Back-to-School, Back to Healthy: Fresh Meals for Kids and Parents

Family Ravioli

From our friends at Healthy Fresh Meals...

Back-to-School, Back to Healthy: Fresh Meals for Kids and Parents

Mompreneur serves up tips for helping to get healthy meals on the table and into lunches all year round

With school back in full swing, many parents are facing the dreaded task of trying to feed their families night after night. Many are also tasked with finding ways to get a healthy lunch into their child's hands each day, or to take one to the office themselves. Increasingly, parents are becoming busier and find it more challenging to make healthy meals a staple in their home, making it crucial that they have some tips and tricks to help make it happen.

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle 2022 Photo Recap

DC Mayoral candidate Red Grant performs on Sunday

After two years of virtual celebration, the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle returned to its familiar setting along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to commemorate its 30th anniversary in person. Mother Nature supplied beautiful weather. and Giant Food took care of the rest, welcoming crowds of barbecue lovers with great giveaways, music and succulent food. What more could you ask for (besides a whole week of activities?) Cue our countdown to next year already!

Día de los Muertos at La Cosecha

A traditional Día de los Muertos altar (Photo: La Cosecha) 

From our friends at La Cosecha...

La Cosecha​ (1280 4th Street, NE), the ​Union Market District​’s new contemporary Latin marketplace, will host its first annual Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) celebration, happening ​Thursday, October 31 ​through​ Saturday, November 2​. La Cosecha partners Serenata, Peruvian Brothers, Mosaico, FILOS Bakery, ArtTepuy, Arcay Chocolates​ and NOVA BOSSA​ will highlight the traditional Mexican holiday with food, drink and retail specials, tarot card readings and family-friendly activities like face painting, a screening of animated favorite ​Coco​ and much more.

National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center Hosts "Air & Scare"

Visitors learn about science at Air & Scare (Photo: Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum)

From our friends at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum...

“Air & Scare” Takes Over the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will host its annual “Air & Scare” family day from noon to 5:30 PM, Saturday, October 26, at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Visitors will enjoy safe, indoor trick-or-treating and spooky activities for all ages at this free event.

National Philharmonic Celebrates the Kick Off of Its 2019-20 Season

From our friends at the National Philharmonic...

National Philharmonic Celebrates the Kick Off of Its 2019-20 Season with Grammy-Nominated Eroica Trio Performing Beethoven Classics on the Eve of His 250th Birthday, September 21-22

The National Philharmonic nearly didn’t have a 2019-20 season after its closure, due to financial difficulties was announced earlier this summer. Now, however, thanks to the support of its fans, the National Philharmonic is set to debut in September with the first concert of a full season of 11 performances. The 2019-20 season kicks off with a tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven on the eve of his 250th birthday with the Grammy-nominated Eroica Trio in “Eroica and Beethoven” on Saturday, September 21, at 8 PM and Sunday, September 22, at 3 PM at The Music Center at Strathmore. The Eroica Trio will join Philharmonic Music Director and Conductor Piotr Gajewski and the National Philharmonic in performing Beethoven’s unique Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano in C Major, Op. 56 (Triple Concerto.) Triple Concerto is a hybrid of two well-established classical genres: chamber music and orchestral music. It is the only concerto Beethoven ever wrote for a trio. After intermission, Gajewski will lead the National Philharmonic in Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (Eroica), one of Beethoven’s most celebrated works and one of the most majestic pieces in the symphonic repertoire. There will be a members-only encore question-and-answer after the concerts on Saturday and Sunday, and a Meet the Musicians (Instrument Petting Zoo) for young concert-goers and their families on Sunday from 2-2:30 PM. Ticket prices are $29-$79, and young people 7-17 are free. Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit nationalphilharmonic.org or call (301) 581-5100.

Good Counsel High School Hosts Pro Day Camp

From our friends at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School...

Join Our Lady of Good Counsel High School for a one-day Pro Day Football Camp, where we will welcome back our outstanding Good Counsel alumni who now play in the NFL. Campers will receive expert instruction from Good Counsel coaches, and top NFL and college players.

