A La Minute Update: ACKC Del Ray, La Strada, And Zikrayet
I remember visiting ACKC Cocoa Gallery in Washington DC’s Logan Circle neighborhood last December, shortly after it opened. The collaboration between Eric Nelson’s Artfully Chocolate in Del Ray, and Rob Kingsbury’s Kingsbury Chocolates in Old Town is a combination boutique chocolate shop, cocoa bar, art gallery, and cafe. ACKC’s bold red walls, and jeweled chandeliers brought a lively vibe to the space which somehow meshed with the intimacy of small cafe tables. I was, to be truthful, a bit jealous of DC for having this cocoa bar where genuine hot cocoas are made to order. Diva hot cocoa drinks such as the Lucy (with a bit of spice), and the Charro (with caramel) were made from shaved chocolates. For certain, ACKC’s hot cocoa was far superior to Misha’s (grainy and thin) in Old Town, and just edged out Murky’s (very respectable and solid) in Arlington. I wished it was closer to home.
Well Virginia, there is a Santa Claus because we will be getting an ACKC in Del Ray soon! The new location will be located on Mount Vernon Avenue, in the old Sundae Times space, at 2003 Mount Vernon Avenue. While only half the size of the DC location, ACKC Del Ray will not have a cocoa bar, but will be serving up their signature Diva chocolate drinks. Be sure to go to Artfully Chocolate’s website to sign up for updates and chocolate tastings.
La Strada is a new restaurant opening this Spring at 1905 Mount Vernon Avenue, in the old Los Tios Amigos space. Northern Italian cuisine will be served at communal tables with choices from a fixed-price family-style, or a seasonal a la carte menu. In May, Executive Chef, Stephen Scott, plans to serve Nonna’s Brunch, followed by cooking classes and wine dinners in the summer. A to-go menu will also be available.
Zikrayet, meaning memories in Lebanese, is scheduled to have a Grand Opening on April 26. Joyce Abdallah and her husband, Charbel, plan to launch the swank suburban location, complete with low sofas and hookahs. Along with a variety of vegetarian dishes seasoned with herbs and spices, Zikrayet will feature mezzah, or “slow enjoyment” appetizers.
Zikrayet adds to the growing selection of restaurants in the Eisenhower Valley, and is located at 540 John Carlyle Street in Alexandria.
Next….Zorkafor’s SandVeg. And no, I’m not making that up!
On your recommendation from a couple weeks ago, I dragged my visiting parents to the Dupont Farmer’s market today. Wow. There was a surprisingly large supply of meat, eggs, ‘n’ cheese folks and we got some good looking cheese from the Keswick Creamery, including Quark (I didn’t realize anyone sold that in America!!), and aged goat cheese from FireFly Farms. There was also a stand that exclusively sold mushrooms, including morels!!! Thank you so much for finally forcing me to go check it out!
Eggs are getting plentiful at the market! I had never heard of Quark either, until I saw it at Keswick. The mushrooms are gorgeous and I’m tempted to get some soon.
Just discovered your site and I’m glad you enjoyed Los Tios when you went. But this entry says a new restaurant is coming into the old Los Tios space. Los tios isn’t going anywhere! I think you mean Los Amigos, which closed a few months ago. What else can you tell us about this new restaurant?
I do!! Thank you!
I’m working on contacting the folks at La Strada, and will report back apap!
[…] As reported earlier on THG, La Strada is a restaurant opening in the old Los Amigos space on Mount Vernon Avenue. Set to open later this month, La Strada will offer Northern Italian cuisine, heavily influenced by Executive Chef Stephen Scott’s grandmother, Nonna Argia. […]