Plus, the top 25 high schools in NOVA.
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Today’s Forecast

49º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:56 a.m. | Sunset 4:51 p.m.

High tides 8:20 a.m. + 8:28 p.m. | Low tide 2:20 p.m.


Newly acclaimed restaurants near NOVA

The Panes con Pavo sandwich from Your Only Friend, made with Salvadoran braised turkey, cortido, salted cucumber, Crystal Hot Sauce fried chili oil, Duke’s Mayo, served cold on a soft roll.
This sandwich from Your Only Friend looks heavenly. | Photo by Vina Sananikone (@vinasana)
We’re crossing the river today to bring you the latest dining news from DC. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Michelin Guide released its 2025 Northeast Cities edition, and Eater shared its list of the 15 best new restaurants in America.

Starting with Michelin restaurants in DC, two Bib Gourmands were added. What does this mean? These are restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide for the quality of the food, but at a more reasonable price than a typical Michelin restaurant.

The first restaurant added to this list is PhoXotic in DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood. As the name suggests, you can expect delicious, steaming bowls of pho. You can even DIY your own bowl.
What other restaurants made the cut?

Asked

A. Hot Nug
B. Spicy Panes con Pavo
C. Chicky Pep No. 2
D. The Sub Club
Take a guess

Events

Thursday, Nov. 20

American Mah Jongg | 3-4:30 p.m. | Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, Falls Church | Free

Friday, Nov. 21

Live Music with Gary Smallwood | 7-10 p.m. | The Dell, Leesburg | Price of purchase

Saturday, Nov. 22

JBLF 5k + Family Carnival | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Knights of Columbus, Arlington | $25+

Great Women Astronomers and Physicists | 2-3 p.m. | Reston Regional Library, Reston | Free

Friendsgiving Themed Cake Decorating Class | 2:30-5 p.m. | Fran’s Cake & Candy Supplies, Fairfax | $157

Sunday, Nov. 23

Swedish Coffee Culture Event | 3-5 p.m. | Buzz Bakery, Alexandria | $10

Author Event: Matt Bondurant | 7-8 p.m. | Old Town Books, Alexandria | Free entry
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Drink

Get ready to sip on the perfect fall beverage. The Alexandria Cider Festival will be at the Lloyd House this Saturday, Nov. 22. Tickets are $55 for those who wish to sample various ciders, and $25 for designated drivers. The event will also showcase live music, games, and a souvenir glass. (ALXnow)

Edu

If you’re deciding where to live in NOVA with your children’s education in mind, Northern Virginia Magazine’s list of the top 25 high schools might be able to help. Also, make sure to check out our guide to NOVA’s school districts. (Northern Virginia Magazine)

Transit

Alexandria is going to receive $10.9 million toward DASH. Funding is going to the Bus Fleet Replacement + Facility Rehabilitation project, helping position the city to transition to fully electric buses by 2035. (ALXnow)

Sports

Not one, but two, 5k races will be taking place in Arlington this weekend, both of which are still open for registration. There will be associated road closures, so make sure to plan accordingly. (ARLnow)

Number

3. This is about how many years Elysium Axe Bar has been open at 251 N. 21st St. in Purcellville. Now they are closing their doors, and New Year’s Eve is the last day in business. (The Burn)

Biz

Looking to buy a business? From a nail salon to a full-service restaurant, here are 15 businesses listed for sale around Arlington. (ARLnow)

Closing

Grill Kabob, which opened in early 2023 in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood, is now closed. This chain offers Afghan and halal cuisine, and still has five other locations in Northern Virginia. (ARLnow)

Finance

This standout card recently received a rare 5-star rating from Motley Fool Money. Explore its benefits and see why it’s a top pick among seasoned financial analysts and credit card pros.*

Older Adults

Are you taking advantage of all the savings opportunities for adults ages 50+? This list of tips can support your continued saving and help build additional wealth.*

Environment

Celebrate America Recycles Day by giving new life to your old denim through Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program. Bring your well-loved jeans to a participating location + they’ll be recycled into housing insulation, pet beds, and more. Make a difference with your denim.*

Post of the Day

An Instagram post about appetizer recipes from Area 2 Farms.

Photo via @area2farms

If you’re starting to get stressed about your Thanksgiving cooking, Area 2 Farms has you covered. Check out three appetizers that are easy and delicious — perfect to show off to your friends and family. Want to get local produce for these or future creations? Get an Area 2 Farms subscription.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

It’s go time. Amazon’s Black Friday Week kicks off today as one of the best sales of the year. New deals drop daily, and these are today’s top five you don’t want to miss:

🚪 Boost home security with Blink’s popular video doorbell that’s under $30 for a limited time.
🧦 Replenish your sock drawer with 50% off these 4.5-star rated mini crew socks.
🔌 Achieve better home connectivity with Amazon’s top-rated smart plug for just $12.99.
👖 Upgrade your closet with a pair of Levi’s wide leg jeans for under $45.
🥩 Get dinner on the table faster with 40% off Cuisinart’s rapid defrosting tray.
More early Black Friday deals this way

Games

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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

I just loved your newsletter and wait for it every morning to see what is going on.” Shout out to reader Bryan A., who brightened my day with this message. I love NOVA and strive to bring you positive, impactful news about our city. If you love what we publish and support our mission, let me know through our giving campaign.
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