Afghan Gem From Baltimore Opens a Place for Kebab Bowls in Northern Virginia

Kebab bowls in Herndon

An established Afghan fine-dining restaurant from Baltimore has branched out into the fast-casual game, and it recently opened its first D.C.-area location in Fairfax County. Northern Virginia Magazine reports that the Helmand, a Baltimore institution since 1989, opened a Kabobi by the Helmand counter last month in Herndon, Virginia (2321A Dulles Station Boulevard). Owner Khaleeq Ahmad tells the magazine that Kabobi’s kebabs eschew Pakistani influences (curry, garam masala) and uses traditional Afghan spices like cardamom and cinnamon. The menu shows a deep lineup of appetizers — including a pan-fried and baked baby pumpkin that’s popular at the Helmand — salads, wraps, bowls, and desserts. [NVM]

&Cheetos

The Georgetown location of &pizza is participating in a “secret menu” stunt, one shared in a news release and on Instagram, through Sunday, June 30. The two not-so-secret pizzas incorporate two of the finest junk foods on the planet, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Oreos. The Cheeto has spicy tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Buffalo sauce, and ranch. The Oreo has sweet ricotta, crushed Oreos, and sweet ricotta icing. The company rigged its website so you can only see these items in your browser’s incognito mode. The Astor Place location in New York is the only other &pizza serving the junk food pies.

New ice cream in Park View

Popville shared the news that Here’s the Scoop is hosting a Grand Opening on Saturday at 2824 George Avenue NW. The shop doesn’t list any flavors on its website but says there will be milkshakes, sundaes, ice cream cookie sandwiches, cakes, cookies, cobblers, puddings, and pies. Ice N Slice, an ice cream and pizza place from the owners of beloved Park View breakfast place Heat Da Spot, is expected to open soon in Petworth, too. [Popville]

Spotlighting immigrant cooks

Washington City Paper released the cover story from its 2019 food issue online today. The package takes a look at 16 different immigrant cooks contributing to the D.C. area’s vibrant culinary scene. [WCP]