Alexandria's restaurant scene is heating up once again this spring, with loads of news and openings. Here's a quick take of what we're hearing:
The chef for Executive Diner and Cafe on Duke Street, Dadisi Olutosi, announced his departure April 26 on social media just as the diner opened to the public: "It is with much regret that I announce I am no longer with the Executive Diner and Cafe in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. The owners and I had different visions for what direction to take the restaurant and could not arrive at a mutual consensus."
Olutosi also explained, "My business partner and I at Plated Food Groupe are working on our next project as we seek investors to open a new restaurant in the DMV later this year."
Eater DC reported Olutosi was fired after his first day on the job. The restaurant has received mixed reviews.
In other dining news in Alexandria:
1. Charlie's On the Avenue: The new Del Ray eatery at 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave., which is replacing FireFlies, may push back its opening once again. An employee at its sister property, Live Oak, said this week it could be as long as two months before it opens.
2. BRUT Champagne & Wine Bar has opened at the Grape + Bean location in Old Town at 118 S. Royal St. It's open 5-10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays, 3-11 p.m. Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. Sundays. BRUT is owned by the same folks who own Grape + Bean in Rosemont, and there will be no changes to the Rosemont location. At BRUT, expect champagne, wine and sophisticated nibbles. (Only grapes, no coffee (beans) at the Old Town location.)
3. Glory Days Grill, 3141 Duke St. There are signs of life for this long-awaited 150-seat, family-friendly American grill and bar that's been talked about for the past two years. The company applied for a liquor license May 1 with Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. However, restaurant managers said the venue may not open until August.
Image courtesy of Tequila & Taco
Tequila & Taco
Logo for new Tequila & Taco restaurant in the Carlyle neighborhood.
4. Tequila and Taco, 540 John Carlyle St., is continuing its soft opening with hours from 4:30-9:30 p.m. this week. The latest venture from Mike Anderson is this Mexican restaurant near the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which has gotten positive reviews so far.
The venue's opening menu features seven different kinds of tacos, including carne asada and spicy shrimp ($5 apiece or three for $13).
5. Wegmans: Foodies keeping track of the new 84,000 square foot Wegmans coming to a second-floor location at Hoffman Town Center in Alexandria will be pleased to hear a joint venture purchase between StonebridgeCarras and Chicago-based Creek Lane Capital has gone through, and construction is expected to start in the coming months. This will be the first Wegmans in the City of Alexandria.
