By Nicole Bayne
From Georgian cheese bread to the Central Asian rice dish, plov, Bistro 360 will serve dishes inspired from countries across the globe. There will be a market too, from Cassatt’s owner Art Hauptman, and is set to open tonight at 6 p.m.
Inspired by Hauptman’s love of international culinary practices—Cassatt’s features dishes from New Zealand—Bistro 360 will showcase Mediterranean fare with an emphasis on food found in the Northern Hemisphere, specifically French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and American.
“Some dishes will be traditionally prepared, while some will be prepared fusion style. There will still be food from a number of different countries that complement each other,” says Hauptman. Since most of these cuisines share the same base, like poultry, beef, lamb and vegetables, it will be up to the spices and oils to make each dish unique.
Hauptman is not redoing the entire 140-seat space, formerly Cafe Assorti, but says Portuguese tiles will don “wall hangings from parts of Asia and a variety of countries.” The retail market offerings include meals to-go, wine, beer, cheese, charcuterie, breads, pastries, coffees and teas. “I’ve always loved interesting and good food at reasonable prices and that’s what I’m trying to do here,” says Hauptman.
Hauptman hopes to have the restaurant and wine bar of Bistro 360 open late next week. You can already view the bar menu on their website, bistro360.net, which should be live very soon. / Bistro 360, 1800 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703- 522-3600
