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Morning Notes

Published September 12, 2013 at 8:45AM

O.C. Donut Store May be Coming to Arlington — The Fractured Prune, an Ocean City institution known for its hot, hand-dipped, homemade donuts, is expanding to the Washington area. The company is looking at Arlington as a possible location for a new store. [Washington Business Journal]

National Merit Semifinalists Announced — Eighteen Arlington Public Schools students have earned the honor of being named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. The semifinalists include 4 students from H-B Woodlawn, 9 students from Washington-Lee, 2 students from Yorktown and 3 students who are attending Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. [Arlington Public Schools]

Around Town

New Mike Isabella Restaurant Coming to Ballston

By Katie Pyzyk

Published September 11, 2013 at 12:15PM | Updated September 11, 2013 at 1:45PM

A spinoff of the recently opened Kapnos will occupy a space at 4000 Wilson Blvd in Ballston, which is the Liberty Center South development. That’s the development where Taylor Gourmet will go in as well, as announced earlier this summer.

Kapnos Taverna will feature the same types of Northern Greek inspired fare found at Kapnos. Unlike the D.C. location, the Ballston restaurant will offer weekday lunch, weekend brunch and a happy hour menu.

Around Town

Ben’s Chili Bowl ‘Testing the Waters’ in Rosslyn

By Ethan Rothstein

Published September 11, 2013 at 9:45AM

Occupying Ray’s Hell Burger’s old space at 1725 Wilson Blvd is a chance to replace a valued piece of the community, Ali told ARLnow.com.

“Ray’s was there, and everyone really valued Ray’s,” he said. “It was a great place, I’m sorry to see it go. It was an opening, and it left kind of a void that people flock to that was local and very special. It seemed like a special attempt to go there.”

Opinion

Afternoon Poll: Ben’s Chili Bowl in Rosslyn

By ARLnow.com

Published September 9, 2013 at 12:30PM

The new Ben’s will be located in at 1725 Wilson Blvd, in the former Ray’s Hell Burger space, WBJ reported.

But will the idea of scarfing down a chili half smoke closer to home be enough to drive Arlington residents to the new restaurant? Or is part of Ben’s allure tied to the original U Street NW location — whether it be the location’s history or proximity to popular bars?

Around Town

Bracket Room to Open Sept. 5

By ARLnow.com

Published August 29, 2013 at 9:30AM

Bracket Room, a new upscale sports bar in Clarendon, is planning to open its doors on Thursday, Sept. 5.

The restaurant received its liquor license this week and will be wrapping up interior construction over the next week. Co-owner and reality television star Chris Bukowski says the Bracket Room will distinguish itself from other sports bars in the area by offering a higher-end, “female-friendly” experience, complete with a wide variety of cocktails and shooters and higher-quality food.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published August 28, 2013 at 8:45AM

Building Permits for Major Projects — Developers have filed applications to begin construction on two major building projects. At 20 stories, the soon-to-be-built office building at 4040 Wilson Blvd will be the largest of the three Liberty Center buildings in Ballston. Also set for construction: 2145 Lee Highway, better known as the Bergmann’s development. That project will include 175 apartments, 27 townhouses and a MOM’s Organic Market. [Washington Business Journal]

At Kettler, Olympic Hopefuls Expect Gold — The prospective USA Hockey players who are holding orientation camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Ballston through Thursday expect to be a favorite to win gold at the Sochi Olympic Games in 2014. [Associated Press]

Around Town

Bengali Restaurant Now Open on Lee Highway

By Ethan Rothstein

Published August 22, 2013 at 2:30PM

A new restaurant specializing in food from Bangladesh opened its doors today at 5169 Lee Highway.

Aladdin, in the Garden City Shopping Center near the Yorktown neighborhood, opened for lunch today with a limited menu, owner Harun Rashid said. He is planning a grand opening on Sept. 1.

Around Town

Mussel Bar Brings Belgian Fare to Ballston

By Katie Pyzyk

Published August 6, 2013 at 3:30PM | Updated September 3, 2014 at 8:29AM

Ballston is getting a little more Belgian, thanks to the opening of Mussel Bar and Grille (800 N. Glebe Road) this week.

Today and tomorrow the restaurant is holding its soft opening for invited guests and will open to the public for dinner on Thursday. Friday will be the first day it will open for lunch.

Around Town

Pines of Florence Moves to Columbia Pike

By Ethan Rothstein

Published August 5, 2013 at 1:00PM

Less than two months after its Virginia Square location closed, Pines of Florence is now open in a new location on Columbia Pike.

Pines of Florence abruptly closed up shop in Virginia Square in late June and was replaced quickly by the planned Water and Wall restaurant, operated by the owners of Maple Ave Restaurant in Vienna. On Sunday, the Italian restaurant and pizza shop launched a soft opening at 3207 Columbia Pike.

Around Town

Mussel Bar Expected to Open in Ballston Next Week

By ARLnow.com

Published August 1, 2013 at 3:35PM

Mussel Bar & Grille, a gastropub from restaurateur Robert Wiedmaier, is expected to open in Ballston next week.

The restaurant is taking reservations for dinner on Thursday, Aug. 8, which, we’re told, is its current expected opening date. Through its big plate glass windows at 800 N. Glebe Road this week, managers could be seen training staff and construction workers could be seen putting the finishing touches on the wood, concrete and steel interior.

Around Town

Taj of India Coming To Cucina Vivace Space

By Ethan Rothstein

Published July 30, 2013 at 10:00AM | Updated July 30, 2013 at 11:34AM

Owner Sahjahal Mia, who owns Taj of India in Georgetown, said he’s been looking to open a second Taj of India location in Virginia for a couple of years. Once the location on the 23rd Street S. restaurant row opened up, he knew he’d found a home.

“There are a lot of restaurants on that strip, but no Indian restaurants,” Mia told ARLnow.com. “I’ve been visiting 20-30 times, and every time it’s crowded. I think we’re going to do well.”

Around Town

Bracket Room Reveals Menu, List of 64 Shooters

By ARLnow.com

Published July 16, 2013 at 1:35PM

The restaurant will offer upscale takes on traditional bar food like burgers, wings, ribs and fries, as well as higher-end items like Maine lobster and healthier options like ceviche, a “superfoods salad” and chilled asparagus. A brunch menu is also offered.

Bracket Room is located in the former Burapa Thai space at 1210 N. Garfield Street. Among the three partners in the business are Chris Bukowski, of “Bachelorette” and “Bachelor Pad” reality show fame.