Alexandria, VA – The Del Ray Business Association’s 17th Annual Taste of Del Ray returned on June 7, bringing together the neighborhood’s best flavors for a sold-out culinary competition highlighting 16 of Del Ray’s top restaurants.
“Truly loved every bite,” said Visit Alexandria President and CEO Todd O’Leary, who served as this year’s judge. “I really appreciated the variety we enjoyed, both sweet and savory dishes. We had different kinds of ethnic dishes represented. Truly, a tough decision.”
Spice Kraft Indian Bistro’s Butter Chicken Pot Pie and Avocado Bhel Chaat took top prize in both the Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice Awards. “It felt really elevated – great flavors, and the plating and presentation were really top notch,” said O’Leary.
Making their Taste of Del Ray debut, Little Birdie’s Crack Chicken Dip on Crostini and Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Lotus Root took home 2nd Place in the People’s Choice category, as voted by event attendees. The new restaurant from the team behind Matt & Tony’s All-Day Kitchen + Bar, opening at 1504b Mount Vernon Avenue, took home the coveted award just weeks before their highly anticipated opening.
Rounding out the awards, Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ’s Smoked Chopped Brisket with Congee received a 2nd Place Judge’s Choice finish, while Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap’s Cuban Pinchos de Pollo and Mojo Chicken & Plantain took home 3rd Place in both categories.
Held every June, Taste of Del Ray showcases the culinary diversity of the neighborhood, with proceeds from the event funding community events throughout the year. For more information, visit www.visitdelray.com
The Del Ray Docket
July 2
First Thursday: America 250
Along Mount Vernon Avenue
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Celebrate America and join the Del Ray community for a free outdoor street festival featuring themed activities, live music, and more, presented by the Del Ray Citizens’ Association and The Jen Walker Team. For more information, visit visitdelray.com.
July 4, 11, 18, 25
The Del Ray Farmers’ Market
The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, located at the intersection of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenue
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Named one of the top 10 farmers’ markets in the state! This year-round market features fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more.
July 11
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
Mount Vernon & East Bellefonte Avenue
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Find your treasure! The outdoor Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market features over 70 vendors at the intersection of Mt. Vernon & Bellefonte Avenues. For more information, visit delrayvintageflea.com.
July 11
Gustave Art & Craft Market
2213 Mount Vernon Avenue
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shop small, shop local, and shop creative with local artisans while savoring Gustave’s Parisian specialties.
July 11-12
Del Ray Artisans’ Summer Art Market
Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Del Ray Artisans’ Summer Art Market is a two-day, indoor event that gives you the chance to purchase original handmade artwork from talented local artists. The market showcases original artwork in a wide range of media including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography, and more. For more information, visit delrayartisans.org.
SAVE THE DATE!
August 15
Bands & Brews: Del Ray’s Summer Bar Crawl
Along Mount Vernon Avenue
12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Del Ray’s 6th annual summer bar crawl features live music along Mount Vernon Avenue, food & drink specials at 15+ restaurants, live music, trolley transportation, and more, to benefit The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria. For more information and tickets, visit visitdelray.com.
