Northern Virginia Housewives

Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes | March 22 - 31

3/13/2019

Marvel fans, assemble for this live, action-packed, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. Spider-Man, the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands. This ancient artifact holds immeasurable mystical power and would allow Loki to achieve his eternal quest to crown himself ruler of Asgard and Earth. This all new show unites some of Marvel’s greatest Super Heroes including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk and Black Widow against some of the most threatening villains. Their journey sparks new feuds with old foes, pitting student against mentor, sister against sister and brother against brother. Witness cutting-edge special effects, aerial stunts and video projection in this incredible adventure. Fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel Universe and experience it all with their family…LIVE!

SHOW TIMES:
EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA
Friday March 22 2@ 7:00PM
Sat. March 23 @ 11:00AM, 3:00PM, & 7:00PM
Sun. March 24@ 1:00PM and 5:00PM
Sat. March 30 @ 11:00AM, 3:00PM, & 7:00PM
Sun. March 31 @ 1:00PM and 5:00PM

TICKET INFORMATION:
Ticket Prices: $90 Front Row, $70 VIP, $50, $35, and $20
Additional fees may apply. Ticket prices based on market demand and subject to change.

Tickets go onsale Jan. 15, 2019. To purchase:1. Visit www.ticketmaster.com
2. Call 800-745-3000
3. Visit Arena Box office (and save on service charges)

Did you miss our Giveaway on Facebook?

Head on over to enter to win a Family Four Pack! (click the link below!)

Dave & Buster’s to Open Fairfax Location in Fair Oaks Mall

3/4/2019

Dave & Buster’s, the ultimate entertainment destination, is thrilled to announce the March 25th opening of their location in the Fair Oaks Mall. The opening marks Dave & Buster’s fourth location in the greater capital region and the 125th overall.
The Fairfax Dave & Buster’s will be an impressive 39,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility featuring dozens of massive HDTVs and a 360-degree sports bar, in addition to an expansive gaming area, dining room, and flexible private function space. Dave & Buster’s will be the ideal game day destination for locals to cheer on their home teams with massive TVs and “better than the stadium” seating.

dave and busters fairfax

dave and busters fairfax

The mouth-watering menu will combine fun and flavor in American fare with items including legendary burgers like the Buffalo Wing Burger and Triple Bacon Burger (featuring three types of bacon!) and all-new dishes like The Super Stack Burger, Philly Cheesesteak Sliders & Goldfingers (hand-breaded chicken fingers), Green Chile Chicken Cheese-Crusted Street Tacos, Avocado Toast With Mexican Street Corn and 100% plant-based The Impossible™ Burger.
Dave & Buster’s will also offer one-of-a-kind cocktails like you’ve never seen before! The extensive beverage menu includes favorites like the Adult Snow Cone; Original CoronaRita™; Caribbean Luxe Patron® LIT; Strawberry Watermelon Margarita made with strawberry-flavored ice cubes; Green Ghost Glow Kones®, featuring a blinking, flashing glow cube; and fan-favorite Dangerous Waters Island Punch.
Guests will enjoy more than 140 of the latest and greatest arcade games, a chef-crafted menu and the state-of-the-art D&B Sports Bar filled with dozens of massive HDTV screens. Guests can play games like the brand new multiplayer virtual reality attraction platform featuring Dragonfrost™, where guests will embark on the ultimate winter quest to save the kingdom, and Jurassic World VR Expedition™, an interactive cinematic experience that transports players to the jungles of Isla Nubar on an epic rescue inspired by the Jurassic World film series. With a trip to WIN!, hard-earned tickets can be redeemed for a variety of prizes, including Apple products, Xbox games, sports memorabilia and more.

Dave & Buster’s Fairfax will be located at the Fair Oaks Mall, 11958 U Fair Oaks Shopping Center Fairfax, VA 22033. For more information on Dave & Buster’s, please visit www.daveandbusters.com.

Fair Oaks Mall to Host 16th Annual Lunar New Year Festival on February 2 & 3

2/1/2019

One of the region’s largest events of its kind will celebrate the Year of the PIG

Fair Oaks Mall will host its 16th annual Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3 to usher in the Year of the Pig. Presented by the Washington Hai Hua Community Center, the unique event will feature free, family-friendly performances, ceremonies and exhibitions each day in Grand Court from 1-5 p.m.

The celebration will showcase traditional Chinese dragon dances, music, Chinese knotting, calligraphy, painting, martial arts, arts and crafts for children and a special lantern festival.

