Clarendon

Elite Dental Spotlight — Dr. Morrow

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/4

Get excited — there’s a new doc in town!

Elite Dental is proud to announce their latest addition to their already fantastic team of dental professionals.

About Dr. Megan Morrow

Dr. Morrow was born and raised in Centreville, Virginia. She attended Boston College for her undergraduate studies where she was captain of the women’s swim team. She moved to Seattle where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of Washington.

After ten years in Seattle, Dr. Morrow and her husband moved back to the D.C. metro area. She lives in D.C. and is having the best time getting reacquainted with the area.

Q&A:

What is your treatment plan philosophy?

I believe wholeheartedly that I’m treating people, not just their teeth. I like to get to know my patients and involve them in the entire treatment planning process. I practice conservative, comprehensive dentistry, and focus on educating my patients so that we can come up with a plan that works for both of us to best achieve their dental goals.

What are your favorite aspects of dentistry?

The technology is always changing in dentistry (as with the rest of the world), so staying on top of the education and research allows me to follow my passion for perpetual learning. I far exceed the licensing requirements for continuing education to make sure I’m up-to-date with the latest techniques. Dentistry is the perfect combination of technology, art and science, and all three keep me fascinated on a daily basis.

What are some tips for managing dental anxiety?

There are multiple studies that support more than half of the population has some form of dental anxiety which I do not take lightly! It’s natural to have some anxiety before a dental visit, but I’ve found it helps to at least vocalize your feelings and fears. From there, we can discuss ways to make your visit more comfortable.

We have everything from overhead TVs to help you watch your favorite shows while you’re in the chair, to sedation options for the very fearful. The number one tip I could give however, would be to maintain regular visits. The more you put off dental visits, the more issues and time intensive procedures in the future.

What is the best overall advice you would give your patients?

A healthy mouth is a healthy body. The link between oral health and heart disease is real; maintaining regular cleanings and check-ups can not only prevent expensive dental procedures and visits in the future, but can also prevent systemic conditions.

As much as I love seeing my patients, the less I see of them outside of regular cleanings means they’re taking excellent care of their teeth!

Elite Dental is conveniently located in Clarendon, about 2 blocks from the Clarendon Metro stop.

Call 703-991-5169 or email [email protected] to schedule a new patient appointment!

Whitlow’s Seeking to Renew Lease

By ARLnow.com

Clarendon nightlife mainstay Whitlow’s on Wilson is “actively negotiating” for a new lease, manager Jon Williams says.

Readers tipped ARLnow off to a commercial real estate website listing the Whitlow’s space at 2854 Wilson Blvd as available for lease starting on July 1, 2021.

Per the listing:

Total street-level, enclosed area of approximately 8,450sf; plus 350sf of sidewalk seating area; plus 500sf of outside dining area (under tent); plus 4,100sf of Rooftop area; plus 2,500sf of Basement area (storage and walk-ins); and a private driveway for storage, parking and loading.

Fans of Whitlow’s and its rooftop tiki bar shouldn’t start breaking out the hankies just yet. Williams said the listing is part of the lease negotiation process.

“We plan on being here for years to come,” he said.

Whitlow’s celebrated its 20th anniversary in Clarendon in 2016. Earlier this month the bar raised some $8,000 to benefit flood July 8 victims in Westover, according to Williams.

Pete’s New Haven Apizza in Clarendon Has Closed

By Airey
1/7

Pete’s New Haven Apizza closed down its Clarendon eatery this weekend.

Sign posted on the front doors this weekend read “Pete’s is permanently closed.” The restaurant’s Instagram page has been taken down and online ordering was disabled for its Clarendon location as of Sunday night.

The eatery specialized in New Haven, Connecticut-style “apizza” — a thinner crust pizza known for their charred edges with simple, fresh toppings.

The eatery posted signs announcing it was shuttering its doors after first opening up shop in Arlington eight years ago.

Last year, Pete’s closed its flagship eatery in Columbia Heights as convenience chain WaWa prepared to take over the space on Irving Street NW.

