La Tasca: An Alexandria Tapas Spot

May 28, 2014 by jefferson

In Alexandria, La Tasca proves that small plates can deliver big flavors. Tapas, the Spanish tradition of serving small plates of great food that are perfect for sharing, is on full display at this Old Town spot not too far away from The Asher.

If you like wine, you’ll love the selection of sangrias by the glass or pitcher. Add in the wines and beers on tap, and you've found a new happy hour spot to meet up with friends. The tapas selection is so varied, everybody will find something to like. (Start out with the bacon wrapped dates!) Don’t miss the tasting menu specials and other specials, like the "dinner and a movie" promotion.

La Tasca is open Sundays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

La Tasca
607 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 299-9810
http://www.latascausa.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-tasca-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/wordridden

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Alexandria Dining, La Tasca, Restaurants in Alexandria

The Dough is the Focus at Pizzeria Paradiso in Alexandria

May 6, 2014 by jefferson

Owner and chef Ruth Gresser opened the first Pizzeria Paradiso in Dupont Circle in 1991 because she wanted to make the kind of pizza that she longed for, but couldn't find. To Gresser, the crust is the most important part.

Gresser developed a dough that rises slowly in the restaurant's wood-burning, domed, stone oven at a temperature of 650 degrees. The oven is in the heart of the restaurant, giving diners the comfortable feeling of eating at a friend's house.

Regulars recommend the Atomica, which comes with tomato, salami, Kalamata olives, hot red pepper flakes, and mozzarella. The Bosco pizza is another favorite, wihch includes tomato, spinach, mushrooms, red onion, and mozzarella. You also can't go wrong with the classic margherita, with tomato, basil, and mozzarella.

Pizzeria Paradiso has 14 craft beers on tap, dozens more in bottles, and a strong wine list. This restaurant doesn't take reservations, which means you might be in for a bit of a wait, especially on weekend nights.

Pizzeria Paradiso
124 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 837-1245
eatyourpizza.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/reivax

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Alexandria Dining, Pizzeria Paradiso, Restaurants in Alexandria

FireFlies Restaurant: Dinner, Lunch and Bluegrass Brunch

April 29, 2014 by jefferson

For good food and entertainment in Alexandria, you’ve got to try FireFlies Restaurant. This Del Ray neighborhood spot is known for its welcoming attitude and classic food. You’ll like both the modern yet comfortable ambiance, and everyone raves about the friendly, fast service.

Happy hour is a good time to come with friends to try some local microbrews, hand-crafted cocktails, and tasty apps to share. Come for lunch or dinner to try the selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. The bacon, salmon, lettuce and tomato sandwich is a big hit, as are the burgers, all served on house-made rolls and bread.

Open seven days a week, FireFlies also plays host to the Sunday "Bluegrass Brunch."

FireFlies
1501 Mt Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 548-7200
http://www.firefliesdelray.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fireflies-restaurant-alexandria