More than 200 performers representing numerous countries and regions, including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Polynesia, Thailand, and Vietnam will participate

Saturday, February 2 and Sunday, February 3 from 1-5 p.m.
Fair Oaks Mall – Grand Court
11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033
For more details, visit: shopfairoaksmall.com

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment

1/27/2019

This month Disney On Ice returns to Capital One Arena! From February 14th through 18th you can enter a world of Disney magic as they bring four of your favorite stories to life.

See Lightning McQueen, Mater and the Disney•Pixar’s Cars race across the ice! Dive into undersea fun with Ariel in The Little Mermaid’s kingdom. Experience the adventures of Buzz, Woody, and the Toy Story gang as they race for home. Join sisters Anna and Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff from Disney’s Frozen as they learn true love comes from within.

Your child can be a part of this wonderful show! Here's how:

The Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment submarine cruise incorporates a ride in a submarine on the ice with interaction withAriel, Sebastian and other characters from The Little Mermaid during the “Under The Sea” scene within the show. Please note the following:

The submarine ride will take place approximately 47 minutes from the start of Act 1 during the “Under The Sea” number of The LittleMermaid segment.
The ride will be approximately 3 minutes long and will conclude at the end of the Under the Sea number.
Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian as well as the Sea Sirens will interact with the participants within the context of the choreography.
Front of House entry and exit will occur at the downstage left corner of the ice. A staff member will meet you and escort you to the loading area.
Each child participating in the ride and his/her supervising adult must be in their seats no later than 15 minutes prior to the show for instructions from staff.
The participant’s supervising adult must accompany the participant to the ride loading area.
The participant must be between the age of 4-10 and comfortable to separate from a parent (adults are not permitted on the submarine).

With ten shows to choose from between the 14th and 18th, there's sure to be on that fits your schedule! You can purchase tickets via Ticketmaster.

ZooLights Opens at Smithsonian’s National Zoo

11/28/2018

Visit the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for its annual holiday lights festival, ZooLights, powered by
Pepco. ZooLights is a free event, and this year half-a-million environmentally friendly LED lights
will illuminate the Zoo for 37 nights—from Nov. 23 through Jan. 1, 2019 from 5 to 9 p.m.

NEW THIS YEAR: GINGERBREAD VILLAGE, REINDEER GAMES FUN ZONE
Guests can look forward to some new eye candy at Gingerbread Village, a magical area of
frosted cookies and lollipops, giant gingerbread people cut-outs and a gingerbread throne
perfect for friend-and-family photos. Visitors also can pause outside the Elephant Community
Center to see a dazzling laser-light show, sponsored by Pepco, or board the Smithsonian’s
National Zoo Choo-Choo, sponsored by Metro by T-Mobile, for a journey around the Kids’ Farm.
At the new Reindeer Games Fun Zone, sponsored by GEICO, try a holiday-themed obstacle
course and twirl on illuminated rides. Each night of ZooLights will also boast a live music or
dance performance in the Great Meadow beneath a light canopy that responds to sound and
melody.

Visitors will be able to enjoy special winter treats, sweets, coffee and a selection of seasonal
spirits. The recently completed Conservation Pavilion Patio will feature six fire pits where guests
can roast s’mores or grab luminous cotton candy served on glowing sticks.

DATES TO REMEMBER AT ZOOLIGHTS

ZooLights is hosting its second-annual GRUMP holiday market—a European-style

outdoor market featuring the work of local artisans Dec. 7, 8 and 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In 2018, GRUMP will double in size, featuring more vendors with unique gifts for all
ages, from handmade clothing and accessories to artwork, handcrafted toys and sweet
treats. GRUMP will start at the Zoo’s Connecticut Avenue entrance.

ZooLights will also feature a microbrew and craft beer event, BrewLights, Nov. 29. To

purchase tickets for this special event, go to fonz.org/brewlights.

During Member Week, Dec. 2 through Dec. 9, FONZ members will receive a full week of

free parking at ZooLights, a free gift and a punch card to enjoy eight free
rides/attractions and BOGO popcorn when they present their membership card and
photo ID.

Military Night, presented by Bank of America, is on Dec. 13 and will offer discounts for

military members.

ZooLights does not feature the Zoo’s animals—all indoor animal exhibits will be closed to allow
animals to get a full night’s rest. Visitors will be able to warm up in the Zoo’s Visitor Center,
Panda Plaza Gift Shop, Mane Grill and Great Cats Gift Shop.

Admission to ZooLights is free. A flat-rate parking fee of $15 for Friends of the National Zoo
(FONZ) members and $25 for nonmembers will apply. Proceeds from ZooLights concessions and parking sales will benefit animal care and conservation science at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

ZooLights will not be held Dec. 24, 25 and 31. For more information about the event, go to
fonz.org/zoolights.