The pizza joint previously downsized from its original 4,000 square foot space in the Clarendon Center development at 3024 Wilson Blvd. When the pizza joint began construction in Clarendon in 2010, it was the first Virginia location for the D.C.-based local chain.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

County Releases Statement on ART Crashes — “We are incredibly thankful that no one was seriously injured in these incidents, which the County and ART take very seriously. ART’s number one priority is the safety of our riders and others on the road.” [Arlington County]

More I-395 Nighttime Closures — “Motorists should expect significant lane closures on the general purpose lanes along I-395 North this weekend, August 9-11, from Duke Street (Exit 3) to past Pentagon City/Crystal City (Exit 8C) for bridge rehabilitation work along the I-395 corridor.” [Press Release]

Arlington Opening Local Recovery Center — “Arlington County is opening a Local Recovery Center (LRC) to assist residents and businesses affected by the July 8, 2019 flood. This is in conjunction with the governor’s announcement that low-interest federal loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to help homeowners, renters and businesses rebuild from storm damage.” [Arlington County]

Facts About Arlington Resident Chuck Todd — Meet the Press host Chuck Todd, who lives in Arlington, shared some facts about himself in a new local magazine profile. Todd says he does not drink beer, prefers his coffee black, sleeps five hours “on a good night,” and thinks Lost Dog Cafe serves the best pizza in town. [Arlington Magazine]

Kudos for Quarter Market in Ballston — “The big top of dining options can generate a major case of FOMO, even when the meal in front of you satisfies all your conscious needs. This is particularly true at Quarter Market, where mall operators spent years seeking out and negotiating with a smartly curated collection of local chefs, restaurateurs and producers.” [Washington Post]

Escape Room Open in Clarendon — “Bond’s Escape Room has opened a second location at Market Common Clarendon… Located just above Sephora, it offers six escape room games with a wide variety of themes.” [Press Release]

Photo courtesy @clarendonalliance/Instagram

Hunan Number One Closing in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Longtime Clarendon watering hole Hunan Number One announced tonight that it is closing after this week.

The Chinese restaurant, noted for its especially deep happy hour discounts, says it will close on Monday, Aug. 12.

“It has truly been our honor and privilege to serve you, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all our loyal and faithful customers,” the restaurant said on Twitter. “Come join us now through Sunday for a final farewell.”

The restaurant, at 3033 Wilson Blvd, closed for renovations in 2015.

BBQ Restaurant to Replace Citizen Burger Bar in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com
1/3

A new BBQ restaurant is planning to open next spring in Clarendon.

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue is coming to the former Citizen Burger Bar space at 1051 N. Highland Street, according to a press release.

The team behind the restaurant has been racking up honors at competitions around the Mid-Atlantic and plans to offer traditional barbecue favorites as well as “unique flavors and ingredients,” including smoked duck, salmon and spaghetti squash.

“Smokecraft is installing a pair of Southern Pride commercial smokers which will allow the team to simultaneously smoke over 2,000 pounds of meat while using an assortment of woods to create various smoked flavors,” the restaurant said in the press release.

Citizen Burger Bar closed in June after five years in business.

The full press release is below.

The award-winning team behind Smokecraft Championship BBQ is pleased to announce its first brick and mortar restaurant, Smokecraft Modern Barbecue, slated for a Spring 2020 opening in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood at 1051 N Highland Street. Smokecraft will offer a menu to satisfy every taste as well as outdoor dining, varied beverage options, and late-night specials. The space is located on the ground floor of a 10-story, LEED certified office building owned by KBS, one of the largest owners of premier commercial real estate in the country.

“It’s long been a dream to open our own restaurant, and we are excited to bring our award-winning barbecue to the Arlington community,” said Smokecraft Owner & Operating Partner Andrew Darneille. “Our goal is to continue to push the boundaries of what barbecue is and can be. This has driven our success, including our Turkey Smoke Grand Championship at this year’s Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle here in DC, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”

Smokecraft is installing a pair of Southern Pride commercial smokers which will allow the team to simultaneously smoke over 2,000 pounds of meat while using an assortment of woods to create various smoked flavors. Award-winning Pitmaster Marc “Red” Leone’s menu boasts modern takes on a variety of barbecue favorites, offering something for everyone. Pulling unique flavors and ingredients from around the country, potential options include a reverse-seared tri-tip sirloin, smoked duck, chipotle maple cedar plank salmon, and smoked spaghetti squash. Distinctive weekend brunch offerings include Smokecraft’s award-winning smoked Monte Cristo, slow-smoked pastrami hash, and pulled chicken & waffles. The expansive 30-foot bar will be the perfect backdrop to showcase Smokecraft’s diverse beverage program, featuring a seasonally rotating variety of handcrafted cocktails and 10 craft beers on tap to enjoy.

