Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Alexandria Restaurant Partners Will Open Palette 22 This January


From our friends at Palette 22...

Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) David Clapp and Dave Nicholas are pleased to announce the January 2016 anticipated opening of Palette 22, located in the heart of The Village at Shirlington at 4053 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA, 22206. Those visiting the 236-seat restaurant will enjoy modern street food and small plates with international flavor. The restaurant will also integrate local art and artists into the dining experience. Paul Beckmann of Beckmann Architects is designing the space to be an inviting restaurant, and an open-air creative arts studio where ‘art’ is believed to be much more than the conventional means of illustration. Palette 22 will serve lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

ARP’s Corporate Executive Chef Graham Duncan is presently developing the opening menu for Palette 22. He has also tapped Kelvin Flores to be the executive sous chef to help orchestrate the kitchen. At Palette 22, guests can anticipate a seasonally driven menu of international small plates with an emphasis on what’s local and in season. Menu highlights will include Ceviche de Verduras, a vegan ceviche with cauliflower, carrot, avocado, lime, red onion, jalapeƱo, cilantro; Bulgogi Beef, gochujang-marinated flank steak, sesame oil, ginger; Grilled Octopus, Greek-style octopus, olive oil, garlic, lemon, oregano; and Tacos Vampiros, carne asada, serrano-onion rajas quesadilla, hand-mashed guacamole, chipotle salsa, pico de gallo, queso cotija. Prices range from $4 to $14 for small plates.


The design of Palette 22 consists of two main areas, the generous 34-seat island bar, 48-seat lounge, and the 86-seat main dining room that wraps around an open kitchen that is exposed on three sides. Patrons may also enjoy the 68-seat outdoor patio for dining al fresco, weather permitting.

A simple array of materials is incorporated into the build out of Palette 22. One would expect to find this look in a mid-century artist studio, which also reflects the original late Art Deco feel of Shirlington. Vibrantly painted surfaces with polished concrete floors, industrial steel elements and inventive use of metals and plywood set the stage for display of the artists’ works. The large storefront windows overlook the center of the Village at Shirlington, and the restaurant’s wide awnings also feature murals on the underside. This unique feature extends the experience of the studio outside, inviting everyone to participate in the ever-changing experience of Palette 22.

Throughout Palette 22, artist stations are incorporated into the design scheme allowing it to function as an open-air studio. Some of the art stations are fixed while others are temporary, affording guests the opportunity to watch creations take shape while enjoying their dining experience. Artwork will range from large mural panels, to smaller more personal pieces that may be purchased. Here art includes how things are made, from the paintings to the cuisine and cocktails, engaging all the senses for a delightful and meaningful experience. Palette 22’s chefs perform in an open kitchen, creating dishes inspired by cuisine from around the world, while the bartenders also work in an open cocktail bar, crafting their specialties for each guest’s enjoyment.

What is even more important is that Palette 22 is part of the community. The local artists participating in the studio are being carefully selected to ensure their creations and experiences reflects the area, and in turn the restaurant is pleased to offer them great exposure and professional growth opportunities.

Palette 22 is located within The Village at Shirlington at 4053 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, Virginia, 22206. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday, from 11 AM to 11 PM; Friday and Saturday, from 11 AM to 12 AM. For reservations or additional information, please call (703) 638-5003, or visit www.palette22.com.