Best of Arlington 2017
SER
Best Ambiance

At SER, a bright and sunny interior. Photo by Jonathan Timmes
Restaurateurs Christiana Campos-Candon and Javier Candon say the captivating décor at their Spanish eatery is an eclectic blend of ideas collected from Pinterest, magazines, design world friends and their own experiences. “We chose yellow, turquoise and coral colors because they remind us of our hometowns in Spain,” explains Candon, “then played off that palette to create something warm and inviting.”
Personal touches in the Ballston restaurant include a photo wall featuring those who have supported SER along its journey; a baby-grand piano acquired from the couple’s church (Saint Ann) in Arlington; reclaimed-wood tables made by a friend in Baltimore; service tables from an antique shop in Leesburg; and garage-sale chandeliers that another friend painted bright turquoise to represent the Mediterranean Sea. It all adds up to a charming, homey space you don’t want to leave. “Our guests have had some pretty festive late nights over good music and gin and tonics!” says Candon.
—David Hagedorn
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