of the rally and events. The rallies are only from noon to 3pm, and its sure to be crowded!

Charity Happy Hour at Mister Days Thurs

Drop by Mister Days this Thursday Oct 21 for a charity happy hour to benefit child literacy. Local nonprofit group The Reading Connection will be holding a raffle with prizes such as a Kindle and gift cards to Arlington restaurants and stores.

The Reading Connection serves the at-risk and homeless children in our area by providing them fun, literacy-rich experiences. Volunteers visit their shelters or housing complexes on a weekly basis to read to them and provide them with new, free books to keep.

Must See Music in Clarendon

Lots of music to feed your soul coming up this month, including:

• Saturday Oct 16 - Official grand re-opening of Clarendon Grill with Toxic Mouse
• Sunday Oct 24 - Midnight Hike plays Iota with their catchy rock-folk tunes
• Tuesday Nov 9 - One of Stephen King's favorite musicians Slaid Cleaves takes the stage at Iota
• Thursday Nov 11 - Maserati promises to mesmerize Iota with their ambient / crunk / psychedelic melodies

Tonic in DC Nonprofit Fundraiser Oct 16

One Brick is a local non-profit that promotes volunteering in the community by connecting volunteers with non-profits such as food banks, youth organizations, and local parks. They are having an Annual Campaign Kickoff Event on October 16th at Tonic in Foggy Bottom.

Tonic will feature two hours of open bar, live DJing from The DJ's Ball, a chance to win raffle prizes (including box tickets to a Caps Game), and guest speakers.

Tickets are $35 through 10/15, and $40 the day of 10/16.

BYT Artisphere this Saturday in Rossyln

The hip musical scene site Brightest Young Things is hosting their Artisphere opening called Burst. The madness starts at 8pm two blocks from the Rossyln metro and includes free beer, skate and balloon sculptures, DJs Chris Burns and Ultra Nate, live music by DJs and Family Hemerlein at 9pm. For non-Arlingtoners, there will be free bus rides back to Dupont Circle and free parking.

Tickets are $22.09, and there is still time left now to buy them. Also, TLC will be on location to film some sort of reality show.

Juniper Lane this Friday at Iota

One of my favorite bands to see live is returning to Iota in Clarendon this Friday night! The always entertaining Juniper Lane will go on stage after Emily Greene and No Second Troy open up the club.

The $12 cover is a good investment it too see all three bands that night, in fact Juniper Lane is talented and inspiring enough to make the trip out to Wilson Blvd worthwhile.

Vivion Smith consistently mesmerizes me with her vocals, the band's tunes are always energetic and catch,  and our own Arlington Connection raves that they are "following the trends set by British bands like U2 and Coldplay."

Frontpage in Ballston

Frontpage in Ballston has always been a sports bar to me, similar to its neighbors Union Jack's, Rock Bottom and Bailey's. Besides hosting a few charity fundraisers, I thought of Frontpage as another place for jerseys to gather during football season.

But after getting a $20 coupon for a $40 meal at Frontpage from LivingSocial,  I decided to try their dinner options. I was pleasantly surprised that the dining section was more upscale than I expected, with white table cloths, large booths, and a menu with prime ribs, crab cakes, and tasty appetizers. Now I know why the restaurant was featured on the cover of Northern Virginia magazine in May.

Frontpage's weekly dinner specials are:

• Monday - Seafood bar (also Wii Night)
• Tuesday - Lobster
• Wednesday - 1/2 price burgers
• Thursday - 2 for $1 tacos from 5-8pm
• Friday - Different every week
• Saturday - Rib Special
• Sunday - Prime Rib (also Wii Night)

Bacon Week Returns to Restaurant 3

Bacon Week is returning to Clarendon's Restaurant 3 this month. Last June the Travel Channel showed up and filmed them for their "Food Paradise" series. Now the same people who manage Whitlow's is having a 2nd Annual "Week of Bacon" on October 14th to 21st.

Restaurant 3 will offer a Bacon Tasting Dinner on the patio and a Bacon Brunch for diners to taste the various styles of house-cured bacon. Each day for the duration of the festival the restaurant will offer a daily Bacon Happy Hour, where guests can feast on bacon bites such as bacon on a stick and bacon-wrapped shrimp and wash it all down with $3 craft beer draft specials.

Digital Bookmobile at Arlington Central Library

If any other night owls like to read before bed, you should get the low down on free Library downloads when the Digital Bookmobile stops by Central Library on Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 7 p.m. The 75-foot, 18-wheel Digital Bookmobile will have a host of experts on board ready to take you through the entire download process.

