Kelly DiNardo 2016-12-30 00:29:30
Connect with Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Seated underneath a brilliant display of playful glass jellyfish, I sipped a velvety butternut squash soup with lemongrass and cilantro cream. I gazed out floor-to-ceiling windows before taking a rich, nutty bite of perfectly cooked risotto. I had just enough room left for an intensely flavored chestnut soufflé with eggnog ice cream for dessert. I was in culinary heaven. Not enjoying as much of the sights and tastes of 2941 Restaurant as possible would have just been sinful. The restaurant, like so much of Fairfax County, Virginia, offers the amenities of a big city with the warmth of a charming town. Dining The upscale 2941 is hardly the only restaurant dishing up fabulous fare. Fairfax County serves up flavors from around the world. Let your taste buds start their epicurean travels with Italian and swing into Dante Ristorante, located in a charming home originally built in 1889. Relax on the patio while dining on traditional Italian fare like lamb osso buco, risotto and homemade pasta. For hearty Alsatian- French cuisine, settle into L’Auberge Chez Francois, a romantic spot that will leave you swooning. Reston Town Center The upscale 2941, like so much of Fairfax County, dishes up the amenities of a big city with the warmth of a charming town. Asian options are plentiful. The Japanese Tachibana presents creative sushi as well as tempura and teriyaki. Tune into härth in McLean for a taste of artisan wood-fired flatbreads and upscale dining ambience. The Peking Gourmet Inn has long been a popular Chinese spot for politicos like former Presidents Bush and Clinton. Try the delicious duck, which is carved tableside and served with pancakes and plum sauce. For fine Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, try Kazan in McLean, noted for their Orange Baklava a la Kazan. Chef Geoff’s at Tysons Corner also blends fantastic continental fare with a cozy ambiance, patio dining and an enormous bar offering 30 beers on tap. Opera at Wolf Trap After an around-the-world culinary trip, it’s time for a little American influence — and there are options for every budget. In 2012, Walker’s Grille — which offers affordable, delicious American fare — became the first restaurant in Virginia to receive the coveted LEED Gold Certification Award, an honor given by the U.S. Green Building Council that represents Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. For another great meal, head to Bazin's on Church for the flat-iron steak served with garlic-herb fries. Just make sure to leave room for the chocolate hazelnut crunch bars. When only a mouth-watering burger will do, head to Elevation Burger, which uses organic meat and cooks its fries in olive oil. Entertainment 2941 Restaurant There’s more to savor than Fairfax County’s cuisine. At Wolf Trap, the country’s only National Park dedicated to the Performing Arts, artists from around the world entertain with stories, music and dance. From Santana to Kesha to the National Symphony Orchestra, Wolf Trap has hosted them all! Several other concert venues allow music lovers to get their groove on as well, including Jammin’ Java, which features up-and-coming artists and daily children’s shows, and the EagleBank Arena. Sweetwater Tavern There's more to savor here than the cuisine. Nightlife and entertainment are plentiful, too. Tysons Galleria For jazz, opera and theater, visit George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, home of the Fairfax Symphony, where you’ll find everything from "Porgy and Bess" to Virginia Opera performances. And when you're ready to really rock out, make your way to The State Theatre, where you can catch performers like Blues Traveler, The Smithereens, and some of the best tribute bands in the country. Shopping Picnicking at Wolf Trap Tysons Corner Center, one of the largest shopping centers in the United States, is a bustling hub with more than 300 stores. From L.L. Bean to Apple to Bloomingdale’s, this retail epicenter is a shopaholic’s dream come true. Across the street, Tysons Galleria puts a luxurious sheen on things with stores like Chanel, Versace and Tory Burch. The Shops at Fairfax Square offer lavish choices like Liljenquist & Beckstead and Tiffany & Co. Less than 10 miles away, Reston Town Center allows shoppers to stroll along brick-lined streets and pop into J. Crew, Talbots, Williams-Sonoma and more. George Mason University's Center for the Arts FAST TRACK Check out Vienna's one-of-a-kind Vienna Inn, which celebrated 50 years in 2010. The chili dogs are legendary. Take home a unique souvenir from the artists’ gallery at the Workhouse Arts Center at Lorton. Don’t forget to stop by our Fairfax County Visitor Center at Tysons Corner Center for your free gift! TO SEE SHOPPING, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT listings, please turn to page 49 TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP, visit www.fxva.com/mobile
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