Alexandria, VA – It’s October and it’s really fall. I love this time of year. The leaves are starting to color and drop. Halloween decorations are out in force and Christmas decorations are starting to crowd them out of the stores. Not really but it seems like it. If you drive through Park Fairfax, you can see one of the residents is setting up giant skeletons. It’s the season for squash too. Lots of varieties are filling the bins at farmer’s market and groceries. The restaurant menus are changing to reflect the seasons too.
What’s happening lately
Yates Table Talk, 1623 Duke St., has been around for as long as anyone can remember. For many years, a sign in front advertised a new building would be built on the site. Instead, Jeff Yates bought the restaurant and after his death, is now run by Jeff and Kelly Yates. The ever present General Manager Nick Kapetenakis apparently ‘conveyed’ with the sale. Nick leads the Table Talk Team, many of whom have been there for years. The restaurant has always been open for breakfast and lunch daily, closing at 3:30 pm. The hours have changed to include dinner Wednesday through Sunday until 9 pm. You’ll be able to enjoy all day breakfast and some of your favorite sandwiches and some new dinner entrees. Enjoy one the daily highlights, the soup, made fresh daily.
crumbl cookies has arrived in BradLee at 3618 King St. These cookies are part cake, part pie, part cookie. Local franchise owners, Nat and Dovy Paukstys are the dynamic duo bringing these sweet treats to West Alexandria. Their mission is to “deliver the most delicious, picture-perfect desserts you’ve ever tasted, one bite at a time!” Cookie varieties change weekly. But you can always count on the house favorite, chocolate chip, are always available. Each cookie is available in both a mini and large size too.
Nightmare on the Avenue is back in the space at 2312 Mt. Vernon Ave. The bar officially begins the Halloween season on the Avenue. The venue has been updated from last year’s offering. According to Homegrown Restaurant Group, “Step into the eerie, spine-tingling world we’ve created just for you, where every cocktail casts a spell and every corner has a frightful surprise waiting. As always, there will be lots of spooky treats and cocktails to set the mood.” Try the Mummy Poppers and the Monster Sliders. The pop-up opens at 5 pm, sseven days a week. If you want to try some other spooky restaurants around town, try RT’s, 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave., The Fish Market, 105 King St., and Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar, 112 King St. Junction Bistro, Bar & Bakery has recently redone their interior with a new bar and seating area. They also reconfigured their parking lot to include a nice patio where you can enjoy your coffee and other treats.
Coming soon
Mudhouse Coffee Roasters is getting ready to open at 1119 King St., the former home of J. Brown & Co. Mudhouse bought the building in 2021 and had to wait over two years for the tenant’s lease to run out. The owners have multiple locations including Charlottesville, Richmond, and Crozet, Va. This local coffee chain started over 20 years ago with a coffee cart on the Mall. They cup coffees from small farms across the globe from Ethiopia to Panama to Indonesia. Big Papi’s Tacos will be opening nearby in the Penn Daw neighborhood at 6224J North Kings Highway later this year. They currently have two Maryland locations so this will be their first foray into Virginia. They are well known for their carne asada tacos and quesabirria pizza. The location is in an apartment building that burned down several years ago.
According to a leaked memo, Wendy’s and Paramount are partnering to bring the Krabby patty to life. Per the memo, “Starting on October 8, get ready to deliver the magic of cultural phenomenon SpongeBob SquarePants! To celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary this year, Wendy’s will introduce its own version of SpongeBob’s iconic Krabby Patty as part of an exclusive Krabby Patty Kollaboration with Paramount.” The memo adds this will be a limited-time offering meant for “adult consumers and fans” across the U.S., Canada, and Guam. Wendy’s will also introduce a new Frosty flavor, Pineapple Under the Sea.
Giving back
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Cheesetique, 2411 Mt. Vernon Ave., is partnering with Alexandria Celebrates Women (ACW) to support the Alexandria Domestic Violence Safehouse. Cheesetique is hoping to raise $2,000 through various initiatives. If you have a charity or cause that would benefit from a fundraiser, ask your favorite and local restaurants. So many are willing to help raise funds for worthy beneficiaries.
Until next time, eat well and enjoy! I know I will.
Do you have a tasty tidbit to share? Contact me at [email protected]
ICYMI: Unwined Closing Bradlee Shopping Center Location in Alexandria