JINGLE ON THE LAKE: Here Comes Santa Claus!

11/28/2018

As we make our way through the last of Thanksgiving leftovers and the dash for checkmarks on our shopping lists we turn our attention to the highlight of all holidays and the star of the show. Kids of all ages, from 1-99, excited to see the jolly old elf will kick-off the Christmas Season this Saturday, December 1, 2018. Santa Claus is coming to Lake Anne! From flight to float, Santa and his elves will make a grand entrance by boat and paddle board at noon.

Bundle up with everything holiday spirit and enjoy making an ornament, decorating a cookie, the
craft market and listening to live music – special performance by the Lake Anne Elementary
School Chorus & Orchestra. Make sure to have your wish list ready and space on your phones
for your 2018 photo with Santa. Santa will be sure to stay until every boy and girl has their turn
to share their wishes and take a FREE photo.

Holiday Lineup:
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Craft Market
10:00 a.m. – Noon Cookies and Kids Crafts
11:00 a.m. – Noon Lake Anne Elementary School Chorus & Orchestra
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Author, Watt Hamlett and Illustrator Jill Olinger Vinson of the
book “Reston A-Z” will be available to sign purchased copies. Proceeds to benefit Reston Historic Trust & Museum.
Noon SANTA ARRIVES! Pictures with Santa
Noon – 2:00 p.m. Music on the Plaza
Jingle on the Lake provided by The Lake Anne Merchants.

Details:
Annual Jingle on the Lake
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Lake Anne Plaza (Waterfront) - 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190
www.lakeanneplaza.com
Free, Rain or Shine

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

11/28/2018

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a critically acclaimed extravaganza that is a Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and New Year's in a 2 hour breathtaking spectacle.

Audiences of all ages will marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical production numbers the Boston Globe hails “Entrancing … Las Vegas meets family entertainment." Experience this unique multi-million-dollar live stage production that dazzled at the Kennedy Center, sparkled at the Grand Ole Opry House and Broadway World calls “The Perfect Holiday Gift…a show that everyone will enjoy.

Ticketing Information

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
The Theater at MGM National Harbor
December 20-23
http://cirqueproductions.com/public-shows/cirque-dreams-holidaze

CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED COUNTER CASUAL EATERY ‘DIRT’ TO OPEN FIRST LOCATION OUTSIDE MIAMI AT BALLSTON EXCHANGE IN 2019

11/21/2018

Celebrated Miami-based counter casual eatery DIRT has announced that it will open its first location outside Miami in Ballston, VA within the highly anticipated Ballston Exchange from Jamestown LP. DIRT Ballston will be located at 4121 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 102B, Arlington, VA 2220 3, and plans to open in spring 2019.

Following visits to various parts of Washington, D.C. and the greater DMV area, DIRT Co-Founder Jeff LaTulippe noticed quickly that Ballston encompassed a unique and rapidly expanding community, one that DIRT could call home and grow with. LaTulippe and Director of Operations JJ McDaniel were immediately attracted to the energy of the neighborhood. Ballston is an active area that fits DIRT perfectly, and the duo has plans to connect creatively with the community, including neighboring gyms and boutique fitness studios, so they are thrilled to be located within close proximity to Sport & Health, Gold’s Gym, Orange Theory, VIDA Fitness (also opening in 2019), Ballston CrossFit, and Bash Boxing, to name a few. Furthermore, LaTulippe and McDaniel felt that DIRT would be the perfect complement to their neighbors CAVA, Shake Shack, and Philz Coffee, three concepts that they have admired from afar.

Featuring a variety of breakfast dishes and toasts (both served all day), salads, bowls, plates, smoothies, juices, vegan “mylkshakes”, pastries, and a full espresso bar and tea program, DIRT is an inclusive concept that offers something for everyone: omnivores, vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free diners, or those who are simply seeking delicious, high-quality food.

“DIRT was borne out of necessity,” says Jeff LaTulippe. “Having overcome my own personal weight loss struggles (I lost about 60 pounds in my early to mid 20s), it was important to me to create a menu that was more than just kale and quinoa and grilled chicken. We wanted to strike the right balance of ‘health-conscious’ and ‘delicious’ at any time of day, an all-day restaurant that wasn't solely focused on salads and bowls, but could offer a variety and keep the dining experience fun and enjoyable. We couldn't find a place like this, so we created it.

