Alexandria, VA – It’s August and we are slowly turning the corner to fall. There are still more 90˚ ahead of us but we can see one of the best seasons of the DMV approaching. As always, there are a lot of things going on around us. Check it out.
New to you
Alexandria loves ice cream and sweets. Pitango has opened at 115 S. Union in Old Town. Pitango is known for its gelato, sorbets, and coffee. The shop is open from 8 am to 11 pm daily, and midnight on Friday and Saturday. There is plenty of seating indoors with 40 seats. This location serves 20 rotating gelato and sorbet flavors created with a traditional Italian Carpigiani freezer. Stop by in the morning for premium coffees along with a variety of croissants, cookies, scones, and pastries made in-house daily. We now have Lil’ Cakes & Creamery in Old Town North at1014 Madison St. is now open. The ice cream menu includes cones, milkshakes, pints, ice cream sandwiches, and a cake-n-cream cup. Cupcakes, brownies, cheesecakes, and other sweet bakery treats are also available to order. 1014 Madison St.
Tom Ramen is now open at 1468B N. Beauregard St. at Stoneridge at Mark Center. You can get a steaming bowl, sushi, bubble tea, and more from Monday to Thursday from 11 am-9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10:30 pm, and Sunday, noon to 9:30 pm. According to their website, “We are dedicated to serve the finest and freshest foods.” Amazon Fresh opened at the end of July at the Potomac Yard Center on Rt. 1 in the former home of Shoppers Food Warehouse, 3801 Richmond Highway. The Potomac Yard location is the seventh Amazon Fresh store in the DMV region. The newest grocery store in the community offers a wide selection of quality groceries and a convenient shopping experience. They have brought dozens of jobs in the local Alexandria area and will be donating surplus food from the Amazon Fresh store to the Capital Area Food Bank.
On August 17, Beckham Baffer of French Toast DMV will open his new restaurant, Saladtopia, at 1506 Mt. Vernon Ave. According to Baffer, “We want to introduce the idea that salads can be full of flavor and not just be known as the healthy option on a menu. We seek to bring a filling, flavorful, and healthy alternative to the traditional idea of salads.” “We want to introduce the idea that salads can be full of flavor and not just be known as the healthy option on a menu. We seek to bring a filling, flavorful, and healthy alternative to the traditional idea of salads.” Pupatella Neapolitan Pizza construction came to a hard stop but is resuming construction in Old Town North at 700 Slaters Lane, the former home of Sam’s Dry Cleaners. No explanation but this well-loved Neapolitan pizza restaurant is expected to open by the end of the year. As mentioned in a previous column, Pupatella is certified by the Verace Pizza Association which defines true Neapolitan pizza from the Assozione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN). Enzo Algarme, founder and owner, opened a food cart in 2007 when he could not find authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Potomac Yards is becoming a food mecca
Dok Khao Thai Eatery is coming to Alexandria by spring of 2025 and will be located next to Founding Farmers, at Swann Ave and Richmond Highway in Potomac Yards. This will be the fourth location of the Thai eatery. Porntipa Pattanamekar promises that the Alexandria location will adhere to Dok Khao Thai Eatery’s commitment to serving delicious food “We are still keeping the same concept. We want to be the second kitchen for our customers.” she says, adding “When we say kitchen we mean: dad can have a corner for his favorite liquor, beer, or wine, mommy can have good fresh foods, dessert coffee and tea, and kids will have fried chicken with waffles. We’re imagining that all of the family members will have a great meal…That’s the vibe what we would love to serve and bring into Dok Khao.”
Another new eatery is the Maryland-based coffee shop, Kaldi’s Social House is bringing the third iteration of its classic coffee house concept to 3639 S. Glebe Rd. There will inside seating for 114 with outside seating for 35. Sean Swartz describes the experience for future fans, saying: “At Kaldi’s we strive to go above and beyond what someone might consider a cafe. We offer an extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even happy hour menus with our focus on health oriented and approachable foods. We also boast a wide variety of local Virginia craft beers, an excellent cocktail menu, & wine.” Look for a early to mid-August opening.
A word from Haute Dogs
A favorite of Old Town North, Haute Dogs at 610 Montgomery St. closed suddenly last month. Here is the posting by the owners about what happened and what to expect. “We’ve received a lot of questions about our Alexandria location. It’s been a very hard and emotional process, as our Alexandria outpost has been operational for over 11 years! The sudden closure was not planned or anticipated be on-going. Our team and family has poured everything into this location for over a decade, building a wonderful place in North Old Town – supporting + being a part of such a great community means so much to us. We’ve watched relationships, families and friendships grow before our eyes – we are grateful for the time we’ve had + hope to continue it soon. We’ll be sending an email out with more details later this week and updating our website. We appreciate the outpour of support and love, we hope to find a resolution.” Fingers crossed we’ll be seeing them soon.
In other newz
If you never attended, here’s your chance. Le Dîner en Blanc returns to Washington DC to celebrate its ninth edition on Saturday, September 21. A surprise DC location has been picked to welcome thousands of guests who appear in all white for an of dining, socializing, and celebrating. According to Linda Davis, president of The Davis Group and co-producer of Le Diner en Blanc-Washington, “We try to change things up each year to make Le Diner in Blanc fresh for returning guests while keeping the essence of the true French picnic as the core of this iconic event. This event has become the urban picnic of the year in Washington, DC that features a social gathering where fashion, good food, and most importantly good company meet. Getting all dressed up to attend a dinner à la française where conversation and champagne are essential while the sea of people all adorned in white creates images that are instantly Instagram-able.” Registration is open now.
And on another note, the Kroger-Albertson’s merger has been halted. The announcement included a statement about Harris Teeter stores that would be closed. With this news, it is uncertain as to what will happen with the three stores scheduled to be sold in Virginia include the Harris Teeter at 735 N. St. Asaph St.
Don’t miss Alexandria Restaurant Week!
Alexandria Restaurant Week returns from August 16-25, 2024. For 10 days and two weekends, dozens of restaurants across Alexandria’s neighborhoods will offer a $27.50, $40 or $50 per person special menu for in-person dinner. The $27.50 offer is a nod to Alexandria’s 275th anniversary. Find additional special offers and discounts at fast casual restaurants throughout Alexandria during Alexandria Restaurant Week. Check out that restaurant you’ve been thinking about trying. With these special prices, you can eat well without breaking the bank. The menu book is now available for you to browse the many restaurant offerings.
Until next time, eat well and enjoy!
Do you have any newz or tidbitz to share? Contact me at [email protected]
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