HAPPENS IN THE VERY BEST OF NEIGHBORHOODS!
Going places on a Sunday afternoon with small kids can cause a few challenges. The first one is usually that you get into some great conversations and the time goes by all too fast.
Sunday we went to a house party at my client’s house in McLean, VA. I knew at the time that this would be the perfect neighborhood for them,but I had no idea how truly great a fit it was.
From the get go it seemed like EVERYONE had kids. Young ones, preteens, babies, toddlers all over the place. They were having fun! Playing outside! Who does this anymore? Fantastic neighborhood. This is among the top ten for anyone who would like great schools and playmates for their kids.
Staying way too long with all these nice people, we also needed to get home and get our kids to bed. We faced a huge challenge. The food at the party was great, but the kids played and we talked. So we were HUNGRY!!! Where to go?
Going to Arlington with a slight hope of meeting up with other friends, we came across LIBERTY TAVERN. Chic and cozy with a classic style and a fantastic menu. This was going to be interesting.
Upstairs in the restaurant, they were set up for us, kids and all. Highchairs, Etch-a-sketch, and a kids’ menu with real food. Yes, REAL FOOD FOR KIDS! They had the usual burger and fries, pizza, etc. We like to have our kids eat as close to our food as possible. And they could. The kids’ menu also had yummy orecchiette with butter and cheese, Icelandic Char, veggies, fruit salad and dessert. It was all very well prepared and came out quickly.
My wife and I had:
Tagliatelle with Rabbit Confit.
Seared Diver Scallops with Lentils
Roasted Duck breast with “Cassoulet”
It was all REALLY good. My only thought was with true classics come
some real challenges. Confits are preserved with salt. Therefore, you need to be VERY careful on how much more you put in the dish. It was only slightly too salty.
Service was impeccable. Our server was knowledgeable and prompt. We talked about food and he recommended many items on the menu.
Great place to bring kids, a date, friends or just watch a game.
Hi Justin!
I agree, McLean is a great area, but for some of us with one income, its cost prohibitive. It sounds like your dinner was first class, we need to check that place out
A little plug for West Springfield, I know, not the coolest suburb;)We have safe places for kids to play, we just open the door & they run out and find their friends. We have Ethiopian grocery stores where you can find fresh injera every day. Our Trader Joe’s & Whole Foods both have more relaxed staff and atmosphere than the rest of the region’s stores.
Schools are good & there are lots of options. The police are fast! The Fire dept is super central. We have 4 awesome libraries all within 4 miles of each other. Its not very walkable, but there are beautiful walks, like through & around Lake Accotink, which has a nesting pair of bald eagles–who sometimes fly over my house. There is also a neighborhood restaurant where you see everyone you know
(but its big enough that you don’t see the same folks all the time!
Thanks for your input. I agree, homes in McLean can be pricey. This neighborhood is reasonable, under $850K. It is still a lot of cash!! the point is that anywhere you can experience great caring neighbors. I want to find them and help them get into the spotlight.