By the Gastronomes

As the Old Town Crier celebrates its 37^th year we wanted to take this opportunity to pay some special attention to those eateries who help support our efforts with their continual advertising support each month. Many of them have been appearing in these pages in excess of twenty-five years with three of them in every issue since the beginning. I guess that’s a testament to all of our longevities in business here in Alexandria.

All of these establishments have very distinct flavor profiles ranging from good old fashioned “Diner Fare” including their popular breakfasts served up on chrome and formica 24 hours a day at Bob and Edith’s on Upper King Street to the white table cloths, Martini’s and Manhattan’s at the infamous Landini Brothers. Serving upscale Tuscan Italian cuisine

in a revamped warehouse since 1979 in the 100 Block, Landini’s has been with us since day one. Just up the street, prime aged steaks, seafood and upscale Cajun offerings are featured at The Warehouse. The Warehouse is home to hundreds of caricatures of local icons including the Gastronomes – we feel special. Warehouse was also in the first issue!

Serving upscale American cuisine in another revamped colonial warehouse in Old Town is Union Street Public House. This place has been an old town go-to since 1986. Just around the corner is Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant & Bar serving upscale Irish fare in first generation Irish décor. Billing itself as “Born in Ireland and raised in Old Town”, the bulk of the décor was shipped directly from the land of Erin. OC’s definitely has that authentic Irish Pub feel including the lovely Irish accents of many of the first generation staff.

We are betting that the majority of you regular readers have an experience or two to share about the Fish Market Restaurant – some we probably couldn’t print! Opening their doors in 1976, they continue to serve those gigantic schooners of beer and Chesapeake-style seafood including their popular “peel and eat” shrimp.

New (sort of) to the Old Town restaurant scene is Mystic BBQ and Grill that opened last spring serving southern centric cuisine the likes of Texas Style BBQ and all of the sides as well as seafood with a touch of Cajun influence. Located just a block off King on North Lee Street, Mystic is housed in the former Myron Mixon location.

Heading up the street is Old Town’s first Irish Bar and one of the OTC’s first advertisers – they have been on board for 37 years – Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub. Serving traditional Irish fare, “Murph’s” has been like a home away from home for many locals as well as visitors. Operating since 1978 with probably the best “real wood” fireplace in Alexandria, you can get a great bowl of Irish Stew and more here.

Making your way out to the “metro” area of Alexandria, you will find award-winning modern French fare at Bastille Brasserie & Bar in the Parker Grey area. If you are intimidated by French food and afraid to try it, this is the place to be. The menu is straight forward and is anything but pretentious while every dish on the menu is classic. Served in a comfortable casual atmosphere, don’t forget to save room for one of the amazing desserts. Modern American-Mediterranean cuisine served in a “rustic-chic” atmosphere is on the menu at River Bend Bistro located just down the GW Parkway in the Fort Hunt area. You can’t go wrong by ordering anything on this menu but if the French Onion Soup is a special, order it. Junction Bakery, Bistro and Bar, located on Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray part of town, was originally a commercial bakery with a small coffee shop but now it not only cranks out bread and pastries for other eateries but keeps customers very happy with their trendy breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings. All three of the above have coveted FREE parking!

In addition to those who advertise with us, there are a plethora of great places to drink and dine in our distribution area. With the winter Restaurant Week taking place this month, you will have an opportunity to check out many of them at specially discounted prices. This is something to take advantage of without breaking the bank.