Maybe it’s because I follow Nikki Rappaport on Instagram and I’ve been salivating over all the pictures she posts of her Cava Mezze Grill lunches but I’m ridiculously excited that the fast casual mediterranean restaurant chain is opening a new location in Chinatown. The 707 H St. NW spot will be the sixth for Cava Mezze Grill and the closest to where I live. It will soon be followed by new locations in Kenlands, Montgommery Mall and Ronald Reagan National Airport (that one a little less soon.)
But let’s focus on Cava Grill Chinatown. It opened with new menu items, that will rotate seasonally, and additional partnerships with local food artisans like Whisked!, Optimal Grains, Gordy’s Pickle Jar, and RunningByrd Tea. Local brews like Atlas Brew Works, 3 Stars Brewing Company and DC Brau Brewery Company are available on tap, as is wine. On the non-alcoholic side, the house-made juices are also seasonal, like the sweet apple cider, the fresh cucumber mint lime or the tart blackberry sage.
The preservative-free pitas are being made from scratch and organic flour by D.C. dough baker Optimal Grains and baked fresh in Cava’s new stone-fired oven. Dessert is provided by Whisked! in the form of delicious cookies and Gordy’s Pickle Jar’s contribution comes in the shape of fiery little pickled banana peppers, which (warning) and quite spicy especially when paired with Cava’s Harissa spread. For those with allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s easier than ever to figure out what you can eat. The back of Cava Grill’s menu breaks down the entire menu according to whether they’re gluten free, vegetarian, dairy free, vegan or soy free (you can view the allergens menu online too).
Cava is officially opened as of today (October 14th) and celebrating with its traditional Community Day. Drop by the new Chinatown location between 11AM and 2PM for complimentary lunch. A donation is encouraged though, 100% of which will go to Cava Grill’s local non-profit partners, MicroGreens and City Blossoms, both of which champion healthy eating in the D.C. community.
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