Alexandria, VA – I’m sitting here listening to the wind blowing around my house and wondering where spring went to. It sounds like March is going out as a lion, not a lamb. March brought a combination of heat and cold weather. April is looking good, promising warm weather. Cherry blossoms are past peak bloom while red buds and dogwoods are ready to pop. Also looking good are some of the happenings around town.
Coming events
The Kiln Restaurant at Hotel Heron, 699 Prince St. is the flagship restaurant opening soon in Alexandria. The name gets its name from an open hearth in the eatery. The all-day restaurant will feature beloved classics “skillfully reimagined with a contemporary twist, as well as locally inspired dishes that celebrate the best of the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.” Dishes will be “infused with open flame, smoke, and char over the embers of the open-hearth grill.” Hours at the new restaurant will be 7 am to 10 pm. The 134- room hotel, part of the Aparium Hotel Group, will also include a rooftop bar in addition to Kiln, which will be located on the ground floor. Atlas Brew Works is planning to open during Memorial Day weekend. The brewery is located at 2429 Mandeville Lane in the Carlyle Crossing neighborhood at 2429 Mandeville Lane. As mentioned in February and March 2023, the brewery with a production capacity of 2,000 barrels, and tap room will offer food from Andy’s Pizza.
Benny Diforza’s Pizza, 1504 Mt. Vernon Ave., has new pizza toppings this month. Stop in for a slice or a pie. The Masters topped with pancetta, red peppers, shredded cheddar, and hot honey celebrates the golf tournament. The vegetarian special, the Duchess, is topped with with shaved brussel sprouts, red onions, and pesto.
Reworking existing establishments
Piece Out, 2419 Mt. Vernon Ave., is almost open. The Ponzis have been renovating the location for almost a year and includes expanding into the space next door left empty by Body Logic. The additional space will contain a bar area and an additional dining area as well as dart boards and shuffleboard courts. One of the specialty pizzas includes the Detroit-style with crispy edges. The menu expanded to include lots of Italian dishes, earning a loyal following. Chef Johnny Mohl is working on expanding the menu with seasonal offerings. According to their website, “Our new expanded space is still in testing phase! We’re planning a few more soft openings and slowly expanding the menu—aiming for a full open in April!”
Long time favorite, Marino’s Pizza & Subs at 3100 Richmond Highway is becoming Omar’s Pitas & Platters. Talat Omar, the new owner, is transitioning to a carry-out Middle Eastern restaurant. The carry-out will be open 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 am to 1:00 am, Friday and Saturday. The menu will feature grilled meats, vegetarian offerings, pitas, and rice platters with a variety of toppings. We were saddened when Sunday in Saigon closed but it will be reopening as L’italiano Vero featuring dining and a bar. There is no other information at this time.
Just across the river
Have you considered having a meal at nearby MGM National Harbor? You ought to, there’s a lot to like. Restaurants ring the casino and surround the Conservatory and offer a variety of delicious food. Ginger provides a menu featuring a tour of Asia with Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese dishes. Menu favorites include Vietnamese spring rolls, Panang curry, soft-shell crab fried rice, and house-style live lobster. Enjoy their $8.88 Tikki cocktails every Monday through Thursday. Acclaimed chefs, hometown MD favorites, brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio bring their innovative cooking style to Voltaggio Brothers Steak House. The restaurant menu features both familiar and nuanced offerings such as dry-aged beef cuts and riffs on classic steakhouse fare including shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, and a twice baked potato Stop by on Throw ‘Em Back Thursdays, with its weekly special offerings of a range of sweet and savory lobsters, mussels, clams and more. Osteria Costa brings a taste of the Amalfi Coast with a variety of wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and Italian spirits. Enjoy their Sunday bottomless food and drinks brunch, complete with entertainment. The first Sunday of every month features Praise 104.1 for special Gospel Performances from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Bellagio Patisserie enchants you with their elegant and delicious sweet treats. Offerings include Strawberry Passion Chocolate bars, Milk Chocolate Mago Chili, and Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate. More peanut butter and dark chocolate please.
Until next time, eat well and enjoy.
Do you have a bit of Foodie Newz to share? Hit me up at [email protected]
ICYMI: Le Jardin Beer Garden Opens At Gustave Boulangerie on Mt. Vernon Ave. in Alexandria
