Jinya Will Start Simmering Slow-Cooked Ramen in Ballston

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Jinya Ramen Bar (4238 Wilson Blvd Suite 150, Arlington) will start simmering in Ballston Quarter when it swings open in March 2022. The large ramen chain already has 42 locations in the U.S. serving steaming bowls of slow-cooked ramen, small plates like fresh tuna and salmon cones, tempura-fried Brussels sprouts, and crunchy mini tacos. [Eaterwire]

Downtown’s renovated Franklin Park is getting a plethora of new dining options from a new 2,200-square foot restaurant pavilion as well as other spots sprinkled throughout the park. Pirate Ventures, the event and restaurant management company from Anna Valero, will run the operation with plans to model if after Hook Hall with prominent restaurateurs, breweries, and distilleries. So far, she’s planning to offer grab-and-go breakfast with options like green chile breakfast burritos, Alaskan pancakes with cheddar gravy and smoked salmon, and more. She’ll offer “picnic baskets” for impromptu picnics in the park and hopes to add booze in the future. [Washington Business Journal]

CarPool (900 N. Glebe Road, Ballston) returns to Arlington following a four-year absence. The bustling barroom closed its Fairfax Drive location in 2017 because of redevelopment plans. It’s sliding into a 6,400-square foot space formerly occupied by Bistro 1521. Gas station stylings like big garage stores and vintage pumps will return along with billiards, darts, and more pub games. Drinks start flowing at 4 p.m. today. [ARLnow.com]

A new Peruvian restaurant inspired by the dining culture in “old Lima” will open in Sterling with a grand opening bash planned for New Year’s Eve. Lima de Veras (20921 Davenport Dr. #134, Sterling) will serve Peruvian classics as well as chifa (Chinese-Peruvian) and nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Ledo/Facebook

Ledo Pizza (415 8th Street SE) is coming to Barracks Row with the rectangular pizza it’s been serving since opening its first shop in Maryland in 1955. Eatbar formerly had this location, but it closed in March 2019. [PoPville.com]

Awards season

D.C.-area watering holes Pitchers DC and A League of Her Own received one of three awards for a $100K COVID relief grant for LGBTQ+ restaurateurs around the country. The grant comes from a $2 million COVID relief fund, which was created in partnership between the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and Grubhub. [EaterWire]