Taste of Rockville 2019 Photo Recap

Bowlero Bethesda at the Taste of Rockville

As far as local "Taste ofs" go, the Taste of Rockville might be our new favorite. Yesterday marked my first visit (at and around Rockville Town Square.) Nestled amongst the Montgomery County courthouses, the two-day celebration (pretty much) dodged a weather bullet, which left plenty of time for me to explore all four music stages of the Hometown Holidays Music Festival, and the delectable row of restaurants offering tasty bites for 1-5 tickets ($1.25 per.) Our favorite? Saffron Indian Cuisine's Vegetable Samosa, a two-ticket bargain with a crispy exterior and incredibly moist filling. Pinstripes placed a close second with its equally affordable Barbecue Pulled-Pork Slider (great flavor.) Best value went to California Tortilla, which offered not one, but two Classic Chicken Tacos for a mere single ticket. Here's some of our favorite memories (and morsels) of the day...

Robeks Opens First Location in Rockville, MD

Rockville's Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies

From our friends at Robeks...

Robeks Opens First Location in Rockville, MD

Robeks hosting SIP, SIP, HOORAY family-friendly celebration to showcase their newest location

Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies announces the addition of their 14th location in the Maryland/Virginia region with a new store at Rockville’s Research Row. A grand opening celebration is set for Saturday, May 18, 11AM to 2:00 PM with special discounts, freebies, plus face painting and a balloon artist.

Robeks Re-Opens Location in Falls Church, VA

Inside Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies in Falls Church, VA

From our friends at Robeks...

Robeks Re-Opens Location in Falls Church, VA

Robeks is hosting a family-friendly celebration to showcase their remodeled location, under new ownership

Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies announces the re-opening of its location at West End Plaza under new ownership. A grand re-opening celebration is set for Saturday, May 4, 11 AM to 2:00 PM with special discounts, freebies, plus face painting and a balloon artist.

Real Food for Kids Announces 7th Annual Culinary Challenge Winners

Spike Mendelsohn (l) & Diana Camacho present First Place award to Takoma Park Middle School

From our friends at Real Food for Kids...

Real Food for Kids, a nonprofit focused on elevating school food, hosted their 7th Annual Culinary Challenge this past Saturday at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria. Eleven student teams from Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington, Loudoun, and Montgomery County high schools and middle schools competed to create a school lunch dish that meets USDA guidelines for school meals. The winner will be part of the school lunch menu next year in the five participating school districts. An additional 13 teams created breakfast and smart snack options.

Glen Echo's Photoworks to Host "10 Photographs" Fundraiser Offering Guests Curated Collection of Photographs

From our friends at Glen Echo Photoworks...

Photoworks Gallery Announces "10 Photographs: A Secret About a Secret" Fundraiser

Tickets now on sale for event to be held October 20 from 7-10 PM at Photoworks in Glen Echo, MD

Photoworks Gallery announces an evening of food, fun and photography to be held in Glen Echo Park on October 20, 2018 from 7 PM - 10 PM.

National Children's Museum Announces Three New Board Members

From our friends at the National Children's Museum...

The New Appointees Bring Local Community Involvement and Diverse Experiences to the National Children’s Museum’s Board of Trustees

National Children’s Museum (NCM) a Congressionally designated cultural and educational institution that has served children and families in Washington, DC for 45 years, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Board of Trustees: Anna Mason, Franklin White, and Heather Zimmerman.

The Village Cafe to Open in the Union Market District, October 9

The Village Cafe owners Kevon King, Ryan Williams and Mahammad Mangum (r) (Photo: The Village Cafe)

From our friends at The Village Cafe...

Trio of DC Natives Bring The Village Cafe to Life in Union Market District

Childhood friends-turned-business partners take their ethos of access to quality food to the iconic Market

The Union Market District continues its commitment to nurturing burgeoning local businesses with the arrival of The Village Cafe (1272 5th Street, NE), slated for a soft opening on October 9, followed by a grand opening on October 23.

School Is Back in Session at Red’s Table with Dining Benefits for Kids Under 12

Cheeseburger at Red's Table

From our friends at Red's Table...

