NOVA, VA February 2026

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Love, Legacy, and Community

February invites us to slow down and reflect on what truly sustains us:  love, culture, and community. It’s a month that celebrates connection in many forms: the love of life, the joy of food shared around the table, and the strength that comes from standing together.

This month also honors Black History Month, a time to recognize the legacy, resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and families who have shaped our communities and continue to influence culture, cuisine, and innovation today. From recipes passed down through generations to businesses built on vision and perseverance, Black history lives not only in the past, but in the everyday moments we experience now.

Food has always been a powerful expression of culture and love, telling stories of heritage, survival, celebration, and pride. It brings us together, sparks conversation, and reminds us that community is built when we gather, share, and uplift one another.

At the heart of this issue is the celebration of community in action: local businesses, creatives, and change makers who lead with purpose and passion. Their stories remind us that progress is fueled by collaboration, intention, and care for one another.

As you turn these pages, I hope you feel inspired to savor life more deeply, support local voices, honor history, and lead with love in all that you do. Every shared meal, meaningful connection, and act of support strengthens the fabric of our community.

Here’s to living fully, loving intentionally, and honoring both our roots and our future, together!

With gratitude,

CARMEN FELDER, PUBLISHER @NOVALIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Carmen Felder | Carmen.Felder@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Vanessa Oruma | NOVA@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Bianca Bain Villegas

Bianca.BainVillegas@citylifestyle.com

SALES MANAGER

KC Cole | KC.Cole@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Debra Wallace, Mayor Kelly Burk, Sean O'Keefe, Bailey Hall, Anna Barnes, Amalia Loli.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Rorapaugh, Kaptured by Kasper, Sonia Bartolomeo for The Washington Ballet, Melinda Gipson, Sean O'Keeefe, Anna Barnes, Amalia Loli

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6

Mayor’s Corner

Mayor Burk Reflects on the Power and Importance of

Caviar Fit for Royalty

Merolin Caviar Tops Everything When It Comes To Special Occasions

Serving Oyster Love

Restaurateur Rick Allison’s Lifelong Passion for Providing Hospitality Creates Perfect Valentine’s Date Night and Beyond

city scene

1: StageCoach Theatre Company invites audience participation for their recent Mystery Night 2: Productions this season hosted by Kalero Winery (here), Oatlands, C’est Bon/Savoir Fare, Casanel Winery 3: The audience participation is packed with laughs and double entendres 4: Matt Banner takes the mic as Sick Gus a Sleighing 5: Victoria Burke hams it up as Holly Daye 6: Dave and Pam Jones of Extraordinary Transitions 7: The Banners costumed in theme as Piper Piping and Maid a Milking. Photography by Melinda Gipson

Protecting What Matters Most

business monthly

Amélie Café: Valentine’s Day 4-course prix fixe

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Amélie Café & Wine Bar in Fairfax with a romantic 4-course prix fixe dinner for $75 per person. The meal begins with an amusebouche of eggplant caviar, followed by a first course choice of Soup de Chef, Scallops Crudo, or Salade de Saison. Main courses include Lamb Chops, Scallops Risotto Cakes, or Le Legume de Chef. Finish with dessert: Sweetheart Chocolate Fondant or Pistachio Crème Brûlée. Reservations required.

One Loudoun Expands with New Retail, Dining, and Residences

Ashburn’s One Loudoun is expanding with new shops, restaurants, residences, and office space. The project adds 86,000 sq ft of retail, 33,000 sq ft of offices, a business hotel, and roughly 400 luxury apartments. Confirmed tenants include Arhaus, Tatte Bakery, Van Leeuwen, Bartaco, Williams-Sonoma, and Pottery Barn, with more expected. Exchange Street will extend through a new retail corridor with public plazas, including a winter ice-skating rink by Bartaco. Openings are anticipated through 2026.

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Virginia’s Newest Barbecue Joint Opens Inside a Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers, a DMV-based American restaurant chain since 2008, is launching its first barbecue concept in Alexandria, Virginia, in early 2026. Founding Farmers BBQ will feature a Central Texas-inspired menu with ribs, brisket, wings, house-made sauces, and sides for two- or four-person servings. Co-owner Michael Vucurevich and chef Joe Goetze, who studied Texas barbecue techniques for a year, aim to expand the concept regionally. This Alexandria location joins six others nearby and one in Pennsylvania.

