(Updated 4:25 p.m.)Â Alexandrians are being urged not to travel or gather in groups for the holidays, so Alexandria Restaurant Partners is putting together a series of specials to diners to take home and enjoy in 2-4 sized groups.
“Always committed to providing a total guest experience, this year’s ARP Christmas menus feature a la carte, Prix fixe, and packaged to-go menu options highlighting innovative twists on classic holiday dishes,” a spokesperson for the restaurant group said.
Alexandria Restaurant Partners owns  Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Vola’s Dockside Grill, Riverside Taco Company, Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, Palette 22 and The Majestic — with Ada’s on the River and Barca Pier and Wine Bar coming soon.
“For only $29/person, readers will be impressed with Mia’s Italian Kitchen’s affordable and delicious 3-course prix-fixe featuring starters like Pei Mussels, or Crispy Fried Artichokes, a choice of 2 entrees Frutti Di Mare, or Slow Cooked Prime Beef Ragu and a choice between two decadent desserts,:Chocolate Covered Cannoli or Chocolate Panna Cotta,” the press release said.
The family packages were $119 for a group of four or $69 for two. The packages include five dishes served cold with reheating instructions.
There are similar packages available at
- Theismann’s — $139 for a serving of 4-6 with the option of doubling the sides for an additional $60.
- The Majestic — $159 to-go dinner
- Palette 22 — small plates ranging from $16-$5
- Riverside Taco Company — $29 for two starters and entrees
- Vola’s Dockside Grill — dishes serve 6-8 and range from $75 cheesecake to $59 crab mac and cheese
“All ARP Christmas To-Go menus can be placed directly through the desired restaurant’s website or by phone through December 21st,” according to the press release. “Order pickups will be available on Dec. 24 or Dec. 25th, 12-6 p.m.”
Also, buying a gift card of $100 value will come with a bonus $20 gift card.
Staff photo by James Cullum
Waterfront Shipping Container Bar Starts to Take Shape — “On Monday morning, the shipping containers were moved from the barge to the pier for a portion of the restaurant.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Drop Boxes Announced for Medication Disposal — “Unwanted medication can be dropped off at one of these 3 locations. Do not flush unwanted medications down the toilet or drain.” [Twitter]
Alexandria Earns Perfect Ratings on Municipal Equality Index — “According to the HRC website, the MEI measures the inclusiveness of residents in cities around the county who identify as LGBTQ+. This year, Alexandria received a perfect score of 100 percent on the index.” [Zebra]
Final Report Released on CARES Act Funds — “While we await additional Federal action, it is important to recognize how the City has quickly put the $27.8M we have received to benefit the residents and small businesses of our community.” [Twitter]
Episcopal High School Seeking English Teacher — “Episcopal High School is looking for a full-time English teacher beginning in the fall of 2021. Candidates must be prepared to teach students at every level in this four-year boarding school.” [NAIS Career Center]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
Experts Predict Alexandria Economic Recovery by 2022 — “The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have dominated the economy here in Alexandria, but the region may not see a full recovery until 2022.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Alexandria Refreshes Bid for Fiber Network — “The City of Alexandria last week issued an invitation to bid (ITB) for the construction of a City-owned fiber network to support broadband services among the City’s public institutions.” [Broadband Communities]
A History of Alexandria Christmases — “While Christmas has been part of Alexandria’s history since the beginning, did you know that our current traditions, including Santa Claus, were adapted more recently?” [Zebra]
Alexandria Restaurant Partners Install UVC Lights — “As colder temperatures force many dining patrons indoors throughout the Commonwealth, Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) has announced that they are stepping up their sanitization efforts.” [Alexandria Restaurant Partners]
Alexandria Sixth Most Charitable City in America — “Today, GoFundMe, the world’s leading fundraising platform, released its annual Giving Report which includes a list of the most generous states and cities in America. Alexandria is the sixth most generous city for supporting individuals, causes and organizations this year.” [Zebra]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
Latest Torpedo Factory Plan Redesigns First Floor — “As far as the first floor, staff plans to make the space more interactive, which could involve relocating artists throughout the building. Specifically, Ruggiero mentioned relocating a print-maker studio from the third floor to the first, as well as the Art League’s art supply store.” [Alexandria Times]
Alexandria Offers Emergency Child Care for Low Income Families — “The Alexandria City Council approved a request in September from DCHS and the Alexandria Emergency Child Care Collaborative (ECCC) to utilize Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to support this child care initiative. The initiative is limited to 150 children total, who will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.” [City of Alexandria]
Alexandria Restaurant Partners Seeking Chef for New Concept — “As we are moving our Majestic Culinary team to our newest Concept, Ada’s on The River, we are interviewing for an experienced and passionate Executive Chef and Sous Chef to join our team” [Salary]
Veterans Commemorate Amid Pandemic — “On Nov. 11, the Friends of Rocky Versace commemorated the 102nd anniversary of the armistice to end World War I with a Veterans Day ceremony at Blessed Sacrament School Hall, a change from its usual location at Mount Vernon Recreation Center due to COVID-19 restrictions.” [Alexandria Gazette]
Scott Shaw equates the COVID-19 experience to a Greek tragedy with a beginning, middle and end. Right now, he says, we’re in the middle and looking forward to the third act — a period of eventual recovery.
