1. Mia’s Italian Kitchen
For Washingtonians, finding a restaurant that sells pizza by the slice is not always an easy task. Aside from Adams Morgan’s infamous jumbo slice pizza shops, a topic of much debate in the Washington, D.C., culinary scene, pizza slices are few and far between in the D.C. metro area.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen, a new restaurant at 100 King St. in Alexandria, may be the solution to Washingtonians’ pizza woes. Mia’s offers Sicilian pizza by both the pie and the slice.
In addition to 12 types of pizza, Mia’s extensive menu features Italian classics like sandwiches and homemade pasta, as well as various meat and cheese tasting options. The menu is the result of a collaboration between chef Graham Duncan and partner Dave Nicholas to capture the recipes of Nicholas’ great-grandmother.
Mia’s interior decor is also a nod to Italian culture. Art inspired by the Sistine Chapel is spread across the ceiling. The restaurant fits 180 seats and offers an outdoor patio with an additional 30 seats, Eater reported.
2. Glory Days Grill
Popular sports bar and restaurant chain Glory Days Grill has opened a new location at Alexandria Commons. This will be its 15th location in Virginia.
The menu includes pizza, burgers, salads and desserts, and the restaurant offers daily specials, from Taco Tuesdays to Nacho Thursdays. After 9 p.m., Glory Days offers a discounted menu with snacks and appetizers.
The Alexandria location will contribute to the local economy by adding over 100 jobs and hosting fundraising programs for schools and sports teams in the area.
"It is very exciting to welcome Glory Days Grill as a new sports themed and family restaurant to our wonderful city," former Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille said to Old Town Alexandria Patch. "As a successful small business, Glory Days Grill will make a difference to our city in the hiring of local workforce and contributing to the philanthropy of so many nonprofit organizations."
3. Grateful Kitchen Co.
Kimberly Sickmen wanted to bring healthy food to the Alexandria community. The Alexandria native-turned-entrepreneur, who owns several health and fitness businesses in the area, will open her newest venture, Grateful Kitchen Co., in September.
The cafe and eatery will feature made-to-order juice, coffee and tea drinks, breakfast, pastries and smoothies, as well as a children’s menu.
“We think it is very important to know who grows your food and how,” chef Stephen Hardy said in a release. “Letting the seasons guide you through the year pushes creativity while also giving a sense of connection to the earth, which we feel is very important.”
The 640 SF space, at 727 North Henry St. in Old Town, will not offer any seating, and instead will feature two countertops where people can stand while they eat their breakfast and drink their coffee. The café is at Madison Collective, the space that will also house Sickmen’s Zweet Sport Total Fitness gym.
“An opportunity presented itself to expand our existing Total Fitness business, and there was extra space for a health kitchen, I couldn’t say no,” Sickmen said. “At the end of the day we want people to be walking out of Grateful Kitchen feeling better than they did when they walked in. Having a place where people can feel comfortable and a sense of community is what we want to create.”