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ARTICLE BY LEESBURG MAYOR KELLY BURKE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

MAYOR’S

CORNER

At its core, Valentine’s Day is about expressing care. Whether that’s saying thank you, checking in on a friend, or simply being kind, the holiday can serve as a reminder to appreciate the people in our lives.

So, when February 14 arrives, remember: Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance. It’s about connection, appreciation, and finding meaningful ways, big or small, to share a little love.

February is also important for Black History Month. Here in Leesburg, the Thomas Balch Library will be holding special exhibits and events.

2026 is the 100th anniversary of the founding of Black History Month. The library is planning to feature an exhibit in the library’s Mercer Room display cases in February and March. This exhibit is in collaboration with the Black History Committee of the Friends of the Thomas Balch Library, featuring the history of Black History Month in Loudoun County and items from the Thomas Balch Library’s archival collections. The Friends of the Thomas Balch Library also plan to debut their latest oral history film, which features local historian Jim Roberts, at a Black History Month program at the Douglass Community Center.

Leesburg history is full of forgotten heroes and leaders within the Black community whose actions impact everyone within the town and county.

Many local African Americans contributed to the Patriot cause during the American Revolution. An example is Daniel Coleman, a Free Black resident of Loudoun County who lived and worked in the Leesburg area. Coleman enlisted in the Continental Army in 1781 and served at the Siege of Yorktown. His later pension application was supported by Leesburg’s second Mayor, Samuel M. Edwards, affirming the presence and patriotism of Black Revolutionary War veterans in Leesburg.

Leesburg and its residents played key roles in important court cases in the effort to abolish slavery before the Civil War. Born free in Leesburg in 1814, Leonard Grimes became a successful businessperson in Washington, D.C. He was tried and convicted at the Loudoun County Courthouse in 1840 for aiding an enslaved family’s escape. After serving two years in prison, he moved to Massachusetts, where he became a minister and a key figure in the abolitionist movement.

Nelson Talbott Gant was tried at the Loudoun County Courthouse in Leesburg in 1847 for rescuing his wife, Anna Maria Hughes Gant, from slavery after her enslaver refused

to allow him to purchase her freedom. The couple had been married at Leesburg’s Old Stone Methodist Church in 1843. Gant challenged the legal and moral foundations of slavery within Virginia’s judicial system, which resulted in his acquittal.

Following the Civil War, Leesburg’s Black residents contributed to the improvement and support of their community. As early as January 1866, they established a “Colored Man’s Aid Society” to assist infirm and impoverished Black community members.

A Leesburg barber, V. Cook Nickens, became the Town’s first elected Black official in 1873, serving as constable of the Leesburg Magisterial District for a year and representing Black civic participation during Reconstruction.

A Loudoun County based Black contractor whose firm built major structures in Leesburg, including Loudoun Hospital, William Hall helped secure funds to purchase land for Douglass High School. For a time, his firm, W.N. Hall and Sons, was the only Loudoun County construction firm licensed and bonded and able to handle large contracts. His firm also reconstructed George Washington’s Grist Mill near Mount Vernon in 1933.

Leesburg native and business owner Marie Moton Medley-Howard fought for equal education for African American children, advocating for improved school facilities and curriculum. She served as the first president of the Loudoun County NAACP, formed in 1940, making Leesburg a center of organized civil rights advocacy in Loudoun.

These are names of some people that worked to make our community a welcoming and successful place that all people could be proud to call home. African American history is American history, and I for one am so proud to acknowledge the contributions made by so many within the community.

This February, be proud of our local history and remember your friends and loved ones by being kind and making Valentine’s Day special to those you care about.

*I want to thank the Thomas Balch Library staff for helping with this article.

CAVIAR FIT FOR ROYALTY

Merolin Caviar Tops Everything When It Comes To Special Occasions

ARTICLE BY DEBRA WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MEROLIN CAVIAR/ JOHN RORAPAUGH

When you think of luxurious culinary delights, Merolin Caviar is easily at the top of your list and the tip of your tongue. This is why Alborz Tajik, who grew up in Iran and has some of his best childhood memories around his family enjoying caviar, began focusing on this delicacy known for attracting discerning clients around the world while creating meaningful memories.

“When I share that nice tin of caviar with someone anywhere in the world, it becomes very special for me.”

—Merolin

Caviar Owner Alborz Tajik

“I truly believe that certain delicacies, like caviar or a nice bottle of wine, bring people together, and that’s when you make great memories with the people you love,” Tajik revealed. “When I share that nice tin of caviar with someone anywhere in the world, it becomes very special for me, because I really get to know that person.”