Arlington Public Library offers a large and growing collection of text-based eBooks and digital audiobooks - all available for free with your library card, and downloadable 24/7 through the Library's website.

The Digital Bookmobile will be parked in Central's east side parking lot, close to 10th Street, on 1015 N. Quincy St.

Nightstars Movie Premier in DC

Nightstars, a locally produced feature length movie, is premiering at Landmark E Street Cinema in DC next Monday October 4th. I'm always interested in local independent productions like this, but I'm doubly excited because I got to be an extra in this film!

This original drama is set in the Northern Virginia suburbs and teaches its audience that "it’s the small moments that can come to mean everything."

The premier is open to the general public at the trendy and cultured E Street Cinema, a place were I've watched a few foreign flicks like OSS 117 and Run Lola Run.

Come down to the theatre, which is conveniently about one block south of Metro Center off of the Orange Line, Monday around 7pm to get a seat.

Boccato Gelato redesigned

Boccato Gelato has updated their interior, but don't worry they still have all the fun and delicious flavors available. The Chocolate Guinness offering caught my eye tonight, but my favorite is still "Cookie Monster".

Boccato is a great little spot for the family, a casual date stop, or a late night treat as they are open until 11:30 on Friday and Saturday.

In other related news, I can't find the store's twitter feed anymore. But they still have a Facebook page at least.

Clarendon Grill Reopens

After several months being closed for renovations, one of the cornerstones of local nightlife Clarendon Grill has reopened. I checked out their updated interior and improved menu on Thursday night. The bacon Jackhammer burger was delicious, and so was the spicy "Bomb" sandwich shown here with carrot slices instead of fries.

The interior was as loud as ever, and hard to carry a conversation. It would probably be easier to talk at the new "bump outs" at the bar, where the angles allow patrons to face each other slightly.

Tonight was the first weekend evening for the new grill, and there was quite a line later in the night to get in, although not any longer than Spider Kelly's or the Ballroom regularly have. Tonight Full Effect is playing, and Saturday night the well known local cover band Gonzo's Nose will christen the stage.

Clarendon Day this Saturday

Looking forward to the annual Clarendon Day festival this Saturday, September 25. Should be a good sunny day for all of the vendors, arts and crafts sellers, live music, restaurant tastings and evening parade. Make sure you drop by Wilson Blvd (which will be closed to cars during the event) for this family friendly community event.

Memphis 59 at Iota Sept 24

Hoping to visit my favorite music venue Iota Club and Cafe this Friday the 24th for Memphis 59 returning to Clarendon. Local talent the Brother Shamus are also playing, with the Walkaways are the headliner. Show starts at 9pm with a $12 cover.

Car Free Day in Clarendon

Drop by Revolution Cycles on Wilson Blvd this Wednesday to participate in Car Free Day. Sadly, this does not mean they are giving away a free car like I thought at first. But they are raffling off a free Trek bike and a $100 gift card to Morton's Steakhouse!

Clarendon Metro Farmers Market

Tonight from 3 pm - 7 pm come down to the Metro for the Clarendon Metro Farmers Market if the weather permits. There will be a Food Demonstration by Chef Michael Kiss from Whole Foods Market from 4 pm - 7 pm. Also there will be music by
Rick Franklin.

It continues tomorrow, Thursday, in Rossyln at Wilson and Oak street.

The market will feature:
Toigo Orchards
Penn Farms
Grace's Pasries
Gonzales Produce
Hondo Coffee
C & T Produce
Middleburg Creamery
Tea Co
Terrapin Station

Toscana Grill in Courthouse

After being too hungry to wait in the long line for a table at Fireworks Pizza, I decided to try out the vegan Italian Toscana Grill down the block in Courthouse.

Tucked away in the same complex as the AMC Courthouse movie theater and Velocity Five, Toscana is a hidden jem for Arlington. Its' modern decor and outdoor seating was a welcome sight for my rumbling stomach.

Most of the menu items were vegan, organic, or gluten-free. I tried the "Make-Your-Own-Pasta" offering with Gnocchi in marinara sauce and spinach, tomatoes and sausage. The meal was delicious and I look forward to dining at Toscana again.

Photo credit to Shenanadoah Vegan, also check out their detailed review of Toscana.

Wine Night at Arlington Cinema Drafthouse

Tonight after 6:15 Arlington Cinema Drafthouse is hosting their weekly Wine Night at the Movies. Wine tastes are $1 for each 1oz poured by Washington Wine Academy experts. Stay for light dinner or the $5.50 movies, which are Knight and Day and Grown Ups tonight.

