Archive for the 'Dining' Category

Wow! It’s only early March and we’re thinking about busting out the umbrellas on Lake Anne. Today all the restaurants had their patios open for out door dining. There’s also lots going on around the Plaza.

March is Virginia Wine Month. Lake Anne Florist Virginia Gourmet is holding all manner of wine tastings and has some great deals on some wonderful VA Vino. The Reston Museum is preparing for Founder’s Day. It’s hard to imagine that Robert E. Simon will be 98 years old this April.

The Friday Night Jazz Series at Café Montmartre has been extended. We’ve had a great range of music from Brazilian to straight ahead Jazz.

All of the Plaza restaurants have something going on—from Tuesday Trivia at Kalypso’s, music at Café Montmartre, a Saturday serenade at Jasmine Café and great heat all week from Singh Thai.

The umbrellas will be up and out on the Plaza beginning April 1 and not long after that the Saturday Markets will open the first Saturday in May. Check the calendar and our Lake Anne Fan page for the most current information!

Reston, Virginia is for lovers, (Four Square and our tourist bureau says so.) Tomorrow is Valentines Day and we think that Lake Anne is the perfect place to take your sweetheart for a little wooing and we hope swooning.

Our little burg by the lake has so many charms. Dinners by candle light, soft music, great food. What could be better for setting the mood? Jasmine Cafe for intimate murmurs, Singh Thai for the Spice, Cafe Montmartre for Jazz, and Kalypsos for dancing; so many choices, so much to adore.

Need a gift for your sweetheart? The Reston Museum has something to ward off the chill. There’s ware-able art, beautiful shawls and capes to snuggle and thrill. Maybe poetry from the Book Shop, sonnets and verse to convince and to lure. We have hand crafted chocolates  and flowers galore, and cupcakes and cookies and oh so much more!  Craft beer for him, a fine Viognier for her?

Should your evening end with a tender embrace, we have Small Change and Baby Blossoms to attend to your tiny addition; inspired and assisted by this great gathering place.

Well it finally happen—Winter did  get here. There’s still  fun stuff happening on Lake Anne Plaza. Here’s a quick run down of what’s up.

On February 4^th from1:00 – 3:00 those crazy jumpers will be plunging once again into the frigid waters of Lake Anne in their quest to raise money for Camp Sunshine; an organization that sends kids with life threatening illness and their families to camp for a week. It’s worth the trip to see the crazy costumes. Even if you aren’t plunging come out and support the Virginia Polar Plunge and those that are making the jump. Afterwards, or before warm up with a good meal at any of our wonderful restaurants. Jasmine Cafe will have a variety of  Brunch specials. Also a special thanks to Jasmine Cafe  & Chef Eduardo Faubert who will be providing warm up meals for all of the jumpers.

Every day & night of the week there is something to do and bargains to be had; Small Change Consignment Shop is running their Winter Sale with many items 50% off! A sure sign that Spring is one the way.

Kalypso’s Sports Bar has something going on every night of the week.

• Monday – Service Industry Night – Do you work in the restaurant business?  We’ve got specials for you!
• Tuesday – Team Trivia – come and play even if you’re no good. It’s lot of fun.
• Wednesday – Karaoke Night
• Thursday – International Night – DJ dance the night away
• Friday – Live music night!
• Saturday – more dancing!
• Sunday – all Sports all the time.

Café Montmartre is running a wonderful Friday Night Jazz series through March and maybe beyond if it continues to be successful; so far so good!

The Reston Museum has a program full of great exhibits and speakers on a number of topics.

I can’t cover everything, but I have to mention the sweets, I have heard that from time to time “The CupCake Ladi” has something called a cannoli cupcake; rumor has it that they are amazing. If chocolate is your thing: Chesapeake Chocolates, amazing handcrafted treats that are perfect for soothing a chocolate desire.

Finally- for those of you that cannot stand to leave the house on these cold winter nights. Just call Singh Thai because they will deliver right to your door!

The Holiday’s are upon us! The Christmas Trees are up and brightly lit, the Plaza Shops are offering everything from kid’s toys to Gift Certificates for dinners. The toffee candy from Chesapeake Chocolates is divine, especially when paired with a lovely Virginia wine! Fun toys by Melissa & Dave at Small Change and for your hip toddler the latest fashions from Baby Blossom. Tired from all the shopping, need a break? Drop in for a meal at any of the great Lake Anne eateries, or perhaps a sweet treat from The CupCake Ladi.

If you’re planning a holiday party, speak to any of our restaurants. Each offer catering services ranging from delivery of food to full turn-key service where they provide everything and take away the trash! It is a great way to entertain.

Join us on December 22 at 6:00 PM  for an outdoor Chanuka Festival. We’ll gather on the waterfront and our very own Bob Simon will assist Rabbi Fajnland of Chabad of Reston-Herndon in the lighting of a giant ice Menorah. We’ll then move inside at the RCC for food and games. The Chanuka Festival is an activity of the Chabad of Reston & Herndon a home for Jewish living and learning in Fairfax County.

This holiday season shop local!

View from inside the CupCake Ladi's Shop

No one at Lake Anne Plaza was surprised that “The CupCake Ladi” swept the very first Reston Rivals Challenge. The friendly competition was put on by Reston Patch. It was initially limited to Reston Town Center cupcake bakers Red Velvet and Edibles Incredible but community pressure persuaded Patch to open it up to include CCL.

