After the COVID-19 pandemic prompted its closure, Lebanese Taverna in Tysons Galleria reopened last week for delivery and takeout.

The local chain’s Facebook page said that the eateries closed on March 18, but that owners reopened several locations, including the one in Tysons Galleria, on April 30.

The eatery serves Lebanese fare such as shawarma, falafels, rice dishes, bowls, salads and appetizers, according to its website.

Anyone interested in ordering from the Tysons location can call 703-847-5244, the eatery’s Facebook page said, adding that people can also order through services like Doordash and UberEats.

Along with reopening for customers, the eatery has also been active catering meals for medical staff and first responders, according to its Facebook page.

Photo via Lebanese Taverna/Facebook

Several Tysons-area eateries are among the nominees for this year’s Rammy’s from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.

Announced yesterday (Monday), the nominees for several categories include restaurants in Tysons, Vienna, the Mosaic District and Falls Church.

Here are the nominations for local restaurants:

• Manager of the Year: Bethany Wagener of Alta Strada in the Mosaic District and Rizza Leguro of Founding Farmers Tysons
• Pastry Chef of the Year: Katherine Thompson of Thompson Italian
• Wine Program of the Year: Vienna’s Clarity
• Beer Program of the Year: B Side in the Mosaic District and Caboose Brewing Company in Vienna
• Restaurateur of the Year: Mark Fedorchak, Stephen Fedorchak and Brian Normile of The Liberty Tavern Group, which manages Northside Social in Falls Church, and Victor Albisu and Poca Madre of Taco Bamba Taqueria — a local chain with locations in Falls Church and Vienna

So far, the winners are expected to be announced at the awards gala in D.C. on July 26, but coronavirus-prompted closures and restrictions could alter the date.

“RAMW is considering an unspecified date later in the year with its partners at Events DC,” according to the announcement.

Congrats to the local nominees!

Photo via Thompson Italian/Facebook

(Updated 8/24/2020) Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday — and local Mexican restaurants are offering specials, to-go margaritas and more for the festivities.

Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration stemming from the Mexican Army defeating the French Empire during a battle on May 5, 1862 and — especially in the U.S. — is a day to honor Mexican culture, according to History.com.

Tysons Reporter found several restaurants offering delivery and pick-up for diners craving Mexican fare tomorrow.

Rango’s Tex-Mex & Grill (1934 Old Gallows Road) opens at 2 p.m. for Cinco de Mayo for pick-up, according to its website. The online menu for the festivities includes a family meal to feed four to five people, a “30 Taco Pack” and margaritas and sangria. Diners can also order individual Mexican dishes as well.

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill’s local spots in Falls Church (7630 Lee Hwy) and McLean (1433 Center Street) both offer pick-up and delivery. Both the Falls Church menu and McLean menu include fajita combos, Pancho platters, enchiladas, burritos and more.

Anita’s New Mexico Style Mexican Food (521 Maple Ave E.) in Vienna is open for pick-up with a menu featuring margaritas and beer, an extensive breakfast menu, tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more.

El Sol (262 Cedar Lane, Suite C) in the Cedar Park Shopping Center has a $7 to-go margaritas and $4 tequila and mezcal shots special for Cinco de Mayo, according to its Facebook page. Diners must order food and alcoholic drinks over the phone at (703) 712-7701. The menu includes tacos, quesadillas and more Mexican fare.

Wild Tacoz (7167 Lee Hwy) is offering a Cinco de Mayo special — 10% off all orders over $20 — and has delivery and curb-side pick-up options.

La Campesina Restaurant (8442 Lee Hwy) in Merrifield offers delivery and pick-up via Grubhub. The menu includes tres leches, tacos, burritos, chimichangas and more.

Taco Bamba’s spots in Falls Church (2190 Pimmit Drive) and Vienna (164 Maple Ave W.) both offer carry-out and delivery. The Falls Church menu features margarita mixes, breakfast, tacos and traditional rice pudding, while the Vienna menu has pineapple margaritas, cocktail mixers, beer, wine, breakfast dishes, tostadas, nachos, sandwiches and tacos.

