When you're meeting up with friends at one of Alexandria's restaurants, you might be more in the mood to share a few appetizers — or, if you're out for a big night, you want to ease into it with a starter.
These days, appetizers have come a long way from the standard shrimp cocktail — chefs are getting just as creative with these "mini meals" and they're often the star of the menu.
This past fall at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce "Best in Business" awards reception, the area’s restaurants offered up some of their best "bites" to the crowd.
One of the most talked-about nibbles? Trademark Drink & Eat's "Bacon Candy," which is described on their menu as "Sweet, smoky and slightly spicy."
We could have stood at their table all evening eating these amazing, thick-cut, glazed chunks of bacon.
Needless to say, we agreed with this Yelp reviewer: "We are still talking about their candied bacon on a stick appetizer. Whoa."
Check it out for yourself for just $7 on the dinner menu at Trademark Drink & Eat, located at 2080 Jamieson Ave. in the Carlyle neighborhood. Here's a look at some other appetizers at a variety of restaurants around the area that you'll have to try; tips are courtesy of suggestions from our readers, plus foodie fans' reviews posted to social media.
Chadwick's, 203 Strand St. The Blue Crab Dip ($13) is described as "fantastic" and "phenomenal and full of crab...it came out piping hot and very fresh." It's on the brunch, lunch and dinner menus.
Chart House, 1 Cameron St. You can't go wrong with a view of the Potomac next to the copper fireplace; and for starters, try the Shrimp, Crab, Avocado and Mango Stack, which one person not-ed is "tasty and refreshing" and another described as "awesome." On the pricey side, at $18, but very shareable, you'll only find it on the dinner menu.
Clyde's at Mark Center, 1700 N. Beauregard St. There's nothing better on a cold wintry night than a bowl of chili and Clyde's Chili is delicious. On the menu for more than 30 years, the restaurant says it is so good that actress Elizabeth Taylor (when she was married to John Warner) used to order it by the gallon and have it shipped to her house. You can top this "starter" with cheddar cheese, onions or sour cream. Available for $6.99 at lunch or dinner.
Evening Star Cafe, 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. A local diner says she "definitely wants to revisit" the eatery's Chicken Liver Mousse. Accompanied by a port wine reduction and pickled mustard seeds, it goes for $6 on the dinner menu.
Landini Brothers, 115 King St. The Carpaccio di Tonno features thinly-sliced seared Hawaiian Ahi tuna, bean and avocado salad with seasoned soy sauce dressing. (On the Antipasto menu, $21.95.) It’s reportedly well worth the splurge.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen, 100 King St. Made with cage-free eggs, ricotta, spinach and sage-brown butter, the Egg Yolk Raviolo ($8), one reviewer called this one “life changing.” Another person said they could eat it every day.
The Majestic, 911 King St. People rave about the Crab Deviled Eggs ($5). "There are three in an order, so go ahead and do yourself a favor and get two orders," one customer said. Others describe the dish as "wow" and "a must." The Obamas have dined here, as well as actor Robert Pattinson.
Rampart's, 1700 Fern St. Several reviewers mention this neighbor-hood favorite's Smoked Artichoke & Crab Dip. On the menu for $11.99, you can try it in the adjacent Pub for $8 or during happy hour for $5, Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. (And be sure to try this eatery's half-price burger night — every Monday, it's a big hit.)
River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar, 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. Several diners on social media mentioned the eatery's Hot Italian Sausage, Wild Mushrooms and Parmesan appetizer ($6). It's available on both the lunch and dinner menus.
RT's Restaurant, 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. This spot near The Birchmere (where Bill and Hillary Clinton dined with Al and Tipper Gore) offers up a She Crab Soup which "is exquisite" one person said. Another called it "absolutely wonderful." The menu describes it as "rich and creamy with a hint of Cajun spice." You can order a cup ($6.95) or a bowl ($7.95) at lunch or dinner.
Taverna Cretekou, 818 King St. The Saganaki, which is Kasseri cheese sautéed until crusty and served sizzling, has been touted as an amazing experience. ($8.95 on the mezedes menu.) From one Yelp reviewer: “When the dish arrived at the table, Abdel poured the shot glass of the alcoholic beverage over the cheese and set it on fire. A massive eruption of flame burst into the air, and everyone yelled, ‘Opa!’” Plus, it tastes “wonderful.”
Tempo Restaurant, 4231 Duke St. Multiple reviewers say to be sure to try Tempo's Three Fried Cheeses ($9 on the dinner menu; $6 on the lunch menu); it's described on the menu as "fried breaded Mozzarella cheese, anchovies."
Vermilion, 1120 King St. Several restaurant-goers gave the thumbs up to the eatery's Ricotta Gnocchi; one diner described it as "little puffs from heaven." Another reviewer described the dish as "phe-nomenal." The Obamas dined here for Valentine's Day in 2012.
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Small Bites, Big Taste: Alexandria's Best Appetizers - Alexandria Living Magazine
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