Lotus Grill, Mother Rucker's Subs Now Open

1) Shirlington: ARLNOW reports that a new Vietnamese restaurant in Shirlington called Lotus Grill & Noodles has opened. The restaurant served its first meals Monday next door to Extra Virgin. On the menu: crispy spring rolls, summer rolls, green papaya salad, pho, banh mi and a bunch of rice dishes. In other words, traditional Vietnamese fare. The restaurant seats 40 and has a small bar. Status: Certified open. 4041 Campbell Ave. Arlington, Va; website.

2) Northeast DC: Frozen Tropics stopped by Mother Rucker's subs, which opened over the weekend. There, the blog found sandwiches with generous ingredients, lots of Italian cold cuts and a cash-only policy. The restaurant has an open kitchen and looks very different from the former Sullivan's. Status: Certified open. 1101 Bladensburg Road; website.

Mother Rucker's Subs [Photo: Frozen Tropics]