City's Top Toques Roll out Recession-Proof Meals during Restaurant Week

Photo by John Arundel The chefs at The Fish Market in Old Townin the kitchen, preparing to ready to serve $35 three-course dinners during Restaurant Week.

ALEXANDRIA, VA. -  The streets of Alexandria were packed on Saturday, as throngs of shoppers checked out the tables put out by dozens of stores participating in the Old Town Alexandria Sidewalk Sale. Sponsored by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the event generated a lot of interest and was so successful that the second one is already scheduled for next year on Saturday, August 13, 2011.
 

Photo by John Arundel Nora Partlow, proprietor of St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, prepares for Alexandria's Summer restaurant Week, with sweet treats affordably priced at $3.50.

But, can last week's pedestrian traffic jam top what's to come next week in Old Town?

The city's top toques will be opening their doors for10 days from August 20-29 for the inaugural Summer Restaurant Week, the first time Alexandria Restaurant Week has been offered in the summer.
 
“Our Restaurant Week participants asked us to develop a summer edition to get diners excited at a time of year when many are thinking about vacations and back to school routines,” said Stephanie Brown, President and CEO of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association.

“The quality and diversity of Alexandria’s restaurants merit an event that showcases the city as a dining destination whether you are out for date night, or looking for a weekend getaway. Most of our restaurants are independently owned by creative culinarians, adding to our unique brand of historic ambiance and contemporary flair.”

Following the January 2010 event, 85 percent of participating restaurants reported increased business due to Alexandria Restaurant Week. Fifty restaurants participated in the 2010 winter event, up from 29 in the inaugural winter event of 2009.

Photo by John Arundel “Our Restaurant Week participants asked us to develop a summer edition to get diners excited at a time of year when many are thinking about vacations and back to school routines,” said Stephanie Brown, President and CEO of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association.

Alexandria boasts a wide-variety of "foodie establishments" from formal dining to comfortably casual. The 10-day gourmet and gourmand event enables foodies to enjoy tantalizing multi-course meals and distinctive treats prepared especially for the occasion showcasing the inventive culinary diversity offered throughout the city.  

Among the restaurants featuring a $35 three-course dinner are: A La Lucia, Bastille, Bilbo Baggins, The Carlyle Club, Chart House Restaurant, Clyde's at Mark Center, Columbia Firehouse, Daniel O'Connell's, Del Merei Grille, Delia's Mediterranean Grille, Finn & Porter, The Fish Market, Geranio, The Grille at Morrison House, Hank's Oyster Bar, Jackson 20, Jamieson Grille, La Bergerie, La Strada, La Porta's, Medieval Madness, Raw Silk, RT's, 219, The Wharf and The Wharehouse.

Among the restaurants featuring a $35 dinner for two are: Austin Grill, Bombay Curry Company, Bugsy's Pizza Resataurant and Sports Bar, Chadwick's of Old Town, Cheesetique, Dishes of India, Duke's Bar and Grill, Sam Phao Thai Cuisine, Sapore Indian Cuisine, Seagar's Restaurant, Southside 815, Thailand on Royal Street, Union Street Public House, Union Street Public House and Villa di Este.

Among the restaurants featuring $3.50 Sweet Treats are: ACKC Cocoa Bar, Bittersweet Cafe and Catering, The Dairy Godmother and St. Elmo's Coffee Pub.

A full list of participating restaurants and menus posted daily, as well as the ability to make reservations online through Open Table, may be found here. Local Kicks is a proud sponsor of Alexandria Restaurant Week.

For more information on Restaurant Week, visit http://visitalexandriava.com/restaurants-nightlife/restaurants/alexandria-restaurant-week.

Photo Courtesy of ACVA Alexandria’s Summer Restaurant Week is coming up next week.

Photo Courtesy of Jay Palermino The first annual Old Town Alexandria Sidewalk Sale was very successful.

Photo by John Arundel Ready to serve up lobster at the Fish Market.