Flavors of Summer: 5 Recipes for a Spectacular Cookout

Summer is finally here, and it’s time to fire up those grills and gather your loved ones for a memorable cookout! The sun-soaked days and warm evenings call for delicious dishes that celebrate the season’s bountiful produce and vibrant flavors. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big barbecue party, these five delectable recipes will surely impress your guests and create lasting summer memories.

Grilled Pineapple and Shrimp Skewers

Kick off your summer cookout with a burst of tropical goodness by making Grilled Pineapple and Shrimp Skewers. The combination of sweet, caramelized pineapple and succulent shrimp is a match made in culinary heaven. Marinate the shrimp in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, and cilantro, and then thread them onto skewers with juicy pineapple chunks. Grill until the shrimp are pink and the pineapple has those lovely grill marks. Serve them with a refreshing side of avocado-lime dip, and your guests will be asking for seconds!

Watermelon and Feta Salad

watermelon and feta salad

Stay cool and refreshed with a refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad. This dish is a delightful medley of sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, crisp cucumber, and fresh mint leaves. The combination of flavors and textures will awaken your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Drizzle a light balsamic glaze over the top for an added touch of sophistication. It’s a perfect summer side dish that beautifully balances sweet and savory elements.

BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

bbq jackfruit sandwiches

For all the plant-based food lovers out there, BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches are a must-try! Jackfruit is an excellent meat alternative that mimics the texture of pulled pork, making it perfect for barbecue sandwiches. Slow-cook the jackfruit with your favorite BBQ sauce and spices until it’s tender and infused with smoky flavors. Pile the saucy jackfruit onto toasted buns, and top it off with a refreshing coleslaw for a delightful crunch. Even meat-eaters will be amazed at how delicious and satisfying this vegan option can be!

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili-Lime Butter

Grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter

Corn on the cob is a summer staple, and grilling it brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. Elevate this classic dish by slathering the grilled corn with a zesty chili-lime butter. The combination of spicy, tangy, and buttery goodness will make this simple side dish the star of your cookout. Sprinkle some crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Check out the recipe here.

Summer Berry Trifle

summer berry trifle

Finish off your summer cookout on a sweet note with a luscious Summer Berry Trifle. Layers of juicy berries, whipped cream, and sponge cake create a visually stunning and scrumptious dessert. Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to add a burst of color and natural sweetness. Feel free to get creative with the trifle layers, adding lemon curd or crumbled meringue for delightful surprises. It’s a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every spoonful.

There you have it, five sensational recipes that will make your summer cookout an absolute hit. Embrace the flavors of the season, spend quality time with your loved ones, and savor every moment of these warm and sunny days. Happy grilling and bon appétit!

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Featured One Bedroom Floor Plan: 1-D

If you’re looking for a one bedroom floor plan in DC that has it all, look no further than the 1-D Floor Plan! This layout has plenty of open space that’s easy to furnish, lots of light, and great storage. Join us as we explore the practicality and coziness of this layout, and read on about why the 1-D floor plan might be your perfect apartment home.

Natural Light

One of the standout features of this one bedroom apartment is the ample natural light that floods the apartment. The large windows in the living area and bedroom allow for plenty of sunlight to enter the space, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. This feature not only makes the apartment feel more spacious but also helps to improve mood and overall well-being. If you love plants, you’ll love the spacious balcony located just off the living room. You’ll have plenty of space for your plants and room to spare for a some chairs for when you want to step outside for fresh air.

Open Floor Plan

People highly prefer the open floor plan of the 1-D. The living room, dining area, and kitchen flow seamlessly together, creating a bright and airy space that is perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing. The open design also allows for better traffic flow and increases the sense of spaciousness (which, if you live in DC, you know how much we hate a traffic jam!).

Storage

washer and dryer laundry closet in a Crest apartment

The walk-in closet in the is another appealing feature of this one bedroom floor plan. With plenty of space to store clothing and accessories, this closet helps to keep the bedroom clutter-free and organized. This feature can be especially attractive to renters who need extra storage space or who want to keep their living areas tidy and minimal. In addition, you have the front laundry closet with a folding table. This effectively gives you a laundry room with storage, which is a rarity in DC apartments.

crest kitchen appliances and island

Modern Finishes

This one bedroom apartment also boasts modern finishes throughout, including stainless steel appliances, sleek cabinetry, and hardwood flooring. These features not only add a touch of elegance to the space but also provide a durable and functional living environment.

faucet with water dripping

Sustainability

We designed the apartments at Crest with sustainability in mind, and the 1-D is no exception! Save money and help the environment with energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and low-flow plumbing fixtures in your home. If you prioritize sustainability and want to live in an eco-friendly apartment, this one bedroom layout might suit you perfectly.