Shaw, a partner with Alexandria Restaurant Partners, says that his company is similar to a lot of other restaurant companies looking at an uncertain winter on the horizon.
“The first act was reacting, getting through the summer, figuring out what your new business model looks like,” Shaw told ALXnow. “The second act is about getting through the winter, and then the third act will be recovering. The third act, let’s call it next March through next July, with the prospect of a vaccine on-hand, we can begin to return to normalcy and get back on track.”
Shaw and his staff have rehired 300 of the 500 employees the company had before the pandemic hit the city. ARP owns  Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Vola’s Dockside Grill, Riverside Taco Company, Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, Palette 22 and The Majestic. The company is currently looking to buy the former Charlie’s on the Avenue in Del Ray, and at Robinson Landing plans to open Ada’s On The River in January and BARCA Wine Bar and Pier in April.
ARP also recently installed air purification technology in all its restaurants. The Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology “virtually eliminates static COVID-19… achieving a 99.4% reduction within 30 minutes,” according to a company press release.
“We’re sort of navigating our way through the crisis,” Shaw said. “We’ve been careful with our money to make sure we have enough acorns for the winter.”
Alexandria Restaurant Partners has filed a special use permit request to buy the old Charlie’s on the Avenue restaurant in Del Ray and turn it into a concept called “Joe’s Kitchen.”
The SUP was sent in to the city on Nov. 5, and the last day for public comments is Nov. 26.
Charlie’s (1501 Mount Vernon Avenue) closed in January after opening in the former home of Fireflies, which closed in 2017 after 15 years in business.
ARP owns  Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Vola’s Dockside Grill, Riverside Taco Company, Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, Palette 22 and The Majestic. It is also developing Ada’s On The River at Robinson Landing.
Image via Charlie’s on the Avenue Facebook
Unlike many of his Latino neighbors in Arlandria, Realtor Brett Rice has had a solid year and is giving back in a big way. On Wednesday, Nov. 25, which is the day before Thanksgiving, Rice and Alexandria Restaurant Partners will give away 500 meals worth about $35,000 to the community.
“The pandemic hasn’t been bad for everyone, and people are buying second homes and vacationing, and I just want to do something that will help the community,” Rice told ALXnow.
Each meal will feed a family of four, and there’s no news yet as to what’s on the menu.
“This year has been very good for his business and he feels lead to give back to neighbors who have had a hard year,” said Casa Chirilagua Executive Director Adriana Gómez Schellhaas. “We are certainly on board.”
Alexandria Living Legend Pat Miller has set up a page for donations.
Rice, who lives in Del Ray, also owns Arlandria Floors, and said that his business was at rock bottom during the height of the pandemic, although his troubles pale in comparison with the city’s poorer residents. He came up with the idea two weeks ago while hanging out with his friend Murray Bonnit, who has joined in the effort.
“I haven’t had to struggle to pay bills, and I haven’t lost my family members, and I think people forget around here how affluent we live in Del Ray,” he said. “We can’t live in this bubble with a lot of talk and no action.”
