Here we are moving into February. This is the shortest month of the year but always seems to be the longest. I imagine that the yearning for the warmer months makes us want time to move faster. However, if you like to sit in front of a nice cozy fireplace with a cocktail or to eat a nice meal, Dining Out this month features many of the fireplaces in the Old Town area. The last week in January was a bonus for participating restaurants in Alexandria Restaurant Week, which ran from January 23 to February first. There was a noticeable spike in business and gave folks an opportunity to experience new places at reduced prices. If you missed out, check out or friends in Calvert County as they have their Restaurant Week February20 through March 1^st. There will also be a Taste of Solomons in the first week of March.

Our Personality Profile this month is Gerry Ragland, Jr.…lawyer by day, sailor by weekend. The Business Profile this month gives you a look at Bulgarian wines which are being imported by our friend Rhys Davies and his wife and her family. The Civil War continues and Doug Coleman takes us back to February of 1865. We stepped out of our comfort zone this month and crossed the bridge into DC to interview our Behind the Bar victim, Sean Hughes, at the Old Ebbit Grill. Sean is the older brother of our pal Mitchell Hughes, barkeep at Landini’s Restaurant and little sister Kaitlan, barkeep at Fish Market here in Old Town. It is sort of a family affair.

Valentine’s Day rolls around yet again this year on the 14^th…be sure to take care of your loved ones by doing something special. Check out your knowledge of said holiday by taking the trivia quiz in this issue.

Let’s also not forget to celebrate President’s Day by taking in the George Washington Parade on the 16^th here in Old Town Alexandria. There are presidential activities taking place all week. Check them out at washingtonbirthday.net.

Thanks again for reading us!

Written by: Bob Tagert