Alexandria Restaurant Week

The joy of having a three-course meal every week just makes my heart flutter! However, that’s not my reality. I think it was Rene Redzepi who said “fine dining is an occasional treat for most people.” So when the opportunity to attend to local restaurant week arises, I am always up for the outing.

And so, for another round of restaurant week fun, blogger buddy Ashley (@incouragefoods) and I headed out to Old Town (a favorite weekend spot of mine) to indulge in “Alexandria Restaurant Week” at The Majestic. Known as a historic fixture in Old Town, the restaurant is raved for its eclectic vibes, unique charm, gourmet American cuisine and diverse menu selection.

A few years ago, new owners (Alexandria Restaurant Partners) acquired the establishment, temporarily closing for renovations. Today, it illuminates the busy sidewalks of King Street with its bright marque sign, exuding a welcoming feel that reels in patrons, both locals and visiting.

Keep reading …

Right as we walked in, the ambience wooed me. The social atmosphere was nice. Lively but not intimidatingly crowded for the venue’s size. The restaurant features single dining room and bar area with a capacity 80 seated guests and a standing capacity of 100 guests. While we waited for our table, we noticed a staircase leading down to the lower level of the restaurant.

A space for perfect for private events, I could see The Majestic accommodating a birthday party, a holiday dinner party, work reception, Sunday brunch with the girls or a just fun date night in Old Town.

The ambience was warm and cozy, with a fun art-deco meets retro-diner vibe. I was mesmerized by all of the focal points throughout the room, from faux-finished wall textures, to the vast gallery wall on both sides of the dining area to the aluminum ceiling tiles.

The open-display kitchen was also a plus!

Now for the best part, the food!

I’d be lying I I said, selecting from the menu was easy. Per the usual, I had a taste for everything. Ha. After much deliberation and inquiry from our waiter (and Ashley), I narrowed down my choice and selected a delicious three-course lineup.

Can you guess what I selected? Don’t you even think about scrolling down.

Take a guess…

If you guessed the tomato bisque, you’re absolutely correct! You may also guessed correctly because this is one of your favorite appetizer-soups. If it is (and you’re in the local DMV area or not) you need to try this soup!

Majestic hit the ball out of the park with this rich and creamy soup topped with rosemary focaccia croutons, pecorino Romano and basil oil. Its texture was smooth all throughout with a sweet and tangy kick at the end.

Sampled some of Ashley’s deviled eggs during out appetizer portion.

I mean, how could I not? These are not your aunt’s deviled eggs or a just any deviled eggs, for that matter. They’re topped with fresh lump crabmeat, sriracha aioli and pickled Fresno chili peppers. See what I mean? Delicious down to the last bite. But for good measure, I was sure to share my tomato bisque with Ashley as well. Haha! So you can say, we had an appetizer sampler.

Sounds accurate to me.

On to the main course. Keep up!

For my entree, I chose the “Flat Iron Steak Diane” garnished with sunchoke-potat mash potatoes, corn and shishito peppers. Note: my plate sans the wild mushrooms. When asked if they could hold the mushrooms, there was not static or question. They gladly obliged with my request despite it being an official restaurant week menu item. That, for me, made them a keeper on my dining rolodex.

And now for the grande finale. Dessert!

I am now a bonafide chocolate mousse fan. Unless there is salted caramel or caramel of some sort aligning the chocolate, you won’t find me eating it. I’ve never been a chocolate fan or one who can’t live without it. However, I have been known to choose it when it’s the closet thing on the menu to red velvet. That is, when it’s my only option. The Majestic, however, made me a believer. This chocolate mousse was absolutely amazing! So good, as was tempted to ask our server if I could order another (after closing).

Before we knew it, the entire dining area was cleared out and we were (once again) one of the last few patrons still enjoying the atmosphere. A peaceful and most delightful one, at that.