Food + Beverage

Neutral Ground

Chatting with Chef David Guas. "My wife, Simone, and I have called McLean home for more than two decades. It's where we raised our sons." Article by Molly MacDermot Chef Guas, how has McLean inspired your work? McLean is the community where we raised our sons, Kemp and Spencer, both proud McLean High School alumni. Living near Neutral Ground, my goal was to build a colorful and cheerful neighborhood spot where locals and friends could drop in several times a week! And the same direction...

Arts + Culture

Spotlight on the Artist

Local artist, Leigh Fulton, shares her journey. Article by Suzanne Purdy What is the story behind the painting "After Lunch" which is featured on the cover? My friend and I were having lunch at a Virginia restaurant. Near us was a large group finishing their lunch.  There were empty wine glasses, bottles, a wine carafe, and the remainder of their meal. At one point they got up and left and I said to my friend – that’s a painting!  I took photos and went home and painted the scene.  I’d like...

Food + Beverage

White Chocolate Bread Pudding

The Cellar on Seneca’s decadent dessert for cooler nights Article by Molly MacDermot Run don't walk to The Cellar on Seneca, the new wine bistro in Great Falls that opened this summer, spearheaded by Julie and Kaveh Safa. This seasoned restaurateur duo has reimagined the space and added this new restaurant to their growing culinary portfolio which includes Courthaus Social in Arlington and Yum Yum Hibachi in Ashburn. Inspired by the building’s hidden architectural gem, the new name nods...

Food + Beverage

Fall Herb Guide

Harvest, chop, and stir your way to a flavorful autumn with local horticulturist Peggy Riccio Article by Molly MacDermot | Photography by Peggy Riccio Add more flavor to your food this fall with Northern Virginia’s ultimate garden-to-table herb-guru, Peggy Riccio. For over 30 years, she has shared her passion for gardening through her popular newsletter and presentations to local garden groups. Whether you're picking herbs from the garden or the local market, turn your fall harvest into...

Food + Beverage

Raspberry Caipirinha Recipe!

This cocktail recipe helps transition your drink to an elegant late-summer, early fall citrus-forward cocktail. Article and Photography by Mixology is made easy with this refreshing Raspberry Caipirinha recipe. It's a vibrant, tangy riff on Brazil’s national cocktail. Tower Club Tysons' Executive Chef Dalton shares his step-by-step guide so you can create this drink easily at home. While the classic template relies heavily on the rustic taste of quality cachaça, this variation balances that...

Home + Design

Style Begins at Home

Great Falls native Shereen Farahani believes the most beautiful homes aren't designed around trends—they're designed around the people who live in them. Article by By Christine Gilgallon | Photography by Nova Soul Imagery When we think of style, our minds often go to fashion, décor trends, or the latest colors making headlines. But according to Shereen Farahani, owner and lead designer of Premier Home Center , true style begins much closer to home. "It's about creating a space that reflects...

Arts + Culture

Spotlight on the Artist

Great Falls artist Mehrnaz Moussavi shares her artistic journey Article by Molly MacDermot The September cover art features a stunning tribute to this month’s theme —style— by local artist Mehrnaz Moussavi. Based in Great Falls, Virginia, the George Mason University alumna channels her greatest muse for this piece: her mother. Capturing effortless elegance through a striking silhouette, a chic hat, and a timeless dress, Moussavi’s painting beautifully embodies the very essence of style. ...

Food + Beverage

Tantalizing Tuna from the Tower Club

Serve up a tasty recipe tonight or try it for your next dinner party Article by Molly MacDermot Chef Frank Dalton, a native of the Washington D.C. area, trained at Stratford University and honed his skills working alongside world renowned chefs. He brings Chesapeake inspired seafood, seasonal ingredients, and inventive cuisine to Tower Club Tysons, connecting with members personally to make every dining experience as memorable as the food itself. For this issue of  McLean City Lifestyle , he...

Health + Wellness

Inspired by mom’s strength — and her pink kicks

McLean teen turns family love into action Article by Molly MacDermot | Photography by Courtesy of the Singer Family For 16-year-old McLean resident Owen Singer, watching his mom battle breast cancer wasn't just a family challenge—it was the inspiration for an idea to help others. Before every grueling chemo session, his mom, Sue, had a ritual: she would wrap herself in a cozy blanket and lace up her favorite pink sneakers. Inspired by his mom’s fierce resilience, Owen turned his love into...

Arts + Culture

Local Photographer's Lifelong Connection to Animals

For Gloria Freund, a camera is more than a tool—it is a bridge between worlds Article by Christine Gilgallon | Photography by Courtesy of Gloria Freund Whether photographing a beloved farm animal, a curious household pet, or a colorful reef creature thousands of miles from home, Gloria’s goal is the same: to help people recognize the connection we share with the living beings around us. “My work and pleasure is about expanding the community of people who understand and feel the sentience and...