Gentle readers, when we need some good food and drink in a neighborhood style bistro, we often head for a place called "La Fromagerie" in Old Town Alexandria.
Owned and operated by French chef Sebastian Tavel, La Fromagerie is described as an "Artisan Wine and Cheese Bistro". It is that and more. Soups, salads, sandwiches, small plates and main courses are available at very reasonable prices. Dishes range from a plate of baguette and olive oil for four bucks to a ribeye steak for two at $55.00. A hugely popular attraction are the generously administered cheese and charcuterie boards: Three items for $18 up to ten for $55, with additional items $6.00 each.
Accompany your selection with a glass of wine from La Fromagerie's well stocked cellar. Sommelier Ben Kuna administers the wine stocks and is a very knowledgeable wine man. Wines run by the glass from $12 to $22. A new twist in the wine department is a monthly feature showcasing the winemaking regions of France and promoting the wines made in these regions. This month the featured region is the Loire Valley.
Everything at La Fromagerie is made fresh from scratch by Chef Tavel. We have never in ten years seen the chef open a can of anything. Chef Tavel even makes his own sauerkraut when he is featuring a dish such as choucrout garnie. Everything, even the mustard that accompanies some of the dishes is made in-house by Chef Tavel, with -we believe - the exception of the baguettes.
Wednesday through Friday the restaurant holds "Happy Hour", when beer or house wine is available for $5.00 as are all the small plates. Fifteen bucks will get you (for example) a glass of house red or white (or a beer); a small plate of lentil dip and a plate of escargot (yes, what kind of French place doesn't serve escargot?)
Another recently instituted bargain is the $20 "Lunch crush" special: Twenty semoleons buys you a snack (small plate) OR a sandwich AND either a soup OR a salad PLUS a glass of house wine (or beer if you prefer).
The staff are friendly and helpful and guests more often than not are able to have a few words with Chef Tavel himself. If you are chary about French cuisine because you think it expensive and served up by snotty stuck-up servers, visit La Fromagerie. Oh and one more thing: If you have kids with you, order one of La Fromagerie's soda drinks. These are - as with everything else - hand made in house and are delicious and refreshing.
La Fromagerie is modeled on the neighborhood bistros the chef grew up around in France. The vibe is light and friendly, and the staff pleasant and helpful. And the food and drink are first class and very reasonably priced. As far as is possible Chef Tavel uses locally sourced ingredients (the farmers and producers are listed in most cases on the menu). For a unique dining experience that won't bankrupt you and will leave you satisfied and looking forward to your next visit, visit La Fromagerie.
La Fromagerie
1222 King Street
Alexandria, Virginia
Hours 11:30-9:30
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
wine and beer on premises and off
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