Clarendon Culture

A farewell of sorts..

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:34:00 -0400

When I decided to start blogging about Clarendon, I knew that my time here would likely end up being just one chapter of my life’s story.

When hubby and I first moved here, we had purchased a great little 1 bedroom condo in Clarendon 1021. It was there that we watched Clarendon grow as if it were our own child. Then, we actually had our own child. A beautiful baby girl who quickly made us realize that staying in a one bedroom just wasn’t feasible. Hubby came home one day with a perfect idea: we’ll sell our condo and rent a two- bedroom in the same building, which would buy us more time to save money for our dream Lyon Village house, while also staying in the neighborhood we love so much. After a move up to the 9th floor, and a view of the entire city from our terrace, we happily settled in to the second phase of our Clarendon life.

With the realization that we wouldn’t quite be able to afford the Lyon Village home of our dreams, the understanding that living closer to family would help give us the balanced life we desire, and the historically low interest rates, we recently made the decision to purchase a home in my hubby’s home town of Bethesda. We just closed on the house two days ago, and we couldn’t be more excited. The house is nestled in a neighborhood of windy roads, beautifully mature trees, plenty of wildlife (not the Clarendon kind!), and it’s less than six miles to the DC line.

Along with our move, I’ll also be retiring Clarendon Culture. This blog not only helped me get to know my neighborhood, but it helped me get to know all of you. Going into it, I never realized that a little blog could lead to so many wonderful things. I’ll be leaving Clarendon Culture online as an archive that I hope future Arlington residents will stumble upon and find enjoyable. As Clarendon grows, I realize this blog will get old and dusty and become less relevant, but I’m hoping that it will always serve as a resource to show how great this neighborhood is.

We have a dinner reservation this evening at Lyon Hall, one of our absolute favorites, then movers come tomorrow morning. I’ll probably put one last Lyon Hall review up in the next few days, and then it will be goodbye Clarendon and hello Bethesda. If you’re interested in seeing where I go from here, you can follow me at my new home: www.Bethesdan.com (or follow my new Twitter account.) You will all be missed, and I hope to see you on my next journey.

- Amy

(image via)

After the storm

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 07:21:40 -0400

After the storm

Even the gelato from Boccato is getting its drink on!

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:17:35 -0400

Even the gelato from Boccato is getting its drink on!

In signs of development to come, TA Sullivan has started...

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:54:00 -0400

In signs of development to come, TA Sullivan has started removing gravestones from its property and BB&T Bank boarded up the ATM. (Does this mean Advanced Towing will lose the small fortune they made on that ATM-only spot?)

It doesn’t get much better than today.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:06:37 -0400

It doesn’t get much better than today.

Happy Valentine’s Day! I realize I’ve been MIA...

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:53:15 -0500

Happy Valentine’s Day! I realize I’ve been MIA lately. I went from Mexico (vacation) to Texas (family) to househunting (eeep!!) Our Valentine’s Day dinner is the simplicity I’ve been looking for. Wishing you all love, health, and happiness today and everyday.

Loved @LimeFreshMex!

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:48:13 -0500

Upon my return from the warm and sandy beaches of Mexico, the first place I went in Clarendon was the newly opened Lime Fresh Mexican Grill. A couple of my girlfriends and I took our babies there (three strollers, three high chairs, 3 loud baby voices, and 6 food-throwing arms) right before the lunch rush. In addition to all of us loving our meals, the staff was INCREDIBLE! I have to specifically call out Jasmine as one of the best customer service experiences I’ve had in Clarendon to date! She was so accommodating, so efficient, and so sweet. From opening the doors for us to taking our orders at our table (instead of making us stand in line) to bringing our food quickly to her gracious demeanor - from start to finish, she was wonderful.

The food totally hit the spot! For me personally, it’s the best Mexican in Clarendon. It totally beat out Baja Fresh and Mexicali Blues, in my humble opinion. The guacamole had nice, bug chunks of avocado in it. The steak fajitas (recommended by Jasmine) were juicy and tender, my tacos (one crispy beef and one soft fish) were delicious. This post is not my “official” LimeFresh review, but I promise do do a full review in the next few weeks. This is more of a “welcome to the neighborhood, I think I love you” post. Here are some photos from our lunch….

(P.S. LimeFresh: Does this post count as an entry to your Superbole Superfan contest??)

(P.S. I have a big backlog of emails, but promise to respond to each one!)

Mexico!

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:09:23 -0500

Sorry I’ve been MIA, but I just got back from a relaxing week in Mexico doing nothing but eating tacos, swimming up to bars, and enjoying funny-faced drinks out of coconuts. I’ll be back to blogging as soon as I adjust back to reality. Hope you’re all well!

RIP Eleventh Street Lounge and Crossfit

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:35:00 -0500

It was recently reported by ArlNow.com that Crossfit would be closing its doors at the end of the month. Sadly, the time has come for Eleventh Street Lounge, too. I’m Facebook friends with one of the Eleventh waitresses, who posted this last night:

FYI: Eleventh St Lounge will be closing on Jan 29. Stayed tuned for all the closing specials, parties, and events. This will include, but not be limited to, a party next Thursday night that I will be working. I can ensure ridic specials and a memorable, or not so memorable, evening. Hopefully all of the folks who have enjoyed the drinks, staff (in a platonic manner), and menu will be able to attend. That is all.

