We've tried a lot of restaurants around Arlington and the DMV over the years, but there are certain places we just keep going back to. Some have become part of our weekend routine, some are worth driving a little farther for, and some get bonus points for having a patio where Olive can come along.

There are certain stores I go to for specific things, and Trader Joe’s is one of them. It is not where I get everything, but it is where I get the things that make cooking during the week feel easier. The kind of items that are already prepped, full of flavor, and don’t require much effort but still make a meal feel put together.