"Prolific Northern Virginia restauranteur Mike Cordero will enter the fast-casual game this spring with the opening of Taco Rock, bringing Rosslyn a new destination for surf-and-turf tacos and tequila shots. The colorful 50-seat eatery will slide into the 2,400-square-foot space formerly occupied by Spinfire Pizza (1501 Wilson Boulevard). To play up the “rock” part of its name, a giant guitar will jut out of the ceiling. Yvette Irene Design, also behind Arlington’s Barley Mac and Detour Coffee, is handling interiors. Cordero, part of Clarendon’s millennial-driven bars Don Dito and G.O.A.T., is going the fast-casual route for the first time with his ninth Northern Virginia establishment. Taco Rock is a family affair and includes his sons Nick and Anthony Cordero. Stefano Marzano, executive chef and owner of MightyMeals, is also a partner. Taco Rock plans to stuff blue corn tortillas with proteins like skirt steak and beer-battered shrimp; jerk chicken; short ribs; and blue fin tuna. The “Figgy Piggy” taco features slow roasted pork with sweet and savory fig glaze, while a banh mi-inspired variety will be filled with grilled pork belly, Vietnamese slaw, and cilantro. Taco Rock promises an “extensive” tequila selection and imported Mexican beers behind its 18-seat bar. Cream-filled churros will be joined by ice cream tacos, which might be D.C.’s newest desserts trend (the recently opened Roy Boys in Shaw also serves them)." - Tierney Plumb