My husband and I have quite an intimate relationship with Eleventh. For hubby’s 30th birthday, I rented out the basement and threw a big bash. When we found out we were pregnant, we announced the news to my in-laws at Eleventh. Hubby’s boys nights took place at Eleventh more times than he could count. Our dog loved Eleventh. Who didn’t love Eleventh? I’m sure many will be sad to see it go. Read my last review of Eleventh here.

RIP Eleventh and Crossfit. Hope you make your way back to Clarendon very soon.

(image via)

Opening date for @LimeFreshMex is January 16!

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:12:54 -0500

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, which is opening their first DC location here in Clarendon, has just announced the restaurant’s opening date: January 16! Sadly, I’ll be on vacation in Mexico January 14 - 21 (ok, not sad), so I’ll miss the big grand opening, but hey - at least I’ll be united in Mexican food with all of my Clarendon neighbors!

In case you aren’t familiar with Lime Fresh’s menu, here are just a few of the things that have me excited….

Homemade queso with bottomless chips and an optional ground beef or bacon topping;
Eight types of burritos, seven types of salsas, six types of tacos, five types of salads, four types of guacamole, three types of quesadillas, two types of soup, and a partridge in a pear tree.
Frozen margarita, frozen sangria, wine, and ice cold beer!

Welcome to the neighborhood, LimeFresh No pressure, but Clarendon lacks good Mexican food, so I hope you understand the amount of pressure riding on you. ;)

Happy New Year!

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:33:00 -0500

(images via Someecards)

Formal request to @BGRBurgerJoint

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:48:32 -0500

This blog post serves as a formal request to BGR Burger Joint. I came across a recipe for one of the best burgers I’ve truly ever made, and I’d like for BGR to consider adding it to their menu. I’m completely serious. It’s the French Onion Burger of Wonder, and it certainly is deserving of that name. The mister and I have had it two nights in a row, tonight will be night #3 of eating it, and it only gets better. BGR, If you decide to add this burger to your menu, you can thank me in burgers for your increase in business.

The sky is stunning right now.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:51:29 -0500

The sky is stunning right now.

Photos from my holiday weekend

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:42:00 -0500

Here are some snapshots from our holiday weekend. I hope your weekend was just as relaxing and beautiful as ours was!

(Driving around the neighborhoods to see Christmas lights while sipping hot cocoa and listening to Christmas tunes)

(‘Occupy’ protest Santa-style)

(Visiting the White House Christmas tree just as President Obama heads to Hawaii)

(White House Christmas tree. I just don’t think this poor tree was cut out (pun intended) to be First Tree. It has certainly seen better days.)

(Christmas Eve hors d’oeuvres)

(My brother-in-law’s homemade bread pudding accompanied by his homemade whiskey sauce!)

(Opening gifts on Christmas morning)

(Christmas morning breakfast: Trader Joe’s Danish pancakes with pumpkin cream cheese!)

(Christmas Day dinner: Burgundy beef tenderloin served with roasted brussel sprouts, loaded mashed potatoes, and rice casserole.)

(Day-after-Christmas brunch: Le Pain Quotodien ham & Gruyere croissant. LPQ doesn’t have the best history in my book, so I was very pleasantly surprised with the excellent service and quality of food.)

If you’re looking for festive baked goods, Heidelberg...

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:11:11 -0500

If you’re looking for festive baked goods, Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe is a wonderland of Christmas goodies.

Things you should know....

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:33:00 -0500

Paciugo Gelato and Caffè, is coming to Clarendon. Clarendon’s new motto: More of the same! (To be fair, Paciugo is Dallas-based, so I’ve had it before, and it’s awesome.)

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill opening next month! Keeping my fingers crossed that Lime Fresh will help satisfy the Tex-Mex itch that Clarendon can’t currently scratch.

Still trying to decide what to do on New Year’s Eve? ArlNow.com and Arbour Realty have some great ideas for you.

Anybody in need of a volunteer on Christmas Day? A Clarendon Culture reader is hoping to volunteer on Christmas Day, but cannot seem to find an opportunity. If you have one, please contact me at ClarendonCulture@gmail.com and I’ll put you two in touch.

Happy holidays!

(images via here, here, here and here.)

Thank you @LeonoraBakery for making my morning better with your...

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:20:23 -0500

Thank you @LeonoraBakery for making my morning better with your buttery deliciousness!

Santa will be at @BakeshopVA until 2 PM today, then back...

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:46:45 -0500

Santa will be at @BakeshopVA until 2 PM today, then back tomorrow from 12 - 2!

Weekly recap in photos

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:12:00 -0500

My mom was in town visiting this week which left me with little time to blog. Here is a recap of my week in photos…

(Market Tavern, the restaurant formerly known as Harry’s Tap Room. I wanted to like it more than I did, to put it nicely.)

(French Onion soup from the new Paul in Georgetown. I love their quiches, croissants, and pastries, but the French Onion soup isn’t their strong suit.)

(Goodies from LeoNora, Clarendon’s newest bakery located around the corner from Liberty Tavern. I’m in love. LeoNora will very likely become a regular part of my diet.)

(Lunch at Kafe Leopold in Georgetown. Best tea sandwiches in the city. Clockwise from top: egg salad; chicken salad; Gruyere & caramelized onion.)

(Birthday dinner with my mom at L’Auberge Chez Francois.)

(Hanging on for dear life)

@ScrewtopWinebar and @SouthBlockCo are among...

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 09:25:19 -0500

@ScrewtopWinebar and @SouthBlockCo are among @LivingSocial’s instant deals right now.