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An Early Look at Brabo and Brabo Tasting Room

Reviewed by Kate Nerenberg


Brabo Tasting Room

1600 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-894-3440

Cuisines:
Belgian, American, Modern, Breakfast

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
King St.

Price Range:
Expensive

Dress:
Upscale Casual

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Recommended

Website:
Click here to open in new window.


 

Reader's Rating:
5 out of 5

In Robert Wiedmaier’s family of restaurants, Marcel’s (named for his elder son) is quiet and elegant, and Brasserie Beck (named for his younger son) is loud and energetic. With the opening of the Kimpton Group's Lorien Hotel & Spa in Old Town, the chef has added two more dining rooms to the clan: Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier and Brabo Tasting Room. The former fuses a hushed feel akin to Marcel’s with casual touches that call to mind Beck. White tablecloths are topped with butcher paper, and the 105 seats are a mix of cushioned armchairs, covered in a shimmery bronze fabric, and light-blue Windsors with dowel-studded backs. A hammered-copper bar adds a playful element to the low-ceilinged dining room.

In this more high-end space, chef Chris Watson, whom Wiedmaier pulled from Marcel’s, oversees a Belgian-inspired menu with dishes such as curry-and-cayenne duck sausage and crispy skate wing with candy-stripe beets. Marcel’s fans will recognize the sides of frites and asparagus with Maltaise sauce.

Watson is also in charge of the menu at the 45-seat Tasting Room, made casual with dinerlike booths, chalkboard menus, and a flat-screen TV. At the shiny zinc bar, beverage director Leah Dedmon has stocked 35 wines by the glass and 50 by the bottle as well as 15 bottled Belgian beers. Brasserie Beck’s famous mussels and frites are served here, as is Wiedmaier’s house-made charcuterie. Watson will use a wood-burning oven to turn out savory tarts such as one with smoked duck, Gorgonzola, walnuts, and arugula.

In the spring, look for the restaurants to get yet another sibling: Wiedmaier plans to open the Butcher’s Block, a retail shop for gourmet foods, wine, and Belgian beer.

Brabo open daily for breakfast 7 to 10; for lunch Monday through Friday 11:30 to 2:30; for dinner Sunday through Wednesday 5 to 11, Thursday through Saturday 5:30 to midnight.

Brabo Tasting Room open daily for lunch and dinner, 11:30 to closing.

Click here for the lunch and dinner menus.

Reader ReviewsWrite your own review
 
Excellent Are they not advertising with you?
rhindtutt — September 17, 2009 3:49 PM
I'm an OpenTable VIP member. Citronelle, Restaurant Eve, Marcel's, CityZen, etc... I like to eat out.

I cannot believe the review Brabo receives here. I've been more than 8 times. Every time the food has been delicious. Example - a Caesar More ...
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