Alexandria, VA – Hello 2024 in Alexandria. It’s the new year and as always, there are always changes in the Foodie community around town. Some favorites have moved or have closed, and some restaurants have opened in their place. Here’s a bit of what’s going on in the ‘hood.
Saying Goodbye and Hello
Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster BBQ, 220 N. Pitt St., posted a goodbye message to all his BBQ Warriors:
“After more than 7 incredible years in Old Town serving you Myron’s award-winning BBQ, we served our last meal at that location on Christmas Eve. But the good news is we’re opening our new location tomorrow! Our brand-new restaurant in Dunn Loring-Merrifield is located at 2670 Avenir Place… We greatly appreciate all of our loyal customers, and welcome you to join us at our new place in Dunn Loring-Merrifield, the only place you’ll find Myron Mixon’s great BBQ in the DC metro area!” The new restaurant going into the space will be called Mystic BBQ & Grill and appears to be the new offering from Ralph Davis, former owner of RT’s. Welcome Benny Diforza’s Pizza, 1504 Mt. Vernon Ave., is replacing Sicilian Pizza A soft opening was planned for January 29. The new iteration of the restaurant serves whole pizzas and pizza by the slice from their 28” pizzas. According to their website, “the slice is key. Golden brown crust with a white creamy mozz, lightly crisped with bubbles.”
Goodbye to AJ’s Pizza and Cheesesteak and hello to AZ’s Pizza and Cheesesteak at 5418 Duke St. The hours and menu will change to include breakfasts. The menu includes breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, calzones, and the local favorite, Chicken Philly Calzone. Eat-in, carryout, and delivery is available daily. Lori’s Table is now Ben’ Yays at 10 28 King St. According to Lori’s Table Facebook page on December 4, “It is with a heavy heart we announce the closing of Lori’s Table in Old Town Alexandria Virginia. It has been my great honor and privilege to serve you these past years. Your loyalty and support has been instrumental in helping us stay open through good and tough times.” We’ve been unable to find out any additional information about the new restaurant but the name leads me to believe it may feature beignets. We can hope.
Hello!
Alexandria is lucky to be the first location serving tej, honey wine from Ethiopian drink that kings, queens, and other royals have enjoyed for thousands of years. Negus Winery and Meadery, at 5509 Vine St. According to owner Gize Negussie “There is no headache the next day; it’s mellow,”. It’s going to kind of give you a relaxation.” He added, I proudly present Mama’s Honey Wine, a testament to the passion and expertise that runs through generations. Our label embodies the essence of heritage, love, and unwavering dedication. Join us in celebrating the exquisite fusion of tradition and contemporary finesse, encapsulated within each bottle of our meticulously handcrafted Honey Wine.”
After a previous false start, Call Your Mother is planning to open their Alexandria outpost at 1300 King St., the former home of Pines of Florence. this winter. According to the deli’s permit, “Call Your Mother According to their permit application, they “will operate as a small deli primarily selling bagels and coffee drinks along with a number of other menu items and branded merchandise.” According to my story in July 2023, the deli is well known in the area for their variety of bagels and bagel sandwiches. The bagels are vegetarian as they don’t contain dairy or eggs but are not vegan because they contain honey. According to their website, their bagels are “somewhere between a classic NY-style bagel and the sweeter, Montreal-style bagels from our friends up North.”
Tatte Bakery and Caffe opened on Jan. 24 at 515 King Street. Tatte Bakery & Cafe brings an all-day menu, including brunch all day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The menu focuses on breakfast items, soups, tartines, quiche, salads, sandwiches, shakshuka, and an extensive gluten-friendly menu. Founder Tzurit Or began baking over 15 years ago in Boston and selling her wares at the Copley Square farmers market. According to her website, “Her vision for Tatte was humble in origin- grounded in a simple mission to bring people together around great food and pastries while providing a deep sense of comfort and belonging.”
Some local changes
If you haven’t been by The Royal Restaurant & Caterers, 730 N. St. Asaph St., you may not have noticed that the restaurant is temporarily closed. It was bought last fall by Alexandria Restaurant Partners (see the story in the Zebra November issue) and Sloan Hospitality. They have closed to give the inside a facelift. They will also be converting the parking lot on the side of the building to an outdoor patio. No word yet as to when they will reopen and what other changes are in store. Also creating a patio out of their parking lot is Junction Bakery & Bistro, 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. The new space will support their vision of a “warm, comfortable and beautiful environment to welcome you.”
Goodbye to a favorite
January 21 marked the closure of Nicole Jones, Rubia’s at 2309 Mount Vernon Ave. We all loved Stomping Ground and then Rubia’s breakfast tacos, hot chocolate on snowy days, and of course, those margaritas. Jones and her loyal team converted the old State Farm building into a welcoming and comfy place in Del Ray. We can’t wait to see what’s next from Jones.
ICYMI: Tatte Bakery and Cafe is Bringing Sweet and Savory Delights to Alexandria
