News

Washingtonian lists two Alexandria eateries as serving the best desserts in D.C. area

Brandon Byrd outside Goodie’s Frozen Custard and Treats at 200 Commerce Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, two Alexandria businesses just made Washingtonian’s list for making the best desserts in the D.C. area.

The Washingtonian food editors chose the olive-oil cake at Thompson Italian (1024 King Street) and “the big apple” at Goodies Frozen Custard and Treats (200 Commerce Street) as their go-to last course.

“Katherine Thompson has been making this surprisingly light, not-at-all-bitter olive-oil cake since her days working in well-regarded New York Italian kitchens more than a decade ago,” Washingtonian said in its listing. “What makes it stand out: perfectly placed flakes of Maldon salt, Madeira-spiked raisin marmalade, and a tuft of tangy crème fraîche mousse. Have a slice at the restaurants or order a whole cake for your next shindig.”

Washingtonian also said that Goodies makes the area’s best Wisconsin-style frozen custard.

“You can get it in shakes, floats, and sundaes, but if you’re really going to treat yourself—which you obviously should—go for ‘The Big Apple,’” Washingtonian said. “Creamy custard is stuffed into the middle of a freshly baked apple-cider doughnut with a drizzle of house made caramel on top.”

Goodies owner Brandon Byrd said that he’s worked hard to make a consistently exceptional product made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients.

“It’s an honor to be considered amongst the best on a short list curated by the DMVs well-known food/hospitality professionals,” Byrd told ALXnow.

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.