Rustico

 As far as restaurants go, I've never been much for new city construction that feels like a pop up strip mall, and lacking any sort of charm and history. But give me outdoor seating, sunshine, great friends, a decent water feature and a limitless beer selection, and you'll probably win me over.

This is what Rustico did, in Arlington, VA near the Ballston Common Shopping Center, one fine Saturday afternoon.

Their brunch menu and hundreds of beer selections could easily please just about anyone capable of making decisions in the face of such diversity. If I worked or lived in the area, this would easily be a top choice for happy hour and my waistline would be in trouble.

The draft menu, broken down by profiles, from Crisp to Hop to Smoke and Fruit & Spice, each beer coming in a taste size for those troubled by decision or wanting to explore, or a full glass for the people who know just what they want and go for it. If the 30 some drafts aren't enough, there is a second bottle menu with hundreds to choose from, so I'm sure they have something you'll like.

 
Their online Ballston draft menu seems to be missing a page, but I went with the Firestone Double Jack IPA, hearing great things about it in comparison to my favorite Dogfish Head 90 min. They are very similar in taste, hoppy, piney, sweet malt, and both outstanding beers. I would say the Double Jack is slightly smoother and less piney, with a little more citrus and a little less hop.. a gateway drug to the 90min.

To eat I chose the Flat Iron Steak Pretzel Sandwich, and it was a hard decision. Described on the menu as containing "onion dip,sea salt tomatoes", and "blue cheese potato salad" for the side. The Grilled Dry Aged Cheddar Burger with malted fries and the Crispy Salmon Sandwich with horseradish potato chips were hard options to pass on.

The grilled tomatoes really made this sandwich for me, paired with a delicious soft pretzel bun and well cooked, tender flat iron steak spiced lightly to let the meat speak for itself. The onion dip barely noticeable, but standing up next to the grilled flavor on the tomatoes, in their soft melty state, the dip wasn't needed. Overall the sandwich was absolutely delicious.

The blue cheese potato salad was a nice pair, and nice change from a normal fries or chips pairing. The blue cheese was really understated, and the dressing on the potatoes delicate, making this a much lighter side then one would expect.

Sharing a taste of a friend's horseradish chips, I can say they were devine. A hint of fresh grated horseradish root on them, really brighted the homemade chips and the Crispy Salmon Sandwich will easily be my choice next time I'm in the neighborhood!

So next time you're hitting up the mall at Ballston, skip the food court and cross the street over to Rustico for a bite!