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By Katie Bianco, Alice Levitt, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell and Michele Kettner
Never too many cooks in the kitchen
I have been visiting Nantucket Island—a quaint haven off the coast of Massachusetts—since I was about 3 years old. And now, just before COVID-19 took the world by storm, my family finally pulled the trigger and purchased our very own property, which we’ve been hoping to do for years. We are in the midst of a two-year project, working with architects and designers to curate a dream home we’ll all love. The space of the home my mom and I are most looking forward to working on? The kitchen, of course. Luckily, I recently chatted with chef Spike Mendelsohn about what he thinks every kitchen should have ahead of the launch of his very own design line with Van Metre Homes, and his tips do not disappoint. So this week, my mom and I will pitch the idea of a pantry that has refrigeration to the rest of the family, and hope it will pass considering a professional chef recommended the concept. Fingers crossed! -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant
Howl’s your summer been?
Heading to Wolf Trap for a concert on the Filene Center’s lawn is a summer tradition in Northern Virginia, and, if you’re like me, you’re missing the picnics and tunes synonymous with the season. But, just because COVID-19 canceled its summer concerts, doesn’t mean that Wolf Trap is slowing down. Here, find everything the venue is offering fans this summer, including in-person, socially distant drive-in movies, a T-shirt fundraiser, virtual events and more. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; prices vary per activity
Not-at-home cooking
I’ve been in NoVA for less than three months. When I’m seeking the comfort of home, I look to the delicatessen food that I grew up with outside New York City. That’s why I’m already planning a return trip to Chutzpah in Fairfax. The joke about what the Jewish princess makes for dinner (reservations!) rang true with my mother, so “home cooking” for me usually meant restaurant food. When I can find the time, you’re sure to see me tucking into a corned beef on rye. -Alice Levitt, Food Editor/Critic // 12214 Fairfax Towne Center, Fairfax
Bubbles = happiness
There is a scene in the Judd Apatow movie Knocked Up where Paul Rudd’s character says, “I wish I liked anything as much as my kids like bubbles.” I saw that movie long before I was a parent, but, now as a parent with two children in prime bubble-loving age, I can attest this is quite true. Kids freakin’ love bubbles (but, with apologies to Mr. Apatow, I do think there are things I love just as much as kids love bubbles). It was with that bubbles-equals-happiness observation in mind that I stocked up on all things bubbles earlier this summer. My colleague has a great roundup of bubble toys for kids here. I can personally attest to the bubble wands on the list. The wands make big bubbles just by waving them (i.e. parents, you won’t be out of breath blowing bubbles for your kids). So, what am I looking forward to this weekend? Watching the absolute, unbridled joy on my two kids’ faces as they chase the bubbles I create from those awesome bubble wands. -Katie Bianco, Editor
Root for the home team
After going four months without any live sports, all of my favorite teams are finally back in action. With the Mystics playing twice a week, the Nationals on almost every night and NHL games scheduled from noon to night, my August will be consumed with constant channel flipping. Since I will be watching the games from home, I have decided to add a few new sports-themed products to my collection as a way to bring the game-day experience to my living room. While my brain is saying to go with something reasonable, I’ll probably end up with the stadium seat because what’s a sporting event without a seat? -Michele Kettner, Editorial Assistant