Chef Will Artley Pops Up in Alexandria with Amalia's Fancy

Chef Will Artley, formerly of Pizzeria Orso and Evening Star Café, wants to have a little fun during his time away from a permanent kitchen.

So for three nights only in December, you’ll find the chef teaming up with friend Travis Hester to pay homage to his mom, with Amalia’s Fancy, a pop-up experience featuring dishes that highlight his Mexican heritage and global travels, according to a news release.

“My mom, Amalia, taught me the love, joy and soul of cooking,” says Artley. “Growing up, I was always asking her what she was cooking, and she would always reply, ‘Botanas para los preguntones’ (Snacks for the inquisitive). This menu is just that.”

The price-fixed, progressive tasting will feature 11 dishes, including a Sichuan & Ancho-crusted Tuna with Fermented Cactus & Radish and Crisp Avocado, Tandoori Shrimp Roll with Ginger-Habanero Gastrique, Pho King with Hoisin Lamb Belly, Oxtail Samosa, Korean Short Rib Tamale, and a Foie Gras and Banana Flan & Cappuccino. The full menu for Amalia’s Fancy is available online. Due to the nature of service, substitutions will be unavailable.

Amalia’s Fancy will inhabit the Tres Hermanas restaurant space at 4580 Duke St. in Alexandria (formerly Mango Mike’s), Dec. 1 – 3. Three seatings will be available each night at 6:15 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.; reservations are required and can be made online at http://www.roughindustries.com/collections/amalias-fancy starting at noon Thursday, Nov. 13.

The dinner costs $75 per person, including tax, and will be charged in advance when booking. Beverages and gratuity are extra.

PHOTO: Will Artley