With a handicap of two days without being able to collect reviews CCL came from behind in a blaze of lemon zest and blew past the competition with 63 reviews! Red Velvet came in at 42, and Edible Incredible came in with 1.

CCL has been a  wonderful addition to Lake Anne Plaza. Her small shop is located on the Quay down by the high rise at the far end of the Plaza. She has already leased the shop next door and will be expanding her shop to include an on premises bakery. “The CupCake Ladi” is deeply committed to a number of philanthropic pursuits including Reston Interfaith, animal and children related charities, she has a serious soft spot for those that need a hand; a percentage of each cupcake sale goes to support her various causes.

Spring is springing out all over Lake Anne Plaza—the flower boxes are out and ready for planting, and it’s finally been warm enough to dine outside. The Saturday Markets all open May 7^th and on May 8^thwe will have a special event as we join our neighbors the Tzu Chi Foundation in celebrating their 45^th Anniversary Celebration. This year’s celebration will include Buddha’s birthday ceremony which should be fascinating. 

This year the celebration will include Buddha’s birthday ceremony as well as a green/veggie expo that will promote environmental sustainability strategies and healthy lifestyles.  We will also celebrate Mother’s Day with various activities.  Light vegetarian refreshments will be served throughout the celebration.

The Tzu Chi Foundation invites you to attend our 45^thAnniversary Celebration in Lake Anne Village Center (Washington Plaza W, Reston, VA 20190) on Sunday, May 8, 2011 from 10 am to 2 pm.

So grab your mom and come for brunch or lunch, enjoy a Tea Ceremony and stroll the Plaza.

 Happy Mother’s Day!

Jasmine Café and Lake Anne Florist, Virginia Wine and Gourmet are proud to feature Pavaraga Coffee—grown in Hawaii and roasted locally in Virginia!

Enjoy a cup of this fine brew while dining at Jasmine Café, or pick up a few pounds at the Lake Anne Florist, Virginia Wine and Gourmet.

If you haven’t tasted these unique roasts, please come and sample them at Pavaraga’s Coffee Tasting in front of Lake Anne Florist, Virginia Wine & Gourmet on Saturday, February 5 from 12:30 – 2:30 during Lake Anne’s annual Polar Dip, “FREEZIN FOR A REASON” to benefit Camp Sunshine.

A bit about Pavaraga Coffee:
Pavaraga Family Farms were first developed in 1908. Today these farms still remain within the Javar family on the Big Island of Hawaii and the island of Oahu.

Their beans are grown, harvested, processed, and distributed from the Big Island and Oahu farms and roasted at facilities located in Los Angeles and Virginia. They roast in micro-batches to ensure optimum freshness and quality.

• In 2009 Pavaraga was recognized as one of the top 10 roasted coffees in the world by the Specialty Coffee Association of America.
• In 2010 Pavaragas’ organic Oahu farm took 1st place at the statewide coffee cupping competition.
• Pavaraga coffee is served at 4 star restaurants and select locations throughout Hawaii, California, and Virginia, including Top Chef’s Alan Wong’s Restaurants, Ruth’s Chris, Neiman Marcus, and now Jasmine Cafe.

Lake Anne Plaza is the place for local dining—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time. We’re excited to have two new eateries moving into the plaza …

Singh Thai

Soon you’ll be able to get fabulous Thai food on the Lake. Singh Thai’s owners Young Lee and Chef Chai are working hard to be open by the end of October. They’re by the dock with a fantastic outdoor porch that looks out over the lake. Stop by and say hi while their finishing up construction.

the Cupcake Ladi

Love cupcakes? We do. That’s why we’re thrilled to have the Queen of Cupcakes moving into the neighborhood. Nefertiti, aka the Cupcake Ladi, will soon be selling her amazing, decadent, and delectable creations from her shop on the Quayside. She plans to open in December. Maybe if we ask nice, she’ll open sooner…

Roti Grill

Why were on the topic of food…swing by Roti Grill and check out the newest creations.

• Kathy’s Peanut Butter Pancake Sandwich, plain or stuffed with a monkey (sliced bananas) or a gobble (turkey bacon). These tasty treats are warm, crunchy, gooey, and totally great!
• Sweet n Spicey Pinky Poppers: Fresh, warm bite sized donuts with a glow of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. You get three served with powdered sugar and a kiss of honey. One word—YUM!

Eat to your heart’s delight at the Taste of Lake Anne on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 9AM-12PM at Lake Anne Plaza in the historic heart and soul of Reston. Signature restaurants will dish up savory bites and noteworthy creations using fresh and local ingredients from the ever popular Saturday Farmers Market – also taking place at the same time on the Plaza. In addition, the open air arts & craft market will be in full swing featuring over 30 vendors.

Sample breakfast burritos from Jasmine, hand dipped chocolates from Chesapeake Chocolates, fresh sushi from G Sushi, Greek treats from Kalypso’s (which is opening soon), and more!

Event: Taste of Lake Anne
Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010
Time: 9AM-12PM
Location:  Lake Anne Plaza – 11402 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190
Cost: Taste’s range from $2-$5

Rain or Shine

French Wine Dinner at Jasmine Café

Bon Apetite! On Thursday, January 28, come experience the pleasures of a fine French meal inspired by the dishes of Julia Child and paired with French wines. This four-course, prix fixe dinner will be a culinary night to remember!

For reservations, call 703-471-9114