Join Club

New ‘Mexican Cantina’ Coming to Ballston

Mike Isabella (photo credit: Greg Powers)Restaurateur, cookbook author and repeat Top Chef contestant Mike Isabella will be opening a new “Mexican cantina” in Ballston next year.

Isabella, who is preparing for the planned fall opening of his Kapnos Taverna restaurant at 4000 Wilson Blvd in Ballston, announced today that he will be opening “Pepita,” a 1,200 square foot Mexican restaurant, in the same building. Pepita is expected to open in “early 2015.”

“I love Mexican food and cocktails, and Pepita is going to be the type of casual neighborhood restaurant and bar I would visit often,” Isabella said in a press release.

“It’s going to feel like you’re on vacation at a Mexican coastal resort between the wood finishes, greenery, fresh produce for cocktails and dishes, and windows that open onto a small patio,” he continued. “Everything from the food to the drinks to the design is going to be traditional, familiar and comfortable.”

Isabella is the chef and owner of three restaurants in the District — Italian-inspired Graffiato, Greek-inspired Kapnos and “G,” a sandwich shop — in addition to a sandwich concept called G Grab and Go in Edison, N.J. Last summer he cut ties with Bandolero, a Mexican restaurant in Georgetown that he managed under contract.

More about Pepita, from the press release:

The menu will feature just a dozen items, including daily specials from a caja china-roasted suckling pig. A selection of tacos, house-made salsas and guacamole, ceviche, salads, soups and tortas will be available for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with brunch on weekends. Food and drink specials will rotate all day, and the entire menu will be priced by the piece.

A robust beverage program will be at the heart of the restaurant’s menu and feature a large selection of tequila and mezcal and a list of rocks and frozen margaritas made to order with fresh fruit. A build-your-own option will encourage guests to select from a list of juices squeezed that day to create custom margaritas. Pepita will also serve hot and frozen Mexican coffees, which can be enhanced with a shot of tequila. Taha Ismail, beverage director for Graffiato, Kapnos and G, and a partner in the project, is the mastermind behind Pepita’s beverage program.

The design is inspired by Mexican coastal cantinas and highlights light wood furniture with a motif of yellow, light green and marigold tiled patterns. A concrete bar will serve tacos and drinks to a dining room of around 40 seats, all at high top tables. Additional seating will be available on a covered patio, which will have direct access to the bar via open service windows.

Photo credit: Greg Powers

Recent Stories

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar. 🕗 News recap The following articles were published earlier today…

An 18-year-old Arlington woman is facing a litany of charges after an reported bike theft led to violence. The incident happened Sunday evening near the intersection of S. Walter Reed…

What do I do if school doesn’t fit my kid? That’s the question that so many of the parents and families ask when they’re looking at small independent schools like…

There is a new play area for kids inside Ballston Quarter with plenty of pint-sized attractions. Located on the first floor of the mall, near the about-to-close Macy’s, Junior Playland…

Well-Paid Maids recently unveiled a new scheduling system.

That means it’s easier than ever to book your professional home cleaning with the only certified living-wage home cleaning service in the D.C. area.

Here’s what to expect when you book your cleaning:

  1. Select your location.

  2. Choose your service (i.e. 1 BD/1BA). (This is also where you’ll see the rate.)

  3. Pick your cleaner. (If you don’t have a preference, opt for “any available.”)

  4. Schedule a date and time. You can also set up recurring cleanings and get a discount!

  5. Enter your information and reserve.

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

What We Offer:
✔️ Individual Therapy
✔️ Couples Counseling
✔️ Anxiety & Stress Management
✔️ Depression Treatment
✔️ Trauma Healing
✔️ Self-Esteem Building
✔️ Life Transitions Support
✔️ And Much More!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Portofino Italian Wine Dinner, April 6, 6:30pm

Four course Italian dinner, paired with 2 wines each. The wines will be served “blind” and notes on each wine will be discussed. The event is coordinated with Elite Wine Importers and The Portofino Restaurant. The dinner is on Saturday,

×

Subscribe to our mailing list