5 minute read
Dining Out
THE WAREHOUSE 214 KING STREET | OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA 703-683-6868 | WAREHOUSEOLDTOWN.COM
Brunch at The Warehouse Casually Elegant!
It is really good to be getting back to a little bit of normalcy in this stage of living through the pandemic. We have been frequent diners at many, many establishments in the DMV over the years and not being able to just drop in at any given time on a regular basis for the last few months has been a challenge. With the restrictions in Phase 3 being a little more “user friendly”, we have dined both inside and outside at some of our favorite places in the area and are anxiously awaiting the time when we can sit at the bar. We have both been “bar” people for the most part since we love the banter that almost always takes place and even if you are by yourself, you aren’t alone.
Going to brunch has been a favorite activity of mine for many years. There is something special about being able to get eggs benedict at 3:00 in the afternoon or a good hamburger at 10:00 in the morning. And…. there is the Mimosa and Bloody Mary option in the morning that is always available at a good brunch spot. BT has fond memories of his brunch antics with his rugby teammates in the late 80’s when “bottomless” champagne was an offering at many places. I guess they would hit the buffet at the former Holiday Inn (now the Alexandrian) on King Street in Old Town on Sundays to celebrate or mourn the results of their match on Saturday and imbibe until the Redskins game came on. I guess the team was a bit better in those days. It was a full life!
This brings me to the brunch experience at The Warehouse. This dining establishment has been a favorite for over 30 years and have been great supporters of the OTC in that time. They chose to stick it out through this entire pandemic and kept their doors open from the beginning. They are adamant about following the “rules” for social distancing, etc. so if you are on the fence about dining out in person (see this column in the August issue), you might want to venture out to the Warehouse – you will be safe.
Brunch is served on both Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am – 4 pm. This is a huge dining window compared to other places in Old Town. The fact that they serve it on Saturdays makes it a great place to grab some good eats after doing your Farmers Market shopping at the fountain just up the street from the restaurant and…there is FREE 2 hour parking in the city lot on Saturday mornings until noon.
The Saturday & Sunday Lunch & Brunch menu is accompanied by several “brunch additions” which are varied from weekend to weekend. While much of the menu is geared to New
GOOD SPORTS GOOD FRIENDS GREAT EATS!
DINING OUT | FROM PAGE 32
Orleans/Cajun cuisine, there is much more to choose from and something for everyone’s palate. We will let you check the full menu out online rather than regale you with all that is available in this space. There are sandwiches, soups (try their famous She Crab), several appetizers and entrées that include Spicy Pecan Crusted Chicken and New Orleans Smothered Catfish. Trust me, you will not be disappointed in the selections.
My usual go-to order at brunch here is the Eggs Benedict but I stepped outside of the box and treated myself to one of the “additions” – the NOLA Brunch. The NOLA (New Orleans Louisiana for those who don’t know) consists of French donuts (beignets much like those served at Café Du Monde in New Orleans), scrambled eggs, bacon and home fries. I substituted fresh fruit for the home fries since I was way over the suggested calorie count with the “donuts”. This dish is served with maple syrup on the side. The scrambled eggs were cooked to perfection – fluffy and moist. I have been scrambling eggs for over 50 years and have yet to get them to taste like this. BT also stepped it up by foregoing his normal 2 eggs over easy, sausage and home fries (which is on the menu) and ordered the Eggs Benedict. Chef Sert puts a bit different spin on this benedict by serving it with Tasso ham instead of Canadian bacon. The dish is served with fresh steamed vegetables but if you prefer home fries or fruit, that can be arranged. The dish didn’t disappoint. For you shellfish lovers, there was a Crab Cakes Benedict offering on the “additions” menu that is topped with mustard hollandaise and served with home fries. The brunch offerings are served with your choice of strawberries and champagne or strawberries and double cream. I guess you know what we chose! They also pour a plentiful mimosa and the Bloody Mary’s here are very tasty.
The décor at The Warehouse is such that you feel at home whether you are in your sundress or shorts or decked to the nines for a special occasion. It truly can be described as both casual and elegant. One of our favorite things about this restaurant is the caricatures of local “celebrities” that adorn the walls. We know or knew (several have passed on) a good many of the faces that are on display. They definitely tell the story of the many personalities that have graced this place since they opened.
Treat yourself to brunch this month – it’s a great way to start out a Saturday or Sunday.
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Steak Dinner for Two & a Bottle of Wine - $70 Pasta Dinner for Four w/Salad - $79 Movie Pack - $25 All available for curbside pickup or delivery to your door via Uber Eats, Door Dash & GrubHub *See details and full menu offerings at MACKIESBARANDGRILL.COM
“A Washington Post Capitol Cuisine Favorite” e Very Best Alexandria has to o er in the Heart of Historic Old Town Famous for our She Crab Soup, Steaks and Crab Cakes
Now Offering: Curbside Pick Up - Food & Beverage To Go - Inside/Outside Dining
Best Brunch in Old Town Saturday & Sunday 9am- 4pm