With locations in Tysons (1500-C Cornerside Blvd) and Dunn Loring (2676-O Avenir Place), District Taco is offering pick-up, curbside delivery and delivery via Doordash for tacos, burritos, salads and quesadillas.

While La Sandia (7852 Tysons Corner Center) is closed, the restaurant has shared its Baja Fish Taco recipe on Facebook. Meanwhile, Tequila Grande (444 Maple Ave W.) in Vienna is closed and moving to Oakton.

Corrects name of Cedar Park Shopping Center

Photo via El Sol/Facebook

During these challenging times, we want to know what you’re doing to try to stay happy and healthy.

Self-care ranges from physical health to emotional wellness. While social distancing guidelines and Virginia’s stay-at-home order have restricted certain activities like gathering with friends at a restaurant, shopping at malls and going to movie theaters, many businesses have pivoted to virtual offerings.

Previously, Tysons Reporter has rounded up online workout classes from local gyms, bookstores offering delivery and curbside pickup and virtual religious services.

We also have a list of restaurants offering take-out and delivery in the Tysons area. For people wanting to make their own staycation, we have a guide for that too.

Let us know how you’re practicing self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vote for your favorite from the list below and feel free to share your other top picks in the comments section.

Photo via Avrielle Suleiman on Unsplash

A website created by a Vienna couple is looking to connect locals to Vienna restaurants offering gift cards to stay in business during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jane and Ray Brill, Jr. started SAVOR Vienna in mid-March when they noticed restaurants were “really taking it hard,” Ray Brill, Jr. told Tysons Reporter, adding that Vienna Inn was the first restaurant to sign on.

“We very action oriented,” Brill said.

In March, Gov. Ralph Northam ordered restaurants to stop table seating and switch to carry out, curbside pickup and delivery options. While many local eateries have managed to stay open with the new serving options, the restaurant industry is suffering due to the pandemic.

“You can do the carryout but it’s never the same,” he said.

While the effort has changed a bit, SAVOR Vienna now features information for 13 local eateries for people interested in buying gift cards, and Brill said he expects the list to grow. Patrons have to wait until July 1 to get their gift cards, which gives the eateries time to improve their finances.

To get the word out to restaurants, Brill said that he’s been having socially distanced conversations — staying 6 feet apart — with restaurants’ owners.

Restaurants interested in participating for free in SAVOR Vienna can contact the Brills via the website.

Brill said they paid out their pockets for the service to set up for the website and have bought about $700 in gift cards.

Brill also said that they are receiving “not a nickel, dime or penny” from the effort and that SAVOR Vienna has “nothing to with” the upcoming Vienna election — Ray Brill Jr. is a councilmember candidate.

While Brill said the idea can apply to other businesses like retailers, he’s waiting to see when the Vienna election will be held before deciding on whether or not to expand the effort.

“The process is very clean, very straightforward,” Brill said, adding that he hopes the opportunity for people to support local restaurants lifts everyone’s spirits up. “I’m just pleased we did it.”

Image via SAVOR Vienna

Local Twins Share Sadness Over Spring Sports — “For the Bean seniors of Langley High School, the emotions regarding the cancellation of the spring high-school sports season was double the disappointment… Both were expected to be big contributors on their high-school programs this season.” [Inside NoVa]

Watch Out for COVID-19 Scams — Fairfax County wants residents to stay alert to shopping, mortgage relief and personal loan scams connected to the coronavirus pandemic. [Fairfax County]

FCPS IT Head Steps Down — “The head of Fairfax County Public Schools’ IT department has stepped down amid fallout over numerous technical problems that have disrupted distance learning for students during the coronavirus pandemic, the school system says. Assistant Superintendent for the Department of Information and Technology Maribeth Luftglass has been under increased scrutiny for the technical difficulties.” [NBC4]

