Cheap Eats 2008: Food Matters

Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Cynthia Hacinli , Dave McIntyre , Rina Rapuano

Food Matters

4906 Brenman Park Dr.
Alexandria, VA 22304
Phone: 703.461.3663

Cuisines:
American, Modern, Breakfast

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
None nearby

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Not Accepted

Special Features:
Weekend Brunch, Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Cape May clam chowder; deviled eggs; BLT; mashed potatoes with gravy; garlicky greens; herb-roasted root vegetables; orecchiette with Parmesan cream; Angus burger; currywurst; fried chicken with biscuits; "handwiches"; brown-sugar-roasted pineapple with coconut ice cream.

Price Details:
Small plates, $6 to $12; main courses, $10 to $18.


 

Reader's Rating:
No Reader Reviews

Why go: For stylized comfort food at diner prices in a futuristic space housing a wine bar, self-serve cafe, and full-service restaurant.

What to get: Deviled eggs elevated to gourmet status by the addition of spring herbs or bleu cheese and bacon; daily house-made soups such as Cape May clam chowder; the juicy burger with grilled onions on a toasted bun with garlic butter; herb-roasted root vegetables (in season). Specials worth looking for include “currywurst” (a fat bratwurst dressed with ketchup, Worcestershire, and curry and sided with crisp, hand-cut fries); crunchy fried chicken with biscuits, gravy, collards, and mashed potatoes; and brown-sugar-roasted pineapple with coconut ice cream.

Best for: Casual meals at the bar, in the dining room, or out in the outdoor cafe overlooking a lake; takeout is an option, too.

Insider tip: Chef/owners—and Café Atlántico alums—Tom and Christy Przystawik are serious about sourcing: Think Amish chicken, Angus beef, organic flat-iron steak, and farm-market produce.

See all Cheap Eats 2008 restaurants