‘Irish Farm-to-Table’ Concept from Cathal Armstrong to Replace Siné

Siné may be no more, but its expansive former Pentagon Row location will remain a destination for Irish food and drink.

Renowned local chef Cathal Armstrong is planning to open a new restaurant concept in the Siné space this spring. Called Mattie & Eddie’s Irish Bar and Restaurant, it will off “a full Irish farm-to-table menu, a signature style of the chef,” according to a press release.

The name of the restaurant holds special meaning for Armstrong, a native of Dublin.

“In addition to being Armstrong’s grandparents, the restaurant’s namesakes — Martha and Edward — were also drapers, a nod made through the appearance of scissors and well-dressed caricatures in the restaurant’s logo, designed by Armstrong’s brother,” the press release says. “As their story reads, they handmade curtains for a living, but their lives revolved around food.”

The menu includes Irish classics, prepared with a more modern touch. Among the offering are shareable Irish sausage rolls, a black pudding with onions and crusty bread appetizer, and a house cured corned beef with cabbage confit and parsleyed potato entree.

Also on the menu: Eamonn’s fish and chips — centerpiece of the late, lamented Old Town Alexandria eatery of the same name — with seven “secret sauces.”

“This restaurant is particularly personal for me, as it honors the very people who created my sense of place and purpose,” Armstrong said in a statement. “The menu will feature my version of familiar Irish dishes, with modern ingredients. We’re eager to create an Irish comfort food experience, paired with a great beer or glass of wine, in the company of the people you love. In honor of the people I love.”

Pentagon Row, now rebranded as “Westpost,” has seen considerable turnover recently, shedding old favorites while adding buzzy new options.

Among the recent closures of note are Siné, Aabee Express, A Deli, Bed Bath & Beyond, Champps, Starbucks, World Market, and Unleashed. New additions include:

• Scott Chung’s Bun’d Up
• Chung and Kevin Tien’s Wild Tiger BBQ pop-up
• Antonio Ferraro’s Napoli Salumeria
• Johnny Spero and Scott Parker’s Nighthawk Pizza
• Tim Ma’s Lucky Danger
• Cafe and coffee roaster Origin Coffee Lab and Kitchen

“As we look towards the impending arrival of Amazon’s HQ2 along with the continued evolution of National Landing, we are focused on delivering a true destination, an outpost, that exceeds the expectations of the long-time residents and the newcomers that call National Landing, and the greater Arlington area, home, work, and all things in between,” said Stuart Biel of Westpost owner Federal Realty Investment Trust. “Westpost’s location is ideal, with just a short walk west from Amazon’s campus, but a world away as far as amenities and offerings.”

Armstrong’s other current restaurants include Kaliwa and Tiki TNT at the Wharf in D.C. and Hummingbird in Alexandria. His former concepts include Restaurant Eve and Society Fair.

No exact date was given for when Mattie & Eddie’s might open. The LLC associated with the restaurant in a recent Virginia ABC filing was formed a few weeks after Siné closed. A construction permit for the restaurant could be found, suggesting that Armstrong will be using much of the existing space as currently built, with perhaps new paint and furnishings.