The Charming Contradiction of Arlington

We’re a strange bunch in the People’s Republic of Arlington County, Virginia. Liberal, yet fiscally prudent. A great place to start if you’re fresh out of college… or to start again after the kids leave the nest or you get divorced or if you have another life-altering event.

Here’s a recent example. I overheard a woman on Metro tell her seatmate, “I like the Silver Diner , except when the clientele is too diner-esque.” And, I knew exactly what she meant. The Diner, located basically across the street from my church, looks like your basic, late-night greasy spoon… except it’s not. The Diner has free wifi! They boast about it on the Web site, where you’ll also find how to follow the Diner on Facebook and Twitter! You can order online to go! The name of the frequent eater program is “Eat Well, Do Well,” and a portion of your sales will go to local schools to improve nutrition and fitness. Ingredients are locally sourced!

But not to worry. You can still get biscuits and gravy, not to mention country-fried steak.

The joy of the Diner can perhaps best be summed up in a request a friend swears she once heard from people seated in the booth behind her to the waitstaff:

What type of wine goes with pancakes?

The Silver Diner. It’s so Arlington (even though there are plenty of other locations in the area).

If you still wonder what makes Arlington so special, check out this Youtube clip. And be sure to watch to the end. Word!