“The menu was designed with flexibility in mind, so you can be really healthy if you’d like, but you can also indulge and feel good about what you’re putting in your body. We’re naturally very ‘vegetable-focused’, but we also offer many sustainable proteins, including grass-fed steak, Faroe Island salmon, wild-caught tuna, organic free-range chicken, and pasture-raised eggs. One of the best-selling items on our menu since the day we opened is our DIRTy Steak + Cheese sandwich, our take on a Philly cheesesteak, made with grass-fed steak, provolone, sautéed peppers and onions, pepperoncini, sriracha, and a house-made horseradish Greek yogurt ‘aioli’ on fresh locally-baked bread.”

DIRT also takes a different approach to service with a “counter casual” operating model. “We have a different service model than the omnipresent Chipotle-style assembly line that people have become inundated with,” says JJ McDaniel, DIRT Director of Operations. “You order at the counter, and although we don't have formal servers, from there it's very much a full-service experience. We bring your order to you, with real plates and silverware and linen napkins, check on you during your meal, and clean your table after you leave. Trays and bus tubs are purposely absent from the DIRT dining experience.”

Featuring 1,800 square feet, DIRT Ballston has enlisted local architecture and interiors firm //3877 to spin a design evocative of DIRT’s roots in Miami and Ballston’s rich character. Welding clean, strong geometric forms with storied textures and industrial-chic materials, including concrete and blackened steel, DIRT’s persona is reflective of its defining narrative, placing a heavy emphasis on clean eating and great taste coexisting. Espousing a sleek and contemporary aesthetic visually connected to DIRT’s seasonally-inspired menu, emerald green and natural elements will be weaved throughout the space, playing upon the eatery’s dedication to all things natural.

Within the restaurant, 33 seats will offer guests an opportunity to relax and enjoy their meals while a grab ‘n go window is designed accommodate guests who are on the move. A large marble order counter will be available for easy ordering and an intuitive flow of space. Separating the ordering station from the food prep center, a modern glass block wall will be revealed, opening the space’s floor plan visually without sacrificing food prep standards. The back of the space will be illuminated by a sculptural neon sign denoting DIRT’s ‘Eat Clean, Talk Dirty’ message while providing an eye-catching element that dictates the fresh, fun, and playful ambiance. White oak, maple, and subway tile detailing will create a seamless approach to imbuing airiness throughout the space. Oversized basket weave pendants will flush the concept out in full, creating a statement piece that generates a narrative without taking attention away from the food.

“DIRT has a unique approach to clean, beautiful, fresh food in that they offer a wide variety of dietary options, invigorating the D.C. fine casual scene,” says Meghan Scott, Interior Designer at //3877. “They have a strong brand aesthetic which provided a solid basis for the design. At the same time, they were open to new ideas throughout the collaborative process allowing creative freedom to push the concept. Jeff and JJ’s excitement about coming to D.C. was infectious and we are more than excited to be a part of the team.”

The opening of DIRT Ballston is a homecoming of sorts for LaTulippe. His wife is from Silver Spring, MD and the pair originally met in Washington, D.C. – with their first date in Georgetown in 2010. They are excited to return home and share DIRT with the D.C. area. “We're very community-focused, so we’ll take the same approach in D.C. that we've had in Miami – we’ll make friends in Ballston and the greater D.C. area and support local farms and food artisans as much as we can.”

(www.dirteatclean.com; @dirteatclean)

CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED MASTER CHINESE CHEF & RESTAURATEUR PETER CHANG TO OPEN ‘MAMA CHANG’ IN FAIRFAX

11/18/2018

PAYING HOMAGE TO THE CULINARY HERITAGE, RECIPES & HOME-STYLE COOKING OF THE CHANG WOMEN - WINTER 2019

Featuring 7,787 square feet, Mama Chang will serve as a culinary tribute honoring the Chang women including Peter’s grandmother, mother, wife and celebrated Chef Lisa Chang, and daughter Lydia Chang. The space will debut a crisp, feminine, and modern design with bright whites, and cool shades of green, all of which will be framed by lush green plants throughout the dining room. Mama Chang will be located on the first floor of 3251 Old Lee Highway, recently renovated and the winner of the 2014 NAIOP Award of Excellence for Best Building Renovation/Capital Improvement.

The menus will place a heavy emphasis on Hunan, Szechuan, and home-style Chinese cooking and recipes, many of which have remained in the Chang family for generations – including dishes the family enjoys at home and some that Peter Chang’s own mother and grandmother used to prepare for him and the family. Signature dishes at Mama Chang are slated to include a Smoked and Cured Platter with Smoked Chicken, Smoked Sausage, Cured Fish, and Sweet and Sour Pickled Cabbage, Stir Fried Braised Pork Belly with Deep Fried Green Pepper, and Tea Braised Egg Pork Belly Stew w. Bean Curd, just to highlight a few. The beverage program is slated to feature a variety of beers and wines. Mama Chang plans to open serving both lunch and dinner with plans to launch a dim sum brunch shortly following the opening.

