ALEXANDRIA, VA – Last evening my husband and I celebrated our anniversary with drinks and food at The Peoples Drug. We had never been but were so intrigued by reading all the complimentary reviews on Alexandria Dining-Curbside, Inside and More Facebook group. We thought it would be a fun, casual date night atmosphere, and we were not disappointed!
There were open outdoor tables when we arrived around 7:00 p.m. Seats were available inside too, but we decided it was a beautiful night to dine outside. We were promptly greeted by our server and felt at home right away. Little did we know, our waiter, Jon Schott, was also the owner of this former drugstore turned contemporary restaurant.
After listening to my taste preferences, Schott steered me toward one of his most popular concoctions, Flower Sour. I soon learned that he also created the attractive cocktail menu. Jon listened to me well because this drink was perfection—not only appealing to look at, but its taste was divine. My favorite part was the foam-like cream on top. I couldn’t place it, so he told me it was Aquafaba, which is the liquid leftover from cooked chickpeas that you froth-delicious! The drink also consisted of Bluecoat Gin, tinted with flower petals, lavender honey, lemon, and lavender bitters.
My husband chose the Watermelon Whiskey Smash. This refreshing summer cocktail was made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, cold-pressed watermelon juice, mint, lemon, and Creole bitters.
That evening’s menu wasn’t extensive, but I was pleasantly surprised to find so many vegetarian options. As often happens, it was difficult to choose dinner items, so we agreed to share. We opted for the Snack Board, an abundant tray of chef-selected meats and cheeses served with honey, olives, tasty onion marmalade, and crostini. We then split the PVB (People’s Vegetarian Burger). This sandwich consisted of Impossible™ meat, topped with sriracha aioli, bread and butter pickles, and arugula, served on an olive oil bun. And then, of course, we had to sample the house-cut Truffle Fries topped with parmesan. We devoured them all!
We enjoyed our relaxed evening, toasted to our many years together, and now look forward to sampling more of Schott’s cocktails. He is supremely talented at creating memorable drinks. I am also intrigued by the Spicy Tofu Sticks, Fried Chickpeas, and my husband wants to try the Chick-Charon! (spicy chicken skins in honey cider vinegar). Almost every outdoor table was filled when we left, and I can certainly see why.
The Peoples Drug is located at 103 N Alfred St, Alexandria. They are closed on Monday but open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Visit thepeoplesdrug.com for more information.
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