Looking to discover the newest businesses in Alexandria? From an aikido studio to a Russian and Uzbek restaurant, read on for the newest spots to arrive around town.
Ryushinkan Aikido
A newcomer to Old Town, Ryushinkan Aikido is a martial arts studio that's located at 1103 Queen St., Floor 2, near the Braddock Road Metro.
Ryushinkan, which translates to "flowing mind school," is the new dojo for chief instructor Alison Lincoln. She and her team teach aikido, a modern Japanese martial art designed for self-protection without hurting an attacker. Students of all ranks and skill levels practice together, and beginning students are integrated into every class, though you must be 13 or older to train here.
Charlie's On The Avenue
Now open in the former Fireflies location at 1501 Mt Vernon Ave. in Potomac West is Charlie's On The Avenue.
It's a new endeavor from the folks who run Live Oak Restaurant around the corner. The eatery offers mostly traditional American food, like salads, burgers and chili. There are international flavors, too, like the Cuban panini and brisket tacos with cotija cheese. The neighborhood spot features sports on the many TVs and craft brews.
Rus Uz - Alexandria
A newcomer to the Hoffman Town Center at 210 Swamp Fox Road, Rus Uz – Alexandria is a Russian and Uzbek restaurant.
Start things off with a caviar tart or perhaps a potato piroshki. Consider a bowl of borsch, the Russian-style beet and cabbage soup with chunks of beef. Examples of available main dishes include Central Asian marinated lamb cooked and served on skewers (lamb shashlyk) and Russian roasted salmon with pomegranate sauce.
Enjoy your meal with a traditional or infused vodka, or with some kva, a fermented root beer-like drink.
This is the second location of this locally owned restaurant; the original is in Arlington.
Casa Tequila Bar & Grill
Finally, Casa Tequila Bar & Grill is a new Mexican spot at 1701 Duke St. near the King St. Metro. It also has eateries in Purcellville and Lorton.
The extensive food menu features grilled chicken with chorizo and cheese; grilled mahi mahi topped with a mango sauce; and veggie fajitas made with grilled peppers, zucchini squash, onions, tomatoes and mushrooms. A separate lunch menu introduces numerous egg dishes, like scrambled eggs with steak and over-easy eggs with red sauce.
Need a drink? The bartender is pouring shots of tequila, from brands such as Herradura, Don Julio and Cabo Wabo, and specialty margaritas, like the guava and watermelon.