Award-winning DC-based firm Grizform Design Architects, led by Owner and Principal Griz Dwight, will transform the 3,460 square-foot restaurant into a modern barbecue destination. A dynamic seating layout will accommodate 95 diners with an additional 20 seats for outdoor dining. The design team will employ natural, organic elements like stained wood and veneers, brick, stone, metal, and warm lighting throughout the eatery. “We are thrilled for the opportunity to work with Smokecraft Modern Barbecue to bring a modern design to the residents of Arlington, emphasizing the fundamental barbecue ingredients: wood, brick, fire, steel, and secret sauce,” said Griz Dwight.

According to KBS Senior VP and Asset Manager Stephen Close, 3003 Washington Boulevard is a prime location for Smokecraft’s very first restaurant. “This property is located in an urban walkable village approximately two miles from Washington D.C.,” says Close. “Based on this irreplaceable location, Smokecraft Modern Barbecue will benefit from built-in patronage from our building’s office tenants and employees, as well as the ability to quickly connect with the surrounding community. Just as Smokecraft continuously pushes the boundaries of an exceptional culinary experience, KBS is constantly innovating and delivering the very highest level of amenities to our properties throughout the US. These like-minded goals make Smokecraft an excellent match for this building.”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Feds Looking for Facility for Migrants — The federal government “has kicked off a search for a site in Northern Virginia to host one of several planned shelters for unaccompanied minors, part of the Trump administration’s answer to the ongoing immigration challenge playing out along the nation’s southern border.” While Arlington is among the jurisdictions included in the search, it’s unclear if the county has any site that would suit the requirements, which include 2 acres of recreation space. [Washington Business Journal]

Verizon Launches 5G in Crystal City — Last week Verizon launched 5G “Ultra Wideband” wireless service in parts of D.C. and Arlington, including Crystal City and Reagan National Airport. [Verizon]

Arlington Among Best Places for Young Pros — The website SmartAsset just ranked Arlington the No. 15 “city” for young professionals, ahead of D.C. (#21) but well behind Sioux Falls, S.D. (#1). [Thrillist, SmartAsset]

Water Main Break Near Crystal City — S. Eads Street was closed between 31st Street S. and S. Glebe Road last night for a water main break. The break affected a 12-inch main near the bus depot. [Twitter, Twitter]]

ACPD to Mix and Mingle in Clarendon — “Arlington County Police Department’s Restaurant Liaison Unit invites members of the public to join us for Conversation with a Cop in Clarendon on August 29, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.” [Arlington County]

Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf

Take Taco Tuesday to New Heights at Don Tito — A Classic Cantina With a Killer View

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This content was written and sponsored by The Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top producing residential real estate team.

If you’re a Taco Tuesday fan, then you need to check out Don Tito’s.

This three-story Clarendon gem specializes in tacos, tequila and having a good time. The Keri Shull Team’s Chris Clark recently sat down with Don Tito’s owner Scott Parker to talk tacos, tequila and what it’s like to party with the Stanley Cup!

Elevating Taco Tuesday… Literally

Don Tito is serious about tacos. From classics like pollo asado to their own unique creations like the fried chicken BLT or surf and turf, there’s a taco for every taste! And since their menu is particularly taco-centric, it’s no wonder that Taco Tuesday is a big deal!

The third floor rooftop bar at Don Tito is the perfect Taco Tuesday environment, and they take the day to new heights with a DJ, free cotton candy and popcorn, deals on tacos and tequila, and even hookah! Of course, it doesn’t have to be Tuesday for you to get the most out of your Don Tito’s experience. 

With three stories to explore, Don Tito has something for everyone. Their first floor has open access to the bustling street via large open windows and doors. The second floor has an electrifying dance party scene. And the rooftop bar is the perfect open-air space to hang out and get a great view of Clarendon.

Let’s Taco ’bout the Stanley Cup

Fun fact: the first place that the Washington Capitals went after winning the Stanley cup wasn’t in D.C., it was Don Tito! The team has long picked Don Tito’s for events like their preseason dinners, but it was a shock to Scott Parker when he got a call that the first spot on the Stanley Cup’s tour was his bar!

