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@otnt
Brunch at Teasim
I'm happy to report that Teaism in North Old Town is officially open. I took the family with me over the weekend and as you can see, I ordered some flavorful tempeh with kale, mixed fruit, and an amazing carrot scone that you'll want to order more of. Top that all off with a delicious pot of Chai tea and you've got yourself a pretty good start to a Sunday.
I love the fact that yummy, healthy, and inexpensive food is literally right around the corner.
Photo by OTNT.
In the Mood for Pho?
Josh and I had a hankering for some Vietnamese so we headed over to the newish Vietnamese eatery in Old Town, Caphe Banh Mi. It didn't disappoint.
In the spirit of the beautiful weather we've been having, we ordered summer rolls, classic banh mi sandwiches, and frozen Yogiberry yogurt with mango. The ingredients were so fresh and every bite was light but packed with flavor.
Caphe Banh Mi, located on 407 Cameron Street, offers several other vietnamese specialties, including pho and vermicelli bowls. We were surprised to see almost everyone around us eating pho, despite the summer-like weather.
Caphe Banh Mi is not overly decorated and the size is perfect, making it feel like a true cafe. We can't wait to come back and try the pho.
Photo by OTNT.
Calling All Yogis: 532YOGA
As a new mom, it's been extremely tough finding time to work out. You get home from a long day at work and the first thing you want to do is spend some QT with your baby. Then you have to go through the whole rigmarole of getting the baby to go down--bathe, read, feed, etc. Of course, you have to find time to cook for yourself or make a dent in your laundry list of errands. And after all that, you're ready to pass out. Whew.
The one pre-baby activity I miss most: Yoga. I pine for the days I used to practice Jivamukti yoga (my fav) every. single. day. It was always a rigorous workout coupled with intense meditation. So perhaps the opening of a yoga studio right around the corner from my home is just what I need to get me back to those downward dog, plank, and handstand days.
532YOGA, located on North Washington Street, is "coming soon" to the nabe, right across from the Starbucks, Teaism, and Trader Joe's. I'll circle back with details and let you know when it's about to open. I'm crossing my fingers they offer a Jivamukti class.
Namaste.
Photo via @wholemeprograms.
Teaism and We're Back (In Full Effect)!
I know, I know. Like a bad friend, I haven't written or called. I hope you'll eventually forgive me. But I'm happy to report that my mini hiatus from OTNT has officially ended and you'll be seeing lots more posts going forward. The dust is finally settling on some fantastic developments in my personal life, but I promise not to let that get in the way of giving you the latest and greatest news from the hood.
And on that note, I mentioned back in January that the mouthwatering restaurant and tea house Teasim is set to open in North Old Town. Apparently that's some time this week! Hopefully it opens this weekend so I can report back to you on their yummy brunch options, like cilantro scrambled eggs with ginger, cilantro and jalapenos...
Photo via Graduate Gourmet.
Pork Barrel BBQ
After a long day running around D.C., the hubby and I randomly craved some barbecue. We've always been surprised that there aren't more BBQ joints around Northern Virginia, especially since we're below the Mason-Dixon line. With that said, it's so nice that newish Pork Barrel BBQ--despite so-so reviews on Yelp--is just a few minutes from Old Town, smack dab in the heart of Del Ray.
We ordered a tender pulled-pork sandwich, St. Louis ribs, and sides of Monster Mac n' Cheese (delightfully spicy!) and collard greens. If you've got a hankering for BBQ, definitely visit Pork Barrel. Next time we plan on getting the brisket.
Photo by OTNT.
Cherry Blossoms by Bike River Tour
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is right around the corner (March 20-April 27). Instead of attempting to find parking around the mall or walking among roving packs headed to the Tidal Basin, why not ride your bike on the Mount Vernon Trail from Old Town to DC and take in the cherry blossoms along the Potomac River?
Bike and Roll is offering a bike tour that will do just that.
This 3-hour tour (not to mention great workout) will take you all the way to the Tidal Basin where you'll see the blossoms up close and learn about its history before heading back to Old Town.
