Eat Local: Brabo Tasting Room

Located at 1602 King Street in Old Town Alexandria, the Brabo Tasting Room has been a neighborhood favorite since Executive Chef Robert Wiedmaier, owner of multiple area restaurants including Brasserie Beck, first brightened King Street in 2009.

According to Chef de Cuisine Chris Watson and General Manager Gonzague Muchery, the restaurant's success during the worst economy since the Great Depression can be attributed to its focus on fresh, local, and organic products and consistent, excellent service. 

More casual than its sister restaurant Brabo–located next door–the food at the Tasting Room is described by Chris as being "ahead of the season." Chris says he strives to stay true to simplicity and stays away from the overcrowding and fusion of flavors. 

The restaurant has a neighborhood feel–Chris estimates that about 80% of the clientele are regulars. General Manager Gonzague compares the experience to popular, European-based eateries–a meeting place for locals to enjoy great wine and food. The open kitchen creates a home-like atmosphere and the community table is an engaging addition to the space.  

Last weekend marked the advent of a new summer menu. You can still find the popular Classic Mussels, a combination of white wine garlic, parsley and shallots, but new additions like the Provencale Mussels, served with roasted tomatoes, capers, basil and olives, and the Pesto Mussels with country ham and fingerling potatoes, sound perfect for the warmer months.

Another specialty is the wood fired tarts; new additions include a duck confit, grilled radicchio and balsamic tart, and the grilled squash tart with goat cheese and lemon confit. The restaurant also offers several daily specials. 

The Tasting Room stocks an excellent selection of wines and beers from vineyards and breweries worldwide. To keep things interesting, the restaurant is also offering homemade sodas–the flavor this month is blueberry. 

A highlight during the warmer months is the "Toast on the Terrace," offered every Thursday night for $40 per person. The event is held from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on the terrace of one of the luxury suites at the Lorien Hotel and includes bottomless sangria and hors d’oeuvres. Another fun event offered every Tuesday starting at 5:30 p.m. is "3 Liter Tuesdays", in which guests are offered ½ glasses, full glasses or decanters of the large bottle opened. Prices vary according to the wine.

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday until midnight and Sunday until 10 p.m. They do not accept reservations, but Gonzague said you can put your name on the waiting list and head next door to Brabo or The Butcher's Block for a drink while you wait. The Butcher's Block stays open until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday night to accommodate overflow.