If you’re looking for a great place with amazing tacos that’s Cap’s approved, there’s no place better than Don Tito.

Want to live in a Clarendon or other incredible Arlington neighborhoods, surrounded by amazing spots like this? Contact The Keri Shull Team at 703-952-7653 or [email protected] and we’ll help you find your next new home!

Roads Closed in Clarendon for Vice Presidential Visit

By ARLnow.com

A number of roads around Clarendon were closed this morning for a visit by Vice President Mike Pence.

The veep was speaking at the Leadership Institute, which runs training programs for conservative activists and is based on the 1100 block of N. Highland Street, next to Trader Joe’s.

Buses were rerouted as the Secret Service and Arlington County Police closed several roads in the area. The closures were lifted around 11:45 a.m.

Courtesy photo (top)

Coffee Shop Kaldi’s Social House Coming to Clarendon

By Airey
1/2

Clarendon could be getting a new coffee shop by the end of the year.

A staff member at Kaldi’s Social Club told ARLnow in a social media message that the business is hoping to open an Arlington location by December.

Wrapping outside a ground floor retail space at Ten at Clarendon building at 3110 10th Street announces Kaldi’s is “coming this winter” and features an image of people sharing dishes with cups of coffee interspersed between the plates.

Kaldi’s flagship location in Silver Spring first opened in 2013.

In addition to coffee, the Maryland cafe offers American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves cocktails and beer. Staff did not immediately respond when asked if the Clarendon menu will be the same.

“The name Kaldi comes from an Ethiopian legend about a goat herder named Kaldi who first discovered the power of the coffee bean,” owner Tsega Haile wrote on the business’s website, noting that the D.C. area is home to the largest group of Ethiopian people outside the continent of Africa.

A year after opening, the Silver Spring shop added a rooftop lounge. Since then, it’s upgraded furniture and recently bought the nearby Pacci’s Pizzeria.

The new cafe in Clarendon will have plenty of coffee competition, including Northside Social, Peet’s, Waterhouse Coffee, Heritage Brewing, Oby Lee, Detour Coffee, Bakeshop, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and the future East West Cafe.

Image 1 via Facebook/Kaldi’s Social Club, Image 2 courtesy of Alex Koma.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Waterfalls, Dancing and Feeling at Home at Darna in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This content was written and sponsored by The Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top producing residential real estate team.

When you first walk up the steps and enter Darna, you should feel at home.

Located in Clarendon, Darna is part lounge, part nightclub, part restaurant and completely unlike anywhere else. The Keri Shull Team’s own Tyler Marrin recently took a trip to Darna to learn more about their unique, experience-centered restaurant and lounge.

Your Home Away from Home

“Darna translates to ‘Our Home,” Darna’s staff explained. Which is why Darna prides itself on being your home away from home. Whether you’re looking to eat, drink, enjoy the summer weather, or dance the night away, Darna has something for everyone. 

Darna also aims to be more of a restaurant and lounge than a nightclub, allowing them to cater to a much wider audience. The hope is that everyone should feel welcome at Darna.

An Unforgettable Experience

Darna doesn’t just offer a welcoming atmosphere. The lounge’s decor and location ensures you’ll have an amazing experience. Just outside of D.C. and only a few blocks from the Clarendon Metro Station, Darna is extremely easy to get to. And once you arrive, the lounge’s decor is sure to impress.

The interior includes incredible features like a waterfall, beautiful lighting, ample seating and dance space, and an Instagram-worthy custom neon sign. Darna also has a large outdoor patio space that’s perfect for enjoying food, drinks, or hookah in warm weather.

Darna’s full bar means you’ll never be thirsty, and their unique hookah offerings are a crowd favorite. You can even have the ultimate high-end experience with their bottle service and private table alcoves. Darna also offers private event packages that can be tailored to fit your needs, making it a great location for your next event.

Open daily from 5 p.m.-2 a. m., Darna is a can’t miss next time you’re in the Clarendon area. So be sure to go and check out your new home-away from home!

Want to live in a Clarendon or other incredible Arlington neighborhoods, surrounded by amazing spots like this? Contact The Keri Shull Team at 703-952-7653 or [email protected] and we’ll help you find your next new home!

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