Thursday, May 18, 2006
Posted By:
Nancy Dunham
Photo:
Nancy Dunham
Café Old Towne
Sometimes the hustle of the city, even the city of Alexandria, can be just a bit much. Shopping or working or just plain sightseeing can really take it out of you. That’s what makes Café Old Town such a find. Just behind the courthouses, stores, and restaurants in Old Town stands the little coffee shop that could. It could survive when Eisenhower Avenue was little more than fields. It could survive when nearby military offices closed taking valuable customers away. It could survive with just a few signs posted by the road and no advertising. Let’s face it–Café Old Town is a testament to word of mouth among locals who scurry to the office buildings, hotels, and condos in the area. Want good coffee? Want a simple breakfast or lunch? Want to just relax and not feel rushed? Want to avoid being ripped off? Check out Café Old Town–simple and clean with friendly staff and patrons. If it was a bar, it could probably be Cheers.
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Thursday, April 06, 2006
Posted By:
Nancy Dunham
Photo:
Nancy Dunham
Many years ago, long before the reign of a carb-crazed Dr. Atkins, you went to a diner for breakfast, the waitress called you “hon,” and they served regular cups of Joe. While Table Talk isn’t quite as bare bones as the diner of yesteryear, it does offer some of that same flavor. A frequent haunt of local politicians, Table Talk serves up killer omelets, grits, plenty of toast, and decent coffee. Expect lines out the door on the weekend – and some weekdays – unless you go well before 8 am. Tasty, fresh, homemade soups, sandwiches, and specials round out the lunch menu. Sorry, no dinners served. Run for 27 years by a terrific couple (he’s Iranian, she’s Greek), the owners serve up good food and plenty of it. The only downside with this trip to yesteryear – the tables are small and slightly wobbly. Don’t expect spacious booths in which to spread out your newspaper. Instead, just go to enjoy the good food while you talk to your companion – just like they did in the old days.
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