Northside Social, Lyon Hall Coming to Clarendon

Date: November 13 2009
Source: Northern Virginia Magazine
Website: http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/gut-check/2009/11/13/northside-social-lyon-hall-coming-to-clarendon/

With their flagship now firmly anchored in the Clarendon dining scene, Liberty Tavern owner Stephen Fedorchak and his hospitality crew stand poised to unveil their latest historical property repurposings:

* Northside Social, a bakery/lounge erected from the ashes of the now-defunct Murky Coffee, and;

* Lyon Hall, a “casual neighborhood brasserie” moving into the former home of Dan Kain trophies.

Northside Social will be managed by Willow’s one-time sommelier Alison Christ, while ex-Murky Coffee general manager Marianne Tolosa will step in as director of coffee (look for Counter Culture java and dairy goods from Trickling Springs Creamery). Baker G. David King is expected to trot out around a half dozen bread varieties per day.

Liberty Tavern executive chef Liam LaCivita will oversee both the Northside and Lyon Hill kitchens–though the search is on to lock in a full-time sous chef for Lyon Hall.

Northside Social is expected to feature “work-friendly farm tables” as well couches and love seats for maximum lounging, while second story guests will now enjoy an aerial view of the ground floor. The from dawn-to-dusk venue is also expected to field various alternatives to your morning joe (think: fully developed wine and beer program) as well as live music.

Northside’s menu will turn on breakfast, lunch and other lite-fare, and is tentatively set to include: Polyface Farm egg sandwiches, homemade granola and yogurt, chicken liver rillettes and apple pie topped with Fiscalini cheddar (FINALLY!).

Northside is currently projected to open right around Christmas.

Lyon Hall appears to be more of a bistro/bar project, uniting nearly two dozen craft beers–gourmet suds junkies can expect 20 draft lines–with Eastern European cuisine, including: Alsatian tarts, hanger steak and frites, skate schnitzel, roast chicken and a Bohemian sausage platter (stocked with homemade jagdwurst, bratwurst and kielbasa).

The three-story establishment will also feature an open kitchen (basement), 18-seat marble bar, outdoor patio, semi-private dining in the “Trophy Room” and reclaimed New York City subway light fixtures throughout.

Lyon Hall is expected to debut early February 2010.

Northside Social – 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, late-night dining, Thursday through Saturday.

Lyon Hall – 3100 Washington Blvd., Arlington. Open for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday.

–Warren