Now Open: Greenhouse Bistro + Samovar Tea Lounge in Vienna-Tysons Area

(Editor's note: See more photos below; click to enlarge.)

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Greenhouse Bistro & Samovar Tea Lounge, 2070 Chain Bridge Road, is a lively new addition to the dining scene in the Tysons-Vienna area. It's a fun night-out spot for grownups who live in the 'burbs who want a night out without the hassle of driving or metroing into DC. Parking is easy with a large lot or valet parking.

The new upscale casual restaurant opened about three weeks ago and is helmed by Executive Chef Dale Schnell, who offers an innovative and varied menu featuring ingredients from farms in the region. Herbs from the eatery's living green walls give the place an organic vibe.

A backlit bar, neon lighting and a relaxing outdoor patio feature nature-inspired cocktails. You can also experience the eatery's Zen-like tea lounge next door offering a large variety of teas and tea sandwiches.

The new hot spot offers live entertainment including Flamenco dancing and guitarists on Thursdays (along with Sangria specials) and more. (You can keep up with the entertainment schedule on the restaurant's Facebook page.) Twenty-two HDTV screens? You won't miss any big sporting events.

The restaurant hosted a media dinner Thursday night that featured some of the restaurant's menu highlights. Some of the standouts included melt-in-your-mouth Burgundy Braised Short Ribs, served with mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and fennel marmalade and perfectly seasoned and juicy Half-Roasted Organic Chicken with harissa (a Tunisian hot chili pepper paste), herb-roasted Idaho potatoes and grilled lemon. The Hearty Salad was deliciously tangy, featuring arugula, belgain endive, candied walnuts, green apple, Alpha Tolman cheese, mustard vinaigrette and herbs. If you like pizza, you'll have fun choosing among nearly 30 toppings.

Adjacent to the restaurant is the Samovar Tea Lounge, a quiet oasis offering a variety of teas and sandwiches.

Hours are:

• Monday to Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 12 Midnight
• Thursday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Saturday: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PHOTOS by Patch or courtesy of Greenhouse Bistro