Great American Community Kitchen — “For each meal you purchase two meals will be distributed to local hospital workers and first responders on the front line, as well as those who are food insecure at this time.” [Great American Restaurants]

Thanks American Prime Restaurant, Tyson’s, who provided lunch for Station 29, Tyson’s Corner, C-Shift. Restaurants throughout Fairfax County have made similar donations to #FCFRD crews. If able, please support local businesses/restaurants during these trying times. #FFXstrong pic.twitter.com/Av8nZZTrnd

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) April 22, 2020

For people looking to pick up a few new culinary skills while staying home, Inca Social is offering free digital cooking classes.

Every week, the Merrifield-based eatery plans to release a new video on its Facebook page that walks viewers through the steps to prepare a specialty Peruvian dish or drink.

“We wanted to provide something for our guests and for everyone to be able to do at home,” a spokesperson said. “During these times we need to do more positive things.”

Yesterday, a bartender demonstrated how to make a “Passion Chilcano,” which contains pisco Peruvian liquor, limes, passionfruit syrup and ginger ale.

In another video, the eatery’s chefs tossed up a few servings of chaufa mixto, which is a type of fried rice.

The eatery said that the next video will likely be released either next Tuesday or Saturday.

For guests who don’t feel like cooking themselves, the restaurant is also offering free delivery and curbside pickup, according to the website.

To encourage takeout orders, the restaurant is offering 25% off its entire menu, the Facebook page said, adding that any meal can be customized. A menu can be found online.

Photo via Inca Social/Facebook

Previously labeled as a “hidden gem” for travelers, Tysons also has plenty of opportunities for people who already live in the area too — without even leaving their homes.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are seeking ways to practice self-care.

People who choose to make a mini-vacation out of their self-isolation have special packages from local businesses to choose from.

Food and Drink 

In addition to many local restaurants offering delivery and curbside pick-up options, several are putting together specialty menus for date nights and other special events or working to come up with craft cocktails for delivery as well now that booze delivery is legal in Virginia.

Blackfinn Ameripub in Merrifield is hosting a “Crab Fest” April 18-19 that allows people to pick up fresh seafood for an at-home feast. The restaurant requests that people submit their orders by Thursday (April 16) by emailing the restaurant or filling out an online survey.

“The Whole Boat” order includes a dozen crabs, three sides, four drafts or a bottle of wine for $85 plus a $10 delivery fee. Customers can also add on other sides such as shareable cocktails for $12 or another side of mac and cheese for $6.

The proceeds will not only go towards helping Blackfinn Ameripub stay open, according to the Facebook page, but will also help Chesapeake Bay watermen.

The Fermented Pig in Lorton is offering special meal packages with an option between an Italian dinner box and a Friday BBQ box.

For $70, people can get a complete barbeque meal set that services up to six people and includes multiple sides and the main course, the website said. With the box, people will receive a full rack hickory smoked St. Louis cut spare ribs, a pound of our hand-pulled pork or pulled chicken, a large mac and cheese, a large bacon baked beans, a medium coleslaw and six dinner rolls, along with two sauces.

The Italian box retails for $72 and includes a a pound of herb sausage, a pound of fresh Foggy Mountain Pasta, 32 ounces of fresh marinara sauce, four ciabatta rolls from Great Harvest Bread Co., four ounces of olive tapenade from Dimitri olive oil and one-ounce herb bread dipping mix, the website said.

Beauty and Entertainment 

Mienne Beauty Supply in Vienna (1880 Howard Ave) is a locally-owned shop that is still open and helping people safely get beauty products. Though they are operating with unusual hours, they are offering curbside pickup on many products, the Facebook page said.

The shop, which carries hair dye, nail supplies and similar items, will be open every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for people to pick up the products they ordered either online or by messaging staff on the Facebook page.

CosmoProf, which has a location in Falls Church, is offering online digital seminars through Instagram and Facebook Live for people that include tutorials and tips, the website said.

People can order supplies online and have them shipped to their homes, the website said.

