By the Gastronomes

Keeping up with all of the new eatery openings in the area has been a challenge these last couple of months but we are up to it! Frankie’s Kitchen & Cocktail Bar is one of those new additions to the culinary scene in Old Town Alexandria. Located at 823 South Washington Street in the space formerly occupied by Faccia Luna, Tara Hopkins and her side kick Kevin Peck have transformed 823 into a very cool spot. Both Hopkins and Peck are veterans of the service industry with well over 20 years each in the business. Needless to say, their experience shows.

When we asked Tara what her vision was when she decided to delve into restaurant ownership, she confessed that “pizza” wasn’t exactly in the mix but in doing her research (both economical and potential customer base), she decided that keeping the very expensive wood fired pizza oven from the former tenant was the thing to do since the majority of her potential client base asked “will you still have pizza?” and…removing the oven was costly. Turns out it was the thing to do.

After transforming the old space in to what we think is one of the best build outs around, Frankie’s is a very welcoming place. As you walk in, there are high tops in the window and along the north wall and a big horseshoe shaped bar and a large dining area with both booths and tables further back. The bar is where the action is since they have 13 craft cocktails on the menu, 6 beers on tap, 23 beer and cider offerings in cans/bottles and a fully stocked bar. While my favorite drink isn’t on the craft cocktail list, ask Tara to make you one of her spicy margaritas! However, we did try the Artwork on Royal – Sazerac Rye, sweet vermouth & orange bitters. Had to order it just to see the labor intensive ice cube! Tara makes these herself and they consist of a square ice cube with a sweet vermouth gummy bear, fancy orange rind and a maraschino cherry frozen inside! The wine list covers all of the bases with 2 sparklers, 5 whites and 7 reds.

Even though pizza makes up a good portion of the menu, Frankie’s has an extensive (10) appetizer menu, a well-rounded choice of (7) salads, the Frankie’s Fontina Burger and two chicken based sandwiches and (7) pasta dishes including Granny’s Bolognese. They offer two “Kids’ pasta dishes and Tiramisu and chocolate mousse for dessert. In addition to the regular menu, there are specials offered each day.

Let’s start with the pizza. We aren’t going to describe all 17 of them in this space but let’s suffice to say that in addition to the 17 combos, you have the opportunity to “build your own”. They come in both 10” and 14” and there is a gluten free crust option. Speaking of crust, this place does it right as far as we are concerned. It isn’t paper thin and crisp nor is it thick and squishy, it is “just right” and the wood burning oven makes it taste extra special. There is a combination for every personality including those vegans among us. Our go to pizza pretty much everywhere we order it is the “Hawaiian” – no judging from you anti-pineapple people! Frankie’s version is a combination of ham, pineapple and diced white onion. I often ask for fresh jalapeno with this combo and we normally wouldn’t order the onion but it adds a nice flavor profile so we order it just like it is. We have seen many of the pizzas that come out of this kitchen on our visits and they all look fantastic.

Our appetizers of choice during our visits have included my very favorite, the Ahi Tuna Wontons – fresh ahi, marinated cucumbers, sesame seeds, pickled onions and wasabi sauce served on wonton crisps – and my partner’s favorite, the Pineapple Braised Sticky Ribs – slow cooked spare ribs in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze infused with aromatic spices and a hint of smokiness topped with zesty pickled jalapenos-amazing. On our latest visit, he ordered the Honey Garlic Shrimp and it is now running neck in neck with the ribs. In other visits with friends, we have had the opportunity to taste the steak crostini, whipped feta dip, grilled wings and the meatballs with whipped ricotta. This leaves us with the bruschetta, Shisito peppers and eggplant parm left to try. Not a bad choice in the bunch.

We like to have a salad with our pizza and have had both the house and Caesar and neither disappoint. Fresh ingredients are important as well as a good dressing and these fit the bill. My favorite “full meal” salad is the Pan Asian Tuna with Sesame Ginger dressing. I am anxious to try the Grilled Chicken Cobb as well. Other salad offerings include Steak with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Arugula and Prosciutto with Champagne Vinaigrette and a Spinach with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Neither of us has tried the burger or either of the chicken sandwich offerings. We have seen the burger come out of the kitchen and it is quite impressive – double burger patty, onion bacon jam, fontina cheese and a mayo based secret sauce served on a Brioche bun with chips. Gluten free buns and hoagie rolls are available.

On our last visit we both ordered pasta as our main course – Crispy Chicken Parmesan and the pasta special of the day, Spinach & Ricotta Agnolotti. The Parm consists of panko-crusted chicken breast fried until nice and crispy then topped with fontina cheese and the house marinara accompanied by spaghetti. Order this if you are really hungry – it will hit the spot. The Agnolotti is much lighter and just as flavorful with spinach, ricotta and pine nuts stuffed in the house made pasta served with pomodoro sauce topped with fresh arugula. The other pasta dishes sound equally as good as what we had and there is something for all of you pasta lovers.

We didn’t have room for dessert so…you are on your own with it! On top of it all, our service was spot on. The people who work here are happy.

Other amenities include, the pizza can be made to go, they have happy hour Mon-Sat from 3-7, are open for Brunch Sundays from 11:30 am-2:30 pm, there is patio dining and the restrooms are really nice – BONUS. Not to mention lots of FREE covered parking in the building behind the restaurant.

Frankie’s Kitchen & Cocktail Bar

823 South Washington Street

Old Town Alexandria

703-512-2118

Frankiesoldtown.com