Alexandria restaurant Thompson Italian, which also has a location in Falls Church, was voted as the second-best restaurant in Virginia by Washingtonian readers.
Thompson Italian took over 1024 King Street in 2022, formerly Hank’s Oyster Bar. The restaurant features a variety of dishes, from squid ink bucatini to crispy brussel sprouts.
“The newer Old Town location serves carefully crafted pastas, like the Falls Church original, but adds brunch and an attention-getting cacio e pepe gimlet,” Washingtonian wrote.
Thompson Italian beat out classic regional favorites, like three-Michelin-star restaurant The Inn at Little Washington, but couldn’t top Ruthie’s All Day in Arlington.
Andy’s Pizza, which has a location in Old Town, also got a slice of the action as the number one favorite pizza spot.
Image via Thompson Italian/Facebook
Joy on the Avenue is officially open to the public in Del Ray.
The Christmas-themed pop-up bar at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue softly opened on Tuesday night, just in time for the long holiday weekend.
Owner Bill Blackburn said that the restaurant bar is the most festively decorated of its kind in Alexandria.
“It’s the same formula with the pop-up that we’ve followed the last two holiday seasons,” Blackburn said. “We have a very creative cocktail menu with some familiar favorites, some new creations this year and some nibbles to spread some holiday cheer.”
The menu (in the photo gallery above) includes concoctions like “We Forgot Kevin!” with Tito’s vodka, St. Germaine, cranberry juice, lemon, bitters, jalapeno honey, syrup and ginger beer.
It took nearly two weeks to get the annual pop-up ready, since Blackburn and staff had to pack away all of the Halloween decorations from the bar’s previous iteration as Nightmare on the Avenue.
Blackburn said that Joy on the Avenue will stay up until the first week in January, when it will wrap with the annual Festivus party.
With food insecurity in more than 30% of Alexandria households, the city wants feedback on food access for its residents.
In a new survey, the city’s Department of Community and Human Services is working with a consulting firm to get the latest on food access for residents. The effort is part of an effort to develop a citywide food security strategic plan.
From food pantries and distributions across the city to delivering food to senior citizens, Alexandria offers a number of opportunities to get free food.
According to DCHS:
Despite Alexandria’s reputation as an affluent community, there are many households in Alexandria struggling with food security. Recently, the Capital Area Food Bank’s 2022 Hunger Report estimated the prevalence of food insecurity in Alexandria as high as 31%. This rate was measured with a six-item short form of the USDA survey module conducted February-March 2022 with 3,769 adults aged 18 and older in the DC Metro Area. While this survey does not have the same breadth as the USDA survey or Map the Meal Gap, it makes clear that many households that may not be officially labeled as food insecure by government measures are still struggling to afford adequate food.
The online survey takes a few minutes to complete, and the city says it wants 300 completed surveys by the end of the month. It asks questions about a participant’s access to balanced and healthy food, and after completing it participants may be asked to be part of a paid focus group to tell the city about getting free groceries and meals.
Survey participants can also pick up a $5 Safeway gift card with proof that they completed the survey at the following locations:
- The fifth Floor front desk of the Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive
- The ALIVE! Weekend Food Distribution
- ALIVE! Food Hubs
- ALIVE! Food Pop-Ups
After more than a dozen complaints of outdoor grills sending smoke into neighboring Del Ray homes, City Council on Saturday unanimously approved a modified plan to allow Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ to operate behind Evening Star Cafe.
The approval expands the concept’s hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (previously 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.), more outdoor seating (from 50 seats to 124 seats), live outdoor music Wednesday to Saturday, as well as permission to cook food from two outdoor smoker grills and selling the food from a temporary food trailer.
Neighborhood Restaurant Group (NRG) owns Evening Star Cafe (2000 Mount Vernon Avenue) and during the pandemic converted its rear parking lot into an outdoor dining area. They were allowed to do so when the city suspended enforcement of multiple special use permit conditions. Earlier this year, however, the restaurant started selling Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ barbecue in the outdoor dining area without city approval. Two smokers were also located 20 feet from neighboring residences, prompting 19 complaints submitted to the city, as well as 13 city citations requiring removal of the smokers and the issuance of a fire code violation by a fire marshal.
City Council Member Kirk McPike said that he supported the restaurant’s plan, but not the after-the-fact way that it went to the city for approval.
“Do we have to disapprove one to get the message out that these after-the-fact approvals are not what we want to see?” McPike said. “We want people to actually be applying for these special use permits before they undertake these actions.
NRG agreed to reduce the impact of the smoker grills by relocating them away from the western property line and closer to the building, as well as an exhaust pipe.
Michael Babin, the founder and principal of NRG, apologized to the City Council for operating without city approval.
“At some point we needed to go back and either retroactively or for the first time say we need to get approval to do this,” Babin acknowledged.
NRG also owns Planet Wine, Vermilion, two Rustico restaurants, Buzz Bakeshop, Josephine and Shop Made in VA.
