(Updated at 1:50 p.m.) Alexandria is about to get a little brighter.
The city will host its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 18, outside City Hall (301 King Street) in Old Town.
The free event goes from 6 to 8 p.m. and includes a holiday singalong, speeches from city leaders and a visit with Santa Claus. It will be held rain or shine.
The artificial 40-foot-tall tree will be adorned by 40,000 lights, according to Visit Alexandria.
According to the City:
The public is encouraged to take public transit or walk to the event. Visitors to Old Town can take Metrorail’s Blue or Yellow lines to the King Street-Old Town Station and then take the free King Street Trolley to the event in front of City Hall. For DASH schedule information, call 703.746.DASH (3274) or visit dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit wmata.com. For parking information, visit alexandriava.gov/Parking
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For those who like to see a natural holiday tree lighting after Thanksgiving, the city’s Del Ray neighborhood will host its own tree and menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 3.
The free event is held at Pat Miller Square (Mount Vernon and E. Oxford Avenues) and also includes a visit from Santa.
The Del Ray Business Association is also asking visitors to bring donations for Carpenter’s Shelter.
“In the spirit of the season, participants are urged to bring new full-size lotions, deodorants, and body wash; ground coffee, or flip flops/shower shoes in various sizes for Carpenter’s Shelter,” according to DRBA.
The Nightmare on the Avenue is over, so to speak.
The seasonal pop-up bar Nightmare on the Avenue closed after nearly two months of serving Halloween-inspired cocktails and food. Now the team from the Homegrown Restaurant Group will spend the next few weeks transforming the space into the Christmas-themed “Joy On The Avenue.”
“We are pleased to bring the third installment of Joy on the Avenue back to Del Ray, and exited to start spreading cheer sometime around Thanksgiving,” HRG owner Bill Blackburn told ALXnow.
The pop-up is located between HRG’s other Del Ray restaurants Pork Barrel BBQ and Holy Cow Del Ray on Mount Vernon Avenue.
The holiday concept will stay up until New Year’s, and will be transformed for the winter and spring.
The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a stabbing that allegedly occurred in Arlandria on Sunday night.
APD was initially dispatched at 10:45 p.m. to the 4000 block of Mount Vernon Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash. The incident was recategorized as a stabbing, and police interviewed a man who was allegedly stabbed while riding his bicycle, according to the police scanner. The victim was interviewed by police at the scene.
The 4000 block of Mount Vernon Avenue was briefly swarmed by police cruisers and an ambulance, as well as a K-9 officer.
ALXnow has reached out to APD for details on this incident.
Anyone with details on this incident can contact the APD non-emergency line at 703-746-4444. Callers can remain anonymous.
Thousands turned out in costumes for the 27th annual Del Ray Halloween Parade on Sunday.
This year, the parade was named one of the top 10 Halloween Parades in the country by USA Today.
The Del Ray Business Association parade started at Mount Vernon Avenue and E. Bellefonte Avenue and ended with live music and prizes at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center athletic fields.
“We couldn’t have made such a successful event without more than 100 volunteers,” said parade organizer Gayle Reuter. “We start planning for this months in advance, and it takes so many neighbors and friends to make it a success.”
Del Ray’s next big event is the 48th annual Alexandria Turkey Trot on Nov. 23.
The @AlexCityTitans Zombie Band was out in force for the best Halloween Parade on the planet in Del Ray!
Amazing and creative costumes!
Thanks to @visitdelrayVA for making it happen. pic.twitter.com/4KtyPp3FR2
— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) October 29, 2023
Another great Del Ray Halloween Parade is in the books! pic.twitter.com/yjlrAkjElq
— Canek Aguirre (@CanekForCouncil) October 29, 2023
Another amazing Del Ray Halloween Parade this afternoon! pic.twitter.com/DIGmAUrnXk
— Alexandria Sheriff (@AlexVASheriff) October 29, 2023
One of #AlexandriaVA favorite traditions, the Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade! I had such a fun time judging the Pet Costume Contest! Over 50 pets entered the contest this year! @visitdelray pic.twitter.com/I7KVGtsH2b
— Alyia Gaskins (@Alyia4ALX) October 29, 2023
City leaders broke ground on Housing Alexandria‘s 474-unit affordable apartment complex in Arlandria on Wednesday, capping off the largest project of its kind in Alexandria history.
It will be 2026 by the time residents start moving into the two-building, 36,000 square-foot complex, Housing Alexandria said in a release. The buildings, named Sansé and Naja, will be located near the corner of W. Glebe Road and Mount Vernon Avenue. The property will include a large underground parking garage and 34,000 square feet of commercial space, which will include childcare and health care services, according to Housing Alexandria.
“This is not just the largest affordable housing project the city has ever undertaken,” Mayor Justin Wilson said at the groundbreaking. “This is a project
adjacent to some of the best transit investments we have around and within a mile of the new (Potomac Yard) Metro station. It is adjacent to some of our biggest and growing job centers, in Potomac Yard and along Route 1.”
Housing Alexandria first moved into Arlandria in Feb. 2022 when it bought a 14-story apartment building at 511 Four Mile Road.
“The opportunity to develop 474 affordable units and commercial space doesn’t come along very often,” said Aaron Remolona, Housing Alexandria’s vice president of development and acquisitions. “We are not new to this housing development, but we are new to this neighborhood… I want to thank the organizations in this community that have been willing to help us, teach us, and connect us – namely Casa Chirilagua and Tenants and Workers United.”
Evelyn Urrutia, executive director of Tenants and Workers United, said that Wednesday was a historic day.
