Homegrown Chain Cava Is Headed North and South in 2018, Plus More Intel

Expansions

Local mezze maker Cava is continuing its march across the country, announcing plans to open a handful of new outposts in Austin, Boston, and Charlotte, North Carolina in the coming year. The decade-old restaurant turned booming hospitality group wants to nearly double its footprint by opening 20 additional restaurants — including seven more around the DMV — by next summer.

Awards

Photo: Slate Wine Bar and Bistro

Slate Wine Bar and Bistro chef Danny Lledó recently took home the People’s Choice Award at the Paella Wine and Beer Festival in Costa Mesa, California. He fed the crowd a traditional paella Valenciana (featuring chicken and pork) as well as a seafood-based preparation loaded with lobster and shrimp. The lobster version is now on the menu at the Glover Park restaurant.

Coming attractions

Northern Virginia Magazine reports on the impending arrival of multi-purpose Farm Brew Live, a dining and drinking destination in Manassas featuring a brewery (2 Silos Brewing Co.), restaurant (The Black Sheep), and entertainment venue (The Yard). [NVM]

Tex-Mex headed to Truxton Circle

PoPville has spotted a liquor license application by aspiring taqueria Republic Cantina. The paperwork calls for a roughly 110-seat eatery (60 inside; 40 at a “sidewalk cafe;” 10 in a “summer garden”) focusing on “tacos and other Tex-Mex food.” [PoPville]