Retail TrailsIsland Hopping in ArlingtonHow about a STAY-cation? Get a taste of the Caribbean and South Pacific, right here in Arlington. Dreaming of an island getaway? You may not have the time or money this season to visit the Caribbean or South Pacific, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Thanks to a few one-of-a-kind restaurants in Arlington, you can go jet-setting around the world just about anytime you want..
Now it would normally be a long trip from Cuba to New Zealand, but in Arlington it’s right down the street. Cassatt’s Kiwi Café and Gallery is a cozy café boasting a varied menu complete with everything from meat pies to Pavlova, New Zealand’s national angel food-meringue dessert. Sample the classic fish and chips or the kiwi burger with fried egg, or visit another night for a wine tasting dinner or to enjoy live music.
Warm breezes and the smell of saltwater may still be a ways off, but hopefully in the meantime a few nice meals at these special destinations will give you a good taste of paradise. Don’t forget to send postcards! Highlighted Retailers
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Take Cuba. Its white sandy beaches are pretty much off-limits for most of us, but you can still enjoy the island’s Spanish- and tropical-inspired flavors at the
Caribbean Grill. Serving traditional Cuban and Caribbean specialties at bargain prices, this small corner restaurant on Lee Highway has inspired a loyal following with
mouth-watering dishes like masas de puerco (marinated fried pork) and ropa vieja (shredded beef ).
Your last stop as a jet-setter is Little Quiapo in the Arlington Forest Shopping Center. This Filipino restaurant is one of just a few in the Washington area and the
only one in Arlington. Some Filipino dishes have strong fish sauces or vinegar marinades that can overwhelm first-timers, so if the food is new to you, stick to the tasty
adobo (a chicken or pork dish flavored with soy sauce and spices) or the lumpia (similar to eggrolls) and you can’t go wrong. More adventurous diners might consider
trying the kare kare (oxtail with peanut sauce).
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