In conclusion, the 1-D Floor Plan is a top choice for anyone looking for a modern and functional living space in DC with all the access to the convenience to Skyland Town Center. With its ample natural light, open floor plan, and overall storage, this one bedroom apartment is designed to meet the needs of today’s renters. Its modern finishes, convenient location, sustainability features, and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish place to call your new home in DC.

If you or anyone else looking for a one or two bedroom apartment in DC, the 1-D Floor Plan is definitely worth considering. With its range of amenities and excellent location, it offers a vibrant urban lifestyle that is hard to beat.

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo With These 3 Recipes

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style with these three easy and delicious recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family. From zesty appetizers to flavorful main courses and refreshing drinks, we’ve got you covered for a festive and flavorful celebration.

Guacamole Stuffed Mini Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 12 mini bell peppers
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cut the tops off the mini bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  2. In a bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until smooth.
  3. Add the red onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocados. Stir until well combined.
  4. Spoon the guacamole mixture into each mini bell pepper.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, diced green chilies, and half of the shredded cheeses.
  3. Layer half of the tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish.
  4. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas and spread it evenly.
  5. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses on top.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Watermelon Margarita

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 1/2 cup silver tequila
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons agave syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine the watermelon, tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Fill glasses with ice cubes.
  4. Pour the watermelon mixture over the ice.
  5. Garnish with lime wedges.
  6. Serve chilled and enjoy responsibly.

These three easy recipes will add a festive touch to your Cinco de Mayo celebration. From the flavorful guacamole stuffed mini peppers to the hearty chicken enchilada casserole and the refreshing watermelon margarita, your taste buds will be dancing with delight. As an added bonus, you can pick up most, if not all, of these ingredients at Lidl, just steps from your front door! So gather your loved ones, whip up these delicious dishes, and raise a glass to a memorable Cinco de Mayo fiesta!

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A Day In The Life at Crest

As a resident at Crest, my days are filled with convenience, comfort, and excitement. From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed, there’s always something to do.

Morning

My mornings usually start off with a cup of coffee from the Starbucks located right across the street. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is enough to get me out of bed. Knowing that I don’t have to go far to get my caffeine fix is a game-changer. As an added bonus, it gives me an opportunity to walk Carl, my adorable pup!

fitness-center

After fueling up with coffee, I head to our fitness center to get in a quick workout. It’s so convenient to have a gym right in our building, and I love being able to work out on my own schedule. The equipment is top-of-the-line, and I especially love that the gym is two levels.

Once I’m done with my workout, it’s time to head to work. Luckily, Crest is just a short drive from my office, so I don’t have to worry about a long commute. But, on days when I don’t feel like driving, I can always take advantage of the convenient public transportation options available in the neighborhood (The 92 bus gets me there quickly!). For those days where I’m teleworking, I love mixing it up by working in the resident lounge or even the conference room.

After Work

lidl-grocery-store

When the workday is over, it’s time to run some errands. Fortunately, I won’t have to go far. First, I go get my haircut at Like That Barbershop, which is immediately located in Skyland Town Center. After, I typically head across the street to Lidl to stock up on groceries as well as check out the fun variety of international food items they have. You really cannot beat the prices! However, after a long day of work, the last thing I feel like doing is cooking a meal. Luckily, I can head to one of the many restaurants located essentially within the community. I’m very into Mezeh lately because of their fresh ingredients and healthier options, and I’m trying to look my best for the pool this summer.

Once I’ve devoured my Mezeh bowl, it’s time to take Carl to the dog park for some fetch. Fortunately, there’s a great dog run within the community that Carl absolutely loves, and watching him play with the other dogs is one of my favorite things to do. As a side note: Carl doesn’t have to pay a monthly pet rent, so he can finally take a break from all of his casting calls to be the next Purina dog.

On nights when I want to stay close to home, there’s plenty to do. In the warm seasons, I love unwinding by our pool. I also love attending our resident events as they’re always an opportunity to connect with neighbors and make new friends.

Overall, living at Crest at Skyland Town Center is the perfect mix of convenience, comfort, and excitement. With top-of-the-line amenities, a vibrant neighborhood, and a strong sense of community, there’s truly nowhere else I’d rather call home.

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Discover the Best of Urban Living at Crest

Are you looking for a vibrant and exciting neighborhood in the heart of DC? Look no further than Skyland Town Center. This dynamic community offers everything you need to live your best life from eclectic dining and shopping in addition to fantastic entertainment and outdoor recreation. Here are just a few reasons why Skyland Town Center perfectly serves our residents at Crest at Skyland Town Center:

Endless Dining Options

From an array of fast casual options to international delights, Skyland Town Center also offers a diverse and exciting dining scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll find something to suit your taste buds at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area.

