There is a lot happening in Del Ray all the time. Engagements, Italian dinners, new and improved restaurants, and two new Presidents, despite what you saw on Inauguration Day!
It is with great joy that we have this opportunity to tell you that Liz Dunning has gotten engaged. She was asked on Christmas Eve by Paul, whom she has known since the sixth grade. Congratulations, Liz & Paul! We know Nancy is smiling on both of you.
For those of you who have not yet made your reservations for the first "Sunday Night Italian Dinner" at Mancini's Café, please do! This is next Sunday, Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $40 per person by way of prepaid reservations only. Call today 703-838-3663 and come hungry.
SPEAKING OF RESTAURANTS on the avenue ...
Exciting news! Los Tios has officially been given the "go ahead" to produce one great margarita by obtaining its liquor license. Be sure and go get one frozen or on the rocks while it's nice and cold outside. Once it gets nicer, you can enjoy it outside.
New and coming soon: The DelMerei Grille will open very soon in the space that was the Calvert Grille. Mary Abraham has done a complete and total renovation of the space, having not kept one thing the same about the space. It is brand new and looks beautiful.
The specialty will be grilled contemporary American food with a Southern Flare. The chef is her childhood friend, Eric Reid, former chef at the Evening Star. The origin of the restaurant's name — Del for Del Ray and Merei (pronounced Mary) like the owner's first name and spelled erei for E. REId, chef and friend. Mary and Eric were both born and raised in the neighborhood and graduated from T.C. It truly was their dream to open their restaurant in this neighborhood. They were able to with the help of Mary's parents, Mark and Laura Abraham, who own and operate Monroe's on Commonwealth Avenue and Monroe Street. Early reports indicate that, "we are referring to the bar as the 'Del' and it is going to be sophisticated with a granite bar top but still warm enough to be a local hangout. The bar will be offering a nice selection of wines and numerous specialty drinks, too."
Coming in February, you can 'Eat, Drink and be Merei' at the Del Merei Grille.
NEW LEADERSHIP comes to Del Ray as Kevin Reilly of Alexandria Hyundai was named president of the Potomac West Business Association and Andy Duncan was named the new president of the Warwick Village Association. Congratulations, gentlemen.
Hey folks, bundle up, because it's about to be very pretty around the neighborhood, but no where near as pretty as it will be on Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. as we host the 2005 Del Ray House and Garden Tour. Save the date now and stay tuned to this column for more details.
If you know of any fun Del Ray happenings, please let me know. Thanks.