Red’s Table, the waterfront, family-owned restaurant, will celebrate the return of the academic school year by offering complimentary child-friendly meals for a limited time.  From September 3-7, 2018, children 12 years of age and under eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée (maximum three kids per parent.) Children will savor tempting dishes on the Kid’s Menu created by Executive Chef Kevin Ettenson such as Cheesy Pasta; Chicken Tenders; Grilled Cheese, Cheeseburger, as well as the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Young, more adventurous diners will enjoy the Small Steak with French fries; Crab Cake and the Veggie Pasta, which are not included in the complimentary kid-menu promotion. Dishes featured on the Kid’s Menu are regularly priced from $7 to $15 each.

THE GLOW: A Jack O'Lantern Experience Comes to Life at Lake Fairfax, October 2018

From our friends at THE GLOW...

Over 5,000 Hand-Carved Pumpkins - Created by Master Carvers - Illuminate the Halloween Spirit at This Family-Friendly Event

There is something for everyone who visits THE GLOW: A Jack O'Lantern Experience this fall at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, VA. Set to open in October and run during weekends throughout the month, THE GLOW promises a family-friendly, immersive Halloween stroll along a trail illuminated by more than 5,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns.

Ford's Theatre Society Announces Open Auditions for A Christmas Carol

The cast of A Christmas Carol at Ford's Theatre, 2017 (Photo: Carol Rosegg)

From our friends at Ford's Theatre...

Ford's Theatre Society Announces Open Auditions for Children's Roles in A Christmas Carol, Saturday, August 25th

Children ages 7-13 encouraged to attend

The Ford's Theatre Society announced that auditions for children's roles in the company's productions of A Christmas Carol will be held August 25 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Ford's Theatre Center for Education and Leadership (514 10th Street, NW). Those interested in auditioning may sign up for an audition time slot on site beginning at 8:30 AM.

Giant Food Launches 14th Annual Pediatric Cancer Fundraising Program

From our friends at Giant Food...

Giant Food Launches 14th Annual Pediatric Cancer Fundraising Program, Setting $2 Million Donation Goal

100% of donations made through the sale of $5 coupon books will be donated to pediatric cancer research

Giant Food, the leading greater Washington, DC regional grocery chain, announced today the kick off of its annual pediatric cancer fundraising program created to support pediatric cancer research during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Giant has set a goal of raising $2 million throughout the eight-week program, running August 17 to October 11. The funds from sales of $5 coupon books valued at $50 will go directly to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc.. Since 2005, Giant Food has raised $19.2 million for pediatric cancer research.

School Is Back in Session at Red’s Table with Dining Benefits for Kids Under 12

Veggie Pasta at Red's Table

From our friends at Red's Table...

Red’s Table, the waterfront, family-owned restaurant, will celebrate the return of the academic school year by offering complimentary child-friendly meals for a limited time. From September 3-7, 2018, children 12 years of age and under eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée (maximum three kids per parent.) Children will savor tempting dishes on the Kid’s Menu created by Executive Chef Kevin Ettenson such as Cheesy Pasta; Chicken Tenders; Grilled Cheese, Cheeseburger, as well as the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Young, more adventurous diners will enjoy the Small Steak with French fries; Crab Cake and the Veggie Pasta, which are not included in the complimentary kid-menu promotion. Dishes featured on the Kid’s Menu are regularly priced from $7 to $15 each.

Silver Diner Signs Up More Than 3,400 Children in First Weeks of New Kids Club

From our friends at Silver Diner...

Just two weeks ago, Silver Diner launched a new program called Kids Club and more than 3,400 kids have signed up. Those participating will receive a free entrée for every five visits as well as rewards and collectibles. In addition, kids will receive a complimentary shake and entrée for their birthday.

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle 2018 Photo Recap

Redskins legend Ken Harvey meets his match at the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

The forecast called for rain... lots of rain; but Mother Nature had other ideas this weekend, providing mostly clear skies for the 26th annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Former Redskins pro-bowler Ken Harvey was there, signing autographs, as was Wee Man of Jackass fame. Great food and music too, including a special performance by the Plain White T's on Saturday night. There was also plenty of activities for kids, and enough freebies to fill (at least) two or three bags. Once again, Giant Food hits a culinary and fun-packed home run! In case you missed it, here are some of the highlights...