Eat Local: Charlene's Kitchen

Charlene Henry knows cooking. As the owner and chef behind Charlene's Kitchen in Old Town Alexandria, she offers a genuine "home away from home"—assuming your home has a tiny kitchen with a wonderful cook.

Charlene is also a seasoned caterer, having spent 32 years running her own catering service,"Catering by Charlene." After years of urging from customers to open a location where they could buy her gourmet meals to go, Charlene found the perfect space at 104 North West Street in the same building as her friend's florist shop. Following eight months of design and renovation—including the addition of a full kitchen—Charlene opened her delightfully quaint store and now caters to all her loyal customer's needs. That was nearly five years ago. 

Entering Charlene's Kitchen is a day-trip to a cozy New England cottage. The space is small, but warm and comfortable, the shelves filled with cookbooks, much like a home kitchen. All the food is prepared in-house by Charlene and her staff. 

Charlene calls the style of her food "California regional fresh" but says she also throws in French, Indian and Southern inspired dishes from time to time.  She makes it a point to use fresh and in-season ingredients, with frequent trips to the Farmers Market. Expect around five to six menu items every day, with dishes rotating daily during the spring and summer months and every other day during the winter. Signature dishes include grilled spiced shrimp, country ham biscuits, and Charlene's turkey bolognese. 

Meals can be ordered over the phone ahead of time (which Charlene suggests) or to-go from the store. Charlene provides a newsletter via email that lists the dishes of the month and special offers. Look forward to grilled chicken corn portabello lasagna ($10 per slice, or bring your own pan for $5 off), Thai shrimp pasta with spring vegetables ($8), pork loin roasted with rosemary and garlic with a side of sweet potatoes and haricots verts with roasted shallots ($13) in the coming weeks. 

There isn't enough space to eat inside the store, but come spring and summer, Charlene's offers four outdoor tables next to her herb garden.  Another bonus during the warmer months: "Pie of the Day" and $1 drinks such as fresh squeezed lavender-honey lemonade, citrus iced tea, and "Charlene's Punch," a beverage full of a variety of seasonal berries.  

If interested in catering services, Charlene recommends giving her a call so she can custom design your menu. Her full service catering can accommodate two to 200 people. Phone is 703-535-5488, and she says to expect a store website soon. Hours are 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday (12 p.m. - 7 p.m. beginning April 1st for spring and summer hours); 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.