Caviar has a long history in the Middle East and Europe and is becoming more popular in the United States, something that Tajik appreciates.

But Tajik wants to make sure that before someone imbibes, they fully understand and appreciate high-quality caviar. “People frequently tell me they don’t want to try caviar because it is fishy or salty,” he explained, “but high-quality caviar is neither fishy nor salty.”

He is also proud to share the legacy of caviar and what goes into harvesting it. “There is so much that goes into raising the fish and producing caviar. The youngest fish we use is 17 years old, so keeping in mind that it is so special, you should sit down and spend your time with it.”

This delicacy is also considered to be an aphrodisiac, making it a perfect item to start a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner date.

The word caviar comes from the Persian word “khavyar,” which means “cake of strength,” and was harvested from the Caspian Sea as early as the 9th century.

The journey from ancient delicacy to modern luxury has been marked by periods of abundance and scarcity, and today the focus on sustainability aims to preserve

“I believe it is for a variety of special occasions. So people should really take their time and enjoy and savor the experience!”

this delicacy for future generations while protecting the sturgeon species that provides it.

Tajik’s favorite way of eating caviar is to put several small croissants in the oven until they become crispy and top them with crème fraiche and a big spoon of caviar. On Valentine’s Day, he enjoys making scrambled eggs and finishing them with crème fraîche and caviar.

Several Michelin-star chefs in the D.C. area have their own recipes that use Merolin caviar, which Tajik appreciates.

Chef Carlos Delgado from Amazonia/ Causa has created an amazing sweet and salty

dessert that finishes with a big spoon of caviar on top, and Chef Ricky Wang at Omakase has a perfect Japanese rice dish that is completed with a topping of caviar.

“I believe it is for a variety of special occasions,” Tajik said. “So people should really take their time and enjoy and savor the experience!”

For More Information:

Website: merolincaviar.com

Phone number: 703-593-1370

Email: customersupport@merolincaviar.com

Serving

ARTICLE

BY

DEBRA WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAPTURED BY KASPER

Restaurateur Rick Allison’s Lifelong Passion for Providing Hospitality Creates Perfect Valentine’s Date Night and Beyond

Oyster Love

Rick Allison has eagerly welcomed new and returning customers for more than ten years to his five King Street Oyster Bar locations for lunch, brunch, dinner, and special occasions, including Valentine’s Day. Some of his regulars had their first date at King Street and continue to feel an affinity for the special place where they first fell in love.

“I appreciate when customers come up and tell me how much this restaurant means to them, and that they found their life partner here,” Allison explains. “Some of them even come back to get engaged in our restaurants,” he adds. “That level of trust they have in us means the world to my staff.”

OYSTERS: PERFECT FOR VALENTINE’S DATE NIGHT AND MORE

Allison raised his children in Loudoun County and admits he grew tired of driving into Washington, D.C., to find the succulent oysters his family frequently craved. When retired Washington Commanders tight end Chris Cooley left his pottery shop in Leesburg, Allison took over the King Street location for his first oyster bar.

“Anyone can come in and try whatever oyster fits their palate and have a great experience,” Allison says. “A lot of restaurants offer just a few types of oysters, usually from similar East Coast regions. For me, it’s different. There’s no one else offering 12 oysters every day.”

Newcomers quickly become regular diners who feel like part of the family. They share Allison’s appreciation for oysters, which prompted him to open his restaurants, beginning in Leesburg—the location of his first shop—which helped make the area a thriving business community. Additional locations include Middleburg, NoMa (Northeast Washington, D.C.), Potomac, and City Ridge. The business motto says it all: “Shuck it. It’s better raw!”

A 1989 graduate of the Culinary Institute of New York and a former executive chef at the legendary Old Ebbitt Grill on Capitol Hill, Allison is dedicated to preparing and serving high-quality oysters, other seafood offerings, and a wide array of culinary delights.

“For me, King Street Oyster Bar is my passion,” Allison says. “It’s about food, customer service, and hospitality.”

Growing up steeped in rich Italian family traditions, Allison recalls, “I grew up making homemade pasta with my grandmother, Louise. At a young age, she owned a restaurant-bar in Pittsburgh where I worked. I’ve enjoyed being around food all my life.”

“MY GOAL IS TO ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR LOVED ONES, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS.”

