Alexandria Chef Anne Alfano on Cooking Clean and Her Favorite Old Town Spots

From Napa Valley to Old Town Kitchens

Alexandria, VA — Chef Anne Alfano has built a culinary career rooted in craftsmanship, hospitality, and food designed to make people feel genuinely well.

A native Washingtonian, Alfano has called Alexandria home since 2020.  A classically trained graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she honed her skills in some of the country’s most respected kitchens before launching her own ventures.

Her culinary résumé spans celebrated restaurants including Cochon and Herbsaint in New Orleans, Momofuku Ssam Bar in New York City, Little Red Fox in Washington DC, and Marlow & Daughters in Brooklyn, where she worked in butcher and charcuterie operations before branching out on her own.

Interestingly, Alfano’s first career out of college was not in the kitchen at all, but as a private detective in NYC. These days, however, she splits her time between private chef services and the growing success of Clean Life Collective.

Food That Tastes Good — And Makes You Feel Good

Clean Life Collective, and its culinary arm, CLC Meals, was co-founded by Alfano and integrative health coach Katelin Dial after the pair realized there was room for a meal service that balanced flavor, artistry, and wellness without sacrificing any of the joy of eating.

The company specializes in health-conscious, farm-to-table meals designed to be anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, and genuinely delicious. Every Tuesday, freshly prepared meals are delivered to homes within a 20-mile radius of Alexandria.

For Alfano, “clean eating” is not about restriction — it is about intentional ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and helping people feel their best through food.

Alfano Private Chef for a Susan Burke Studio event. Photo Ian Wagreich

Weddings, Private Events, and Cooking Lessons

Weekends for Alfano are typically spent overseeing private events and wedding catering, where her experience running high-level kitchens shines through in both service and execution.

Susan Burke Studio event with Anne Anne Alfano seafood tower and Atelier Ashley Flowers. Photo: Kate Headley

She has become a favorite chef of Susan Burke Studio, one of Washington’s most sought-after event planning firms, cooking for everyone from socialites and influencers to intimate private gatherings.

When asked what she likes best about working with Alfano, Susan had this to say:

“Chef Anne has a unique ability to balance taste, originality, and presentation.  An artist at her craft, she masters the delicate balance of professionalism combined with genuine creativity resulting in food that is truly special, beautiful and supremely delicious.  She is delightful to work with and deftly translates my food vision and that of my clients perfectly.”

By special request, Alfano also offers in-home cooking lessons, ranging from one-on-one instruction to interactive group demonstrations designed for entertaining guests while learning new culinary skills.

Chef Alfano at a Susan Burke Studio event. Flowers Atelier Ashley Flowers Photo: Kate Headley

Chef Anne Alfano’s Favorite Old Town Spots

When asked about her favorite places around Old Town Alexandria, Alfano did not hesitate:

• Brut Champagne & Wine Bar and Old Hat Bar for a Negroni
• Fontaine Caffe & Creperie for shakshuka brunch
• Saigon Rolls for pho — especially the classic eye-of-round version
• Pita House for a quick chicken shawarma sandwich
• Rock It Grill for karaoke and unexpectedly excellent fajitas
• 219 Restaurant for live music and late-night atmosphere

In a city increasingly known for its food scene, Alfano stands out not only for her culinary pedigree, but for her belief that good food should nourish both body and spirit.