When you enter Namaste, you'll find yourself transported into a quiet, serene environment, where eating is elevated into an art. This Alexandria restaurant serves pan-Asian cuisine, though it specializes in Indian and Nepalese dishes.

Many of the dishes require several hours of gentle simmering to reach the ideal flavor, and most employ custom spice blends that have to be added in precise amounts. You'll find rich chicken tikka masala simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, as well as fiery lamb vindaloo with potatoes and peas. You can also snack on unique finger foods, like peanuts that have been marinated in chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, and a custom blend of Nepalese spices, or bite into a Nepali-style dumpling filled with spiced, minced vegetables and served with a chutney dipping sauce.

If you're unsure about what to order, try going for the lunch buffet, where you can sample a variety of different dishes in order to hone in on your favorite.

Namaste
6138 Rose Hill Drive
Alexandria, VA 22310
(703) 822-0408
namasteva.com
www.yelp.com/biz/namaste-alexandria-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/sara marlowe

According to Yelp reviewers, Grounded Coffee Shop is just what a great neighborhood coffee house should be. The owners are committed to keeping prices as low as possible, and they only serve fair trade organic coffees and teas. The baristas are skilled and knowledgeable about the coffee they're preparing and are happy to make recommendations. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and kid-friendly (you'll even find a miniature train table for the little ones). The shop's baked goods are prepared on-site, and the 100 percent real fruit smoothies are freshly prepared to order.

And, most importantly, the coffee is dark, rich, and delicious. Treat yourself to a foamy cappuccino, or spend an afternoon sipping a sweetly spiced chai tea. Start your morning right with a steaming cup of joe, or wind down after a long day at the office with a comforting cup of hot cocoa.

Whatever you choose, it’s hard to go wrong at Grounded Coffee Shop.

Grounded Coffee Shop
6919 Telegraph Road
Alexandria, VA 22310
(703) 341-6612
www.groundedcoffeeshop.com
www.yelp.com/biz/grounded-coffee-shop-alexandria

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/cyclonebill

We wish you and your loved ones all a very happy and safe holiday season.