This morning, a chatter wrote in to Kliman Online inquiring about the status of Minerva, one of our 100 Best Bargain restaurants. We did a little research and came up with some reassuring news for Jeff from Arlington—and all Indian food fans nearby.

From the chat:

Arlington, VA:

I went to Minerva Fairfax (after reading the great review in the June issue) on Friday and found they are closed. Apparently the shopping center they are located in is about to be renovated or redone.

Any idea if they will be in another location? Thanks, Jeff

Todd Kliman:

Jeff,

There are three other locations of Minerva, in Herndon, Chantilly and Gaithersburg. The differences among them are pretty negligible, and all have the great and varied buffet.

But here's the thing. I just now dialed all three spots, looking for some intel, and guess what? Dead lines at all three.

--- 

As promised, we called Minerva a little later this afternoon to see what was up. Turns out, the Fairfax location was just closed for a few days last week due to the power outages that left many of us without lights and A/C. They’re back open now, and the three other locations of this Indian mini-chain (Herndon, Chantilly, and Gaithersburg) are all open for business—they all picked up the phone and were serving lunch when we called later this afternoon. 

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