by Debby Critchley
Coming soon, another good place to grab a breakfast pastry or a late-night snack. The Ice House, 200 Commerce St, is planning to serve hand pies and pastries made off site with coffee, espresso, and other beverages. They will open at 7 AM Monday through Saturday, and 8 AM on Sunday. Also coming to that part of town is Casa Tequila Bar and Grill at 1701 Duke St. They are planning to bring original south-of-the-border-inspired Mexican food. The plan is to be open for lunch and dinner serving tableside, bar, and a carryout menu. This small local chain has locations in both Lorton and Purcellville. Once they open, take advantage of the opportunity to try some of their impressive selection of tequilas. As you might have seen, there have been some changes at 103 N. Alfred St., formerly Bittersweet Café. The new restaurant will be call The People’s Drug. The restaurant is slated to serve craft sandwiches and cocktails. Seating is expected to be 23 seats inside and 16 outdoor seats with hours from 7:30 AM to midnight.
Don’t miss Taco Madness at Palette 22, 4053 Campbell Ave., in Shirlington for $22.22. You can enjoy endless tacos after 4 PM on Thursdays. I love the Poke’ Tacos. There are lots more to choose from. Make a reservation. One of our favorite chefs, Cathal Armstrong (Hummingbird, Restaurant Eve, Society Fair) is opening Kaliwa, 751 Wharf St. SW, later this month. The menu is greatly influenced by the Filipino culinary traditions brought by his wife Meshelle. There will be many dishes form Korea, Thailand, and southeast Asia. Not only will you be able to sit in a beautiful dining room, you will be able to purchase street food snacks from an Airstream Trailer! Come on Sundays for karaoke. Rumor has it there’s a mahjong game in the back room.
Alexandria is finally a culinary destination for seafood again. My favorite is and always will be RT’s Restaurant, 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. The menu features New Orleans-style classics. If are in Old Town, have some great fresh oysters at Vola’s Dockside Grill, 101 N. King St., named for Vola Lawson, the legendary first female City Manager of Alexandria. The menu offers a wide variety of shellfish and seafood. The hushpuppies are to die for. Hank’s Oyster Bar, 1026 King St. is another great place for fresh seafood, especially oysters. Jamie Leeds opened the restaurant in 2005, named after her father. You might even want to buy a ticket for their Oysterfest on October 14. It features All-You-Can-Eat oysters on the half shell, fried oysters, grilled oysters, oyster shooters, popcorn calamari, onion rings and Old Bay fries, all-you-can-drink premium craft beers on tap, red and white wines, and free flowing punch! All for only $90. The Wharf, 119 King St., has been serving seafood since 1971. Although it has had its ups and downs, it is definitely up. Just steps from the Torpedo Factory and the Potomac, it makes for a wonderful night out this fall.
The Zebra bids a fond farewell to Rhoda Worku, her family, and staff at the Caboose Café, 2419 Mt. Vernon Ave. The Caboose was a fixture of Del Ray, somewhere you would always get a warm smile and feel at home even if it was your first time there. The Caboose won the Heart of Del Ray in 2016. Scott Mitchell’s Snackbar has opened in its place. You will still be able to get some of Rhoda’s dishes as Snackbar owners will continue offering many of Caboose’s menu items. There are even plans to continue serving some of the Ethiopian offerings.
Until next time, eat well and enjoy!
