These are some of my favorite places to go for DINING & SPIRITS:

​

• Osteria da Nino

  • Love the authentic Italian food, straight from Sicily. Don’t forget the monthly wine dinners and wine tastings as well as the daily happy hours. In Shirlington, but not on the main drag. Make sure to tell Nino I sent you!

• SER

  • I never knew Spanish food could be like this. A fun and contemporary atmosphere right in Ballston.

• Joselito

  • Not only do we love the food here, but it’s all the more enjoyable because it’s an homage to the owner’s father’s Spain. Right on Capitol Hill. Make sure to check out the Hemingway Hour.

• Mom’s Apple Pie Bakery

  • I am so glad they aren’t closer, otherwise I’d be there weekly if not daily. As a peanut butter & chocolate aficionado, their chocolate peanut pie is simply the best.

• L'Auberge Chez Francois 

  • Haven’t been as often as I’d like, but every time I’ve been it’s really tremendous.

• 2941 Restaurant 

  • If you didn’t know it was there, you’d drive right by – but it’s worth finding out where it is!

• Schneider's of Capitol Hill

  • One of the best liquor stores (as I grew up calling them) in the area. Make sure to look high and low on those shelves because the inventory is quite large – and the knowledgeable staff will help you find what you need.

• Barboursville Vineyards

  • Great for a weekend escape to not only taste their and neighboring vineyards’ wines, but also to stay on site at one of their charming cottages.

• Ashby Inn

  •  We discovered this place one Christmas after going out to cut our own tree. Very charming yet unpretentious “hunt country lodge” atmosphere.