Morrison House Unveils Details of Its New Restaurant

PHOTOS: Hungry? Get ready Alexandria...here are photos of some of the dishes that will be on the menu at Ashlar Restaurant and Bar, opening at the Kimpton Morrison House this spring. Photos courtesy of Kimpton

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ALEXANDRIA, VA -- The folks from Kimpton Morrison House shared details Tuesday about its new restaurant, set to open this spring in Old Town Alexandria.

A new tavern and cocktail bar, Ashlar Restaurant and Bar, will open in Old Town Alexandria in spring of 2016 adjacent to the renovated Kimpton Morrison House, according to Kimpton. Look for the grand opening of the renovated hotel in April 2016, according to its Web site.

Designed by Los Angeles-based design studio DH Design, Ashlar Restaurant and Bar is described as a “neighborhood retreat, tucked off bustling King Street.“ Named for the “perfect ashlar” which symbolizes a high degree of mason mastery and strong personal character, Ashlar Restaurant and Bar pays homage to the freemasonry history in Alexandria.

Ashlar Restaurant and Bar will bring an unfussy, Mid-Atlantic flare in the form of an upscale tavern, accompanied by a beverage program emphasizing fortified wines and traditional spirits.

Chef Bobby Surdam

The kitchen will be led by Chef Bobby Surdam formerly of Red Owl Tavern in Philadelphia. Chef Surdam brings more than 10 years of experience to the property, having spent time in some of DC’s most venerable kitchens including Marcel’s alongside Chef Robert Wiedmaier and Blue Duck Tavern alongside Chef Brian McBride.

“Ashlar Restaurant and Bar is a marriage of rustic meets fine dining,” says Chef Surdam. “With an attention to the details and service elements that embrace our Mid-Atlantic roots and history, in a warm yet modern space.”

Maria Tan to oversee beverage program

The 32-seat dining room will be flanked by a new 18-seat bar led by Bartender Maria Tan who comes to the property from Baltimore’s B&O American Brasserie. The beverage program will use Alexandria’s founding in 1749 as an inspiration point, emphasizing spirits that hearken back to that time including rum, madeira and sherry. The program will also boast a wide array of local Virginia whiskey, beer and wine.

Steve Greksouk named general manager

The general manager position will be filled by Steve Greksouk, a longtime member of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group and former general manager of the Evening Star Café in Del Ray.

Ashlar Restaurant and Bar will be located at 116 South Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314. For more information, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page.