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By Katie Bianco, Holly Gambrell and Stefanie Gans
No need for groceries this week
As much as I love going out and eating at restaurants, I tend to cook dinner at home most nights after work, which leaves my “must eat here” list eternally long. I’m checking off way more restaurants on that list than usual this week, thanks to the second annual Fairfax City Restaurant Week, being held through March 9. There’s even an app that rewards diners for participating—reach 10 points and earn a $25 gift card. Let’s dig in. -HG // Restaurants throughout Fairfax; $35 dinner, $20 lunch and brunch
Duck with a side of service
With bare tables, backless seats and loud music posing as fine dining these days, it’s easy to forget that tableside service was once a mainstay of special occasion feasts. Judges for the James Beard Awards have not. Our own Peking Gourmet Inn—the Falls Church favorite of several presidents, politicians and A- through D-list (remember PSY of “Gangnam Style” fame?) celebrities—is one of 20 restaurants from across the country nominated as a semi-finalist for Outstanding Service. Maybe it’s time for another visit. That crispy duck skin is everything. -SG // Peking Gourmet Inn: 6029 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
Finding inspiration in unpacking
My family and I recently moved to a new house and we are in the throes of unpacking (I could really use a KonMari consultant right about now). But once we get through the pain of opening every box and putting things away, the real fun begins. I absolutely love interior design and I can’t wait to put my stamp on our new house. Luckily, I spent the last couple of months interviewing local interior designers and architects for this month’s cover story. Check out this amazing home transformation and pick up the issue if you want to see the rest! -KB