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Sweet, Spicy, Reston
From nano-bakery delights to a chili clash and curated local events, we’ve got your Reston and Herndon weekend plans covered.
Graham Tracey
November 13, 2025
TREATS AND HEATReston’s serving sweet and spicy vibes this week. We’re tasting our way through Chiboo’s gluten-free macarons at Lake Anne, then turning up the heat with the Lake Anne Brew House Chili Cook-Off. Quick hits bring fresh openings, the RTC ice rink’s return, and more neighborhood buzz, plus a curated list of can’t-miss events from raccoons to chamber music. Let’s dive in, Reston. What’s inside
|  What flavor at Chiboo are you most excited to try? |
Feature Story
RESTON’S NANO-BAKERY GEM
Chiboo at Lake Anne turns out gluten-free macarons that crackle, chew, and melt. They are all baked fresh each morning with seasonal flavors from classics like pistachio to playful riffs with Malaysian flair (yes, even a balsamic-kissed bite). With a Union Station location in the works and talk of possible baking classes, Chiboo’s color is spreading beyond the lake. Watch the video now to meet the team and see our favorites, then check out the blog for the backstory and what’s on the horizon.
Around Town
LAKE ANNE CHILI CLASH
Reston, your Sunday just got spicy! Lake Anne Brew House’s 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off is back at Lake Anne. Sample, vote, and cheer as meat and veggie chilis face off, with proceeds fueling local literacy through the RoSigle Community Giving Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Check out the post for more details.
Quick Hits
IN OTHER NEWS
Record apartment deal brewing at RTC: BXP is reportedly selling The Signature’s 508 units for around $240M to Sterling Investors/Simpson Housing (likely a regional high-water mark this year).
Craftsman Auto Care opens on Sunset Hills: The family-owned repair chain debuted a new ~8,000-sq-ft shop at 11720 Sunset Hills Rd.
School bond approved by wide margin: Voters OK’d the 2025 FCPS capital bond; unofficial results show a 70.7% “yes” vote.
Chicken Salad Chick “coming soon” to Elden St.: The fast-growing chain confirmed its Herndon opening is imminent as part of a larger NoVA expansion.
RTC ice rink is back: Pavilion skating has returned for the season, with extended weekend hours.
Ovissi Boutique opens at Reston Town Center: A gallery-style boutique honoring artist Nasser Ovissi celebrates its debut on Democracy Dr.
Spanberger’s win driven by NoVA turnout: Northern Virginia accounted for about 88% of her victory margin, according to a regional analysis.
Curated Events
EVENTS IN RESTON, HERNDON, AND BEYOND
From masked neighbors to museum-worthy keepsakes, this week’s Reston-Herndon lineup is delightfully eclectic. Start Saturday with “Rascal Raccoons” at Walker Nature Center, then pop over to RA HQ for an Appraisal Roadshow of attic treasures. Sunday, choose your vibe: NextStop Theatre’s intimate The Last Five Years (2 PM) or the genre-blending American Patchwork Quartet at RCC (3 PM). Keep the nature theme going with Monday’s “What a Hoot” owl program, and wind down Wednesday with the free Senior Movie Day at LOOK Cinemas.
A Final Note
YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM RESTON WHEN…
“…you give directions by lakes, not street names.”
Your Next Step
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