food | FFXnow - Part 9

Published January 30, 2025 at 9:00AM

Justice High School cafeteria staff prepare meals for distribution to students during a snow day (courtesy Donnie Biggs/FCPS)

The Trump administration’s plan to freeze federal spending could’ve disrupted free and reduced-price meals for thousands of students if it had taken effect, according to Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid.

The directive, issued Monday (Jan. 27), ordered federal agencies to halt grants, loans, and other aid and review federal financial assistance programs to ensure they align with President Donald Trump’s policy agenda, which has prioritized cutting government spending and scaling back diversity and equity efforts, among other goals.

Around Town

Winter Restaurant Week returns with dozens of Fairfax County options

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 24, 2025 at 8:15AM

A pizza with trays of fries from Matchbox (courtesy Thompson Restaurants)

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s (RAMW) Winter Restaurant Week is back.

Starting next Monday, Jan. 27 and continuing through Sunday, Feb. 2, the biannual campaign to promote the D.C. region’s culinary scene will feature more than three dozen restaurants from Fairfax County, along with establishments in the District, Maryland and elsewhere in Northern Virginia.

Around Town

Made-to-order ramen shop The Ramyun Zip eyes expansion after finding traction in Centreville

By Jared Serre

Published January 23, 2025 at 11:15AM

Ramen offerings at The Ramyun Zip in Centreville (staff photo by Jared Serre)

The Ramyun Zip in Centreville is a ramen lover’s paradise.

Upon entering the restaurant at 14215T Centreville Square, customers are greeted by a floor-to-ceiling selection of nearly 100 different types of sealed noodle packs, ranging from mild to extra spicy.

Countywide

FCPS provides thousands of meals to students during snow days

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 9, 2025 at 3:45PM

Justice High School cafeteria staff prepare meals for distribution to students during a snow day (courtesy Donnie Biggs/FCPS)

For some Fairfax County students, this week’s snow days have been a welcome postponement of their return to school from a winter break that began on Dec. 23. Others, however, face the risk of going hungry during the extended school closures.

With over 35% of its student population coming from low-income households, defined by their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals, Fairfax County Public Schools has spent the past few days distributing thousands of food kits to students and families in need.

Around Town

Handmade Chinese dumpling eatery opens doors in Vienna

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 7, 2025 at 3:45PM

Panda Dumpling launched its soft opening in Vienna on Jan. 1, 2025 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The new year brought a new kind of Chinese restaurant to the Town of Vienna.

Panda Dumpling quietly opened last Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 155B Maple Avenue West, taking over the former Bubble Mochi space in between the Cruz N Shine Car Wash and Marjan Carryout and Catering.

Around Town

New food options open at Tysons Corner Center, with more to come in 2025

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 26, 2024 at 9:45AM

The Cheesecake Factory opened at Tysons Corner Center on Dec. 5, 2024 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Tysons Corner Center is closing out 2024 with the addition of a few new dining options.

Though it was dark when FFXnow visited the mall around lunch time this past Sunday (Dec. 22), Popeyes has indeed opened its new stall on the first floor between Panda Express and Chef Lin, a Tysons Corner Center spokesperson confirmed.

Around Town

Giant cookie shop MidnighTreats is moving to Reston Town Center

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 23, 2024 at 1:15PM

MidnighTreats at Plaza America in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

MidnighTreats is going to bring its monster-sized, vegan cookies to Reston Town Center.

The homegrown business will move from its original Reston storefront in Plaza America to a currently vacant space at 1826 Discovery Street next to Playa Bowls, possibly late next spring, according to MidnighTreats owner and founder Johnny Nguyen, who said late last week that the deal “was just finalized.”

Around Town

King Arthur’s bake truck to hand out free cookies this weekend

By Jared Serre

Published November 7, 2024 at 8:15AM

King Arthur's Bake Truck (photo courtesy of King Arthur Baking Co.)

King Arthur Baking Company’s bake truck will make its long-awaited local debut this weekend.

The truck will dish out free chocolate chip cookies this Saturday (Nov. 9) in Fairfax Corner, near the brand’s new pop-up store, starting at 11 a.m.

Around Town

Herndon shopping center to swap sushi bar for…a sushi bar

By Jared Serre

Published October 30, 2024 at 2:30PM

Sushi Kabuki is coming soon to Fox Mill Shopping Center in Herndon (courtesy Michael Monaco)

A Herndon shopping center will replace one sushi bar with another.

Sushi Kabuki is coming soon to the neighborhood’s Fox Mill Shopping Center, according to signage posted on one vacant storefront.

Around Town

NEW: Ruthie’s All Day to bring Southern cooking to Fairfax Corner

By Jared Serre

Published October 24, 2024 at 11:15AM

One of the brunch offerings at Ruthie's All Day (photo courtesy of Ruthie's All Day)

A local restaurant brand dishing out comfort food has decided on Fairfax Corner for its second location.

Ruthie’s All Day will move into the space at 11951 Grand Commons Avenue, the brand announced today (Thursday). The new restaurant, which follows the brand’s first in Arlington, is expected to open in fall 2025.