A La Minute Update: I Snoop So You Don’t Have To
Finally, the sun broke out yesterday and I forayed into Del Ray and Old Town with my trusty Bichon Frise, Cole. Here’s what I found:
La Strada
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.
While growing up, Scott watched his Nonna cook roast beef, meatballs, and tortellini. In fact, I can’t wait to try Nonna’s Bolognese Tortellini in Broth-homemade tortellini filled with chicken, prosciutto, mortadella and Parmesan. La Strada plans to emphasize family in the restaurant. Scott’s parents and two sisters will manage the place, and they plan to offer affordable, communal- style family meals.
La Strada will seat 60 people inside, where a communal table anchors the front of the restaurant. The communal table space will also serve as the private Wine Room when cordoned off by a curtain. An outdoor patio will seat 15.
A changing, seasonal a la carte menu will offer dishes such as Herb Stuffed Leg of Lamb and Grilled Fish.
After opening, Scott and his family plan to offer cooking classes (I for one want to know how to make Nonna’s tortellini!), wine dinners, a to-go menu, and Nonna’s Sunday Feast.
ACKC Alexandria
In December, I reported on ACKC (in DC) for D.C. Foodies. My first thought was “damn! I wish Artfully Chocolate in Del Ray offered these Dive Hot Chocolates” Well, now we can get these hot, delicious cocoa treats in Del Ray!
If you are unfamiliar with ACKC, it is a joint venture between two Alexandria, VA chocolateries-Artfully Chocolate in Del Ray, and Kingsbury Chocolates in Old Town. Eric Nelson and Rob Kingsbury opened their cocoa bar and cafe in 2007 in the Logan Circle neighborhood in Washington DC.
Artfully Chocolate will become Artfully Chef (where chocolate making and classes will be held) and Kingsbury Chocolates has closed its second floor store on King Street. The new ACKC store on Mount Vernon Avenue will offer all the wonderful chocolates as before, in addition to hot chocolates, frozen drinks and gelato. The space is cozy (and surprise! no red walls) and has about 6 cafe tables.
ACKC Alexandria opens this Saturday!
A Cupcake Store?
In last week’s Ask Tom Wednesday WaPo chat, a chatter asked Tom if he knew anything about a cupcake store planned for the space next to Grape and Bean on S. Royal St. in Old Town.
I am using my best hound skills to track down the veracity of this speculation. The space is completely empty and well, could become just about anything. But, yeah, cupcakes next to Clover-produced coffee would be awesome.
Oh please, please, please let there be a cupcake shop opening there…next to delicious coffee…and across from phenomenal crepes! Pinch me, am I dreaming?!
I know!! I can tell you that the rumor has some merits-I’m waiting to hear from someone to get more 411.
They all sound amazing! I can’t wait to try LaStrada either.
Wow, didn’t hear that Kingsbury was going to shut, but we’ve been following the development at La Strada for a while now.
And we just got back from lunch at Restaurant Eve and they have an amazing salad with a duck confit that is to die for. WOW.
Frank ordered that the last time we went. It was amazing. I always go for the mussels if they’re on the menu.
I am so there! Thanks for the 411!
Dave G from Grape + Bean here. I have met and talked to the new tenants moving into 116 S. Royal and they are excited to fill the cupcake void in Old Town. Maybe as soon as early June!
We at Grape + Bean are gearing up to provide the perfect coffee,tea, or wine to accompany cupcakes.
See you there.
Thanks for the information, Dave. S. Royal St. is the place to be!
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Ok, just to let everyone and anyone know— I tried La Strada on the evening of July 1st. I had the Ravioli……….. I thought I had died and gone to Food Network! This is absolutely a wonderful place (just based on the Ravioli). I WILL be back, and I WILL try other things on the menu. This is not your Mother’s Italian food! Thanks for adding to the ambiance of Del Ray and Mt. Vernon Avenue!!