Date Night in Alexandria
I am excited to say that my husband and I will be celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary this Memorial Day weekend, and having been married that long (yes, we were babies) we have learned a lot about each other and how to keep our relationship strong. Since I work retail hours as a pharmacist and my husband owns his own company, we often find that we could go a whole week and not see each other with our opposite schedules. In order to see each other and have meaningful quality time together, we decided (almost about a year ago now) to schedule a weekly date night.
It could be anything from cooking in to a Michelin star restaurant; it doesn’t matter. As long as it is on the schedule, just calling it a “date” makes it separate from all the other nights and is just for us. Usually it means no TV or phones. Often it’s a different day of the week and could last all night, or we could be in bed by 9pm. But just taking the time for ourselves is so important.
I compiled a short list of “date night” spots we like to hit around Old Town. Like I said, no exclusivity as far as fanciness goes!
Virtue Feed & Grain
Virtue is just easy since it’s walking distance and we know we are going to get great food and service. I think I basically get the same thing every time (salmon- gluten free and amazing) and generally he gets the same thing (Virtue burger). Virtue has such a nice atmosphere, not to mention a great dog-friendly outdoor seating area; its dim lighting serves as a romantic backdrop, and its bustling crowd reminds you you’re at the hottest place in Old Town. It’s a great spot to get an easy, cozy meal (with a pupsicle for Tanner).
Brut Champagne & Wine Bar
Brut, formerly Grape + Bean, is a hidden gem on S. Royal. It’s super small and has somewhat weird hours (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) but the service and selection is one of the very best in Old Town. The usual bartender is the most friendly person, without being overbearing. He practically planned our Miami trip for us. The smell of raclette inundates the room and makes you hungry even if you weren’t. We like to come here when we want to split a bottle of wine or simply get drinks and an appetizer if we aren't starving, but we usually stay late as the atmosphere is hard to leave. (Side note - the champagne flight is amazing!)
Hummingbird
We have loved this place at the Hotel Indigo since it opened (wow- already two years ago). They just updated the menu and it’s perfect for any seafood lover. The soft shell crab and jumbo shrimp are so delicious. Plus, they are doing special menu events all summer (like a clam bake/lobster boil) which was such a great idea. In general, it’s perfect for a beautiful day to sit outside and linger with a bottle of wine.
Dishes of India
Now we’re getting to the nitty gritty. I’m not sure how we (and by we I mean my husband) found this great spot that’s located in a basement in Belle View Shopping Center. Though it might not look like much from the outside, the food and service is unparalleled. I actually prefer it to Rasika (and I still LOVE Rasika)! We go here quite a bit, since I get a craving for it quite often and no other Indian will do. We love the chicken tandoori, the channa masala and the began bhartha - which is this eggplant mixture that I cannot get enough of. You will leave feeling 80 pounds heavier.
Los Cuates
http://www.loscuatesrestaurant.com
Another “guilty pleasure” if you will, Los Cuates is a very casual Mexican restaurant up King. We basically go there for their guacamole and their margaritas. The tableside guacamole is practically full avocados mashed up with not much else - which is how I like them. The margaritas are so big you can barely finish one. In addition, the servers are all so nice and remember us. Although usually my husband prefers something slightly fancier if we go out, I drag him here whenever I can convince him. Other great alternatives are El Paso which we recently tried (and loved) and Urbano 116.
I hope you get to try some of these Alexandria hot spots with your beau. Let me know what you think!
Outfit Details:
Top: Derek Lam 10 Crosby, Intermix
Earrings: Lizzie Fortunato, The Shoe Hive
Bag: Lizzie Fortunato, The Shoe Hive
Jeans: Good American, Tsalt
Shoes: Marc Fisher, Bishop Boutique
Photos by Sarah Marcella Creative