When: Tours held Fridays - Sundays, 1 – 4 p.m. Where: Departs from One Wales Alley, Alexandria, VA 22314 (map) How much: $42/adult; not recommended for children 12 & under Tickets can be purchased at the Bike and Roll website
Photo via the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Apple Store Coming to Old Town?
I recently heard a delicious rumor that an Apple retail store could replace the shuttered Restoration Hardware on 614 King Street. I went to the source to see if it’s true and Apple wouldn’t comment. Hmmm…
Has anyone heard something similar? Local Apple stores are currently in Georgetown, Clarendon, and Pentagon City. But the King Street location would be ideal for Apple fangirls such as myself. I’ll keep digging, but let me know if you know this rumor is actually fact!
Photo via Protocol Snow.
Celebrate George Washington's Birthday
Celebrate the 280th birthday of our country's first president by taking a "Walk with Washington" tour around Old Town, Alexandria—George Washington's hometown.
Date: Every Sunday in February (5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th) Time: 1 p.m. (tour lasts about 90 minutes) Location: Meet at the Ramsay House Visitors Center (near the intersection of King & Fairfax Streets) Ticket Price: Free! Advance reservations not required. Status: Call (703) 829-6640.
Image via The People's Cube.
Putting the "Art" in "Heart"
The Torpedo Factory Art Center holds a free Art Night every 2nd Thursday of each month, from 6-9 p.m. It's a great opportunity to browse the galleries and studios, and interact with the artists.
February's Art Night event is sure to set all of you romantic's hearts aflutter, just in time for Valentine's Day. Here are the sweet deets courtesy of The Torpedo Factory:
Fall in love with a unique work of art or find a gift for that special someone as you browse open studios and galleries! Sample sweets at our candy buffet and enjoy live music by guitarist Gregg Hammond. Flowers will be given to the first 200 guests in honor of the upcoming lover's holiday.
Love Notes Opening Visit Studio 9 from 6-8pm for the opening of the Love Notes exhibit, featuring handmade valentines by Torpedo Factory artists.
Community Heart Sculpture Participate in a community heart sculpture by donating $1 to write your own love note which will be used to fill in the heart sculpture. Proceeds benefit the American Heart Association.
Artist of the Year Announcement The Friends of the Torpedo Factory will announce the 2012 Artist of the Year in Target Gallery at 6:30pm. The winner of this annual competition, open to all Torpedo Factory artists, will be awarded a cash prize and a month-long exhibition in Target Gallery during the summer.
DIY Valentines & Kissing Photobooth Create a keepsake for a loved one just in time for Valentine's Day at our Do-It-Yourself Valentine Station, and steal a smooch at our Kissing Photobooth. Enjoy fun activities throughout the evening!
Photo via cpoldtownalexandria.
Grape + Bean Coming Soon to Rosemont
The hubby and I frequent Grape + Bean in Old Town for lunch. Of course the quaint wine bar and specialty coffee shop offers incredible wines and cheeses, but we're partial to their sandwiches. I highly suggest the Spanish Bocadillo—Spanish Bonito del Norte tuna, lightly seasoned with fresh celery and smoked paprika on a toasted sourdough roll, topped with melted Baby Swiss cheese. Yum!
If you live in the Rosemont area, another Grape and Bean is set to open on 2 E. Walnut Street sometime over the next four to six weeks, according to DelRay Patch. Sweet!
Photo via DelRay Patch.
Take an Introduction to Calligraphy Workshop
Even as little girls, my sister and I were obsessed with paper. I clearly remember playing "secretary" with her, sitting at the dining room table, and using carbon paper to take notes. I know it sounds odd, but we loved the smell of dry ink and wax while pressing the tips of our pens onto carbon. As we grew older, our obsession turned to Hello Kitty stationary and sticker collecting.
Today, I adore giving and receiving beautiful cards, invitations, and letters and go out of my way to choose lovely decorative paper and envelopes, stationary paper, wrapping paper, and even rubber stamps.
Some things never change.
With that said, I'm excited to write about Fifteen/Eleven, a curated paper goods boutique on 1511 King Street, which shares my love of fine paper. If you're in the same boat, you might be interested in the boutique's "Introduction to Contemporary Pointed Pen Calligraphy" workshop on February 8 and March 17.
