Around Town

Alexandrians can now get falafel with their cheesesteak, as a Falafel Inc. franchise soft-opened this week in the longtime home of the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory at 3060 Duke Street. Its new owner plans on running with both concepts, according to staff at the new restaurant.

The restaurant officially opened on Sunday, March 9. A grand opening event is currently in the works, but a date has not been set, staff told ALXnow.


Around Town

Two chefs from Alexandria are vying to be the next “Top Chef” winners as the show’s new season premieres today (Monday).

Anthony Jones, the executive chef at Marcus DC, and Jonathan Dearden, corporate chef at KNEAD Hospitality + Design, are representing Alexandria in season 23 of Top Chef. The first episode will appear on Bravo at 9 p.m. tonight.


Around Town

The Taco Bell DC 50K that passed through Alexandria for the first time in November is planning a comeback this fall.

About 500 people participated in last year’s Tex-Mex-fueled race, which is not sponsored by its titular fast food chain, but organized by local runners Phil Hargis and Mike Wardian. The 32.4-mile course takes runners and walkers to eight Taco Bell locations throughout Alexandria, Arlington, and D.C., where they are required to eat at least one menu item at every stop.


Around Town

An Alexandria food and travel writer will soon unveil his latest cookbook, a culinary journey through Spain with recipes inspired by the works of writer Ernest Hemingway.

“Hemingway’s Spanish Table” is the eighth cookbook for writer Howie Southworth, following his locally inspired “A Taste of Alexandria,” a collection of recipes from the city’s restaurant scene, which was published in 2024.


Around Town

A new Indian restaurant celebrated its recent foray into the Eisenhower East neighborhood over the weekend with festivities alongside local city and business leaders.

The Bombay Canteen rolled out the red carpet at 2010 Eisenhower Avenue yesterday (Sunday) for a grand opening of its Mumbai-inspired dining room and kitchen. The new eatery, which soft opened last month, is led by D.C.-area restaurateur Asad Sheikh and chef Nishi Barua, replacing a vacancy left by Hunan Cafe.


Around Town

After being open for less than a year, a Japanese restaurant in an Arlandria shopping center has merged with a fusion restaurant two doors down.

Signs on the window of the Sake Express Japanese Hibachi (3827 Mount Vernon Avenue) direct customers to get their favorite dishes at the Vietnamese-Japanese fusion restaurant 2D Noodles, which serves pho, sushi, and now, hibachi dishes.


Around Town

Flavor, fundraising and friendly competition are coming to Del Ray with the return of the Del Ray Chili Cook Off this month.

The annual culinary competition by the Del Ray Citizens Association is open to individual and team entries from Del Ray residents. It will kick off at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 in the gymnasium at Commonwealth Academy.


News

Former Alexandria City Councilman Frank Fannon is hosting his 18th annual Alexandrians Have Heart food and clothes drive in Old Town on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Fannon started the drive after getting elected to City Council in 2008, and says that he’s hoping this year to deliver a record six Ford F-150-sized truck beds full of food and clothes to ALIVE!, Carpenter’s Shelter and Christ House.


Around Town

A lovely Valentine’s Day weekend is coming to Alexandria.

There’s still time to make reservations or sign up for events at venues across the city. It all starts on Friday, Jan. 13, otherwise known as Galentine’s Day, followed by events on Valentine’s Day this Saturday.


Around Town

King Arthur Baking Company is eyeing Old Town to open a new retail store and baking school.

The Vermont-based company selling flour, bakeware and other baking supplies is planning to open a new store in Old Town “late this summer,” a company spokesperson told ALXnow.


Around Town

There are plenty of spots in Alexandria to watch this weekend’s Super Bowl LX as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots brawl it out.

The teams face off at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif., at Levi’s Stadium, and Grammy Award-winning artist Bad Bunny performs at halftime. Here are 12 local spots that have publicized watch parties, events and menu specials — and how to get a free, sober ride home.


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