Foody Newz March 2020
The cuisines of the world are right here in Alexandria! From sushi and Nepalese food to American and Peruvian food, check out the dishes of local restaurants!
Lots of New Newz!
Alexandria, VA – The Handover and King’s Ransom have opened at 728 King Street. They offer downstairs dining with handrolls and sashimi in a bright, white space, and upstairs features a cocktail bar. Temaki, or handrolls, are assembled by the chef and handed over the long and skinny sushi bar to the diner for the freshest bites. Temaki choices include selections like avocado miso, spicy tuna, Hamachi, shrimp tempura, shiitake yamagobo (Japanese pickled burdock root), oshinko (made from pickled daikon), bulgogi steak and a daily chef’s special. King’s Ransom continues the heritage of PX with the look and feel of a speakeasy. Beverage director Jon Schott’s (of People’s Drug fame) menu focuses on Japanese whiskeys and rare spirits. The bar features Virginia’s only Toki Highball Machine. The machine gives whiskeys a water bath, chilling them while producing a water with three times the carbonation of champagne, providing a unique effervescence to all highball cocktails. Specialty highballs will rotate with the seasons. “The most important thing to know about hand rolls is that they are best enjoyed the moment they are made [when] the nori is at its most crisp, the ingredients are at their freshest, and the rice is still fluffy,” the sign in the window to the restaurant said. “This is why The Handover is designed as it is. No matter how many rolls you order, each one that is delivered to you immediately by the hand that made it.”
Also open now is a Peruvian restaurant, El Saltado, 3616 King St., is now open in the Bradlee Shopping Center. According to their website: “We are proud to stay true to our roots and remain a family-owned operation. Our company was founded on a tradition of pride and excellence. While much has changed about us over the years, that legacy remains with us at every turn. It’s what governs our business practices and what lets our services shine.” Dishes like Peruvian Charcoal broiled chicken, polpo (octopus) ceviche, ceviche with aji mochero, and fried red snapper covered with seafood are among the many authentic dishes.
Gorkha Nepal, LLC is opening a new cafe and market located in the West End condominium complex, Watergate at Landmark, 211 Yoakum Pkwy. The new owner is applying for a beer and wine permit. Although no menu has been posted, we’re looking forward great sandwiches and pizzas. Old Hat Gastropub is coming to 112 N St. Asaph Street in Old Town. Located in the former location of King Street Blues, Jack Caminos of Compass Rose and Thip Khao has partnered with Tim Prosser to renovate the location to make it their own. Food will include traditional gastropub food and also include Asian and Eastern European flavors. Both are hoping for an April opening.
A West End favorite in Cameron Station, the Cameron Café, 4911 Brenman Park Dr., offers coffee, tea, espresso, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and quiche. They celebrated their new beer and wine menu on February 24 with a ribbon cutting. You’ll see a familiar face behind the counter, Rhoda Worku, former owner of the Caboose Café of Del Ray. The café also offers outdoor seating and there is plenty of street parking. Grab a beer or glass of wine while you enjoy live music entertainment offered regularly in the evening.
In More Donut News
Sugar Shack Donuts, 904 N. Henry St., is becoming Elizabeth’s Counter. Over the next few months, the restaurant will grow into a vegetarian oriented café with a bakery and coffee shop. Donuts will still be on the menu. The name is derived from the mother of the inventor of the donut, Captain Gregory – Elizabeth. According to their website, the menu will range “from mind blowing plant-based Burgers to knock your socks off Brussels Sprouts, Elizabeth’s Counter will provide a great range of high quality and excellent food to tempt your taste buds. Elizabeth’s Counter has a second location open at the former Sugar Shack site in South Arlington at 1014 S. Glebe Rd.
KFC (formerly Kentucky Fried Chicken) is jumping into the donut business. Watch for fried chicken sandwiched between two glazed donuts, available as either a basket or a sandwich starting February 24. According to the press release, the donut will be “glazed-to-order and served piping hot every single time.” The pairing is comparable to the more common chicken and waffles available all over the country. FYI, you’ll be able to order the donut as a side.
And…
Eater Dc named the 15 best grilled cheese sandwiches in the metro DC. Our local Cheesetique was #15 on the list. Cheesetique has three locations, Del Ray, Shirlington, and the Mosaic District. They missed one we think should have been on the list. Ted’s Montana Grill, located at 2451 Eisenhower Ave. and in Crystal City, 2200 Crystal Dr. serves up a grill cheese and braised bison brisket sandwich that will make you happy you ordered it. This is one big sandwich to wrap your mouth around. It’s loaded with your choice of cheeses and a hefty serving of bison. Ask for it if you don’t see it on the menu.
As mentioned in last month’s column, Common Plate Hospitality’s Urbano 116, 116 King St., closed on February 24 to retool its menu to more familiar Tex-Mex favorites. Moles and tostados are out while burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and chimichangas will be featured. Nine taco options include braised chicken, grilled chicken, grilled steak, carnitas, shredded beef, smoked brisket, grilled shrimp, crispy fish, and a mushroom option. Look for hefty burritos, taco salads, enchiladas, chimichangas and over the top sizzling fajita platters. They will continue to serve their hand made Mexican heirloom corn tortillas. This new menu rolled out on February 29. In addition, there will be a second Urbanos opening this summer in the Mosaic District in Fairfax at 2985 District Ave., the former location of Brine. The menu will be the same as the one offered at the King St. location.
Until next time, eat well and enjoy!
Do you know about something happening in the foody world of Alexandria? Let me know at [email protected].