Napoli Pasta Bar in Columbia Heights has gained lots of notice for its simple Neapolitan fare, including an inclusion in the Michelin guide. But rather than expanding with another location that’s the same as the original, Antonio Ferraro is kicking off a new concept at Pentagon Row. The Arlington mall is already home to foodie sites including Amore Congelato and Bun’d Up.
Ferraro says that he initially planned his next location as a restaurant with a small market, but the pandemic has made him and chef/partner Andy Clark change course. “Right now we still don’t know what’s going to happen this winter with regular restaurants,” he says. The result is Napoli Salumeria, a market with food that’s ready to go or prepared to order, that diners can take home or eat at the store.
The market will have a little bit of everything, including salumi, cheese and ceramics imported from the Amalfi Coast. The centerpiece of the market will be homemade pasta. “You can buy your fresh pasta, your jar of sauce and go home and cook it,” says Ferraro. Shapes include some of the favorites at Napoli Pasta Bar, such as paccheri and mafalde. Sauces are cooked for at least 10 hours, including a Neapoliotan ragù of beef in San Marzano tomatoes. There will be take-home meals with three courses, including an appetizer, pasta and dessert.
Sandwiches will account for much of the prepared food. Both hot and cold options will range from a classic Italian sub to homemade sausage, peppers and onions. House focaccia will be available plain or with pizza-style toppings.
Gelato will come from Dolce Gelato in DC. Scoops will be a part of the picture, but so will ice cream cakes. Other desserts will be made in-house, including a Caprese cake made with almond flour and dark chocolate. Look for Napoli Salumeria to open this month, as soon as all licenses are in. // 1301 South Joyce St., Arlington
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