“We say today is a historic day for us because this project will truly benefit the families that we work with,” she said. “The work reflects the government and development partners, but it is also the work of our community. This project is a reflection of the type of housing we need across the city. We hope this is just the beginning, and that this project will serve as an example for all who want to work in our city.”
While most of Washingtonian’s Best Brunch Spots in the region are on the wrong side of the Potomac, one Alexandria location made the cut.
Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen + Bar (1501 Mount Vernon Avenue) is the sole Alexandria location on the list, which lauds its dog-friendly patio and upscale versions of brunch classics.
According to Washingtonian:
This family-friendly Del Ray joint with a dog-friendly patio offers slightly cheffed-up versions of brunch classics all day long. Crisp-edged masa pancakes come with a mole syrup, and scallion-cheddar biscuits are smothered in chicken-chorizo gravy. Bloody Marys are available three ways, including a green version with poblano-infused tequila and wasabi.
The restaurant opened last year at the former Charlie’s On the Avenue location and specializes in all-day brunch.
“We’re pretty excited about being included,” the restaurant said on social media. “Thank you to our guests, staff and neighborhood for all of the support since opening.”
(Updated 10/13) Chris Harvey is retiring and hopes to sell his hardware store in Del Ray as-is before the end of the year. If that doesn’t happen, he plans on selling all his merchandise at deeply discounted rates.
Chris and his brother Gary Harvey opened Executive Lock & Key Service at 2003 Mount Vernon Avenue in the mid 1990s. Chris runs the business now and Gary says he’s been trying to get his brother to retire for years.
“Hopefully I can sell it and pass the torch, because everyone in town doesn’t want us to leave,” Chris said. “Put your money together. I don’t want that much. You get half a dozen guys together and you have your workforce right there. And you all say ‘Hey, we’re the owners of a hardware store,’ and you can drink your latte and go up and down the street.”
The Harveys are T.C. Williams High School graduates and got into the hardware store business in 1986 by opening locations in Crystal City. One of their True Value stores was only 800 square feet, and Gary says it was the smallest store in the country.
“They had a 550-square-foot location in Chicago that burned down, so we took the title after that happened,” Gary said. “We had a unique clientele and we didn’t sell lawnmowers or chainsaws. We made it cutting keys and selling picture hooks and little hammers and stuff.”
Chris said that he’ll keep his rolodex of 400 customers for his key-making business, which will continue on more of a freelance basis, he said.
“I’m going to miss it, especially all the customers,” Chris said. “It’s all I’ve known, getting up early and going to work, and I like to BS with folks. I’m a BS-er. My dad was military, so if we wanted things in life we had to work. From the time I was a snotty nosed kid, I was out on a paper route, cutting grass, raking leaves.”
The small neighborhood hardware store is full of merchandise, which Chris says he will discount and sell off unless he can find a new owner to take it as-is.
“But if you’re going to buy it, you’re gonna have to commit,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of people who backed out the last minute and I told them they they wouldn’t fit in because they knew nothing about hardware. You got to be married to the business and be ready to not get home for dinner all the time. You’ve got to begin here in the trenches and be passionate about helping people.”
H/t to John Antonelli
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
Saturday morning rain wasn’t enough to dampen this year’s Art On The Avenue in Del Ray.
As expected, thousands of visitors descended on Mount Vernon Avenue for the 28th annual festival. The Visit Del Ray event featured more than 300 artist booths, live music on three stages, a pie baking contest, as well as a kids corner to create art at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. City leaders and local business owners also cut a ribbon recognizing new Del Ray businesses.
“Thank you exhibitors, bands, restaurants, volunteers and attendees for another amazing event,” organizers wrote on the festival website. “See you in 2024!”
It’s Art on the Avenue!
An amazing day in the best ‘hood on the planet. pic.twitter.com/NrMjpg0OsN
— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) October 7, 2023
It was a beautiful day for Art on the Avenue! It was great to see so many neighbors, friends and vendors out and about, supporting our community. Thanks to all who made it happen! pic.twitter.com/gR62lLrgqK
— Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (@EBPforVA) October 7, 2023
Beautiful day for Art on the Avenue!
Redistricting has occurred. Stop by the @AlexVADems booth to make sure you know who's on your ballot this year. pic.twitter.com/A5Fy4J6dOu
— Canek Aguirre (@CanekForCouncil) October 7, 2023
Thank you to Art on the Avenue for recognizing ALIVE! and the businesses that opened new locations in Del Ray. The festival continues until 6pm on Mt Vernon Ave. More about Art on the Avenue: https://t.co/A8n7kL3Nkq pic.twitter.com/sV5f9PmuyD
— ALIVE! (@ALIVE4AlexVA) October 7, 2023
https://twitter.com/AdamEbbin/status/1710775974961307935
Del Ray’s biggest celebration of the year is right around the corner.
Thousands are expected to descend on Mount Vernon Avenue to see the work of more than 300 artists for the 28th annual Art on the Avenue on Saturday.
The free family friendly event is located on Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume and Bellefonte Avenues, and will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Last year’s event was postponed a month due to rain. This year, there’s a 60% chance of rain on Saturday before 8 a.m., and otherwise the forecast calls for a partly sunny day with a high of 67 degrees and wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
The event will also feature live music on three stages, a pie baking contest, as well as a kids corner to create art at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. The kids corner is sponsored by Dominion Energy, which was lambasted in 2021 by City Council for an all-day power outage during that year’s event.
Parking is expected to be limited, and the city is offering free trolley transportation from the Braddock Road Metro station.
