New Summer Bites A French (restaurant) Revolution has started in Alexandria

BY BETH LAWTON

Two new French restaurants opened in June in the city.

At 109 S. St. Asaph St., a new restaurant named Josephine Brasserie & Bar opened in the building that formerly housed Columbia Firehouse.

“Inspired by classic Parisian eateries, Josephine brings the timeless charm and culinary traditions of France to the local dining scene,” the restaurant’s website notes.

Chef Matt Cockrell created a menu with classic dishes like French onion soup, beef bourguignon and unique, new French-inspired dishes. The menu also includes a raw bar and a curated cheese list with only French cheeses. Diners can pair their meals with any of more than 350 French wines, including 30 by the glass and a special focus on Champagne. Beer, cider and craft cocktails are also available. The menu and more info are at josephineoldtown.com.

Cockrell has worked at La Chaumiere, Le Diplomate and led the kitchen at Mintwood Place. He joined Brasserie Liberte in 2020.

A brasserie is a French restaurant, though the word is also used for brewery.

Up in Del Ray, Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie — the blue building says Gostov on it — opened at 2213 Mt. Vernon Ave. The building formerly housed Bean Creative, a marketing agency and website development firm.

A boulangerie is a French bakery with bread baked on the premises.

Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie features traditional French breakfasts, an espresso bar and the region’s first macarons bar.

Learn more at gustaveboulangerie. com.

More to Look Forward To…

Another cultural, iconic restaurant is making a big change this summer. Village Brauhaus at 710 King St. will be closed through mid-July for an extensive renovation and a complete rebranding.

When the newly decorated restaurant reopens, it will be called Alexandria Bier Garden. The inside will resemble an outdoor garden.

In addition, Alexandria Bier Garden will feature a new rooftop bar overlooking King Street.

What will remain are multiple menu favorites, including German bier, the giant pretzel, sausages and more.

Village Brauhaus opened in 2018. More information is available at alexandriabiergarden.com.

If you’re looking for dessert, July will bring the opening of the Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar at 716 King St. in Old Town Alexandria.

The self-described "artistic, over-thetop, crazy creation, ultimate dessert destination" will open in the former Hollywood Fashion Wigs spot.

The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar offers sweet treats of all kinds, specializing in unique milkshakes and sundaes served in keepsake custom designed mason jars.

The original store, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, first opened in June 2020. The Alexandria location is the 10th Crazy Mason. The owners of the company's Ellicott City, Maryland location, Erin and Robert Studer, are expanding to Alexandria.

This new location is projected to open this summer. Learn more at thecrazymason. com.