Shopping Galore

like-that-barber-shop

Skyland Town Center has everything you need, and it’s also just steps from your door. With everything from the newly opened Lidl Grocery Store to CVS to Like That Barber Shop, you can run all of your errands without ever leaving your block.

Entertainment for All

skyland-town-center-block-party

Skyland Town Center is home to a wide range of entertainment options, from live music and theater at the annual Block Party and outdoor concerts at Porchfest. Whether you’re in the mood for a night out with friends or a family-friendly activity, there’s always something exciting happening in this vibrant neighborhood.

Outdoor Recreation

Skyland Town Center is situated in close proximity to some of DC’s most beautiful parks and natural areas, including Anacostia Park and Fort Dupont Park. With hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, there’s plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for residents to enjoy.

Convenient Location

dc-metro-bus

With easy access to major highways and public transportation, Skyland Town Center offers a convenient location for commuters and city dwellers alike. Additionally, with plenty of amenities and services within walking distance, residents of Crest at Skyland Town Center can enjoy all the perks of urban living without sacrificing convenience or comfort. Learn more about the various transportation options here!


In conclusion, Skyland Town Center is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood that offers everything you need to live your best life. From dining and shopping to entertainment and outdoor recreation, this dynamic community has something for everyone. As a resident of Crest at Skyland Town Center, you’ll enjoy easy access to all the amenities and attractions that make this neighborhood so special. So, why wait? Come see for yourself what makes Skyland Town Center the perfect place to call home.

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Lidl Grand Opening is Finally Here!

We’re so excited to announce that the long awaited Lidl will be joining us in our very own Skyland Town Center this Wednesday, 9/28! As a resident of Crest, we look forward to having you join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and store preview on Tuesday, as well as the Grand Opening Event on Wednesday! Please read below for more information on the Grand Opening Event, and click here to see what else we have just steps away from The Crest!


Grand Opening Event Details 

At the grand opening celebrations on September 28, customers will be able to take advantage of get-them-while-you-can grand opening special offers at the new store. The first 100 customers in line before the store opening at 8:00 a.m. will be presented with a special gift card ranging from $5 to $100 each. Shoppers can enter to win a $500 Lidl gift card, sample Lidl’s award-winning assortment, and take advantage of special giveaways.  

Lidl is proud to partner with the Capital Area Food Bank to provide food to community members in need. Throughout the entire grand opening weekend, Wednesday-Sunday, Lidl will donate $1 to the food bank for every new myLidl member who signs up and sets Lidl Skyland as their home store. 

Store Features  

Lidl has been repeatedly recognized for its shopping experience. For the second consecutive time, Food & Wine Magazine recently ranked Lidl among its Top 10 U.S. Supermarket rankings – ahead of retailers like Trader Joe’s and Costco. A study from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School observed that prices on Lidl’s award-winning assortment were up to 45 percent lower than nearby national grocers. 

When entering the Skyland store, shoppers can expect to experience the following: 

World-Class Shopping Experience 

  • Shoppers will save time and money each week with Lidl’s award-winning assortment and highly attractive prices. 
  • The store will be newly fitted out with an easy-to-shop layout that will mean a faster and more convenient shop for customers. 

Quality Without Question 

  • Healthy, responsible choices, including hundreds of organic and gluten free products. 
  • Unique specialty items ranging from hard-to-find cheeses to authentic specialty sauces, cured meats, and more – all at incredibly affordable prices. 
  • Award winning foods– Lidl’s private label products have won more than 500 awards. 
  • The Lidl Love it Guarantee– A logo that guarantees customer satisfaction; shoppers love the product they buy – or they are entitled to a refund, and a replacement. 

Eco-Friendly Store Design

  • Lidl’s state-of-the-art building contains many sustainable features and is pursuing LEED Gold Certification.
  • Electric Vehicle charging stations have been installed for customer and employee use.
  • One hundred percent of the store’s indoor and outdoor lights use LED bulbs.

Surprise and Delight 

  • Lidl offers an ever-changing selection of food and non-food specials brought in each Wednesday for a limited time, keeping the shopping experience exciting and new. The rotating non-food selection will include fitness gear, small kitchen appliances, toys, outdoor furniture, and more. 

Committed to Fresh:  

  • Lidl produce is brought in fresh each day and features more than 100 high quality fresh fruit and vegetable options at amazingly affordable prices. 
  • All Lidl flowers are guaranteed fresh and beautiful for five days at a minimum, with roses and lilies guaranteed for seven. 
  • Lidl’s fresh bakery will offer breads, pastries and other items baked throughout the day.  

Focused On Our People:

  • Lidl offers wages and benefits for its team that are above the industry standard in every market in which it operates.  
  • Starting pay for Lidl Skyland Store Associates will be $16.50 per hour.  
  • Lidl offers healthcare coverage to all team members, including those working part-time, regardless of the number of hours worked. 

