When it comes to authentic cuisine in Alexandria, Mai Thai might be a top destination. Thai food is hot in both spice and popularity, but at Mai Thai, it's not just about the food. Come in and enjoy the mix of modern and traditional decor, with artwork on the walls and cool chandeliers coming down both floors of the dining area.

You can start off with a trip to the bar and lounge for happy hour, when you can enjoy a variety of specialty cocktails and appetizers. For lunch or dinner, you can always find something tasty from the menu. (Try the drunken noodles or one of the curries.)

Mai Thai is open Mondays through Thursdays, 11:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11:15 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Mai Thai
6 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-0600
www.maithai.us/oldtown/home.php
www.yelp.com/biz/mai-thai-alexandria

CC-BY-SA-3.0/Flickr/jimlightfoot26

Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Labor Day!

Southern comfort food serves as the foundation of Chef Eric Reid's menu at Reserve 2216, but he's not afraid to take liberties with tradition. His versions of classic dishes put a gourmet twist on childhood favorites, and his team crafts new creations every day. The sample menu online will give you a rough idea of what Chef Eric might be working on today, but the only way to know for sure is to make the trip and check out his chalkboard menu.

It'll likely be filled with apps like wonton nachos topped with tuna, roasted red pepper aioli, and wasabi, as well as Brussels sprouts with peanuts, feta, and a balsamic dressing. When it comes to the main course, Chef Eric often serves his signature hot chicken. Yelp reviewers rave about the dish, a crunchy piece of fried chicken over a cornbread waffle, collard greens, and a pickle. You might also see shrimp and grits, a pork chop with roasted garlic-gorgonzola butter, or grilled culotte on the menu.

Reserve 2216
2216 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 549-2889
drpreserve.com
www.yelp.com/biz/reserve-2216-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr USDAgov