PHOTOS: Alexandria Mayor Welcomes Mason Social to Alexandria

PHOTOS: Image 1: Owners, friends and family, Mayor Euille and staff, Bryan Porter, Commonwealth’s attorney for Alexandria, representatives from the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and Visit Alexandria representatives pause for a photo.

Image 2 (Left to right): Larry Walston, Chad Sparrow, Mayor Bill Euille, Justin Sparrow and Teddy Kim.

Image 3: Mayor Euille chats with Alexandria residents after the ribbon cutting.

Photos courtesy of Mason Social

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A much-anticipated new restaurant, Mason Social, opened its doors Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting and a big welcome from the community in Alexandria.

Mason Social owners Larry Walston, Chad Sparrow, Justin Sparrow and Teddy Kim paused for photos with Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille who did the honors at a ribbon-cutting scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday outside the restaurant, located at 728 N. Henry St.

In addition to the owners and the mayor, others on hand included friends, family and members of the Mayor’s office as well as from the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and Visit Alexandria.

Mason Social will open for dinner Wednesday at 5 p.m. Lunch service will begin Thursday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. Here’s more about the restaurant, from a previous story:

The contemporary American eatery is located in the evolving and historically significant Parker-Gray neighborhood in the northwest corner of Old Town Alexandria. The owners have appointed fellow Alexandria resident, Joseph Lennon, to lead the kitchen as executive chef. With more than 10 years of experience in DC, Lennon’s resume boasts tenures at Vermillion under Anthony Chittum, Urbana under John Critchley and most recently as sous chef at Bourbon Steak.

On a mission to create a comfortable hangout for the neighborhood, Chef’s menu at Mason Social will feature approachable fare with high-end flourishes. Start strong with “hold-me-overs” like juicy lamb and pork meatballs or refreshing celery root hummus, both spiced with sumac for a subtle zest. Sandwiches like the Roseda Farms beef burger infused with bone marrow are given as much real estate on the menu as main courses like fried chicken thighs coupled with dumplings and Maryland rockfish. Salads, sides and kid selections round out the offerings.

The restaurant design honors the history of the neighborhood and creates a relaxing place to gather on any night of the week, in any company. The name Mason Social is derived from the former farm owner and mayor of Alexandria, District of Columbia, Thomson Mason.

The finishes honor the past and The Belle Pre Bottle Companywhich would have been located directly across from the restaurant in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Everything from the lighting – mason jars and glass bottles hanging from plumbing pipes – to the furniture, reflects the industrial roots of the area. A dramatic mural showcases scenes from the factory days, offering a window into the past. Exterior walls and columns have been reconditioned to preserve the integrity of the original structure.

Tony Burke, who also lives in Alexandria and formerly of Clyde’s Restaurant Group, knows that creating good vibes in any bar requires more than a well-rounded drink menu. In addition to Burke’s unique interpretations of timeless classics and diverse list of local brews, attentive and lively service behind the bar will bolster the inviting atmosphere and magnify the sense of community.

The “Parker-Gray,” Burke’s take on the iconic Manhattan, uses Earl Grey-infused Catoctin CreekRye, vermouth and aromatic bitters from Jack Rudy Cocktail Coto create a well-balanced libation. A special menu provides nourishment, while TVs provide entertainment for all bar guests.

As any good neighbor, Mason Social will serve dishes made only with choice ingredients. Seafood is sourced from Dragon Creek, a Virginia based-company owned and operated by another Alexandria resident, Bruce Wood, who sustainably raises several varieties of oysters and offers striped bass caught the old-fashioned way. Meats and produce come predominantly from farms and co-ops in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania such as Roseda Farm, PathValley Co-op and Jurgielewicz.

Mason Social is located at 728 N. Henry St. in Alexandria. Hours are: Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m.-12 midnight; Friday and Saturday: 11a.m. - 2 a.m.

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