ARLnow.com is partnering with Taste of Arlington this year to highlight some of the dishes we’re most excited about.
The annual festival — now featuring a 400-foot “street pub” — is taking place starting at noon on Sunday, on Wilson Blvd near Ballston Common Mall. Tickets are available online.
Together with Sarah Fraser and Samy K., we’ve curated four Taste of Arlington restaurants and dishes to include in our “tasting table.” Today, we’re highlighting the Spicy Salmon Belly Tartare from Ballston’s own Mussel Bar & Grille (800 N. Glebe Road).
Charles Vogt, Mussel Bar’s Chef De Cuisine, said he selected the dish because it’s representative of Mussel Bar’s commitment to fresh, high-quality seafood. What’s in it?
“Finely diced raw salmon belly tossed with Togarashi [blend of Japanese chili peppers], olive oil, elderflower and lime zest,” he said. “It’s then topped with compressed cucumber, dollops of yuzu yogurt on top of a house made lavash.”
How does it taste?
“The ‘fatty’ salmon belly seasoned with the spicy togarashi balances out beautifully with the crisp clean cucumber flavor and yuzu yogurt cutting through the richness of the salmon,” he said. “Each bite leaving you wanting for another.”
“It’s a beautiful raw dish,” Vogt added. “We want people to know we serve the best and freshest seafood in town.”
It will be Vogt’s first time at Taste of Arlington, but he’s hoping it’s a memorable experience for those stopping by his booth and for himself.
“I’m looking forward to being out there and meeting some potential new and current guests, as well as talking with other restaurant staff and just seeing the talent we have over here in Arlington,” he said.