Retail TrailsArlington's Retail Trails is all about finding something undiscovered in your own back yard. Featuring "themed" adventures, each edition of Retail Trails will show you Arlington's shops and restaurants from a different perspective. Throw in a few coupons and specials, and what's not to love? Our current feature is below; scroll down for a list of more Retail Trails. Tables and Chairs - Who Needs 'Em? We all know Arlington, home to restaurants of nearly every cuisine from Austrian to Vietnamese, is one of the most diverse dining scenes in the area. The thing is, you’ve probably become accustomed to enjoying your pelmeni (Russian steamed dumplings) and pupusas (Salvadorian stuffed tortillas) in the comfort of a restaurant with tables and chairs. But a new trend is taking hold in Arlington, one that will allow you to explore new foods and twists on classic favorites without ever stepping foot in a traditional restaurant. It’s street vending. Of course food vending carts are really nothing new, and at this point you may be disappointed, thinking of the overcooked hot dog you choked down the last time you took out-of-town guests sightseeing on the Mall. But if that’s all you think street vending is, you’re in for a flavorful awakening. The first hint that something was changing in Arlington came a year or so ago with a red cart that started appearing at Ballston’s Welburn Square. Pupatella has wowed the lunch crowd with its Neapolitan-style pizzas piled with fresh toppings like roasted mushrooms, buffalo mozzarella, and prosciutto. (While the cart isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, fans can also enjoy Pupatella’s offerings at their new restaurant at 5104 Wilson Blvd.) More recently, food seems to be getting increasingly mobile. In April, Rebel Heroes began serving made-to-order traditional Vietnamese roast pork banh mi subs, pressed Cuban sandwiches, and even tofu options from a roving delivery truck with daily location alerts sent out via Twitter (@rebelheroes). All the sandwiches run $5-6. Then there’s District Taco, which has been serving up breakfast and lunch tacos Monday-Friday primarily in Crystal City and Rosslyn, but recently venturing to Ballston as well. A basic breakfast taco includes egg, cheese, salsa and two toppings, with variations in the veggie and healthy versions. Homemade salsas range from the mild roja and pico de gallo to medium tomatillo to a very feisty habanero. Follow them on Twitter at @districttaco. (Photo, left, courtesy of the Washington Post) 
For sweets, Rosslyn’s Choupi Crepe Cart has to take the cake, er, the crepe. For $3.50, a former Parisian pastry chef will stuff a buttery crepe full of your favorite sweet filling (or savory for $4). Since each crepe is made to order, there can be a wee bit of a wait around the prime hungry hours, so best to try and go a little off peak – you’ll find the yellow cart at the corner of N. Lynn St. and 19th St. N. Hungry yet? Previous editions - check out these great ideas for shopping and dining in Arlington:
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