From permanent restaurant closures to a focus on private parties to wholesalers becoming direct-to-consumer distributors, the pandemic has brought with it quite a few changes to the area’s food-and-drink landscape. Here’s what’s been happening over the past week.
Nectar Coffee and Wine Bistro Closes Its Doors for Good
Del Ray’s caffeinated set is mourning the closure of Nectar Coffee and Wine Bistro, located at 106 Hume Ave. After closing as a result of the pandemic, owners (and sisters) Susan and Shirley Waller have elected not to reopen, they said in a statement on Facebook.
“Susan and I have made the extremely difficult decision to close Nectar permanently. We have loved our business, awesome staff, customers and neighbors and are truly grateful for your business over the past three years. See you in the neighborhood!” wrote Shirley Waller.
The People’s Drug Offering Private Parties
In this age of social distancing, wondering about restaurant crowds is a real concern for many. The owners of The People’s Drug at 103 N. Alfred St. are aiming to put patrons at ease by offering up the entire establishment for rent for parties of 6 to 10 people.
The cocktail menu sports an array of options, ranging from cheese boards to burger and chicken sliders to Brussels sprouts and more. Drink tickets are good for any beverage off the summer cocktail menu as well as beer and wine. The reservation allows patrons to take over the entire space, inside and out, for a two-hour period. The People’s Drug is offering two seatings a night, with a deep cleaning between guests. (Weekend brunch, too, is an option.)
The deal will run patrons $50 per person, plus $10 gratuity, and will include food and two cocktails. Reservations are required; call the restaurant at 571-251-8851 for more.
Keany Produce to Continue Curbside Service Through Summer
The wholesale produce distributor Keany Produce & Gourmet will continue its curbside service throughout the area as the summer progresses, the company said. Though the distribution sites and times have changed as the state’s reopening has moved ahead, there are still plenty of locations around the city for fruit-and-veggie pickup.
The YMCA, Good Shepherd Catholic Church and Clyde’s at Mark Center are all still open for business at various times throughout the week. Visit keanyproduce.com for all the latest – and to place an order for the week.
Hope Nelson is the author of “Classic Restaurants of Alexandria” and owns the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at http://www.kitchenrecessionista.com/. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.
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