Senators Kaine and Warner Urge GSA to Begin Transition Process — “An orderly and peaceful transition process is critical as the country continues to grapple with the loss and far-reaching impacts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.'” [Twitter]
Beyer Asks Residents to Stay Home — “Being tired of the pandemic won’t make it stop, we need to be as careful as possible right now.” [Twitter]
Virtual Restaurant Touchdown Wings & Burgers Opens — “Touchdown Wings & Burgers runs out of Joe Theismann’s Restaurant. In mid-October, ARP opened Touchdown Wings & Burgers, a new brand for the organization.” [Alexandria Living]
Alexandria Library Gets Grant for Climate Change Programming — “By receiving the grant, Alexandria Library has committed to becoming a Climate Resilience Hub.” [Zebra]
Casa Chirilagua 5K Extended to November 11 — “GREAT NEWS! Christ the King Church has extended the Casa Virtual 5K to November 11! You now have 2.5 more weeks to register and participate. This is one way you can support the Chirilagua families that face so much adversity with strength and courage. Can you help us reach our 1,000 km goal?” [Facebook]
Today’s Weather — “Rain early…then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. Morning high of 65F with temps falling to near 55. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Cloudy skies. Low 48F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Dog Trainer/Instructor — “Olde Towne School for Dogs, the premiere dog training company located in Alexandria, VA serving the D.C. metropolitan area, is looking to hire new full-time trainers to our high energy team in a fast-paced and dog-filled environment!” [Indeed]
Beyer Says Trump is Suppressing Votes — “Donald Trump wants to illegally stop Americans – including members of our military serving overseas – from voting. The counter to this is simple: vote.” [Twitter]
Mayor Defends Kamala Harris’ Dancing After Criticism — “I am a ‘younger’ elected official and I frequently dance (and sing) to Mary J. songs (more ‘Just Fine’ than ‘Work That’) and I cannot wait until next year when we have a Vice President who does too.” [Twitter]
Alexandria Restaurant Partners Adds Air Purification Technology — “The Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology purifies the air by attacking and killing viruses, mold spores and bacteria, according to ARP. Created by Global Plasma Solutions, it is the first air purification solution to test effectively neutralize the coronavirus and achieves a 99.4 percent reduction within a half hour.” [Patch]
Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy Gala Tonight — “ACAP will host a virtual community event (today), Oct 29, 5:30 pm, featuring a celebration of its 20th anniversary and the release of annual teen pregnancy data by the Alexandria Health Department.” [Twitter]
Virtual Paint Night Tickets Available to Benefit Volunteer Alexandria — “Join Alexandria Living Magazine and local acrylic artist Kellie Sansone for a virtual painting class, where participants will paint a pineapple — a symbol that means ‘welcome’ and is used quite often in Alexandria. The majority of proceeds will benefit Volunteer Alexandria, a local organization that matches volunteers of all ages with opportunities here in Alexandria. The cost of your ticket includes supplies in addition to the class!” [Alexandria Living]
Greenstreet Gardens Has an Influx of Pumpkins — “Still need carving #pumpkins ? We have lots to choose from!” [Twitter]
Today’s Weather — “Periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall (during the day). High 63F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers (in the evening). Low 47F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Sales and Marketing Manager — “Looking for marketing manager to develop and maintain social media platforms. To increase brand awareness. Responsible for posts, create email campagins. Working to create advertising, special offers, special events. Create photography and video posts. Copy, write and proofread all marketing materials. Need at least 2-3 years experience. [Indeed]
Feeling hungry? This week, Alexandria Restaurant Partners launched its Unlock ARP membership program, and for $30 participants will receive a key fob that will unlock discounts and off-menu dishes at a number of their restaurants in the city.
The program is intended to boost business for ARP’s numerous restaurants in and around the city, including Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Vola’s Dockside Grill, Riverside Taco Company, Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, Palette 22 and The Majestic (which is scheduled to soon reopen).
As of Tuesday, there were 350 membership slots available out of the 500 that will be allowed to participate at this time.
It costs $30 to join, and this month members can get 99 cent draft beers at Theismann’s and a complimentary starter. Those who sign up will receive email discounts.
ARP was one of the first restaurant chains to announce that they were closing all of their locations because of the pandemic, and has also raised thousands for its employees and city nonprofits.
