Most aren’t privy to the inner workings of a restaurant’s kitchen. It’s a world unto itself, where tables and chairs are numbered and the most complex orders are rattled off and understood with ease. The hiss of the grill, the crackle of fire dancing up from the stove, the clanging pots and pans make a cacophony of sound in which chefs find harmony. From these mysterious reaches come the dishes that make a restaurant’s meals. Open Kitchen pulls back the curtain, and in demystifying the restaurant kitchen creates a new sense of wonder.

Local concert-goers will have two chances this weekend to see folk singer-songwriter Ana Egge perform.

Nicky McDonnell, who will play Diana in McLean Community Players’ “Next to Normal” next month, is more selective about the roles she takes these days. She gave up professional acting a decade ago, trading six shows a week in the New York City theater world for family life. Now she’s a busy real estate agent and mother of two who satisfies her acting desires in community theater. But in order for McDonnell to consider a part, it has to mean something to her. This one does.

Burgers and shakes are an easy sell. They’re cheap, delicious, and so wrapped up in Americana that the thought of enjoying either elicits a nostalgic grin. In the Washington, D.C. area, there’s no shortage of burger joints ready to grill up bun-bound, cheese-covered, beefy masterpieces. It takes something special to stand out from the crowd. And Good Stuff Eatery, with its farm-fresh ingredients and fun and tasty burger recipes, has found a way to distinguish itself.