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...

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...

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 Butterfly Photography and 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...

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...

Life + Culture

Spotlight on the Artist

McLean resident Jessica Speckhard shares her artistic journey Article by Molly MacDermot | Photography by Margaret Bakke Meet Jessica Speckhard, a McLean, Virginia-based multidisciplinary artist who created this month’s cover, inspired by her pet cat and love of summer. Jessica crafts vibrant worlds through watercolor, ceramics, and stained glass. Inspired by her deep love for animals, nature, and travel, Jessica balances her creative practice with family life alongside her husband, Taylor...

Education

Celebrating a Hometown Hero

Article by Christine Gilgallon As our nation honors 250 years of American history, we are reminded that The Cold War consumed nearly one-fifth of our entire national timeline. This long era of global tension left behind a significant legacy rooted right here in our local area. McLean claims a unique piece of this history through a genuine hometown hero: Francis Gary Powers. To honor his father's memory and ensure this critical time period is properly taught, his son, Gary Powers Jr., helped...

Education

The Legacy of the Potomac Canal

Article by AJ Jones The roar of the Great Falls of the Potomac was once a sound of defiance. For the early American republic, these crashing waters represented a jagged barrier between the bustling Atlantic ports and the untapped wealth of the Ohio River Valley. Yet, in the late 18th century, this geological obstacle became the catalyst for a monumental "Cartography of Cooperation." The construction of the Patowmack (Potomac) Canal was not merely an engineering triumph; it was a physical...

Food + Beverage

The Shell-ebration Roll

Article and Photography by AJ Jones Nothing defines a classic American summer quite like a buttered lobster roll enjoyed during a holiday weekend. To keep it festive for the 4th of July, we are aiming for that perfect balance of high-end indulgence and backyard ease.  Whether you are hosting a sprawling lakefront bonfire or a quiet backyard patio gathering, these rolls represent the peak of seasonal culinary freedom. By focusing on high-quality, fresh-caught lobster and a perfectly toasted bun...