Closings, permits for new eateries, fresh takes on existing spots — it’s been a busy few weeks for Alexandria’s restaurant scene. Up first: The closure of a decades-old institution.
GERANIO CLOSED
Longtime diners were surprised to find a note from Geranio in their inboxes and on the restaurant’s Facebook page explaining that the four-decade-old restaurant had shut its doors for good.
“It is with a heavy heart, but a lightness of being, I announce the closure of a 42-year-old institution in Old Town Alexandria,” wrote Chef Troy Clayton. “… My heartfelt thanks to all of our loyal guests in what was a second home to us all. It was a great run, and in so far as all good things eventually come to their natural end, we all did it well from the first day to the last.”
A week later, Clayton announced plans for a new restaurant in Occoquan, Va., this spring, taking the place of the closed Blu 1681.
URBANO 116 PROCEEDS WITH RESTAURANT PLAN
After receiving unanimous approval for its special use permit by City Council in February, Urbano 116, to be located at 116 King St., is moving forward on its development.
Brought about by the creators of Parker-Gray’s Mason Social, the restaurant is slated to be a 163-seat Mexican restaurant to add some spice to lower King Street. No opening date has been named as of yet.
HANK’S PASTA BAR OFFERS LUNCH
Hank’s Pasta Bar has opened its dining room for midday service, with an aim to balance both quick-bite business needs with a longer-stay sit-down affair. With lower-priced “Express” offerings, such as salad-and-sandwich or salad-and-pasta combinations ranging from $11 to $13, patrons on the go can eat well and still make it back to the office in time for the afternoon onslaught.
Got a little more time? Order up a selection of small plates, including seafood specialties and house-made ricotta, and pop open a bottle of wine to share among friends.
Lunch hours begin at 11:30 a.m.; Hank’s is located at 600 Montgomery Street.
CELEBRATE THE SWEET 16 AT UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE
Union Street Public House is getting into the March Madness spirit with its own version of the Sweet 16, featuring four divisions of kegs facing off to battle for No. 1. From Thursday through Sunday, four beers each from DC, Virginia, Maryland and the nation at large will vie for a spot on the beer tap line for six months.
Notable entries include Brew Republic’s Patriot 212, Midnight Brewing’s Rockville Red, Stone Brewing’s Buzzer Beater and Dogfish Head’s SeaQuench Ale. Union Street Public House is located at 121 S. Union St.
Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.