ALEXANDRIA, VA – There is a new dining spot opening in town. Chef Jamie Leeds of Hank’s Oyster Bar and Jamie Leeds (JL) Restaurant Group will open Hank & Mitzi’s Italian Kitchen on Thursday, August 13. This new concept replaces Leeds’ highly acclaimed Hank’s Pasta Bar, which closed last year.
Hanks & Mitzi’s is located at 600 Montgomery Street in Alexandria. Hours of operation will be 4pm – 9pm Tuesday – Thursday, 4pm -10pm Friday, 12pm -10pm Saturday, and 12pm -8pm Sunday for outdoor and indoor dining, takeout, and delivery.
“Hank & Mitzi’s is a come-as-you-are neighborhood spot celebrating the joy that is regional Italian cuisine,” said Leeds. “From an array of sharable plates, hand-crafted pastas and oven-fresh pizzas, we bring every aspect of the seasonal Italian kitchen to our guests.”
The menu includes rustic, seasonal, and regionally inspired sharable plates like grilled octopus with fresh herbs and garlic, individual pizzas, and fresh pastas. There are a few fan favorites from Hank’s Pasta Bar: Mafalde pasta with broccoli rabe, cream sauce, and fennel sausage, and Leeds’ signature linguine with clam sauce.
There are plenty of drink choices as well. The predominantly Italian wine list features iconic and food friendly varietals. The cocktails are derived from Italian classics like the Pirlo, featuring Campari,rosé wine, and San Pellegrino. The beer list will rotate seasonally and offers a few Italian favorites.
Executive Chef Chris Edwards, who brings more than 20 years of culinary experience, will oversee Hank & Mitzi’s kitchen. Edwards has been with JL Restaurant Group for three years. He played an integral part in opening Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf. His prior experience includes cooking at the Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg and the Patowmack Farm restaurant in Lovettsville.
“My ultimate goal is to serve delicious food that people remember and return for,whether it is for a casual evening out or a family celebration,” Edwards said.
Hank & Mitzi’s is named for Leeds’ parents, whom she credits as her inspiration for becoming a chef and for her continued love for cooking.
“My mom, Mitzi, always wanted me to add pizza, one of her favorite foods, to my menu,” Leeds said. “And this new [restaurant] concept was my opportunity to honor her request.”
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