Paul Carbé
Gadsby’s Tavern
138 North Royal Street
Alexandria VA 22314
(703) 548-1288
http://www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com/
About Paul:
Paul’s been in the restaurant business for quite a while, starting in Long Island with a bar/disco. He’s stayed in the business for the past 35 years, managing restaurants and catering companies before finally landing in Georgetown at Tahoga. Paul came to Gadsby’s four years ago.
About Gadsby’s:
Gadsby’s has existed since before Washington DC was built. Before DC, all the main players in government (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison & James Monroe, to name a few) would come to the tavern for business, food, and lodging. Jefferson’s Inaugural Ball and Washington’s last birthday party were both here. The tavern has been described as one of the finest public houses in America.
Business Philosophy:
Gadsby’s tries to stay as close to its colonial roots as possible. The attendants are dressed in colonial garb, and many of the food items are titled with names such as “George Washington’s Favorite”, or “Gentlemen’s Pye”. But don’t think you can’t find contemporary cuisine here that will satisfy tourists and discerning locals alike. There’s crab cakes, filets, chops, chicken, even a kid’s menu.
Why did you choose to do this?
“It was a type of venue I’ve never tried before. Historically it’s fantastic. It’s also a great spot that’s always fun to work that’s in a great location. Nobody else has something like this. I get people from all over the world – cross-country and world travelers, amateur and published historians, all types”.
Why Alexandria?
“The inn and its history – where else could I find something like this?”
Funny Story?
“Everyone come in and asks where George Washington sat. I of course put them anywhere, since he could have sat anywhere. One night we were pretty busy, and I sat three customers at the same time in different places around the tavern in “George Washington’s seat”. Later on, two of them started talking about how they were the one sitting in his seat. They came to me – it’s hard to talk your way out of that”.
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