3 DC Expansions: Cava Mezze Grill, Curious Grape and Juice Joint

The new Curious Grape; photo by Nicole Lozare

By Olga Boikess

It's springtime - nature is blossoming and restaurants are sending up new shoots as well. We’ve already talked about this week’s opening of the new Rasika location in the West End, Bar Pilar’s second-floor dining room and Jaleo/Penn Quarter’s vibrant new look and menus. But that’s not all that's been happening in what looks like a dining-venue explosion this week.
Cava Mezze Grill: The fast-casual incarnation of popular Cava Mezze opened a second location in Tysons Corner earlier this week (8048 Tysons Corner Center, between Bloomingdales and Macy's; 703-288-0005).

Curious Grape Wine, Dine & Shop: Opening today at a new Shirlington location, this popular wine shop has grown into a spiffy, sit-down wine bar and restaurant serving a full, eclectic dinner menu (rice croquettes, lamb empanadas, fish and meat entrees), as well as cheese and charcuterie plus selections from an all-day cafe and specialty market (2900 S. Quincy St.; 703-671-8700).

Juice Joint Café: Downtown desk jockeys cheered when this newly expanded (there are double the seats), vegetarian-friendly counter-serve reopened its doors on March 27, revealing a slick, modern dining area bathed in sunlight..