At Bagel Cafe, the friendly owners bring the taste of authentic New York City bagels right to Herndon, saving you the trip and the Big Apple’s crowds. This light-filled shop features a spacious outdoor patio and a prime location right on the corner of Dulles Corridor, and it’s been voted one of the very best bagel shops in all of northern Virginia.

Bagel Cafe serves numerous types of bagels and cream cheeses galore, as well as breakfast sandwiches made on—you guessed it—thick, freshly baked bagels. The menu also includes lunchtime specialty sandwiches, salads, and housemade soups just like you would find in an Upper West Side bodega. In addition to the breakfast and lunch items, Bagel Cafe caters events, like office meetings or family breakfasts.

Bagel Cafe gets quite crowded during the morning and lunchtime rush, so be sure to arrive early in order to get a table. The shop is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Bagel Cafe
300 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 318-7555
www.bagelcafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bagel-cafe-herndon

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr VirtualWolf

Dinner parties are fun ways to get all of your friends together to bond over tasty foods, but it can be a bit difficult to plan a menu for that many people. Whether you’re hosting a formal sit-down dinner or a casual taco night, these simple tips will show you how to plan a dinner party that no one will forget.

1. Stick with the basics. While it may seem fun to experiment with a new recipe, this isn’t the best idea when you’re cooking for a group. Stick with something that you already know how to cook, or practice a new recipe at least once or twice beforehand.
2. Choose a theme. If you’re unsure of what to make for dinner, choose a culinary theme, like Italian or childhood favorites. This will make it easier to choose dishes that go together.
3. Don’t forget the appetizers. To buy yourself a bit of time in the kitchen, set out simple appetizers that guests can snack on while you put the finishing touches on the meal.
4. Do some prep work. Prep as much of the food as possible the day before so that you’ll have ample time to visit with guests once the party begins.
5. Consider seating. Most people don’t have a large, formal dining room, but you should still consider where your guests can sit comfortably.

Top 10 dinner party tips [Good Food]
25 Dinner Party Do's and Don'ts for a Host or Hostess [Bon Appetit]
The Dos and Don'ts of Hosting a Dinner Party [My Domaine]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr louise.lantz

Locals call the entire dining experience at Aangan exquisite, thanks to the caliber of both the food and customer service. Customers appreciate the wide range of Indian regional dishes served at Aangan, something you won't necessarily find at most Indian restaurants.

Popular dishes at Aangan include the butter chicken curry, the scallop pulsa, the samosas, and the wings mango peri peri. Dining from the buffet is another popular choice, but portions are generous whether your order off of the main menu or serve yourself. Take note: Some of the dishes, like the chili chicken, can be very spicy. Keep in mind that the heat levels indicated on the menu are accurate—hot really means hot.

Most customers enjoy the decor and ambiance here, including the music videos from Indian pop musicians that play in the background. Come here on the weekends to participate in karaoke with a DJ.

Aangan
332 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(571) 297-2179
www.aanganva.com
www.yelp.com/biz/aangan-herndon

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/David Boyle