UPDATE: New Arlington Restaurant Secret Chopsticks Opening Date Announced

UPDATE Wednesday, 2 p.m.: An earlier version of this story reported the opening date as Nov. 9; the restaurant owners have decided to push the date to Nov. 17.

Secret Chopsticks, a 120-seat restaurant located in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, is set to open Nov. 17, according to the owners.

Located at 1850 Fort Myer Drive (see map below), the restaurant will specialize in authentic, healthy Chinese fare presented in a contemporary way incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Guests can enjoy an a la carte dining experience in the 12-seat lounge or opt to dine in the main dining room.

Customers will be able to choose from four different nine-course, prix fixe tastings menus, with each highlighting regional Mainland China cuisine. Lika Fu of Dimensional Strategy, LLC is responsible for designing the 4,400-square foot space.

Restaurant partner Robin Li is the executive chef of Secret Chopsticks. A native of Mainland China, Li began his culinary career in 1992 while working at restaurants and hotels throughout Qingdao, Beijing and Nanjing. In 2000, he immigrated to the United States and joined the US Navy, serving as a culinary specialist. Li quickly rose through the ranks and in 2003 he won a cooking competition led by the US Navy, which afforded him the opportunity to attend a training program at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. It was during his stint at the CIA that he decided to pursue his culinary degree and work as a chef full time.

After graduating from the CIA, Li decided to return to China where he opened his first restaurant, a 170-seat steakhouse called Fusion Wine Bar & Grill. A few years later, Li traveled to different culinary regions throughout China, where he had the opportunity to stage under a few renowned master chefs. Then in 2014, he returned to the US with the intention of opening Secret Chopsticks, with plans to offer diners a new style of Chinese restaurant that transforms “authentic Chinese dishes into contemporary American style creations.”

Each dish at Secret Chopsticks will be carefully designed and presented as a balanced plate. Guests can enjoy a la carte dining in the Lounge, or select from one of four different nine-course, prix fixe tastings menus to enjoy in the main dining room. Tasting menus include: Vegetarian ($59), Tofu ($59), Dim Sum ($79), and Protein ($89). A Chef’s Premier 13-course tasting menu $109 is also available highlighting the best of regional Mainland China. The prix fixe tasting menus will change monthly. Guests can anticipate standout dishes such as Sweet & Sour Crispy Tofu; Filet Mignon in oyster sauce;Cuttlefish with black bean sauce; Dongpo Pork Belly; Crystal Shrimp Dumplings; Crab Meat Wonton Soup, as well as Crispy Durian Pastry. A la carte dishes are priced from $6 to $39.

General Manager/Beverage Director/Partner Malia Milstead is spearheading the beverage program at Secret Chopsticks, which offers an eclectic wine list emphasizing the major regions of the world including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, New Zealand, Argentina, Germany, California, Washington, Oregon and Virginia. 20 wines are available by the glass and half glass.

Patrons will be allowed to bring in outside wine as long as the wine is not available on the restaurant’s expansive wine list. The corkage free is priced at $25 per bottle (750 ml) and $35 per bottle (magnum or larger format) and there is a two-bottle maximum. Additionally, five house-made, specialty cocktails will also be available showcasing Asian-inspired flavors. SpecialtyCocktails are priced from $12 to $20 each.

The 4,400-square foot space can accommodate 120 guests seated in the main dining room, and another 10-12 seated guests in the Lounge. The Lounge features three flat screen TVs along with an assortment of craft cocktails and small plates. A semi-private dining room complete with AV capabilities is also available, and can accommodate 33 guests. An outdoor patio that is naturally canopied by trees is also available during the spring and summer months and can accommodate up to 60 guests.

The restaurant is situated near the Rosslyn Metro Station accessible on the Orange, Blue and Silver Lines. Dinner will be available Sunday through Thursday, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Lunch and brunch will begin at a later date. For reservations or additional information, please call (703) 812-8888 or visit www.secretchopsticks.com.