Takumi Sushi
This new sushi restaurant has taken over the former Vapor Solutions space between Smashburger and Ayoub Carpet Service at 310 S. Washington Street in Falls church. Chef Jay Yu—who spent 13 years at Kaz Sushi Bistro in D.C. and also worked at Raku and Café Asia—heads the new 30-seat restaurant which opened in November. Takumi’s menu is heavy on nigiri and sashimi, but also features warm dishes like fried tofu.
310-B South Washington Street
Falls Church, Virginia 22046
703-241-1128
Kapnos Kouzina
The Mosaic District in Merrifield, VA will be the second location for Chef Mike Isabella’s new Kapnos Kouzina, which pulls its name from the Greek word for kitchen. The ambience and menu will match its name, featuring home-style Greek cuisine, rustic Mediterranean dishes and platters to share.
Kapnos Kouzina will feature both small plates and large-format platters served family-style. Greek-spiced crispy chicken with attiki honey, braised lamb top round with lentils, eggplant, tomato and harissa and whole roasted branzino in a spicy clam broth will be among the signature dishes. The Kapnos Kouzina menu will also feature a few favorites from the original Kapnos, notably the stone bread and Greek spreads. Like Kapnos Taverna, Kapnos Kouzina will be open for weekday lunch. Chef Billy Riddle will serve as chef de cuisine at the Mosaic District location.
Taco Bamba
Chef/Owner Victor Albisu will be expanding his “Best of Falls Church” takeout taqueria which opened in 2013, to two new locations. The primary menu will feature tacos, sopes and tortas while daily specials will rotate tamales, soups and classic Mexican dishes through the offerings. The new location will also launch a new bar program with margaritas (perhaps on tap), micheladas, palomas, and Mexican beers. “The drink programs are going to be pretty focused,” Albisu says. “It’s going to be stuff that goes with tacos, for the most part. In Vienna, we’ll have probably a bit more of a broader bar, where you can sit down and have a few different styles of cocktails. But I’m not envisioning a 50-item, mixology-driven, craft-cocktail menu at any of these locations. It’s still a food-first business.” Projected Vienna opening Summer 2016 at 180 Maple Ave. W in Vienna.
TenPenh
The Asian-fusion restaurant that closed its doors on June 30, 2011 after 11 years in DC has signed a lease for 6,395 square feet of space at Washington REIT’s newly renovated Silverline Center in the heart of Tysons, VA. The revived concept will nod to its earlier location in both appearance and food, but there will be plenty of “contemporary and new” aspects, too, Wizenberg said. The restaurant will feature an outdoor area with a fire pit, a lounge and a sushi bar. Tunks will help develop the new TenPenh, but the group plans to hire a chef de cuisine. Wizenberg said some old favorites, such as the Chinese-style smoked lobster, shrimp curry and crispy whole fish, may appear on the menu.
Earl’s Tysons Corner
With 63 existing locations across the US and Canada, Earl’s Tysons Corner, a premium casual restaurant that offers dishes made fresh and from scratch, celebrated its grand opening October 14. Earls works with local suppliers and producers, where possible, offering a selection of seasonal menu items including a variety of pastas, seafood, chicken, ribs and steaks as well as burgers, sandwiches, a great wine selection and craft beer.
7902 Tysons One Place
McLean, VA 22102
703-847-1870
www.earls.ca
Chase the Submarine
Beloved Vienna restaurateurs Michael Amouri (of Caffe Amouri) and husband-and-wife chef duo Tim Ma and Joey Hernandez (of Water & Wall and formerly of Maple Ave Restaurant), celebrated their grand opening Wednesday, November 18, of latest project, Chase the Submarine, offering gourmet sandwiches, butcher shop and coffee shop for just 30 guests located at 132 Church Street (formerly Kiln & Co.). They opened their doors at 10:30 AM and sold out by 2 PM – a huge testament to how supportive the neighborhood has been to local area businesses.
American Tandoor
Opened October 30 and offers dishes to reflect India’s eclectic culinary heritage with the influences of contemporary American dining. Karan Singh, the man behind American Tandoor, is a native of both the USA and India where he developed a passion and understanding of both cultures and their unique, abundant flavors. Lunch and dinner will be offered, Monday through Friday starting at 11:30 a.m. with brunch on the weekends running from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. More here.
Street Kitchen
From the same folks at American Tandoor, this sister concept offers fast casual Indian, located just next door on the 2nd level of Tysons Corner Center. Menu features Dosas and Frankies.
