Modern Asian fare
Ping by Charlie Chiang’s recently opened its doors in Virginia’s burgeoning Shirlington neighborhood. The modern Chinese restaurant, designed by Division1 Architects, features a sleek bar and two long communal tables, in addition to a more secluded dining area. It’s the perfect backdrop for Ping’s Asian-American fusion cuisine. 4060 Campbell Avenue; (703) 671-4900; http://www.charliechiangs.comSingular brews
Beer connoisseurs no longer have a hard time finding imported microbrews handcrafted in distant locales. Rustico, a gourmet brick-oven pizzeria located in a formerly industrial, now-hip area of Alexandria, stocks an impressive, revolving selection. 827 Slaters Lane;
http://www.rusticorestaurant.com.
Sweet surrender
Kohler, the manufacturer of high-end plumbing fixtures and furniture, has gone into the chocolate business in the kitchens of its Kohler, Wisconsin-based, luxury resort, The American Club. Chocolatier Katie Schaub, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has created an irresistible collection of truffles, toffees and more. The Garden Ganache box includes such au naturel flavors as pear, passionfruit and Asian spice. Order Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates at the Web site http://www.destinationkohler.com.
