Smoked faves, 30-foot bar sure to make it a Clarendon gathering spot
Smokecraft Championship BBQ is opening a brick-and-mortar location in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington, Va. The new Smokecraft Modern Barbecue should be open by spring 2020. Andrew Darneille, owner and operating partner of Smokecraft, and his team are sourcing two Southern Pride commercial smokers to allow for the concurrent smoking of 2,000 pounds of meat at the location.
Smokecraft’s opening at the base of a 10-level, LEED certified office building, owned by KBS and with a facade on Highland Street, will be a highly-anticipated event for the neighborhood. Pitmaster Mar “Red” Leone’s menu offers up a modern twist to barbecue, and demonstrates a penchant for the experimentation of smoking techniques and tactics.
Leone is considering reverse-seared tri-tip sirloin, smoked duck, chipotle maple cedar plank salmon, and smoked spaghetti squash for the menu. Assorted woods will provide a variety of flavors and textures to the proteins and carbs that are smoked.
In the heart of Clarendon, Smokecraft Modern Barbecue will offer desirable beverage pairing options and late-night selections. Weekend brunch should be popular. Rotating cocktail potions and 10-craft-beer lines can be enjoyed with friends, family and colleagues at the 30-foot bar. Tasty brunch offerings include Smokecraft’s award-winning smoked Monte Cristo, slow-smoked pastrami hash, and pulled chicken & waffles.
Guests will enjoy the well-appointed design features brought by Grizform Design Architects. Expect to see stained wood and veneers, brick, stone, metal, and warm lighting throughout the barbecue eatery. Flexible-format seating set the restaurant up well for 95 guests, while outdoor seating accommodates another 20 customers.
Previously, Smokecraft has featured its creations at barbecue events, including the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle held in the area, placing first in the Turkey Smoke Cooking Competition.
“It’s long been a dream to open our own restaurant, and we are excited to bring our award-winning barbecue to the Arlington community,” said Darneille. The new restaurant will face 3003 Washington Boulevard. Stephen Close, KBS senior VP and asset manager, is bullish on the barbecue eatery’s prospects. “This property is located in an urban walkable village, approximately two miles from Washington, D.C.,” said Close of the store front.
Expect us to share more information as we get closer to the opening.
Smokecraft Modern Barbecue, 3003 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, Va. 22201
Photo credit: Smokecraft Modern Barbecue
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