Presidential Inauguration: Alexandria Restaurant Week

Alexandria is celebrating the 2013 Presidential Inauguration with a special edition of Restaurant Week.

Kicking off inaugural weekend and lasting for 10 days, Jan. 18 -27, Alexandria’s presidential hotspots and more than 50 eateries are offering $35 three-course dinners or $35 dinners for two.

The official Presidential Inauguration itself is Sunday, Jan. 20, with the public inauguration set for the downtown DC mall on Monday, Jan. 21, which also happens to be Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

According to the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, Alexandria’s presidential culinary connections include:

Barack Obama and the First Family - Several of the Obama’s Alexandria eateries are participating in Restaurant Week.
• Del Ray Pizzeria – Featuring presidential pies enjoyed by President Barack Obama.
• The Majestic – Chef Shannon Overmiller presents selections from the first family’s menu for Michelle’s mother’s birthday, including a classic Caesar salad, fried oysters, fried green tomatoes, and the Majestic’s signature meatloaf.
• Union Street Public House – Sample trout and gumbo at this eatery visited by Michelle and Malia Obama.

White House Pianist for Nixon through Clinton • The Grille at Morrison House – Piano bar features Bob Smith, the White House pianist who performed for every president from Nixon through Clinton. Performances Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Throughout the week, Chef Brian McPherson presents fresh seasonal selections including a pumpkin soup with duck confit and an olive oil poached Scottish salmon.

Ronald Reagan and Laura Bush • Ireland’s Own (formerly Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own) – Surprise visit by Ronald Reagan on St. Patrick’s Day 1988. The restaurant features photos of Reagan, the original table where he dined, and a bust of the president.
• Jackson 20 – Laura Bush dined here during her husband’s presidency. This tavern was named for President Andrew Jackson and his visage on the $20 bill.

George Washington and Early Presidents • Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant – Favorite of George Washington and hosted all of the first five U.S. presidents. Restaurant Week menu includes an apple wood-smoked pork chop, seared chicken with nutmeg and sage cream, and a honey cake with cinnamon glaze.
• Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant – Adjacent to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.

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