The Block almost ready to open

Snowcream Company is already open.

The eateries in The Block are getting to ready to open, although one of them, the Snowcream Company, has had a “soft opening.”

The Block, the new food court-like establishment next to Kmart on John Marr Drive in Annandale, features six food vendors, including a few that originated as food trucks. Vendors are arranged along the walls, with tables in the center.

Finishing touches under way at the Block Bar.

There are still a few permit issues to be resolved, said Huy Nguyen proprietor of Balo Kitchen. “It’s a new concept, so there are a lot of hoops to jump through.”

Nguyen, the owner of the PhoWheels food truck, hopes to open Balo Kitchen between Christmas and New Year’s. It will specialize in comfort, fusion food. Nguyen calls Balo an “extension of the food truck with a more progressive menu.”

The menu includes such items as Vietnamese noodle soup, banh mi, and Vietnamese-style tacos. Balo will also provide finger food paired with the craft cocktails at the Block Bar.

Nguyen has no experience as a professional chef. “I just fell into it.” he says. “I always enjoyed eating food from different cultures."

Roots has a unique take on Thai food.

Also opening after Christmas is Roots, offering Thai street food, like bowls of chicken or braised pork over rice. The owner, Pong Sitti, originally from Bangkok, learned a bit about the restaurant business from friends of his family who own Pasara Thai Restaurant, with four locations. An accomplished home cook, Sitti says the meals he prepares his Springfield home attract lots of guests.

The Snocream Company offers “shaved snow,” a softer version of ice cream (honeydew, mango, green tea, and other flavors) with various toppings (sprinkles, jellies, lychee, Fruity Pebbles, etc.), and drizzles (condensed milk, chocolate, caramel).

This will be the first Pokeworks outlet in the region.

The owner, Artro Mei, has been operating Snowcream Company in a remodeled, vintage school bus usually parked near Kmart. Mei, the developer of The Block, is creating new desserts for the indoor shop.

Munch, offering ice cream and donuts, could open next week, and Pokeworks, the only franchisee in the Block, will open a bit later.

Pokéworks specializes in Hawaiian poké, fresh seafood like sushi, that can be served in a bowl with rice or greens or in a burrito. According to owner Edward Chung, it will be the first Pokéworks in Northern Virginia, although more are on the way.