National Fast-Casual Chain Newk’s Eatery Lands in Virginia Next Week

More salads for Sterling

Jackson, Mississippi-based Newk’s Eatery, which has planted over 120 restaurants across 16 states since 2004, makes its Virginia debut on Monday, July 1. The Sterling location (46515 Harry Byrd Highway) works 30 types of fresh produce into its salads, sandwiches and baked-to-order pizzas. Newk’s also operates a bakery known for its dozen-layer cakes. The 4,377-square-foot restaurant at the Shoppes at Potomac Corner fits 132 guests inside and 52 on its rooftop umbrella-lined patio. Hours are Monday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

New brunch in Takoma Park

The Girl & the Vine, the dreamy new deli and wine shop that opened a couple months back in Takoma Park, rolls out its first brunch service this weekend with acai bowls and sweet-and-salty sandwiches starting at 10 a.m. Come back on Thursdays for its brand new burger, sold from 11 a.m. until sellout ($10.99). Also now on tap inside: a trendy coffee cocktail.

Girl & the Vine [official photo]

Sky-high pampering

Hilton’s months-old Conrad Washington, DC just unveiled its private cherry blossom-themed Sakura Club on the 10th floor, stocked with its own concierge team waiting to meet every whim. That includes made-to-order meals created by a private chef and served out of an open kitchen. Those who want to eat downstairs with the masses get priority reservations at the Voltaggio brothers’ seafood-focused Estuary. Guests can also drink well all day via a private stock of reserve Japanese whiskey curated by beverage director Nick Hellberg. Oh yea, there’s a catch: the private club is limited to guests staying in pricey club-level guest rooms and suites.

Conrad [official photo]

All-American beers and pizza

Pizzeria Paradiso’s 70-plus taps will filled entirely by IPAs for the first two weeks of July. The “JulyPA” takeover features a winning home brew recipe, scaled up by DC Brau, called Hotel Amarillo. That will be served alongside drafts from Ocelot, Hardywood, SingleCut, Dogfish Head, Heavy Seas, and more. Chef and owner Ruth Gresser also offers a rotating “United States of Pizza” menu of state-themed pies honoring and highlighting female elected officials next month, starting with an Oregon Pizza with basil, ricotta, prosciutto, and roasted apricots.

New patio near Convention Center

Shaw’s Morris American Bar just started slinging summer cocktails made with herbs plucked from outdoor planters on its new patio. Think palomas, mai tais, Aperol spritzes, and a cognac-filled Coconut Conference cocktail (an ode to its location in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center). Eater has learned that Morris co-founder David Strauss is no longer affiliated with the glam drinking den, and D.C. bar vet Doug Fisher is now helming the drinks program.

Traveling with Cuba Libre

Under new U.S. travel restrictions, traveling to Cuba got a lot more complicated. Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is trying to simplify things by organizing a group trip through Access Culinary Trips — one of the remaining U.S. tour companies currently licensed to operate in Cuba. From Wednesday, October 16 through Monday, October 21, James Beard award-winning chef/partner Guillermo Pernot will take nine travelers to Havana. The itinerary for the six-day culinary trip across the island includes visiting Havana hotspot El Biky and cooking classes at Al Carbon with top chef Ivan Chef Juruns. The cost: $3,990 per person for double occupancy accommodations and $4,680 for single occupancy (not including airfare). Another trip is planned for early March.