Free Opera in the Outfield

The Nationals ballpark isn't just home to baseball games, as on Sunday September 19 there will be a free outdoor showing ot the opera A Masked Ball. The Opera in the Outfield event is hosted by the Washington National Opera and last year attracted 19,000 people to the stadium.

The night will also feature their Generation O program. By signing up for this free program, young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 will receive an exclusive invite to the Red Porch lounge at Nationals Stadium on the night of the simulcast. Enjoy a beer and an opera in the same night!

Thanks Amanda for the tip!

Fireworks Pizza in Courthouse

Fireworks Pizza just opened last week down the street in Courthouse to much fanfare and anticipation. The large restaurant on Clarendon Blvd and N. Adams St. offers an air eating area, bar with TV, and a surprising amount of outdoor seating. There is also an interesting looking outdoor fireplace that is available to eat around, but they have not lit it yet. I highly recommend dining outside if the weather permits.

Their staples are obvious, with good beer and pizza selections, although the spinach dip appetizer was delicious. Their beer choices were my favorite part, and they came in nice branded glasses as well. The pizza was good but honestly can't compete with Pupatella on Wilson.

I'm very happy that Fireworks opened in this section of town, as it will help out the nightlife in this border region between Clarendon and Courthouse. There was plenty of foot traffic around Clarendon Blvd during the day, which also makes it a great people watching venue.

Clarendon Day on September 25

The Clarendon Alliance is hosting the annual Clarendon Day parade and local festival on Saturday September 25. This is a fun and family friendly event, with lots of local businesses and restaurants participating like Whitlow's, Liberty Tavern, Rocklands BBQ, Mister Day's and others. Looking forward to it!

Clarendon Fitness raffle

Clarendon is often known as a drinking hole and nightlife venue, but its also home to many gyms and cross-fitness arenas. It seems that Arlington likes to work out as hard as they party.

Thanks to What's The Deal DC for hosting the Clarendon Fitness Collective prize raffle this week. The gym located on Highland Street next to Mister Day's is giving away a couple prizes including $500 worth of Personal Training services.

The drawing ends Friday August 27 at 4pm, and all you have to do is enter here and be their friend on Facebook.

Charity by Cheesecake?

Of course the Cheesecake Factory is known for its extensive desert selection, but one new entry stands out once you see it. The Reeses Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake is so rich and delicious, it actually hurts a little bit to eat it. It's big enough to share, and I doubt anyone consuming one alone could survive.

The restaurant was nice enough to do something to take a little of the guilt away from eating this insanely good desert. They claim that for each one of these cheesecakes sold, 25 cents will go to "feed hungry Americans in our communities."

I didn't get any details about exactly which local charities would benefit (the Arlington Food Assistance Center comes to mind) because I was distracted with its million calorie goodness.

Clarendon makes the Post happy

The Washington Post's Going Out Guide recently did a feature of places in Clarendon that makes them happy. Not surprisingly, Lyon Hall was ranked #1 as it seems to be the hip place to be seen now.

But I agree with Clarendon Culture that Eleventh should be somewhere on this list. The tiny little lounge serves a nice alternative to the huge and loud scene at the Ballroom. But maybe the less people know about our local hidden gems, the better for us. One local gem that did make the list was Iota, my favorite venue for live indie music and open mic nights on Wednesdays.

I'm sure we will have lots more places to make us happy in the neighborhood once the Clarendon Center construction finishes late this year.

Thanks to Cecelia for the link! Check out her book blog... if you're into that kind of thing.

Free Shakespeare plays in DC

Last week I was lucky enough to be in the city for Shakespeare Theatre Company's rendition of the comedy Twelfth Night. This is a free show hosted by Lansburgh Theatre the running August 19 to September 5, 2010.

Since the DC tax payers paid a cool $20 million to build the theatre, several free shows have been put on to give back to the community. The best way to get tickets for these shows is to sign up for the online lottery they day of the event. If not, you will have to wait outside in line for the Will Call tickets remaining. It looked like everyone waiting in line was able to get a seat though. The theatre is very modern and refreshing, and I honestly don't think there is a bad seat in the house.

This incarnation of Twelfth Night was very entertaining and fun, with plenty of adult PG-13ish humor to make the Bard proud. I highly recommend this as a different, upscale and free date venue for the city. Try to take the metro to Gallery Place because parking is limited. Or if you don't feel like straying from the Orange line exit at Metro Center, it is only a five block walk east to the theatre.

