Recently, shrubs have been gaining in popularity with bartenders across the country. Shrubs are fruit-based, similar to tonics, but preserved with vinegar. They are then mixed with soda water or alcohol to make a tangy, refreshing drink. Because of the acidity, shrubs are perfect as an apéritif or used as an alternative to bitters in cocktails.

One of my favorite things about living in Northern Virginia is enjoying a bottle and the scenery at one of our many local wineries. Like many of us, though, I tend to associate a winery outing with a sunny summer afternoon and a picnic basket. Then February comes along. Winter really takes the fun out of a hillside game…

It takes a special kind of devotion for someone to leap into a 33-degree lake for charity, and Reston was proud to host lots of these generous and hilarious people yesterday. On Saturday, February 7, 2015, the eighth annual Freezin’ for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip took place at Lake Anne Plaza. This event raises money for Camp…

I asked my husband, Mike, to describe what the water felt like when he did Freezin’ for a Reason. I should probably pretend that he said something like, “It felt like a refreshing dip in an invigorating pool.” I’ll be honest. His response was,”It was like getting hit by a bus.” But Mike was laughing as he described it,…

Come on, people, you can do better. You can look beyond the pre-made, mundane bouquets at the grocery store. You can (you WILL!) surprise your beloved this year with something outrageously unique, something one-of-a-kind, something show-stopping! Ok, now then… you probably need help. Not to worry, Modern Reston has you covered. For gorgeous bouquet alternatives, we turned to one of our…

Looking for a place to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday, February 1st? We have several ideas for you. Reston’s newest restaurant, Glory Days Grill, opened this week. It’s a sports bar with 40 TVs, and each booth has its own speaker with volume control. They serve a broad menu of appetizers, burgers, tacos, steaks, pizza,…

Buffalo Wings are the quintessential Super Bowl Snack. You can get them at numerous locations around town but which restaurant has the best? Vote in our reader poll now through Super Bowl Sunday, when we will announce the winner of our “Wing Bowl!” And remember, all of these fine and delicious establishments will be happy to cater your Super…

When the weather outside is frightful, it’s the perfect time to relax under a cozy blanket with a book. Unless you’re a kid, that is. For kids, it’s the perfect time to bounce off the walls. If you’re looking for ideas for indoor activities for your kids, we have lots of suggestions for you. Here is a…

Maybe it’s nostalgia for my college days back in Texas, but I am always willing to travel the extra mile for good BBQ. Most of the time I’m on a quest to find the elusive Beef Rib that is rarely found outside of The Lone Star State, but I am just as happy with pulled pork and smoked brisket….