Image via Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ/Facebook
Del Ray’s BBQ scene could be getting a little bigger soon.
A plan to boost the size of outdoor smokehouse Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ (2000 Mount Vernon Avenue) in Del Ray, in the backyard of Evening Star Cafe, is heading to the City Council at a meeting on Saturday, Oct. 14.
The proposal is to allow 74 additional outdoor dining seats at the outdoor restaurant, for a total of 124 seats. The owners also hope to add live entertainment, extended hours of operation, and a new temporary trailer for beer kegs and restaurant services.
The restaurant has faced pushback from neighbors, primarily for issues related to smells from the restaurant. According to the staff report:
Starting in March 2023 when Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ first opened, City staff has received several complaints relating to the existing business operations: 12 regarding smoke and odor and four complaints regarding excessive noise; three of which related to noise from performers playing music. Additional complaints regarding delivery trucks blocking driveways have been more recently received.
The report noted that staff directed the restaurant owners to remove the smokers and said the outdoor seating needed a special use permit.
The staff report recommended approval of most of the proposal, though not for live performances given that the proposed “cabana stage” would be within 60 feet of neighboring residences.
Arlandria bar Hops N’ Shine went to the City Council earlier this year similarly hoping for more outdoor seating and live music, and walked away with mixed results and outright rejecting the proposed live outdoor entertainment over similar concerns about proximity to neighboring residences.
The Planning Commission supported the Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ proposal in a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner David Brown opposing. However, the staff report indicated that multiple Planning Commissioners raised concerns about mitigating the smell of smoke. The report noted that applicant Michael Babin said he could work on mitigating the impact of the restaurant on neighbors.
Image via Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ/Facebook
On Oct. 4, after nearly a decade at 1909 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, sushi restaurant KAiZEN Tavern closed and reopened as Zuki Moon.
“Embark on a culinary adventure as we bring you beloved gastro bar food from Japan, and the Philippines,” the restaurant says on its website. “Our vibrant Asian menus and craft cocktails stem from our favorite culinary travels and adventures from the back alley street food stalls to the vibrant and colorful markets.”
Restaurant owner Daniel Wharam opened KAiZEN Tavern in 2014, offering sushi with a blend of Latin, Asian and American cuisine. Wharam and his wife also own Grape & Bean in the city’s Rosemont neighborhood.
The restaurant is named after a fictional girl named Zuki, who grew up in a small Japanese village. The short story is published on the company website, and is included below. Michelle Armstrong works with the couple and came up with the concept and wrote the story.
Once upon a time in a small village in Japan, lived a young girl named Zuki. She was a blend of two cultures, her mother was Filipino and her father was Japanese. Zuki grew up cherishing both her heritage and the love for both countries.
One day, while playing near the magnificent Dragon Gate waterfall, Zuki noticed something unusual. A koi fish, with its colorful scales shimmering under the sunlight, had leaped out of the water and was struggling to return. Without hesitation, Zuki rushed to its aid and gently placed it back into the water. As she did so, mysterious sensation coursed through her.
Years passed, and on Zuki’s 18th birthday, falling on the day of the 3rd moon. Zuki revisited the waterfall to swim. As she stepped into the clear waters, an enchanting transformation occurred. Zuki turned into a magnificent koi fish, her vibrant scales glistening in the moonlight.
With newfound freedom, Zuki embarked on a journey to her mother’s homeland, the Philippines. She swam across the vast ocean and upon arriving in the Philippines, Zuki discovered a land of endless wonders, filled with warm-hearted people, breathtaking landscapes, and most importantly, a diverse and delectable cuisine.
Zuki’s nature allowed her to make countless friends during her visits to the Philippines. They were eager to introduce her to their most beloved eateries, hidden gems tucked away in back alley bars and vibrant markets. Together, they savored the mouthwatering delicacies and flavors of the Philippines. (Hint: Find the characters on our drink coasters.)
Zuki’s favorite foods became a reflection of her cultural heritage. She delighted in the delicate artistry of Sushi, the comforting warmth of Ramen, and the explosion of flavors in Adobo and Sinigang. From savoring street food like Tempura and Yakiniku to enjoying traditional dishes like Pancit and Kare-Kare, Zuki’s taste buds danced with joy.
Each year, as Zuki returned to both her let homelands she carried with her the memories of her friends and the incredible culinary experiences they shared. Inspired by their love and friendship, she dreamed of someday opening a little restaurant that would celebrate the fusion of flavors from both countries.
And so, in honor of Zuki’s mythical journey and her love for the diverse cuisines of Japan and the Philippines, Zuki Moon aims to bring you a taste of her favorite foods. Let us take you on a little culinary adventure…
Zuki Moon and KAiZEN Tavern images via Facebook
Outdoor barbeque spot Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ in Del Ray could be getting a significant expansion — provided it can get the permits next month.
