Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you quit your job for the sole purpose of making your dream a reality?
That’s just what Michelle Bracken did and she’s now the proud co-owner of Frosting, A Cupcakery. She had always wanted to own her own shop but never had the confidence to do so. It wasn’t until her husband Todd planned a trip to New York City to tour cupcake shops that she realized she could do it. “It was on that trip that Todd encouraged me to pursue my passion and open a sweet shop. We walked into "Babycakes NYC" and he turned to me and said, ‘If they can do it, you can do this!’ We started working on a business plan shortly after our trip. As we planned and typed away at our business plan, Todd turned to me and asked if he could make my dream, his dream. The rest is history.”
WHEN JACKSON’S came to The Reston Town Center a few years back, I avoided the beckoning glow of it's neon lights. Restaurant openings typically mean large crowds, long lines and two-hour waits, all of which I despise. And the busier the bar, the more crippling my anxiety... 
THE WINE KITCHEN, a “wine-centric” restaurant serving seasonal American bistro menu dishes in the heart of historic downtown Leesburg, prides itself on preparing wonderfully eclectic meals, quirkily labeled wines and purposefully limited seating.
1.Co Co Sala
‘Tis the season for entertaining, family visits, and gift exchange get-togethers. Instead of fretting over what to fix and slaving the day away in the kitchen, why not enjoy and treasure these priceless moments over brunch? Typically much less expensive than dinner, brunch is a great alternative. Despite area reviews, the metro area has many great places to try.
Those familiar with Restaurant Week know that there is good reason to be excited for August 16. 200 of the best Washington, DC restaurants will be offering either lunch, dinner, or both with fixed menus priced at $20.10 for a three course lunch and $35.10 for a three course dinner; much lower prices than most of these restaurants typically offer.
Coffee, the cultivation and consumption of which can be traced back to the 15th century Middle East, has been a staple of the American diet since the colonial era. Sales of the beverage in the US today are dominated primarily by enormous chains, such as the ever-present Starbucks, and different varieties of store bought instant coffee. Those seeking alternatives to the more commonly patronized retailers of the beverage may feel overwhelmed by the seeming absence of options. Though they certainly don’t occupy every street corner and shopping center, as it seems Starbucks and Caribou do, smaller franchises are not only relatively abundant, but many serve coffee that is far superior in taste and presentation, offering coffee as a culinary experience, not just a jolt of caffeine. The following locations are certain to entertain the tastes of even the most sophisticated coffee aficionado:
