From hot melty raclette to tangy cider tastings, there’s a wealth of activity in Alexandria’s food and drink landscape this month. Here are some of the month’s best bets.Raclette Scraping at Cheesetique,
Nov. 12
Cheesetique is pulling out all the stops – and the cheese – for Saturday’s Art on the Avenue event. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., swing by the shop and feast on an Alpine treat of raclette, which you can take to go as you peruse the event vendors or plunk down at Cheesetique to rest your legs (and maybe enjoy a glass of wine). Feeling creative? Cheesetique is also offering a “Spin Your Own Wine Label” workshop during the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booths E109-111, on Mount Vernon Avenue between Oxford and Uhler.
Alexandria Cider Festival,
Nov. 19
Virginia Cider Week is on the docket for Nov. 11-20, and what better way to celebrate than with a Saturday cider festival? Pop over to the Lloyd House and enjoy cider tastings, live music, a historical jaunt through Virginia’s cider history and a commemorative glass to mark the occasion. Local cideries like Lost Boy Cider, Albemarle Cider Works, Big Fish and more will be on hand, as will the Rocklands food truck. $55 in advance, $65 at the door. 1-5 p.m. 220 N. Washington St.
Old Town Alexandria Cookie Crawl,
Nov. 19-20
It’s back for another year! Forget the pub crawl – that’s SO Halloween 2022 – and instead indulge your sweet tooth with this tasting tour of the city’s best cookies. Stop by all 25 participating stores to combine your holiday shopping and cookie tasting in one sugary weekend. Load the treats up in your commemorative cookie tin and let the holiday season begin in style. Pre-registration required. $40.
Holiday Maker’s Market at Port City Brewing, Nov. 26
In conjunction with Small Business Saturday, Port City is hosting its Maker’s Market to feature Alexandria-based creators – and have a bit of fun in the process. From candles to jewelry, home décor to toys, there will be something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. And who’s to say you can’t pick up a little something for yourself while you’re out? Refresh yourself with something from one of the food trucks stationed out front – and wash it down with a Port City beer, of course. Noon-5 p.m. 3950 Wheeler Ave.
Award-winning food writer Hope Nelson is the author of “Classic Restaurants of Alexandria” and owns the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at
hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.