Alexandria: Local Breweries Bring in Kitchens on Wheels
Working together to serve customers.
At Port City Brewing in western Alexandria, the “pearl,” a layered dish of macaroni and cheese, baked beans and barbecue meat, is downed with a micro beer so it’s known to bring on a “food coma,” of sorts. Port City is one of the many microbreweries that serve no food but rely on independent food trucks that pull up outside for their food source.
Alexandria Resident Pens: ‘Drinking Adventurously’
Book spotlights 52 beverages.
Alexandria resident Jeff Cioletti had more than a decade of writing professionally about a full spectrum of beverages — from Chinese spirits to bottled iced teas to the best sparkling wines in America. As the current editor-at-large of Beverage World, where he’s held editorial roles for more than 13 years, he decided a few years ago to chronicle his adventures with these beverages in a 335-page book, “The Year of Drinking Adventurously: 52 Ways to Get out of Your Comfort Zone.”
Meet the Chef: Frantz of Majestic
Chef Frantz discovers her sweet spot in the kitchen.
Wedges of lemon, squares of unsalted butter, curly green onion slivers, low country gravy and blackened shrimp sit mise en place in the prep kitchen at The Majestic on King Street. Lisa Marie Frantz, executive chef at The Majestic, is preparing shrimp and grits made to order for each customer.
Alexandria People at Work: Getting Back on Track
Something's always happening at FireFlies on Mount Vernon. It might be Pick a Pasta Night on Tuesday, Build Your Own Omelet or Quiche Brunch on Sunday, live comedy on Monday Burger Night, local musicians on the weekend or children dancing on the stage when it's not otherwise occupied. Marylisa Lichens, owner with her husband Dan, says, "We wanted it to be a place where families could bring their children and have dinner a couple of times a week. We wanted it to become an extension of the neighborhood."
Musings from the Maestro: ‘Lushness & Lyrical’
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will present “Lushness & Lyrical” on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3.
Alexandria Appetite: Hank’s Pasta Bar Brings Little Italy to Old Town
Newcomer to the neighborhood has already gained solid following.
North Old Town has a new hotspot in the neighborhood. Hank’s Pasta Bar, the kid sister to the venerable Hank’s Oyster Bar on King Street, has taken the area by storm since opening about five weeks ago. And the newness hasn’t worn off yet. From the two fully booked soft openings to a recent Monday night that found the dining room out of space for the evening by 7 p.m., it’s clear that residents have a hankering for pasta. And Hank’s stands at the ready to accommodate.
Alexandria: ‘Boots & Bling’ Supports Children
The Center for Alexandria’s Children hosted “Boots & Bling: A Western Fling” on Feb. 25 at Blackwall Hitch to benefit its programs for child abuse victims and vulnerable families in Alexandria.
Alexandria: Her Artwork Captures Vibrancy of Life
Del Ray Artisans exhibit features artist with special needs.
Like most children, Yasmine Iskander liked to color with crayons. And like most mothers, Silvia Sagari was proud of everything her daughter created. But four years ago, when someone suggested to Sagari that Yasmine genuinely had talent, she took notice. Because Yasmine is not like most children.
Alexandria: ‘Cherry Challenge’ Winners
The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee announced the winners of the eighth annual “Cherry Challenge.” The Cherry Challenge took place between Jan. 28 and Feb. 11 in 53 Alexandria restaurants. It featured cherry-inspired dishes, appetizers, drinks, and desserts created by the restaurant chefs. Some of the restaurants have competed in the past, but there were many restaurants new to the competition this year.
Mount Vernon: ACCT Stages ‘Little Women’
Classic tale traces lives and loves of four sisters during the Civil War.
Aldersgate Church Community Theatre (ACCT) is putting on "Little Women" from March 4-20. Written by Louisa May Alcott, the story traces the lives and loves of four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. During the Civil War, their father is away serving in the army, leaving his "little women" in the care of their mother. The family, headed by Marmee, must struggle to make ends meet with the help of their wealthy neighbor, Mr. Lawrence, and his high-spirited grandson, Laurie.
Alexandria: A Fast-Paced Romp through the Bard's 37 Plays
LTA presents “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).”
The Little Theater of Alexandria (LTA) is presenting the "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" from Feb. 27 to March 19. The show where the cast plays themselves is an irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard's 37 plays in 97 minutes. It was also London's longest-running comedy, having clocked nine years in London's West End.
Alexandria Snapshot: ‘The Beauty and the Beast’
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School will present "Beauty & the Beast: The Musical," March 4, 11, and 12 at 7:30 p.m.; March 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 See www.sssas.org/arts or call 703- 212-2950. Performers include (from left) Christian Corpening '18 as Lumiere, Darnell Clement '17 as the Beast, Sarah Wilton '16 as Cogsworth, Katie Connor '16 as Chip, Stephany Guadalupe '17 as Mrs. Potts, and Kyla Carney '17 as Belle.
Alexandria: SOLA Bids Farewell to Kluge
“There is no question my heart is here in Alexandria.”— ASO maestro Kim Allen Kluge
The Symphony League of Alexandria held its 29th annual Symphony Ball and Auction Feb. 27, celebrating Maestro Kim Allen Kluge’s 28th and final year at the helm of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra.
Alexandria: Talking with Mrs. Washington
Martha pays a visit to Lloyd House.
America’s first First Lady made a visit to Alexandria Feb. 27, holding court at Lloyd House as part of the Talking With Washington series and celebration of George Washington’s birthday.
Alexandria Appetite: Three Coffee Shops to Get the Chill Out
Beat the wintertime blues with some hot coffee around town.
The faces of Alexandrians across the city display their query plainly: Will this snowy winter ever end? While waiting for warmer climes to make their appearance this spring, here are three venues to warm up with a hot cup of joe in the meantime.