Welcome to Just Outside DC — the Five Guys fries of local newsletters (overflowing with crispy deliciousness)

THE BIG IDEA

Virginia’s free school breakfast debate heats up in the General Assembly

The pitch is quite simple, really: Free breakfast for every public school kid in the state.

But as with anything involving money and politics... it's complicated.

Last year's attempt at a universal breakfast bill fell apart faster than a soggy waffle. But Senators Roem and Bennett-Parker are back with a new legislative movement, and here's what they're cooking up:

• Schools must join federal breakfast programs

• Each student gets one free breakfast per day

• Parents can opt out if they so choose

The bill hasn't passed any legislative hurdles yet, but it’s still actively being considered despite the usual food fight every time this topic comes up.

On one side: "Kids can't learn on empty stomachs!" — echoed by pretty much every education group in VA

On the other: "Rich parents should feed their own kids!" — Senator Peake, R-22nd District

Virginia wouldn't be breaking new ground here — Pennsylvania recently implemented universal breakfast, joining eight other states with similar programs.

These changes will cost the state about $29 million annually starting in 2026, down from last year's $40 million estimate (some quick maths: that's $315 in savings per kid, per year!)

But apparently, we here in Virginia can't just give kids food without a side of debate first.

Bulletin Board 📌 

Reader Restaurant Recommendation: One of our readers, Lisa, recommends you guys check out Trummer’s — an American bistro in Historic Clifton serving New American cuisine, craft cocktails, and more.

This place also consistently ranks top 10 in Northern Virginia Magazine’s annual list of the 50 best local restaurants!

QUICK HITS

• This huge Japanese grocery store just opened up in Tysons, and the amount of people that were waiting in line for the grand opening put the Apple store to shame 🇯🇵

• Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week (a mouthful in more ways than one) wraps up this weekend 🥘 

• Speaking of restaurants… check out this list of local spots that would make for a great Valentine’s Day destination 💝 

• You’re probably tired of us talking about it, but the Tysons casino bill is headed to the Senate for full consideration 🎰 

LIVE EVENT LOWDOWN

• 2025 Chocolate Lovers Fest | the annual three-day festival is back starting tomorrow morning in Old Town Fairfax 🍫 

• LNY Celebration | a free, family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration at the Smithsonian American Art Museum tomorrow! 🐲 

• Washington Auto Show | check out the latest automotive designs at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC, from today until Feb. 9th! 🏎️ 

• Alexandria Warehouse Sale | shop 40 independent boutiques on historic King Street this weekend 📦️ 

• Ski’s and Teas Popup | a cozy, retro ski-themed celebration at Astro Beer Hall in Arlington tonight ⛷️ 

• LNY Market | an evening market with hands-on activities, food, artisan crafts, and more at the National Museum of Asian Art 🛍️ 

• Falls Church and Alexandria Restaurant Weeks | enjoy all the cuisine Falls Church and Alexandria respectively have to offer at participating restaurants, today until Feb. 9th 🍽️ 

• Super Art Fight | the greatest live art competition in the world… think Pictionary meets WWE… tomorrow at The Black Cat in Washington DC 🎨 

• Country Night | live country rock and complimentary dance lessons tonight at Solace Brewing in Sterling 🤠 

• DC Chinese LNY Parade | celebrate the Year of the Snake with cultural performances, fireworks, and tons of local eateries on Sunday afternoon 🐍 

• Virginia Artisan Craft Fair | a cozy winter indoor market with tons of local vendors, tomorrow at Mustang Sally Brewing in Chantilly 🍺 

• LoCo International Festival | Claude Moore Rec and Community Center transforms into a series of immersive cultural experiences, this Sunday in Sterling 🌍️ 

• UP! Grand Opening | Northern Virginia’s newest thrill, UP! Ultimate Adventure Park, opens its doors tomorrow morning in Ashburn 🧗 

• The Play That Goes Wrong | Fauquier Community Theatre is running this 2015 Best New Comedy until Feb. 16th 🎭️ 

• National Ballet of China | a dazzling blend of western ballet and Chinese culture, playing at the Kennedy Center until Sunday 🩰 

• Last Ham Standing Improv | a family-friendly comedy show at Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville tomorrow night 🐷 

Thanks so much for reading today’s issue of Just Outside D.C.

Are you new here? We write about the latest stories and events happening in Northern VA every week.

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