Arlington
Tazza Kitchen
For: Pizzas, Salads, Beer
2931 S. Glebe Road, Arlington
Salads are so often predictable and so rarely memorable. At Tazza Kitchen in Arlington Ridge, a salad combining smoked mozzarella, potatoes (not so crunchy, as the menu states), almonds and maple syrup vinaigrette over arugula lets plenty of twists of black pepper bring the salad’s flavors together in a way that is filling and fun to eat.
There are both Baja and Italian influences (though diners should be spared the servers’ 10-minute speech on the owners’ inspirations), the former shown with a chicken taco packed with smoky tomato jam and slaw, though a second tortilla would have helped keep the bright, kicky flavors from falling out.
Italy appears with a simple margherita on a crisp crust that doesn’t get bogged down with too much cheese. Pork cheek Bolognese lacks depth, but the abundant amount of meat, and at $14, keeps this dish appealing.
(April 2015)
