From the May 2016 Best New Restaurants issue:
“The menu is microscopic at Banh Ta Deli, but the flavors are massive. This elegant newcomer to the Eden Center understands the architectural nature of a good banh mi, the all-important balance between the rich meats and Vietnamese mayo and the acidic garnishes and potent slices of jalapeno.” // 6783 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church; 703-532-1069
Tim Carman, The Washington Post’s $20 Diner
“The Churro French Toast drizzled with citrus syrup has a fun Mexican twist on a classic brunch staple. Pepita Cantina is a new Bitch-approved favorite.” // 4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Shruti Shah, Bitches Who Brunch
“There are a slew of new and excellent Ethiopian restaurants, but Meda Market is one of the best. Get the kitfo special and the vegetarian sampler.” // 512B S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria
Tyler Cowen, Tyler Cowen’s Ethnic Dining Guide
“Everything about the way Fair Winds Brewing Company‘s Siren’s Lure hoppy saison tastes is gorgeous; the spicy, peppery flavors of the saison yeast pair perfectly with the fruit from Calypso and Citra hops, and it all concludes with a dry, slightly tart finish that leaves me thirsty for the next sip. Fair Winds just celebrated its first anniversary, and they’ve already won a coveted Great American Beer Festival medal for this tremendous brew.” // 7000 Newington Road, Suites K&L, Lorton
Bill DeBaun, DCBeer
“Despite our region’s ramen pandemonium, the best thing on the menu at Yona isn’t a steaming bowl of slurp-able Japanese drunk food. Instead, it’s a savory waffle piled high with ocean treasures. A thick spread of taramasalata from its neighboring sister restaurant, Kapnos Taverna, forms the base of a pyramid of other toppings including two types of caviar and, most importantly, a generous portion of sea urchin lobes. The urchin gives the dish its name, the uni waffle.” // 4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Laura Hayes, The Best Thing on The Menu
“The first time I had the burger at Brine, I was hooked. The salty, charred-crusted patty giving way to a juicy, flavor-filled center crowned by sweet onion jam, earthy cheddar and tangy secret sauce (Thousand Island?) makes me swear I’m eating this masterpiece at a place that specializes in red meat, not seafood.” // 2985 District Ave., Fairfax
Jody Fellows, Burger Days
“Arterra Wines and Hawkmoth Arts opened their doors in 2015, offering a unique combination of a husband’s and wife’s passions: wine-making and art creation. Their Blueberry Apple Wine, served chilled, is a refreshing summer red wine and great to drink on its own (think: Fourth of July or poolside sipping). This fruit-forward wine combined the sweetness of the blueberry with the tartness of the apple for a melt-in-my-mouth, juicy combination.” // 1808 Leeds Manor Road, Delaplane
Christina Markish, VAWineUncorked.com
“The small meat medley at Texas Jack’s Barbecue—because nothing will more quickly settle whether or not a potential love interest is right for you than negotiating how to split a platter of delicious brisket, pork ribs, barbecue chicken and habanero sausage. Especially if they let you eat everything.” // 2761 Washington Blvd., Arlington
Kim Vu and Jessica Zetzman, DC Wrapped Dates
