News

The Tasting Room reopens after two-and-a-half year break in Old Town

By James Cullum

After a two-and-half year hiatus, The Tasting Room (1602 King Street) has reopened in Old Town.

The 2,500-square-foot restaurant is owned by Lorien Hotel & Spa, which also owns BRABO (1602 King Street) next door. Both restaurants are run by Executive Chef Fredy Garciaguirre, who was promoted from executive sous chef over the summer.

The Tasting Room softly reopened on October 5, and there will be a grand opening later this month, although a definite date has not been set.

On the menu, expect to find hearth-baked goat cheese with spicy tomato-pesto and a warm baguette, skillet cornbread with jalapeno honey butter, and other French staples. The signature cocktail menu features Sweet Old Town, a concoction of Blanco rum, pineapple juice, vanilla syrup and lime juice.

Hotel General Manager Phillip Blane says that the restaurant has a fresh vibe.

“We are so thrilled to bring this restaurant back for the Alexandria community and area visitors to enjoy again,” Blaine said. “It will be a destination perfect for pre-dinner tipples, grabbing a beer with a neighbor, or enjoying a nightcap. A great addition to Alexandria’s thriving culinary scene.”

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.