On May 22, Mayor Allison Silberberg helped Ivica and Armela Svelina with their daughter Karmela and brother Almir open their new restaurant The Old House Cosmopolitan, 1024 Cameron St. The menu features German and Bosnian food such as a variety of schnitzels and grilled meats. Cevapcici – a homemade Balkan style beef sausages grilled and served with onion and Ajva. Lunch is offered from 11 to 4 and happy hour from 3:30-6:30. Ivan and Armela also own and operate The Cosmopolitan on Richmond Hwy.
Smoking Kow, 3250 Duke St., is providing the West End with some great BBQ. I had a chance to try some of their offerings. The pulled pork is most with a great balance of crispy bits and richness. Definitely order the moist brisket. It was delightfully tender with an amazing beefy smoky flavor. The sides are stupendous. The cheesy jalapeño grits are not to be missed. Rich and thick with cheese and smoky jalapeño flavor is over the top good. The vegetarian baked beans are a combination of beans in a not too sweet sauce and the right touch of smokiness. Of course, the mac n cheese is top notch and available in a creamy garlic and jalapeño sauce or plain. I can’t wait to get back and try the ribs!
Here’s some more good news. Namaste, 1504 King St., is adding delivery service. You will now be able to enjoy their delicious food in the comfort of your own home. Here’s some good news to replace bad: If you didn’t know, June 2 was the last day for Restaurant Eve. The good news is from a cryptic Instagram from Meshel Armstrong “Next chapter – E V E. meshel_armstrong #chefwifelife #newchapters #finedine #revival. We love reinventing and new chapters right!?”
Have you tried the Van Dorn Diner, 281 S Van Dorn St., which opened in May? The menu offers breakfast platters, omelets, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. The breakfast menu offers every combination possible in breakfast delights. Highlights included the home fries lightly seasoned and fries and the breakfast sandwich. Everything was virtually grease free. The milkshakes are also quite good – offered as both thick and thin versions. Items to try include the steak & eggs, eggs benedict, country fried steak with country gravy, Buffalo chicken wings, chicken quesadilla, van dorn salad, and onion rings.
Speaking of fish, have you been to Let’s Meat on the Avenue, 2403 Mt. Vernon Ave., lately? They are now featuring fresh seafood from sustainably sourced vendors. Fish arrive on Thursday when they are processed and package for sale. I tried the King salmon and found it to be extraordinarily fresh and flavorful. Salmon will always be available with a variety of other fish including corvina, wahoo, and tuna.
Noodle Box, 602 King St., opened in April in the former Red Mei location. Noodle Box co-owner Ken Nimmannit and his business partner, Tommy Kanavivatchai grabbed the space and maintain the Asian fast-casual motif. The restaurant offers both meat-based plates and vegan-inspired entrée with either rice or noodles. The menu leans toward Thai with a popular Pad Thai and a spicy basil chicken served with jasmine rice. Spicy noodle dishes offer a real taste of spice without burning you out. The chive dumplings are good go-to item. The dipping sauce is great. Another Asian food truck is taking over the former site of Arlington Diner, 2921 S. Glebe Rd. Kovi Kitchen features organic Korean-Vietnamese tacos, rice bowls, and bahn mi sandwiches. Speaking of that shopping center, Delia’s, 2931 S. Glebe Rd., has opened in the former site of Tazza’s Kitchen. Lots of good reviews are floating around the listservs.
Casa Rosada, 111 S Payne St., serves some of the best Argentinian gelato in the area made by founder and owner Benjamin Umansky is now offering dog desserts with Hungry Henry’s Dog Gelato. Each 6 oz. portion was created based on the original human gelato with the ‘not-so-good’ ingredients removed. Taste tests were performed by both humans and dogs.
Mount Purrnon Cat Café and Wine Bar, Old Town, is being envisioned as a lounge with adoptable cats and café area by future owners Kristin Cowan and Adam Patterson. One room would feature adoptable cats from a local shelter where visitors can play with them. The café and wine bar would offer coffee, tea, pastries, varieties of wine and beer and snacks like cheese plates and hummus. The owners are raising money via Kickstarter campaign at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/703393707/mount-purrnon-cat-cafe-and-wine-bar?ref=483036&token=9a5f2b36
We keep watching the site of Dudley’s Sport & Ale House at 2766 S. Arlington Mills Drive. Reese Gardner, owner of Copperwood Tavern in Shirlington and Irish Whiskey Public House in D.C., has run into continuing delays in opening the 12,000 sq. ft. space that formerly housed The Bungalow Sports Grill. A major enhancement includes a 3,000 sq. ft. rooftop bar to hold 300 people.
We may see an August opening.
Until next time, eat well and enjoy.