A special use permit heading to the Planning Commission on Tuesday, Oct. 3, details plans for expanded seating, live entertainment and more, though only some of those have staff’s recommendation for approval.
The applicant, Majestic Grill, Inc., is proposing to allow 74 additional outdoor dining seats for a total of 124 seats. The applicant is also hoping to extend hours of operation, permit outdoor live entertainment, and to request approval of a temporary trailer.
The outdoor live entertainment would include live musical performances Wednesday through Saturday from 6-10 p.m.
The staff report recommends approval to the increase in outdoor dining seats, expanded hours of operation, amplified outdoor entertainment, and the temporary trailer — but does not recommend approval for live performances.
The application also includes letters from the public. While some had concerns about a smoker on the site being a nuisance for neighbors, the vast majority of letters were in support of the business, including one from the Del Ray Business Association.
Image via Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ/Facebook
Get your costume ready, because the Halloween pop-up bar ‘Nightmare On The Avenue’ is opening early next week in Del Ray.
The pop-up bar at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue is currently being decorated, and staff are concocting a spooky craft cocktail and food menu for the space that was home to the 80’s themed Miami Vibes popup bar during the summer.
Expect the bar to open on Monday or Tuesday of next week, Owner Bill Blackburn of the Homegrown Restaurant Group told ALXnow.
“As the name suggests, ‘Nightmare on the Avenue’ is going to get you in the holiday spirit,” Blackburn said.
The pop-up is located between HRG’s other Del Ray restaurants Pork Barrel BBQ and Holy Cow Del Ray on Mount Vernon Avenue.
After Halloween, the bar will be transformed into the Christmas-themed “Joy On The Avenue.”
ALIVE! and Volunteer Alexandria exceeded their goal and collected more than 33,500 in last month’s first-ever citywide food drive.
The nonprofits collected 33,511 pounds of food from 38 locations across Alexandria last month.
“Thank you, Volunteer Alexandria, for hosting this food drive for us and the community,” said Jenn Ayers, ALIVE! executive director, “Donations like the ones we’ve received go a long way to keeping our costs down and provide a healthy variety of food to people who need help.”
The food collected will feed thousands of Alexandria families needing assistance. The effort was so successful that Volunteer Alexandria Executive Director Marion Brunken said that there will be another food drive next summer.
“We are thrilled to have exceeded our goal by over 3,000 pounds for our first community food drive and thank everyone who was able to help in some way,” Brunken said.
While the food drive was successful, ALIVE! always needs more donations. Food can be dropped at the ALIVE! Food Warehouse (801 South Payne Street) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 pm. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
The food drive was sponsored by Ting Internet, Fitness Together and the Rotary Club of Alexandria.
Volunteer Alexandria and ALIVE! wanted to thank the following organizations:
- Agudas Achim Congregation
- Alexandria City Hall
- Alexandria Children’s Dentistry
- Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library
- Dolce and Bean
- Department of Community and Human Services
- Department of Beer and Wine
- Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- The Episcopal Church of Saint Clement
- Fairlington Presbyterian Church
- Fairlington United Methodist Church
- First Christian Church of Alexandria
- First Church of Christ Scientist
- Fitness Together
- Gilbane Building Company
- The Goodhart Group
- James M. Duncan Branch Library
- Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- McEnearney Associates
- Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
- Old Presbyterian Meeting House
- Old Town North Community Partnership
- Rotary Club of Alexandria
- Russell Temple CME Church
- Sixteenth Tabernacle Beth-El
- Ting Internet
- Top It Off
- Trinity United Methodist Church
- TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
- United Bank
- USDA Food and Nutrition Services
- Venue Condominium
- Washington Street UMC
- Westin Alexandria
- YMCA Alexandria
- Zweet Sport Total Fitness Studio
An international food festival is making its return to Alexandria next month.
The Around The World Cultural Food Festival, which brings together food from fifty countries around the world, is returning to Alexandria’s Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street) on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
This is the third year of the event. The event is free to attend with food and beverages available for purchase.
According to a release:
This year, we are taking our patrons on a one day trip around the world right in their back yard and present the cuisine, culture and traditions of almost fifty (50) countries participating in the event. With only one (1) ethnic food vendor per country, patrons will have the opportunity to explore over one hundred (100) traditional food items from sixteen (16) countries, enjoy folk dances and performances from twelve (12) countries, as well as an array of over one hundred and ten (110) ethnic artisans and crafters, independent consultants, small businesses and non-profit organizations. We invite everyone to come and enjoy as many dishes as they can; our food vendors take their time to prepare and present their top traditional food.
In 2023 we are presenting ethnic cuisine from Cambodia, China, Colombia, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Nepal, Peru, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and United States of America, traditional dance performances from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Germany, Iran, Ireland, Japan, Panama, Scotland, Turkey and United Kingdom, as well as artisanal items from Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Colombia, El Salvador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Turkey, United States of America and much more.
