The Arlington food scene is ringing in the new year with National Zoo-inspired panda treats, Peruvian fusion dishes, raw fish tacos and more.
Celebratory panda donuts, coming soon
- Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken in Shirlington has recreated the fuzzy black-and-white faces of D.C.’s newest celebrities, Bao Li and Qing Bao, on donuts.
- Oreo cookies make for some pretty convincing panda faces. The confections are filled with black cherry jam and topped with cream cheese glaze.
- The panda treats are available from Jan. 24-31 at 4005 Campbell Avenue.
Family deal and seasonal cocktails in Ballston
- Immigrant Food has launched a limited-time “winter cocktail flight,” featuring three cocktails from six new seasonal specials.
- During brunch on the weekends, kids 12 and under now receive 50% off “kid friendly” items marked on the restaurant’s menu.
- A modern calligraphy for beginners workshop is happening during brunch at Immigrant Food on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Peruvian bao buns and fusion dessert at Inca Social
- New bao buns bring Peruvian-Asian fusion front and center to Inca Social at 1776 Wilson Blvd in Rosslyn.
- At $11, the buns can be filled with pork chicharrón or buffalo ricotta fried chicken.
- A new dessert, Lima Delight, brings together the flavor of Peruvian chica morada and the composition of New York-style cheesecake.
New seafood tacos on the Pike
- Raw salmon and tuna hard shell tacos are the latest addition to Ryu Izakaya‘s Japanese menu at 3030 Columbia Pike.
- The tacos are topped with scallions, masago and homemade sauces. Salmon tacos come with spicy sesame cream sauce, while the tuna tacos come with yuzu sauce.
- The tuna tacos are $9 during happy hour tuna from 4-7 p.m. daily. Otherwise, three tacos go for $12.
Zero-proof libations for Dry January
- There are several spots around Arlington to treat yourself to a non-alcoholic cocktail or draft.
- Surreal at 2117 Crystal Drive in Crystal City offers zero-proof pina coladas, lychee martinis and IPAs. A powder blue Enchanted Lemonade is made with condensed milk, citrus and blue spirulina.
- The Salt Line at 4040 Wilson Blvd in Ballston has two featured mocktails, including a sorrel punch with dried hibiscus, cinnamon, ginger and lime.
- Nearby at the Ballston Quarter, Jinya Ramen Bar offers the J Girl, a fruity signature mocktail flavored with blood orange, grapefruit, lime, strawberry and mint.
