Professional Services

Spotlight on the Artist

Local painter Rich Moore shares his artistic journey. Article by Christine Gilgallon | Photography by Rich Moore For local artist Rich Moore, painting is about more than capturing a beautiful landscape. It is about pausing long enough to notice the beauty that surrounds us. McLean City Lifestyle speaks with Rich about his journey. What inspired “Chilly Fall Day,” which we feature on the cover? I came across this familiar scene that I wanted to paint and capture. It reminded me of my...

Food + Beverage

Cheers to 50 Years!

A Golden Anniversary of Gratitude for L’Auberge Chez François, Sweetened by This Recipe! Article by Molly MacDermot | Photography by James Diedrich Bring the iconic taste of L'Auberge Chez François into your own home this Thanksgiving season .  With over five decades of sublime gastronomic excellence, this beloved Great Falls institution has perfected the art of French country dining. The ultimate holiday experience deserves a centerpiece to match: a magnificent, golden soufflé designed to...

Food + Beverage

Festive Fromage Boards

Impress your family this Thanksgiving with an impressive cheese selection—including gluten free options — from local expert Alyssa Romashko of The Cheese Cartel. Article by Molly MacDermot The Cheese Cartel wasn’t born in a boardroom—it was plotted over a charcuterie board. Inspired by a lifelong obsession with cheese and countless hours grazing and chatting with her siblings, founder Alyssa Romashko turned family snack time into a local destination. This holiday season, you can bring that...

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. ...