"Spain is a fascinating mix of people, languages, culture and food but if there is one thing Spaniards share it's their love of food and drink."
- Jose Andres Puerta
SER is the winner of the Ballston Business Improvement District's 2014 Restaurant Challenge. Since our opening we've been honored to be on the top restaurant lists in the Washingtonian, Arlington Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and more.
SER serves authentic cuisine from Spain in a casual and friendly setting. Dining with us takes you on a gastronomical journey and cultural adventure throughout every region of our beloved Spain.
Consider us your foodie friends from Spain who have a professional kitchen, sharp cooking skills, and a comfortable house where you hang out any time of the day or night.
Welcome home to SER where things are meant to be like they are in Spain:
Simple, Easy and Real.
"If you can dream it, you can do it."
- Walt Disney
SER is a lifelong dream come true for Javier and Christiana Candon. Ever since they met each other over a decade ago, they've dreamt of opening a neighborhood eatery that would be an extension of their own home, a place to meet old friends and make new friends over food and wine that warms the heart and soul.
In 2014 the opportunity to transform that dream into reality arose. While sipping a tempranillo at home on a cold January evening and perusing Twitter, they came across a tweet announcing the Ballston Business Improvement District's first ever "Restaurant Challenge". The Challenge was to find the perfect restaurant concept to go into 1110 North Glebe Road, a location just a few blocks away from their home.
With a clink of their wine glasses and a whole lot of hard work, determination and several sleepless nights Javier and Christiana, along with their two small children, began a beautiful journey to make their dream come true.
"Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do."
- Rumi
JAVIER CANDON
Proprietor & Chief "Make it Happen" Guy
Javier oversees front and back of the house operations at SER. He has more than 20 years of experience with both casual and fine dining establishments. His previous experience includes international work with leading hotels and world-renowned restaurants throughout Europe and the Caribbean, including the Hotel Melia Sevilla, Taberna del Alabardero, and Casa del Duque Vinoteca and Restaurant in Spain; Hotel Relais & Chateau Mas D’Artiny in France; and the Hotel RIU Melao and RIU Palace Macao in the Dominican Republic.
Javier graduated with honors from Europe’s prestigious Escuela Superior de Hosteleria de Sevilla. A native of Spain, he is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and English. When Javier is not at SER, he's busy at his other Spanish restaurant, Joselito Casa de Comidas, in Washington, DC.
In his spare time, he fervently watches Real Madrid games, seeks new adventures with his two children and enjoys wine-ing and dine-ing his wife, Christiana, and hosting dinner parties for their friends and family.
DAVID SIERRA
Culinary Director & Executive Chef, Our "Picasso" of the Kitchen
David was born in Madrid and at an early age discovered his passion for the kitchen while cooking with his mother. He studied culinary arts and spent ten years working in Spain alongside renowned chefs and restaurants before making the journey to the United States in 2009, where he worked at several of DC’s most prestigious restaurants, including the classic Spanish restaurant, Taberna del Alabardero, and the critically acclaimed Fiola Mare.
David’s creative and imaginative personality comes to life on the dishes showcased on our menus at SER and Josalito Casa De Comidas. He believes that the food he prepares is a way of providing guests with a look into his heritage and a culture that treasures breaking bread with family and friends.
When David isn’t working, he loves exploring new restaurants, visiting the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, and discovering quiet, serene spots where he can escape from the noise and rigors of city life.
DAVID CARDONA
Chef de Cuisine and All Around “Do-Gooder”
Born in Honduras, David learned from a very early age that food is an expression of love and a vehicle to create unforgettable memories, all centered around a table and home cooked meals. Growing up, he adored spending time with his mother in the kitchen, cooking, and experimenting, and making his own creations (despite his mother’s failed attempts to shoo him away!). His passion for cooking finally turned into a profession when he moved to the United States and started culinary school while also completing high school simultaneously.
Upon graduation, David started with Jose Andres as a dishwasher, working his way up to a Junior Sous Chef at Oyamel and Executive Sous Chef at Jaleo. David remained with Jose Andres for 12 years before moving to Miami to become the Executive Sous Chef at Bulla Gastro Bar, one of Miami’s most popular Spanish restaurants.
When David moved back to DC, he joined SER as Chef de Cuisine where he puts his unique twist on our traditional family recipes from Spain by combining classic cooking techniques with new ones. Like a true artist, he believes in using the finest raw materials to prepare dishes that burst with flavor and visually explode off the diner’s plate.
When David isn’t creating magic in SER’s kitchen, he enjoys spending time at home with his family, volunteering in his community and watching Real Madrid soccer games.
DIMITRI "DIMA" BRINZA
Restaurant Manager & Steward of the Vine
Dimitri (or Dima to his friends, family and, well, everyone, really) came to SER as a server, just a couple of weeks after the opening. Quickly establishing himself as a key player on the team, Dimitri helped make SER the award-winning restaurant it has become. Most days, he’s impossible to miss, roving about the dining room and ensuring that all of SER’s guests have the best experience possible.
Born and raised in Moldova, a small country in Eastern Europe, Dimitri grew up in a large family (in no small part, this makes him feel right at home in a tightly-knit, busy restaurant). Having studied foreign languages, Dima can make most guests feel right at home, speaking English, Spanish, Russian, and Romanian. A self-proclaimed foodie and wine enthusiast, Dimitri spends his days trying every new thing he can (and regularly revisiting his favorite wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero). Just about the only thing Dimitri likes more than good food and a fine wine is watching soccer and cheering on Chelsea F.C.
"No one has ever become poor by giving."
- Anne Frank
Giving back to our own community has always played a big role in our lives. For each and every meal served at SER, we donate $0.25 to the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Through our partnership with AFAC, we hope to inspire and motivate everyone who dines with us to help our neighbors in need.
Donate to the Arlington Food Assistance Center