Previously, Tysons Reporter also complied a list of local places that will deliver books to the doorsteps of local bibliophiles.

Exploring the Great Outdoors From Home

For people missing outdoor activities, Visit Fairfax coordinated a plan to help people enjoy activities around Fairfax County.

“Virtual reality offers everyone the opportunity to see what they have to offer from the comfort of home,” according to Visit Fairfax’s website.

There are several virtual attractions around the region including Mount Vernon, the Workhouse Arts Center and Gunston Hall.

Performing Arts

While local community centers, Wolf Trap and 1st Stage Theatre are temporarily closed, fans of the performing arts can watch artists perform online.

1st Stage has been posting performances by local artists to its social media accounts. Recently, videos have shown singing by the cast members for “A New Brain,” a show that was supposed to open this spring but then got delayed.

On Saturday (April 18), people can tune in for the “One World: Together At Home” to support healthcare workers and the World Health Organization.

The event is set to have appearances by artists, actors and comedians including Taylor Swift, Ellen Degeneres and Heidi Klum.

As local eateries pivot to take-out and delivery only options, several are fundraising to help make up for declining revenue and to keep their staff paid.

Tysons Reporter has been scouring GoFundMe weekly for local eateries that are looking to raise money to stay open or pay unemployed staff.

Now, we’ve started a list of eateries in Tysons, Merrifield, Falls Church, McLean and Vienna that are seeking donations that we’ll update weekly.

The fundraisers we spotted recently include Falls Church-based Spacebar & Galaxy Hut. People can support the business paying its ongoing expenses and the fundraiser specifically for staff.

Bottleneck Management, which operates City Works Eatery and Pour House in Tysons, has started an “Employee Relief Fund” to raise $100,000.

In Vienna, Pazzo Pomodoro in Vienna wants to raise $20,000 to support the  servers, hostesses, kitchen staff and bartenders.

Don’t see a restaurant’s fundraiser on the list? Email the link to [email protected] so we can add it.

Photo courtesy David Endres

An assault took place at Skorpios Maggio’s Family Restaurant after people asked for utensils for food they purchased elsewhere, according to police and the owners.

The alleged incident happened shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday (April 8) at 421 Maple Ave E., Vienna police say.

“The restaurant owners reported some people came into the restaurant requesting utensils for some food they purchased elsewhere,” the police report said. “After providing the individuals with the utensils, an altercation occurred between all parties.”

Juan Vazquez, a spokesperson for the Vienna Police Department, declined to comment on the case, saying that it’s an active investigation.

The owners behind the restaurant, Chris and Sherry Maggio, posted about the alleged assault on Facebook. The photos they posted show food on Chris and covering the ground and window outside of the restaurant.

Sherry Maggio told Tysons Reporter that females came in asking for utensils before the situation became violent and messy with thrown food.

“It was just this whole messy thing,” Sherry said, claiming the females returned with men who allegedly pushed Chris before the police came.

Though the couple said they are both okay, Sherry said that they are concerned for their safety.

Vazquez said that all of the people involved in the incident were told about the warrant process if they want to press charges.

This isn’t the first time police received reports of an assault at the restaurant.

The restaurant was vandalized about half of a dozen times this winter, which included smeared ketchup on the restaurant’s windows and van and “tire slime” placed on the sidewalk, furniture and statue outside, according to Vienna police reports.

In January, a man spat at Sherry and threw hot coffee on her, according to Vienna police reports. Police arrested a 34-year-old man and charged him with simple assault and battery.

Vazquez said that the alleged assault on Wednesday isn’t connected to the previous incidents.

The restaurant plans to stay open with limited hours, the post added.

“We understand that this is a very stressful time for all and it seems like things are not getting better,” the Facebook post said. “We, as part of the Town of Vienna believe that we are in this together.”

Catherine Douglas Moran and Ashley Hopko reported and wrote this story 

Photos via Skorpios Maggio’s Family Restaurant/Facebook