Arlington County Fair by day

Today was a beautiful day for the Arlington County Fair, hosted at the corner near Route 50 and Glebe road south of Clarendon. I was one of the lucky winners of the fair's twitter contest, scoring a shirt and tickets for three rides for free.

There are basically two parts to the fair: the indoor array of vendors/shops and the outdoor rides, food and carnival games. I was impressed with how many different rides were available, from the traditional Ferris wheel to the Super Shot vertical drop.

I got my fill of cotton candy, chocolate shakes and "winning" tiny stuffed animals today. I'm looking forward to going back in the evening to get some night time pictures, which would be more appropriate for this blog.

Screwtop Wine Bar outdoor seating

I got the chance to try out Screwtop Wine Bar's new outdoor seating on Fillmore Street. While only four small tables, it provides some more much needed sitting space for the unique Clarendon venue. And you won't be seeing a sign with sandwich specials on the sidewalk anytime soon after all the drama lately.

I tried the red wine flight, which offered three small portions of different flavors ranging from fruity to darker and dryer. I always recommend trying the samplers at any venue that offers them (like Lyon Hall's beer flight), just because I'm usually indecisive and its an easy conversation starter.

The grilled cheese sliders where delicious, although slight in portions. Screwtop is great dating venue, has a nice wine and cheese selection, some good appetizers but its not going to be cheap. There menu is a little bit confusing and needs to be streamlined a little. Overall I'm very happy with what Screwtop offers to the local nightlife and hope to go back soon, or to take some of their wine classes once they resume after August.

Thanks to Jason's DC Foodies blog for the image and a very thorough review of Screwtop.

Restaurant Week in Clarendon

We are now in the middle of DC Restaurant Week which ends this Sunday, August 22. All participating restaurants, and there are many of them in the city, offer a $20 "three course" lunch and a $35 "three course" dinner. I use quotes here because some restaurants count your drink choice as a "course."

I'm proud to add that many Clarendon restaurants are also taking part in this annual tradition, such as:

• Lyon Hall
• La Tasca
• Liberty Tavern
• Restaurant 3
• Sushi Rock
• Willow
• Sette Bello
• Tallula
• Harry's Tap Room
  

Arlington County Fair this week

The Arlington County Fair is coming this week starting Wednesday August 18 to Sunday August 22 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center. The fair will feature a lot of family friendly events like Bixby's Rainforest Rescue, racing piglets, carnival rides and food, games, a Kids Court, and outdoor movie nights.

Follow the fair on Twitter or Facebook for the updates and chances to win prizes.

More Updates on Clarendon Center

Northern Virginia Magazine gave a brief write up of a few of the new restaurants coming to the now under construction Clarendon Center, as well as a few rumors of possible tenets. Thanks to Paul for the link. Here is my updated tally:

Restaurants:

• Burapa Thai Restaurant
• Circa
• Red Velvet Cupcakery
• Pete's New Haven APizza
• BGR Burger Joint
• Crumbs Bake Shop
  

Commercial:

• Members Cleaners
• Burke & Herbert Bank

Residential:

• Lyon Place

Rumors:

• Trader Joe's
• Hookah Lounge
• Mad Rose Tavern
• Matchbox Pizza

Pupatella Pizza on Wilson Blvd

Down Wilson Blvd just past Ballston is a hidden jem of a pizza parlor named Pupatella. Sitting across from Super Pollo, this small cheap eats joint pumps out delicious brick oven Neapolitan style pizzas. As a bonus, they offer gelato for dessert.

A friendly atmosphere with bright trendy decor, the place is a family run shop. Meaning just because you are ready to eat does not mean they will be open or the pizza dough will be ready. But it is well worth it when you do finally get your pizza.

Garland of Hours at Iota August 9

Don't miss Garland of Hours returning to Iota next Monday, August 9. The indie / folk / experimental band has a strangely catchy air about their earthy tunes. I especially like their song Brick Eyes. The local band is actually a collective of many artists with much cello and keyboards accenting their music.

Also, fellow Arlingtonite Anna Connolly will once again be opening for the band along with Dennis Kane, a Black Cat vet.

Quarterdeck in Rossyln

The new local blog DC Dives recently highlighted a much overlooked and hidden venue nearby: Quarterdeck in Rosslyn.

The fact that this crab house is tucked away just south of Route 50 on Fort Myer and 12th street in the middle of a residential neighborhood doesn't stop it from being crowded. Every time I've passed by the large outdoor seating has been packed, mostly with people enjoying the crabs as the rest of the menu isn't consistent.

This is a great place to get crabs locally, and is better than driving all the way to the Bay for the tasty seafood. Check out more of DC Dives for other local cheap eats!