Alexandria, VA – Welcome to September. The kiddos are back in school, and should be comfortable with their new schedules. That means many families are changing their eating habits too. And, as always, the Alexandria restaurant always rises to the occasion. Here’s a small sampling of what’s happing around town.
Coming Soon
Thanida Thai is one of the restaurants displaced by the plans for a new building in the location of the Montgomery Center. A ‘Coming Soon’ sign is on the door of 1200 N Fayette St. This family owned restaurant won’t be far from their former location. They will feature their traditional Thai recipes at reasonable prices as they always have. Narman Restaurant, 682 N. St. Asaph St., is moving into the space formerly occupied by Sunday in Saigon. We had previously reported it was going to be an Italian restaurant. Narman is a fine dining Turkish restaurant that will feature “a gateway to the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Turkey. At NARMAN, we pride ourselves on offering an authentic Turkish dining experience that tantalizes your taste buds and nourishes your soul.”
Opening in the Carlyle Center, 1925 Ballenger Ave., is Honeymoon Chicken, a fried chicken restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand in 2022, Catalogue, the operator of the Federalist Pig and Ted’s Bulletin. The new concept replaces Sidekick Bakery but keeps Ted’s Bulletin. Ted’s Bulletin will still be opening in early 2025. The restaurant will be modeled on the new generation of Ted’s restaurants aimed at a wider range of customers. The menu will expand to include all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Both restaurants will be located in the same building anchored by Wegmans.
La Tingeria, is opening its third location in Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave., in October. Bill Butcher, founder of Port City is changing their food model of food trucks to a brick and mortar restaurant. The menu will feature chef David Peña’s signature items including fan favorites like the goat and beef birria tacos and chicken tinga tacos. New items will include lamb burger sliders and Sonoran hot dogs wrapped in Halal beef bacon. According to Butcher, when describing the new partnership, La Tingeria, “Their menu is both authentic and unique, and the quality is top notch. Of course, tacos and craft beer are a natural pairing.”
New News
Que Rico on 1033 W. Glebe Rd. is a new entry on the popular Peruvian restaurant scene. The restaurant is serving homestyle Puerto Rican cooking. The menu features traditional Puerto Rican flavors, includes specialties such as a variety of House Rice, Pernil (Puerto Rican Style Pulled Pork), Mofongo (green plantains fried and mashed together with oil, garlic, salt, and sometimes chicharrón) and a variety of Puerto Rican Street food like Pastelillos. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Saying Goodbye
a la Lucia, 315 Madison, is scheduled to close at the end of September. The block in Old Town North was bought last year and announced plans to replace the Montgomery Center with residential units, retail and arts stores on the ground floor, and underground parking garage. There have been multiple delays but it appears the September date is firm. Corporate Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May which resulted in our local Red Lobster at 555 S. Van Dorn to close on August 31. The location survived the first round of closure of 100 locations but is listed in the 23 additional closings.
Nearby neighbors
Have you visited the Water Park, 1601 Crystal Drive, in Crystal City. The area includes a Food Hall for year round dining, an entertainment stage, lots of seating, and a designated “sip and stroll” area, Heating elements are used to make the seating areas comfortable in cold weather. There are nine local food kiosks and two sit-down restaurants, the latest being Fat Fish serving Hawaiian-inspired poké bowls, bento boxes, sushi rolls, and teriyaki waffles. The other kiosks include Brij, a café dedicated to supporting the local Latin American Youth Center, Bubbie’s Plant Burgers & Fizz with plant-based and kosher-certified Americana burgers, and Cracked Eggery that serves egg sandwiches and bowls. Dolci Gelati serves fresh made gelato, Falafel Inc. offers falafel bowls and sandwiches, PhoWheels provides Vietnamese-inspired dishes like pho and banh mi, and Queen Mother’s offers crispy fried chicken sandwiches, Tiki Thai is a fusion of Thai and Polynesian flavors. Sit-down restaurants include Water Bar where you’ll find locally-sourced seafood and craft cocktails. Crush Pizza serves New York-style pizza, sandwiches, and fine wine.
Until next time, eat well and enjoy!
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ICYMI: Man vs Pizza at Benny Diforza’s Pizza in Alexandria, VA
