jefferson

How to Get More Vitamin A in Your Diet

September 15, 2015 by jefferson

Vitamin A provides a number of wonderful eye health benefits, from minimizing dry eyes to helping to absorb light in the retinal receptors. In addition to improving your eye health, it also supports cell growth and improves the health of the kidneys, heart, and other essential organs. Here are just a few surprising food sources for beneficial Vitamin A.

Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are some of the best sources of Vitamin A out of any food, offering a staggering 561% of the recommended daily amount in just one whole potato. Better yet, the delicious sweet potato offers all of its priceless nutrients while adding only 103 calories to your diet. Simply bake one in the oven for a healthy side dish that’s absolutely packed full of A vitamins.
Carrots. This other favorite orange food is equally as rich with Vitamin A. The carrot has been known for its eye health benefits for quite some time, though many people don’t realize that it’s because of the numerous A vitamins inside. One medium carrot offers a full 200% of the recommended daily intake, and it’s a great source of the Vitamins C, K, and B that your body also needs.

Top 10 Foods Highest in Vitamin A [Healthaliciousness]
Vitamin A [NIH]
26 Foods High in Vitamin A for Healthy Eyes [Bembu]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jeffreyww

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Diet, Food, Health, Wellness

New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

September 9, 2015 by jefferson

To enter the Sweepstakes, visit our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends October 31, 2015. We suggest you like our page to keep informed about future sweepstakes and community happenings.

For mobile users, click here to enter.

Filed Under: Life at The Asher Apartments Tagged With: Facebook Sweepstakes, The Asher

Mai Thai: Classic Flavors in Old Town

September 9, 2015 by jefferson

When it comes to authentic cuisine in Alexandria, Mai Thai might be a top destination. Thai food is hot in both spice and popularity, but at Mai Thai, it's not just about the food. Come in and enjoy the mix of modern and traditional decor, with artwork on the walls and cool chandeliers coming down both floors of the dining area.

You can start off with a trip to the bar and lounge for happy hour, when you can enjoy a variety of specialty cocktails and appetizers. For lunch or dinner, you can always find something tasty from the menu. (Try the drunken noodles or one of the curries.)

Mai Thai is open Mondays through Thursdays, 11:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11:15 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Mai Thai
6 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-0600
www.maithai.us/oldtown/home.php
www.yelp.com/biz/mai-thai-alexandria

CC-BY-SA-3.0/Flickr/jimlightfoot26

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Alexandria Dining, Mai Thai, Restaurants in Alexandria

Happy Labor Day!

September 7, 2015 by jefferson

Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Labor Day!

Filed Under: Life at The Asher Apartments Tagged With: The Asher Holiday Greeting

Reserve 2216: An Ever-Changing Menu of Upscale Southern Comfort Food

August 25, 2015 by jefferson

Southern comfort food serves as the foundation of Chef Eric Reid's menu at Reserve 2216, but he's not afraid to take liberties with tradition. His versions of classic dishes put a gourmet twist on childhood favorites, and his team crafts new creations every day. The sample menu online will give you a rough idea of what Chef Eric might be working on today, but the only way to know for sure is to make the trip and check out his chalkboard menu.

It'll likely be filled with apps like wonton nachos topped with tuna, roasted red pepper aioli, and wasabi, as well as Brussels sprouts with peanuts, feta, and a balsamic dressing. When it comes to the main course, Chef Eric often serves his signature hot chicken. Yelp reviewers rave about the dish, a crunchy piece of fried chicken over a cornbread waffle, collard greens, and a pickle. You might also see shrimp and grits, a pork chop with roasted garlic-gorgonzola butter, or grilled culotte on the menu.

Reserve 2216
2216 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 549-2889
drpreserve.com
www.yelp.com/biz/reserve-2216-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr USDAgov

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Alexandria Dining, Reserve 2216, Restaurants in Alexandria

Scoop Up Something Sweet at Pop’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Co.

August 18, 2015 by jefferson

Located in Old Town Alexandria, Pop’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Co. is — just like its name implies — an old-fashioned ice cream shop that has a whole lot of retro flair in both its decor and its ice cream choices. The shop itself is located in a red brick building with a vintage-style sign, and once you step inside, you’ll find a charming red tin ceiling, black and white checkered floors, and a wide selection of ice creams within the long, glass display cases.

