“The sentiment springs from neighborhoods that have recently blossomed into food destinations (Petworth, Shaw, H Street NE in the District and Mosaic in Fairfax) and, this year alone, a flurry of impressive restaurant launches that have made headlines outside the Beltway.”

This chic open-air shopping center, a 15-minute walk from the Dunn Loring Metro stop, has a little bit of everything: big box stores and boutiques, kids activities and nightlife, and an Angelika Film Center.

Anchored by a shiny new Target and a massive Neiman Marcus Last Call, the best spot to shop in Fairfax right now just might be Mosaic(PSA for the carless District-dwellers reading this: it’s totally walkable from the Dunn Loring Metro station. I am a carless District dweller and I’ve done it. Several times.) Want to knock…