Jackson 20
It's that time of year when temperatures drop and thoughts turn to a cozy fire, a warm beverage and a satisfying meal.
We asked Chef Peter McCall of Jackson 20, located at 480 King St. in Old Town Alexandria, for his thoughts on comforting cuisine during the fall and winter season.
When you think of the perfect "comfort food" on your menu, what comes to mind?
Our Country Fried Steak — we elevate it by using a beef short rib cooked for 72 hours and serve it with sausage gravy, collard greens and pickled onions. It’s a decadent dish, but so comforting.
What about dessert?
For dessert, our apple crostata with crème fraîche ice cream and bourbon caramel reminds our guests of the apple pies of their childhood!
What was your favorite comfort food growing up?
Either my mother’s creamed chicken on homemade biscuits or one of her delicious soups with our family cornbread recipe that I serve in the restaurant now.
Are there any trends when it comes to comfort food that our readers should try?
I recently tried soufflé pancakes for the first time in San Diego at a place called Morning Glory and they were a delicious twist on classic pancakes.
More Options from Other Restaurants
No city has anything on Alexandria when it comes to winter comfort food. Chili? Check. Mac n' cheese? Check. Decadent desserts? Check!
A childhood favorite for many of us is Frito Chili Pie, which you can find at Alexandria's favorite chili parlor, Hard Times Cafe. They've been doling out their award-winning chili since 1980 at 1404 King St. For the Frito Chili Pie, the eatery adds the Fritos and you top it with your favorite chili: Texas, Cincinnati, Terlingua or vegetarian. As if that's not enough, you can top off the chili with cheddar or parmesan cheese, chopped onions, hot dog, sour cream, chopped fresh jalapeños or diced tomatoes.
In Del Ray, stop by Cheesetique, 2411 Mt. Vernon Ave., where they're known for the ultimate winter comfort food, mac 'n cheese. Last year, Food & Wine magazine included the Alexandria eatery's mac 'n cheese among the country's best. Chef/owner Jill Erber utilizes a mix of decadent gouda, tangy asiago and sharp cacio di Roma in this winter comfort classic. The elbow macaroni in the dish gives the gooey decadence a down-home taste. Topped off with bread crumbs tossed with truffle oil gives it a sophisticated crusty finish.
Looking for something sweet? Just down the street from Cheesetique, you can stop in at the Dairy Godmother, 2310 Mt. Vernon Ave. to see if any "pop up" cobblers are on the menu. If you're dining at Del Ray Cafe, at 205 E. Howell Ave., save room for the freshly baked apple tart with organic salted caramel ice cream. At RT's, at 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave., try the Creole bread pudding served with a warm Bailey's Irish cream toffee sauce.
. Down the GW Parkway, if you're heading to George Washington's Mount Vernon Inn, you can't go wrong with the dinner menu's pork shank served with creamy polenta, port wine pan sauce and fresh watercress. Ask for a table near one of the inn's two fireplaces!
