Archive for February, 2008
Clinton, Obama, McCain - There’s Room for All in This Alexandria Neighborhood!
February 21st, 2008 Categories: Alexandria, Rosemont
This Russell Road home gives new meaning to “freedom of speech” -
George would have been proud!
Thanks for stopping by,
Michael
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Alexandria Celebrates George Washington with a Hometown Parade
February 18th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria, Things to Do
On Monday, tourists and residents alike lined an 80 year old parade route to honor the birthday of Alexandria’s most famous resident, George Washington.
The Larson family with Gatsby, their flat coated retriever getting ready for the parade (look closely, he really is there.)
With clear skies and balmy winds (at least for the first half of the day), onlookers were treated to local marching bands, lamas decked out in red, white and blue, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts,
local officials, Abe Lincoln and Civil War re-enactors (we don’t mind mixing eras), Shriner’s and well, just about anyone else who decided they wanted to be part of the festivities.
U.S. Congressman Jim Moran
Following a European tradition, the citizens of Alexandria first began celebrating Washington’s birthday during his presidency with a “Birthnight Ball” - a tradition that later led to the national holiday we now know as President’s Day.
Gatsby’s Tavern was one of the oldest establishments in Colonial Alexandria.
After serving two terms as President of the United States, George Washington “retired” to Mt. Vernon, his plantation home on the Potomac River but traveled frequently into the City of Alexandria. To accommodate these trips - two hours each way by boat - Washington built a small cottage at 508 Cameron Street where he kept business appointments and stayed overnight when warranted.
George Washington Middle School, located on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, serves all of the City of Alexandria.
Washington was just 21 years of age when he was dispatched by the royal governor to take an ultimatum to the French that they withdraw to Canada.
Bagpipes are just part of the legacy left by Scottish settlers.
The old and the new - always a part of Alexandria
Thanks for stopping by,
Michael
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Alexandria Has 8 New Additions to ZAGAT’s 2008 Dining Guide
February 15th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria, Cameron Station, Dining Favorites, Old Town, Real Estate News, Things to Do
The 2008 Zagat guide for the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas features 8 new listings for Alexandria restaurants for an overall total of 47.
Nina and Tim Zagat, fanatic New York “foodies” started the first guide in 1979 as a hobby involving 200 friends and friends of friends. Today more than 300,000 individuals contribute to the surveys for 15 U.S. cities and 6 cities around the globe. Zagat is considered the world’s leading provider of consumer survey-based information on where to eat, drink, stay and play worldwide.
As The New York Times said, the Zagat Survey is “a necessity second only to a valid credit card!”
So, what are Alexandrian’s raving about? In alphabetical order:
BASTILLE
1201 North Royal Street, 703.519.3776
Charming rusticity transports diners to provincial France at this wine bar and bistro. The menu reflects the recent Parisian revolution in Gallic fare as the chef-owners reinvigorate the classics with Mediterranean flavors. Outdoor patio. Conveniently located next to a wonderful store, Abaca Imports, which is located next to Metro Stage. Shop, have dinner, go to the theater and never leave the block.
BUZZ
901 Slaters Lane, 703.600.2899
Industrial-chic, WiFi-equipped coffeehouse, dessert lounge and bakery is an unofficial community center for nearby and newly minted neighborhood, Potomac Greens. A recently added wine bar serves wine and cocktails. I can vouch for the cupcakes!
EAMONN’S, A Dublin Chipper
728 King Street, 703.299.8384
Cathal and Meshelle Armstrong (owners of other local fav’s Restaurant Eve and the Majestic) bring Dublin to town via this small, spare recreation of Irish fast food. Fish ‘n’ chips, battered burgers, Irish beer. Tip - when the blue light outside an unmarked door on Columbus Street is “on”, patrons can buzz for entry to the upstairs PX, a speakeasy-themed lounge. Easily the best fish ‘n’ chips anywhere; very casual.
Farrah Olivia
600 Franklin Street, 703.778.2233
A white tablecloth setting for distinctive New American cuisine featuring influences from France and chef-owner Moruo Quattara’s native Ivory Coast. Quattara was a recent contestant on Iron Chef America.
FOOD MATTERS
4906 Brenman Park Drive, 703.461.3663
Cafe, wine bar and gourmet market in Cameron Station with a 15-seat room serving communal diners with locally sourced ingredients. Co-owners, Christy and Tom Przystawik were formerly with Cafe Atlantico in the District.
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