—

KING STREET OYSTER BAR OWNER RICK ALLISON

Oysters are often considered an aphrodisiac, making them an ideal menu choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day date night. “That’s what makes this the perfect date spot,” Allison adds. “No matter what you enjoy, you can choose an oyster that suits your palate: less salt, no salt, big, or small.”

WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

King Street Oyster Bar offers a wide selection of oysters, jumbo shrimp, and lump crabmeat. For guests who prefer non-seafood options, the menu also includes wings, a variety of appetizers, chili, soup, salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, and steak.

Daily Happy Hour is offered Monday through Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., featuring $7 food and drink specials and $1.50 oysters.

Sunday brunch is served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and includes mimosas, specialty Bloody Marys, a variety of cocktails, and brunch favorites such as chicken and waffles, pancakes, eggs Benedict, tacos, breakfast burritos, steak and eggs, and more.

But Allison’s hospitality extends far beyond the menu. His goal is to ensure every guest has a memorable experience. “I spend a lot of time building relationships because everyone wants to feel special and noticed when they come in,” he says.

“For me, the relationship with my guests is the most important part of all of this,” Allison adds. “If they feel a true connection, I know they’ll come back time and time again.”

IF YOU GO:

King Street Oyster Bar 12 South King Street Leesburg, VA 20175

Phone: 571-442-8068

Reservations, special events, and catering available.

Website: kingstreetoysterbar.com

TIMELESS “GISELLE” DANCES INTO OUR HEARTS

ARTICLE BY DEBRA WALLACE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONIA BARTOLOMEO FOR THE WASHINGTON BALLET

THE WASHINGTON BALLET LAUNCHES THE NEW YEAR WITH EDWAARD LIANG’S STRIKINGLY MODERN VISION OF THE ROMANTIC BALLET FAVORITE.

As he meticulously prepares for The Washington Ballet’s production of  Giselle, renowned choreographer Edwaard Liang remains captivated by the enduring power of a ballet that he has loved since childhood.

His profoundly personal and strikingly modern reimagining of this beloved ballet is expected to take audiences on an unforgettable new journey, one that will take a familiar story and charge it with fresh emotional intensity, deeply resonating with each of us.

The Washington Ballet’s production of Giselle will ring in the New Year 2026 with performances in Sidney Harman Hall in Washington, D.C., from February 23 through March 8.

A DEEPER LOOK AT THE WASHINGTON BALLET’S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR,  EDWAARD LIANG

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, and raised in Marin County, California, Edwaard Liang began dancing at age five with the Marin Ballet.

After training at the School of American Ballet, he joined New York City Ballet in 1993, the same year he won medals at the Prix de Lausanne International Ballet Competition and received the Mae L. Wien Award. He was promoted to Soloist in 1998.

In 2001, Liang joined the Tony Award-winning Broadway cast of the musical Fosse, later televised on PBS’ Great Performances. Through theater and dance, he found a profound sense of belonging.

“When I moved to New York City at 13, I found my people,” Liang said. “We had the same interests, the same type of insecurities, and all of the highs and lows involved in performing,” he recalled. “We loved that we were able to be seen.”

By 2002, he was invited by Jiří Kylián to join the acclaimed Nederlands Dans Theater, where he discovered his love for choreography. His works have been performed by leading companies worldwide, including the Mariinsky, Bolshoi, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and The Washington Ballet.

Liang was named Director of The Washington Ballet in 2023. His many accolades include an Emmy Award® for Vaulted, international choreography prizes, and nominations for Russia’s Golden Mask Award.

Liang began dance training at the tender age of five, and discovered his love for choreography as a member of the Nederland’s Dans Theater, a world-acclaimed modern company based in The Hague and the Netherlands.

“When I was a dancer, I truly loved performing, but I also loved my time in the studio. That was what gave me energy and passion,” Liang explains of his transition to choreographer.

“I loved figuring things out and working things out with my partner, or as a group. From the beginning, choreography gave me another layer of that kind of culture, and to be part of a team, including the costume design and the lighting design. It’s about creating life on the stage.”

As the Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet, Liang is one of only four people to have led the organization, and the first person of color. He is also the first Asian American to lead a major American ballet company.

One aspect of Giselle that inspires Liang is the timeless story he first fell in love with as a young boy. “It is timeless because it is the story of the love of dance, the loss of innocence, forgiveness, and overall, it is about love,” he said. “It has all of the dramatic components of betrayal involved in a romantic triangle. I also appreciate the music because the score helps tell the story. It has all the components of a universal betrayal and love story.”

