Overwood ready to serve: Early Tuesday morning, co-owner Ryan Duncan of Overwood, A Wood-Fired American Kitchen at 220 N. Lee Street was busy cramming for his final; opening day. Overwood is a five-person enterprise which includes Duncan, General Manager Joe Chapman and Executive Chef B. Errami, the latter two fresh from nearby Facia Luna. Having invested a heavy $1.4 million to renovate and restore historical integrity to the Crilley Warehouse space, Duncan said, We want to be the kind of place where you feel comfortable whether youre in flip-flops and shorts or a three-piece suit, a hope that is reflected in the food and drink menus. Out walking his dog, local Carl Ragsdale told About Town that he was part of a neighborly open-house the previous evening and that the appetizers and specialty drinks were incredible. 703.535.3340.
George Allen basking: Unable to pull away from one of the years first glorious spring days, former Senator George Allen chose sidewalk seating at the Fish Market on King Street last week to spend a leisurely 2 hour lunch. Pedestrians tried to restrain their looks of recognition while others offered words of encouragement.
Wanted, facial hair: The Virginia Chapter of the Beard Team USA, an organization that promotes an appreciation for beards and moustaches competes internationally and is looking for new members. The state chapter will hold a free meeting at the Hard Times Caf on King Street on April 19 at 8 p.m. as it prepares for a local spring contest. Leadership hopes to increase interest and participation, especially with the upcoming World Beard and Moustache Championship scheduled this September in Brighton, England.
www.NOVABeard.blogspot.com
100 King hosts Republican Gala: With a gush of energy, U.S. House of Representatives Republican Leader John Boehner spoke to a 175-person full house last week at the annual Reagan-Lincoln Dinner at 100 King Restaurant in Old Town where elephant pins and bangles added sparkle to the room. One hundred premier supporters went upstairs to enjoy intimate fine dining, complete with the memorable Apple Tatin. Raising $25,000 according to Alexandria Republican Chair Chris Marston, the evening was soundly supported by Eleventh District Congressman Tom Davis and Paul Waldron of Waldron and Cassleman. Co-chairs were Anita Windsor Edwards, Magee Whelan and Mari Stull, Alexandria Times wine editor, who coordinated the wine selection.
Good-bye Stellas: Stellas Restaurant at 1725 Duke Street is making an exit after serving as an anchor to the King Street Metro commercial area for more than 20 years. The locally favored diner owned by Retro Restaurants has a federal lien on it for $95,049 in unpaid taxes.
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