"If you ask me what's the most delicious food I've ever had, it has to be my mother’s home-style cooking”, says celebrated Chef and Restaurateur Peter Chang. “Enjoying home-style cooking from my grandma and my mom, is unforgettable and always will be for me.

With the opening of Mama Chang, I’m really looking forward to sharing simple, natural, and delicious food like my mom and grandma used to make for me with love in the past."

"Cooking to me is second nature”, said Chef Lisa Chang. “In spite of my professional career as a pastry chef, I always enjoy cooking up a meal for my family and friends. When friends come to our home to visit, my mother in law and I would quickly run to the market to buy the freshest produce and the most lively fish. And in case of any unexpected visits from family and friends, I always had cured meats available, which we made together to make a quick stir-fry. Everyone loves it. I still remember one time after a holiday gathering, all of our friends said they couldn't believe what a great chef my mother in law is, that she's the best in the family. That's the magic of home-style cooking and we’re very excited to be able to share this with our guests."

"Fairfax is where everything started for my family”, said Lydia Chang, daughter of Lisa and Peter Chang. “In 2003, my father began his culinary journey in the DC area asking one serious question, asking how/why Chinese food here tasted so poor.

During the course of the last 15 years, he has created signature dishes like dry-fried eggplant, bamboo flounder fish, etc. And as wonderful and delicious as some of these signature signature dishes are, the food at Mama Chang will focus more on regional and refined home-style cooking but in a relaxed, modern, but upscale casual dining setting. And to thank our long time fans and followers, they will have the opportunity to experience a few similar dishes paying homage to my father’s China Star days. We're very excited to return to Fairfax City and make our family’s culinary journey come full circle beginning with the start back in 2003."

As the name suggests, Mama Chang’s design will evoke a feminine touch, paying homage to Peter Chang’s wife who is herself a celebrated chef. As a counterpoint to the darker, more masculine Q by Peter Chang in Bethesda, Mama Chang will feel light, bright, crisp, modern, and airy. It was important to the Chang family that the design be “unexpected” for a Chinese restaurant. Nahra Design Group accomplished this through the use of clean lines, bright white tile, light oak wood, and natural fiber rope draped and woven over the banquettes. Chinese elements were introduced in subtle ways, such as the feature wall of which will be made of stacked traditional clay roof tiles, and pops of red, symbolic of good luck.

ABOUT MAMA CHANG
Schedule to open in Fairfax City in Virginia in Winter 2018/2019, Mama Chang – an original culinary concept from legendary Chinese Chef Peter Chang – will pay homage to all of the Chang women and their recipes. The modern upscale casual restaurant will be open for both lunch and dinner with plans to launch brunch after the opening. Mama Chang will specialize in offering home-style dishes, and will offer both beer and wine at their bar. For additional information on Mama Chang, please visit www.MamaChangVA.com
IG @_Mama_Chang; Twitter @_MamaChang

ABOUT NAHRA DESIGN GROUP
Nahra Design Group is an award-winning, design-focused, full-service boutique architecture firm based in Washington DC. Founded in 2010 by Architect John Nahra, the firm purposefully embraces design projects of several genres, including residential, commercial, interiors, retail, and hospitality typologies. NDG’s clients goals are primary to what they do and the group is built to deliver. Nahra Design Group’s clients include private residential owners, real estate developers, institutional organizations, business owners and builders. The team is passionate about their work and offering exemplary project solutions that are aesthetically striking and environmentally responsible. NDG prides themselves on their balance of individual creativity, collaborative design process, and responsive, professional practice. They believe it is the spirit and synthesis of these ingredients that allows them to consistently deliver added value to a project team. For additional information on Nahra Design Group please visit www.NahraDesign.com or via social media @NahraDesign.

Village at Leesburg Tree Lighting Festival

11/16/2018

Join the Village at Leesburg for the biggest kick off to the holiday season Saturday, November 17 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm!

The free festivities include Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Acapella Musical Performances by Clear Harmonies, Holiday Characters, Visits with Santa, Gingerbread House Making with The Conche, Glow in the Dark Activities & Treats After Dark and More Festive Fun!

You are encouraged to bring a toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. We are proud to partner with Loudoun Toys for Toys. The free horse-drawn carriage rides will run from 3-9pm.

Santa arrives by horse-drawn carriage to light the Spectacular Musical Tree! This 5-story tall tree with a snowfall topper and more than 15,000 dazzling lights performs daily music and light shows.