He added that he believes that certain ballets, like  Giselle, are iconic. “They’re kind of like the distillation of the best of the best, and they still work within the next generation. What I appreciate is that it still touches, moves, and inspires people.”

He describes the current production of  Giselle  as “more deconstructed, a little bit more modern in terms of its aesthetic. I wanted to create something that is unique and goes beyond the traditional sets or costumes, but at the same time, it is still the classical production in terms of the steps.”

Beaming with pride over what his dancers are accomplishing as a result of extremely hard work and dedication, what makes The Washington Ballet unique is how inclusive the company is and how it provides an abundance of opportunities for its students.

“Our Nutcracker has 400 students, the most dance students in America participating with the main company by almost double,” he said. “It is inspiring to know that we can give transformative experiences like this to our young dancers.”

He is also proud that this relatively small ensemble dance company – which has 24 company dancers and 10 studio company dancers and no principal soloists – provides the opportunity for dancers in  Giselle, The Nutcracker, and other productions, “to perform the principal role one night and perform in the corps de ballet or as a soloist the next night.”

When it comes to the future of The Washington Ballet, Liang says his focus is on collaborating with other choreographers

to develop new ballets and innovative ways of telling stories, whether they’re old or new.

“My vision for the company, and for our unique D.C. community, is to continue to expand our repertoire so that we have more access points ranging from ballets like  Giselle  or  Cinderella all the way to more obscure contemporary choreographers that still have that spark of inspiration.”

He said that much of the ballet company’s audience is curious, open-minded, and well-traveled, “so I believe that the more variety we can offer in terms of dance access, for our students, our dancers, and our audience base, will bode well for the future of The Washington Ballet.”

“WHENIWASADANCER

The Washington Ballet 3515 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20016

Main phone number: 202-362-3606

Website: washingtonballet.org

Box Office Info: tickets@washingtonballet.org

Open Mon–Fri, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact the Box Office for Subscriptions

Box Office Phone Number: 202-677-5193

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Building the Perfect Bouquet

Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.

USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS

Roses

LOVE & ROMANCE

Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.

Lilies

PURITY & FERTILITY

Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.

Tulips

PERFECT FOR DEEP LOVE

A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will complement the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.

A SALAD REC IPE TO LOV E

A GORGEOUS, FRESH AND SIMPLE DISH

PEAR, PROSCIUTTO,

Burrata Salad

INGREDIENTS

• Ripe Pear

• Prosciutto

• Burrata

• Lemon Zest

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Dried Figs

• Red Pepper Flakes

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice the ripe pear into thin slices.

2. Arrange pear slices on a plate, creating a base for the salad.

3. Nestle slices of prosciutto in-between pear slices, a perfect combo of sweet and savory.

4. Tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the salad adding a velvety creaminess to the ensemble.

5. Grate fresh lemon zest over the entire salad, infusing it with citrus flavor.

6. Top with fresh basil, figs and pepper flakes.

7. Finish by generously drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the salad, creating a silky texture that ties it all together.

TIME for a VISIT

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 7TH

2026 Museum of Shenandoah Valley 5k/10k

901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601-3305 | 8:30 AM

Run the 5K or 10K at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and enjoy scenic views on a paved, rolling course. The event is chip-timed, offers finisher medals and event shirts, and supports the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. Virtual race options are available, with awards for overall and age-group winners.

FEBRUARY 14TH

9th Annual VALENTINES

GALA at McCall Gallery

9409 Battle Street Manassas, VA 20110 | 5:30 PM

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the McCall Gallery Community Valentine’s Red Carpet Gala & February Art Show on February 14, 2026, from 6–9 PM in Historic Manassas. Enjoy live music, original art exhibits, poetry readings, complimentary food and champagne, and a debut charcoal collection by a local artist. A portion of proceeds supports local arts and Habitat for Humanity.

FEBRUARY 15TH

Vienna Cars and Coffee

260 Cedar Lane Vienna, VA 22180 7:30 AM

Vienna Cars and Coffee is a community-focused gathering for local car enthusiasts, held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays from 7:30–9:30 AM at Cedar Park Shopping Center in Vienna. The event brings neighbors together to enjoy cars, coffee, and breakfast while supporting the community through food and donation drives for local charities.