By Debby Critchley
People ask for my opinion all the time. I tried the new fresh beef McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese. There is a difference. The burger is more tender and juicy than the original frozen beef burger. But, for almost $5, I would rather go to Five Guys. Sorry McDonald’s. It’s better but it’s still not the best. Moving on to Rosebud, not the sleigh but the pastry at Sugar Shack Donuts, 804 N. Henry St. This is a big sweet donut made with red velvet cake flavor. If you like donuts, you will love this! It is sweet. I suggest you share it with someone.
Kovi, 2921 S Glebe Rd., is now open since the beginning of July. Reports on the various local list serve are providing positive news. Kovi is fusing healthy and organic Korean and Vietnamese cuisine. menu includes Bulgogi steak, Dak Galbi lemongrass chicken, slow roasted caramelized pork, and organic lemongrass tofu in your choice of Korean BBQ Tacos, Banh Mi sandwiches, Rice bowls, or Protein bowls. They are also offering Poke’ Bowls with salmon or tuna over rice with multiple sauces and toppings. The Bread & Water Company is coming to the Torpedo Factory around mid-August. They feature delicious locally sourced ingredients in their baked goods and gourmet sandwiches.
West End has a new Pho restaurant, Pho Huy at 4527 Duke St. Yelp reviews are quite positive. They are offering a variety of egg rolls, spring rolls, and wings to accompany their soup. Another Vietnamese restaurant, T-ZO is opening at 5774 Dow Ave. (formerly SmashBurger) in the back of Modera Tempo residences. Signs at the location say me menu will feature “a taste of the Vietnamese cultural richness. No word on when they will be opening.
Alexandria has always been well known as one of the places to visit when in Washington DC for sightseeing, food, and beverages. Now, some of Alexandria has brought some of their goodness to the United Kingdom. Gov. Ralph Northam announced the partnership of Port City Brewing Company with American Craft Beer Company, a UK-based representative of craft breweries from the United States. “I am so pleased to support this exciting new sales opportunity for Port City, one of Virginia’s largest and most-awarded breweries, here in the world’s second largest export market for U.S. craft beer,” Governor Northam said. “It is wonderful to see this innovative Virginia company take its local and regional success to a global scale. Port City is already a significant employer and economic driver in Northern Virginia. This partnership will set them up to grow even further in a quickly developing export market.”
In other nearby news, Charlie Chang’s Ping in Shirlington has closed. The family appears to have closed all of their Northern Virginia locations and is retiring. Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Crystal City has closed due to building renovations. You can still get their sandwiches at their Alexandria location at 401 John Carlyle St. Those same renovations has also closed King Street Blues. Per their website: “We would like to thank all of our loyal guests who have dined with us over the last 27 years… The good news is we will be opening a neighborhood pub in the Crystal City area sometime after Labor Day, so many of our team members will be back giving their awesome service.”
Openings coming soon include Glory Days Grill at 3141 Duke St., the former location of Lonestar Steakhouse. They are currently hiring and training staff. Expect an August opening. Also coming in August is Rus Uz, 210 Swamp Fox Road, next door to the AMC Hoffman Center 22 in the former Ruby Tuesdays. The full service, fine dining restaurant and tearoom will be featuring hot and cold Russian and Uzbek ethnic cuisines and alcoholic beverages. More Mexican will be coming to Old Town. Urbano 116 is opening at later this fall at 116 King St. Per their website, Urbano 116 embraces the traditional Mexican food experience with a menu full of authentic ingredients and innovative cocktails.
Our furry friends have lots of options in Alexandria too. Almost every restaurant, bar, and café in town with a patio offers pet friendly environs. Many offer doggie menus. Both Del Ray Café, 205 E. Howell, and Society Fair, 277 S. Washington, offer homemade dog biscuits for their four-footed friends. My dog loves them! Salon deZen, 118 N. Fayette, is a pet friendly salon with grooming products for you and your pup. Long time favorite Doggy Yappy Hour at Jackson 20, 480 King St. is open for a friendly happy hour every Tuesday! The Dog Park, 705 King St. offers all-natural dog and cat food, U.S. made treats, a variety of collars, harnesses, toys, beds, coats, sweaters, and bowls. Lena’s Wood Fired Pizza and Tap, 401 E. Braddock Rd., offers a year-round dog friendly patio with a menu devoted to your dog’s favorite items. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers seasonal Canine Cruises. George Washington’s Mount Vernon encourages visits with furry friends. Leashed dogs can access all outdoor spaces that are open to the public including the Pioneer Farm. Need a treat to reward your patient friend? Stop by The Enchanted Florist, 139 S. Fairfax St., for free dog biscuits tucked into a birdhouse called the Bone Box. Mt. Vernon Ave. in Del Ray is a furbaby bonanza. From the patios at Evening Star, St. Elmo’s Café, The Snack Bar, and Dairy Godmother to Stomping Grounds, dogs can find treats to delight.
Until next time, eat well and enjoy!
