‘6.21.10’
courtesy of ‘Paige Weaver’

Ballston is popping these days with some of my favorite restaurants. Since the new Sweetgreen location started dishing up salads, and Buzz promises to open thier doors soon, what I once considered a foodie dead spot (minus Willow) is now on my radar. Especially with the news that the Ballston location of Rustico has launched Sunday brunch, which they began serving on Jan. 2.

Rustico now serves brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to hungry Arlingtonians. Since doughnuts are all the rage (nod to Birch and Barley), Executive Chef Steve Mannino is serving shared treats such as Mama Mannino’s ricotta doughnuts or Grilled pineapple skewers with cheesecake dip.

Main dishes sound pretty tasty, they boast Peanut Butter-stuffed French Toast with bacon-studded maple syrup, Garlic Shrimp and “Grits” with roasted peppers, onions and soft semolina polenta and Smoked Salmon Tart with spicy cabbage slaw and crispy capers, as well as traditional favorites including Eggs Benedict with Virginia ham, spinach and crab hollandaise, Breakfast Egg Sandwich with thick-cut bacon on a croissant and the Frittata of the day.

And of course no meal at Rustico is complete without the beer, so they assure us that they will feature a number of special morning-appropriate brews like Beer Geek Breakfast, a Stout rich in oatmeal and coffee, from Danish gypsy brewer Mikkeller.

Rustico is located at 4075 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA and is Metro accessible at the Ballston station on the Orange line. For reservations or more information, please call 571-384-1820 or visit the website at www.rusticorestaurant.com.

Katie

Katie moved to DC in 2007, and has since embarked upon a love affair with the city. She’s an education reform advocate and communications professional during the day; at night and on the weekends, she’s an owner here at We Love DC. Katie has high goals to eat herself through the entire city, with only her running shoes to save her from herself. For up-to-the-minute news and reviews (among other musings), follow her on Twitter!