Here are the class details:
Instructor: Michele Hatty Fritz of Meant To Be Calligraphy
Lecture Fee: $215 (includes a $35 material fee)
Class Size: 6 people
Dates: February 18, 2011, March 17, 2012 [1 space remaining in Feb. class]
Time: 10:30 am until 1:30
Location: Our studio, 1511 King Street, Old Town Alexandria
About the Class: Spend the morning playing with pens and ink! Michele will show you how to use traditional materials (pointed pen calligraphy nibs, pen holders and real ink) to create gorgeous hand-lettering with a modern twist. You'll learn how to create the nuanced thick and thin lines that set pointed pen lettering apart from regular handwriting and will put that knowledge to use immediately by penning a set of custom notecards for yourself that you'll be proud to send.
Takeaways: - Set of calligraphed stationery including envelopes and all supplies (pen holder, nibs and ink)
Photos via Fifteen/Eleven.
Bishop Boutique on Upper King Street
During an evening stroll around upper King, I came across a super cute store I've never noticed before. Bishop Boutique, located on 815B King Street, looks so chic and modern--a refreshing departure from the antique shops that surround it.
The boutique opened in late October and offers women's shoes, handbags, and accessories—including emerging indie labels, like All Black—and is designed to look and feel like the walk-in closet of your dreams.
Bishop also sells children's items, and I can't wait to pick up these edgy skull and crossbones slip-ons for my baby boy.
Happy Shopping!
Photo via dceventjunkie.
Old Town Theater Sold
Check out this fantastic article (and its insightful comments) about the demise of the Old Town Theater on King Street, why it failed miserably, what it could have done differently (such as showing independent films instead of lamestream ones like "The Hangover"), and what it could be replaced with (probably J. Crew). It's definitely worth a read.
If I had a say in its future, I'd love to see the defunct theater become a jazz club, similar to Yoshi's Jazz Supper Club in San Francisco or Oakland--a Japanese restaurant/music venue attracting the best jazz artists from around the world. That would be pretty sweet, wouldn't it? A rebirth of something eclectic and cool...
Photo by OTNT.
Anthropologie Now Open
To all the ladies: Stopped by the new Anthropologie on King Street last night. It's absolutely gorgeous!
Photo by OTNT.
Wine, Cheese, and a Pork Belly Sandwich
After writing about La Fromagerie's tantalizing upcoming port and blue cheese event, I started to crave a sampling of cheese, as well as a glass of wine.
So I satisfied my desire with a trip to the lovely cheese shop and bistro. My husband and I ordered a glass of Hullabaloo zinfandel, a three-cheese platter with accoutrements, a refreshing duck and arugula salad, and the piece de resistance: a cider-braised pork belly sandwich, layered with apple slices and sweet-potato aioli.
I apologize that you can't reach into your screen and take a bite--or sip--for yourself!
Photos by OTNT.
Luxury Condos Come to Old Town Waterfront
Now that the Old Town Waterfront Plan has been approved, details of what will occupy the land along the Potomac river are slowly emerging.
EYA, builder of several communities in the DC metro area (including the darling Old Town Commons in North Old Town), told UrbanTurf that it will begin construction this summer on a 60-unit luxury condo community along the waterfront. Named The Oronoco, it will be located between Wythe and Pendelton Streets, steps away from Oronoco Bay Park.
EYA's "Coming Soon" page reveals more features:
The Oronoco will offer incomparable one-level living with dramatic views of Historic Old Town, the river and the District. Each of the 60 well appointed residences will feature expansive living spaces with 10' ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, an inviting chef’s kitchen, and a tremendous open terrace. Additionally, Oronoco residents will enjoy exclusive access to luxury amenities, including a concierge, fitness center, swimming pool, large conditioned storage units and direct access to Oronoco Bay Park.
UrbanTurf reports the single-level units will range from 1,600 to 3,000 square feet, with prices from the $900s to $2.5 million. The Oronoco sales office will open the spring of 2013.
The most interesting aspect of this particular condo community is that it emphasizes one-story living, which is an obvious departure from the townhomes traditionally occupying Old Town.
The rendering is indeed attractive; It will be interesting to see how sales fare.
Rendering of The Oronoco via UrbanTurf.
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@otnt22314