About Lidl  Lidl operates around 11,550 stores and is active in 32 countries, employing more than 341,000 employees globally. Lidl offers customers the highest quality fresh produce, meat, bakery items and a wide array of household products at unbelievably low prices. Lidl first established its U.S. headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia, in June 2015, and today sells its award-winning products in more than 150 stores across nine east coast states. For more information, visit www.Lidl.com

Featured Apartment Floor Plans at Crest

There are only thirty days until springtime 2022 is upon us and we think spring is the best time to move into a new apartment home! We have two fantastic featured floor plans you can’t miss if you are out apartment hunting.

Crest at Skyland Town Center offers spacious one and two-bedroom apartments equipped with custom style backsplashes, updated kitchen features, wood laminate flooring, and more! The Crest community offers you a gorgeous pool, two-story fitness center, 24-hour concierge, dedicated resident parking garage, dog park, and a resident clubroom. You also have the convenience of a friendly 24-hour, on-site management team to assist with maintenance in your new home.

Just outside Crest’s front door, Skyland Town Center is open for business! You can check out DC’s only drive-thru Starbucks, Roamin Rooster restaurant and their delicious custard milkshakes, and easy conveniences like CVS and Chase Bank.

But when choosing an apartment home, we know the most important factor is if the floorplan will work for you and your lifestyle. Featured below are two of our favorites. Apply for either of these floor plans by March 20th and get up to one-month free.

Take a look!

Crest One-Bedroom B1

This one-bedroom apartment is the ultimate in efficient living! The apartment has a stackable washer and dryer that you can access from the hallway. The bedroom is large enough for a queen-size bed and it has a walk-in closet. The living area is highlighted by four windows letting in natural light. The kitchen area features upgraded appliances including a microwave, dishwasher, electric stove, and refrigerator. Also, note the custom-styled cabinets and the tile backsplashes.

Crest Two-Bedroom 2I

This popular two-bedroom apartment floor-plan boasts two full-size balconies both located in the kitchen/living area. This corner apartment is bathed in natural light. Residents will enjoy upgraded appliances, wood laminate flooring, and sleek tile backsplashes.

Each bedroom includes a full-size size walk-in closet and an adjacent bathroom. The bedrooms are split by the living space, allowing for some privacy. The apartment is equipped with a full-size washer and dryer. There are lots of thoughtful touches like the lighted art niche in the entryway. The 1100+ square feet of this apartment allows for endless flexibility in its design.

two-bedroom-2i-floorplan-crest-apartments

Roamin Rooster Opening

Crest residents, the wait is over.

Roaming Rooster, the wildly popular fried chicken restaurant, opens its Skyland Town Center location on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, 1pm.

And on Friday, Feb. 11, the drive-through Starbucks at Skyland (the first in DC!) will start serving at 5:30 am.

Not only is this the first Roaming Rooster to open east of the Anacostia River, it’s the first branch to launch a homemade custard milkshake program!

So come for the chicken and shakes, and also a DJ, merchandise and gift card giveaways and free food samples.

The Black-owned, Washington-based business started in 2015 as a food truck operating in the District; the family parlayed its loyal following into a brick-and-mortar operation in 2018, since then opening DC locations in Tenleytown, U Street, Western Market and Woodridge.

New Openings at Skyland Town Center

A new year is bringing many new, exciting events to Skyland Town Center!

On January 8 we welcomed DC Mayor Bowser, and city and community leaders to the groundbreaking of the Lidl grocery store. Lidl, recently ranked a top 3 U.S. grocer by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, will be the first full-service supermarket serving residents in Wards 7 and 8 to open in more than a decade.

Lidl offers an award-winning assortment of fresh, high-quality products including produce, a fresh bakery, beef poultry, and fish, as well as a wide array of non-food household products that drop in stores on a weekly basis.

The supermarket anticipates opening in the fall of 2022.

Very soon residents of The Crest and our neighbors will be able to get their caffeine fix at the Skyland Town Center Starbucks, which is expected to open in early February. It will be the first drive-through Starbucks in Washington, DC.

Folks craving a hot chicken sandwich will soon be getting their wish, as we look forward to the winter opening of Roaming Rooster. The DC-based restaurant, which started as a food truck, has a well-deserved reputation for its chicken options and, now, breakfast biscuits.

And if looking good is on your list of resolutions, Like That barbershop will soon be your stop for getting that stylish cut. The barbershop has been serving families east of the Anacostia River for more than 30 years, and is making a short trip across Good Hope Road to reopen at Skyland, anticipated by early February.

There’s much more to come this year at Skyland Town Center – so watch this space to keep track of new announcements.

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