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Morning Notes

Published April 14, 2020 at 9:00AM

Neighborhood Restaurant Group Family Fund Raises $44K — “Our employees are the lifeblood of this company and form the backbone of this amazing industry; they are the core of our communities and the heart of our restaurant family. We are working to support them through our to-go and delivery efforts and through our gift card sales – and we will continue to do whatever it takes. With your help, we will survive this crisis so we can continue to support our team and the communities in which we operate.” [GoFundMe]

Greener Cleaner of Del Ray Looking For Business on National Laundry Day — “It’s a perfect time to ‘Spring Clean During the Quarantine!’ Winter coats, comforters, rugs, all clothes, and much more accepted. Masks are also available for sale for $8.” [Facebook]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 10, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated April 10, 2020 at 10:49AM

A couple shop at Greenstreet Gardens at 1721 Braddock Road. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Vice Mayor Volunteers For ACPS Food Giveaway — “I’m putting my food manager’s license to good use this week in coordinating the preparation of school meals at TC. Thanks to a rock-star team of Alexandria City Public Schools employees, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities employees, and Volunteer Alexandria volunteers, we distributed more than 1700 meals yesterday.” [Facebook]

Police Hosting Virtual Story Time Tonight — “Great news! Every Friday evening APD will be starting a new initiative–APD #VIRTUALStorytimes at 7PM. This Friday join Sgt. Morgan as she reads “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle. Do you have any book recommendations you wish to see us read???” [Twitter]

News

These Alexandria Eateries are Also Selling Groceries

By James Cullum

Published April 7, 2020 at 4:30PM

There are a few Alexandria restaurants and cafes currently selling groceries as a way to boost sales and minimize outdoor trips.

Here is a list of establishments that are also providing groceries at this time:

News

Where to Get Passover and Easter Meals Around Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published April 7, 2020 at 3:30PM

Though restaurants across Alexandria are closed for traditional Easter and Passover meals due to the coronavirus pandemic, many are offering select take-out options available for pick-up or delivery.

Visit Alexandria, which has been running a series called ALX at Home to keep locals engaged during the quarantine, has put together a long list of local restaurants with special Passover and Easter options. Many of them do require pre-ordering the meals in advance.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 3, 2020 at 9:00AM

Police Shooter Bashir Takes Insanity Defense for Alleged Stalking/Arson — “[Kashif] Bashir is charged with felony counts of arson, attempted arson, and making a false statement on a consent form to purchase a firearm, as well as nine counts of misdemeanor stalking, unauthorized use of an electronic tracking device, and possession of a firearm by a person acquitted by reason of insanity.” [WTOP]

Residents Cope With Cabin Fever — “Next week puts a little more pressure on me, because when my kids don’t have structure, then they do a lot of fighting.” [Alex Times]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 2, 2020 at 9:00AM

Landmark Mall Redevelopment Uncertain — “An official from Howard Hughes Corp., a Texas-based company that owns the 51-acre property and has been working on redevelopment plans for several years, said in response to email inquiries from Alexandria Living Magazine: “Sorry, no update for now, but we’ll let you know when we have a good update.” [Alexandria Living]

Volunteer Alexandria Needs Volunteers — “For those who are eligible to volunteer, we encourage to take measures and bring their own sanitizer, wipes, and keep distance from other people.” [Volunteer Alexandria]

News

Former Civil War Barracks in Old Town to Become ‘Delicious Deli’

By Vernon Miles

Published April 1, 2020 at 3:15PM

A new deli is in the works for a building on S. Washington Street that was once Union officers’ quarters during the Civil War.

The site is planned to be turned into Delicious Deli Inc., a full-service, 1,600 square foot restaurant. The restaurant will be a neighbor to Ally & Indy Pet Boutique, which shares the ground floor of the double-house.

News

Alexandria Participating in Virginia for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week

By James Cullum

Published March 30, 2020 at 5:15PM

Deliver, carryout or curbside pickup? Alexandria is one of dozens of Virginia localities now participating in the Virginia is the Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week.

The March 30-April 5 effort to help out local restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was organized by the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 30, 2020 at 9:00AM

ALIVE! Hands Out 20,000 Meals — “More than 500 cars lined up until supplies ran out. Volunteers say they’ll be back at it again, in the same place and time- next week.” [WUSA9]

Fire Department Saves Dog — “With help from Alexandria Animal Control, some of our first responders rescued a Border Collie from a vault in a pond on Seminary Rd. today after the dog decided to have a little fun with some geese. The pup sustained minor injuries & was transported to a vet by the owner.” [Facebook]

News

How the Alexandria Health Department is Working With Restaurants Now

By James Cullum

Published March 26, 2020 at 10:30AM | Updated March 26, 2020 at 11:44PM

Customers at the pick-up front door entrance of The Dairy Godmother at 2310 Mount Vernon Avenue on March 19, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Over the last several weeks, the Alexandria Health Department has worked closely with hundreds of businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.

Rachel Stradling leads the department’s interaction with approximately 860 permitted food establishments in the city, and that’s meant advising them on new rules from Richmond. Her small staff of 10 is also advising Alexandria City Public Schools on their emergency food distribution and helping grocery stores during hours allotted for senior citizen shopping.

News

Lights Out: Two Nineteen Restaurant Closes Until Further Notice

By James Cullum

Published March 25, 2020 at 11:30AM | Updated March 25, 2020 at 5:55PM

Manfredo Lagos, a bartender at Two Nineteen Restaurant in Old Town just before closing down at the end of the night on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

It was just before midnight on Tuesday night when Two Nineteen Restaurant was forced to temporarily close down.

Really it was more like three businesses closing at once since the building at 219 King Street is home to The Bayou Room, an upstairs cigar lounge and the New Orleans-style French Creole restaurant. Old Town was quiet by the time the doors shut at 11:59 p.m. and there were hardly any cars or people outside.