When Heritage Brewing closed its Clarendon location last fall, citing “the difficulties of the current environment,” it was yet another blow dealt by COVID to the local food scene. Robert Maher, a French Culinary Institute grad, had just relocated to the area from New York City. “Me and my father-in-law decided to be part of the recovery of restaurants,” he recalls. The result, Maison Cheryl, named for Maher’s late mother-in-law, will open this summer.
Maher says that the concept will be trendy, but still inclusive. This is reflected on a working dinner menu, which ranges from a $16 spicy chicken Milanese with chipotle crema and a burger topped with brûléed Brie to a two-course lobster two ways. The latter meal includes a lobster claw salad flavored with green apples and smoked paprika, as well as a butter-poached lobster tail. As the name suggests, dishes will lean French, but Maher says, “There will be a lot of Asian influences, too.” For example, expect shishito peppers injected with satay sauce and shrimp tempura with spicy Kewpie mayo among the many varied appetizers.
Maher also makes his own desserts and he’s excited to bring his macarons, baked-to-order mini madeleines, and croissant doughnuts to Arlington. The restaurant is currently going through permitting, and though the process is slow, Maher hopes to be open no later than July. // 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
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