Fill a cup or a made-from-scratch waffle cone with scoops of chocolate chip cookie dough, coffee, or red velvet, then enjoy your treat while sitting at one of the charming antique tables inside. Or if you prefer, nibble your cone as you stroll along the charming streets of Old Town Alexandria!

Pop’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Co. is open noon to 10 p.m. daily.

Pop’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Co.
109 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 518-5374
www.yelp.com/biz/pops-old-fashioned-ice-cream-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr helicopterspy

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Alexandria Attractions, Pop’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream, Things to Do in Alexandria

Silence Your Cell Phone for a Stroll Through These Scenic Washington, DC Parks

August 11, 2015 by jefferson

If you’re starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of city life, Washington, DC is home to a number of relaxing parks that can help you to de-stress while being surrounded by nature. Leave your cell phone at home, take a break from emails, and go for a stroll in one of these urban green spaces.

Meridian Hill Park
With a stunning multi-level fountain that flows into a large duck pond, Meridian Hill Park is certainly a sight to see. This European-inspired park is conveniently located minutes from the popular U Street stretch, but it offers respite from the crowds and noise. There is also a grassy knoll perfect for picnics, a number of historic statues, and even some ducks that call the park home.
2400 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20008

Gravelly Point Park
There are few things more relaxing than watching planes fly through the sky, and Gravelly Point Park offers the perfect opportunity to do just that. The park is situated just across from Regan International Airport, which means that visitors can watch the planes take off while lounging on the grassy hillside. There are also a few wooden picnic tables, a jogging path, and fields where you can join a pick-up game of soccer or football.
George Washington Parkway, Arlington, VA 22202

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/William Warby

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Parks in Washington DC, Things to Do in Washington DC, Travel, Washington DC Attractions

Order the Deviled Egg App at Virtue Feed and Grain

August 4, 2015 by jefferson

Eating well isn’t a vice when you go to Virtue Feed and Grain in Alexandria. This Old Town bar and restaurant is actually housed in an old feed barn that's been reconditioned by using repurposed materials.The result is a place that blends into the surroundings, but also stands out on its own.

The interior is rustic, with brick and wood walls showing the original construction. The upstairs bar and lounge is cool and comfortable, with nice couches and burlap bag pillows. This makes for a perfect post-work meeting spot with friends, or you could come for lunch and dinner to try some of the classic cuisine. The burgers and entrees are all good, but don’t pass up the deviled egg appetizer.

Virtue Feed and Grain is open every day, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Be sure to come back for the brunch on Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Virtue Feed and Grain
106 S. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(571) 970-3669
www.virtuefeedgrain.com
www.yelp.com/biz/virtue-feed-and-grain-alexandria

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/wiredwitch

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Alexandria Dining, Restaurants in Alexandria, Virtue Feed and Grain

Sweet Fire Donna’s: Where It All Starts with Smoke

July 28, 2015 by jefferson

The chefs at Sweet Fire Donna's believe that "good barbecue begins in the smoker," so that's where each of their meats begins its journey. Take the popular Kansas City-style brisket burnt ends, for example. This wildly popular entree features cubed brisket that's actually been double-smoked to ensure extra tenderness and flavor. With a signature blend of spices, the brisket tantalizes taste buds. It arrives at your table with any two sides, and they're just as carefully crafted as the main course. Try the fiery mac and cheese, a customer favorite, or the classic creamy cole slaw.

From pulled pork and chicken to Carolina chopped pork and Texas beef sausage, your options for soul food are plenty at Sweet Fire Donna's. Most of them come three basic ways: as a plate, in a sandwich, or with "just the meat." But you can also order them as a salad for a slightly lighter option (albeit, not too much lighter). Try the brisket salad, the pulled pork Cobb, or the creamy smoked chicken salad.

Sweet Fire Donna's
510 John Carlyle Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(571) 312-7960
sweetfiredonnas.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-fire-donnas-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr palewire

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Alexandria Dining, Restaurants in Alexandria, Sweet Fire Donna's

Citrus Infused Water!

July 22, 2015 by jefferson

Nothing is more refreshing than fresh fruit on a hot summer day!

Well this fruit is taking a nice cold bath… #InfusedWater Stop by The Asher today and try our citrus infused ice water! #Fruit plus #H2O a marriage made in heaven!