Page 8 - March 2019 Wheel

WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND TOWN?
By Rashawnda Atkinson

the City's waterfront,” and contribute to area vitality, and
complement neighboring businesses well.

DC Food Tours Expands to Old Town
Alexandria
Experience the history, culture, and food of Alexandria
through Carpe DC Food Tour’s expansion into Old Town
Alexandria beginning this month. This tour meshes history,
culture, and food in a 3-hour tour throughout Old Town Al-
exandria. As a key player in shaping American history from
the Revolutionary War onward, attendees learn about the
city’s evolution as they sample dishes at participating restau-
The market site is expected to have public seating, artisan sta-
tions and a food trailer. rants. This is the company’s first tour hosted outside the Dis-
Photo: Alexandria Planning Commission trict. A portion of each ticket sold goes to help feed those in
need through DC’s non-profit Bread for the City according
Winter’s chilly blast is gone and warmer days are ahead— to the company’s website.
we hope. As we say so long to our wonky winter and em-
brace spring and its warmer weather, here are a few things to Visitors can choose from multiple tours based on their inter-
check out that may help you shake off that cabin fever our ests and preferences. The Boutique Old Town Food Tour
wintry weather brought on. hosts a guided tour for around eight people with tastings at
five locations plus one alcohol tasting. Expect to sample
Outdoor Market Coming to Old Town’s some “soul food, a new take on an egg roll…and local beer
Waterfront from a pub that’s lasted the test of time” according to Col-
The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved a pro- lins. These tours
posed outdoor market on 2,000 square feet of land facing the start at 11:30 a.m.
Potomac River Waterfront on 105 and 107 N. Union Street on Fridays, Satur-
at the February 23, 2019 City Council meeting. Behind this days, and Sundays
push for an outdoor market is Alexandria Restaurant Part- with an $89 ticket
ners (ARP) Waterfront LLC, the owners of Vola’s Dockside per patron. DC
Grill and current tenants over the proposed site. Carpe Tours also
offers seasonal
The outdoor market will host a 90-seat dining area with both tours. The current
umbrella-covered tables and open dining areas according to seasonal offering is
the Alexandria Planning Commission’s (APC) staff report Alexandria Tastes
on February 5. A portable Airstream trailer will serve tacos, of Spring Cherry
soft drinks, and beer in the warmer months. The area itself Blossom Food
will be roped per Virginia ABC regulations. Artist stations Crawl 11 a.m.—5
around the seating area provide creatives a space to make, p.m. on Sunday,
display and sell art. This ties in with the artistic atmosphere April 7. Ten res- Visit www.carpedcfoodtours.com to
set by the proposed market’s next-door neighbor Torpedo taurants are in- learn more about upcoming events.
Factory Arts Center, “home to the nation’s largest collection volved on this self Photo: Mary Collins
of working-artists’ open studios under one roof” according -guided tour,
to its website. Additional parking isn’t available according to with an $80 price point for 6 tastings or $96 for 8 tast-
the same report, so you’ll have to find street parking or go to ings. Southern fried chicken, specialty ice cream, hand-made
a nearby parking garage. chocolates and local seafood are on deck for this event. All
tours have a vegetarian option for the same price.
According to the APC’s staff report the proposed outdoor
market “at this location would further enhance the public Enjoy your time this spring as you explore all the great
seating, dining and entertainment options in the plaza along things to do around Alexandria!

Page 8 Wheel March 2019