South Block Smoothie & Burrito Co. Moves Into Clarendon

Deciding there were too many burger places in Arlington, and way too much bar food, businessman Amir Mustafavi instead chose "burritos" for his newest restaurant concept: South Block Smoothie & Burrito Co.

South Block is expected to open its doors at the corner of 11th and Garfield streets within the next two weeks, Mustafavi said, with a christening date tentatively set for July 15.

The burritos will be paired with west coast smoothies made from fresh fruits with no additives and no sweeteners.

Mustafavi has been in the business of healthy eating for nearly eight years, operating Campus Fresh, a healthy fast food and smoothie eatery on the second floor of George Washington University's Lerner Health and Wellness Center.

The concept for his new digs in Clarendon applies an ethos very similar to Campus Fresh, he said: "There is a definite healthy vibe to it." 

As patrons can probably guess, a variety of smoothies and burritos will be offered at the new cafe.

"These are wholesome, healthy burritos," Mustafavi said.

He said he's trying to offer food that is good for you without sacrificing flavor.

In addition to burritos, the new restaurant will serve fresh Greek yogurt parfaits, locally made soup, bowls of steel-cut oatmeal and, the owner's favorite, build-your-own acai bowls.

Acai bowls start with a base of blended acai fruit (a Brazilian berry) mixed with yogurt or soy milk and some agave syrup, and then are piled high with fruits and other exotic toppings: bananas, mangoes, granola, almonds... You name it.

"For a first-timer, you've got to try an acai bowl," Mustafavi said. "But if we're talking burritos, I like the Fiesta, a more classic burrito combination, or my wife's favorite, the Sesame Stir Fry Burrito."

With so many dining options in Clarendon, the restaurant, located off the main strip, will have to work hard to get its name out. Mustafavi admits that he might not be able to attract people just visiting Clarendon for the day or the weekend, but he hopes to attract a local, family-friendly crowd.

"I have a 4 year old and 15 month old," Mustafavi said. "So I know first hand what it's like to be desperately searching for a place that's fast, healthy and kid friendly."

Mustafavi and his team will use social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to get people talking about the new restaurant, offering discounts and coupons to their restaurant's followers. Mustafavi also hopes he can get his business involved in local fundraisers and other community events.

Passing pedestrian Tom Kaczmarek wasn't overly enthusiastic about the new cafe.

"I'm not much for health food," Kaczmarek said. "But if they can disguise it in burrito form, I guess I'd be willing to give a try."

But GWU graduate Matt Gottilla, who remembered Campus Fresh fondly, was more excited by the prospect of another restaurant in that vein.

"Their acai smoothies with peanut butter were delicious," he said.

Gottilla said he'd try South Block when it opens, adding that he enjoyed the burritos at Campus Fresh.

Facebook followers of South Block Smoothie & Burrito Co. will be the first to know the exact opening date of the new cafe.

And Mustafavi has given social media junkies a good reason to stay tuned: The first 200 people to show up at 3 p.m. on opening day will receive a free smoothie.