Southern Stomping Ground

Dear Imaginary Friends,

A new restaurant in Alexandria celebrates the South and its foodways in a whole new way. 

"Stomping Grounds" on Mt. Vernon Avenue serves up delicious biscuits decked with tasty fried chicken thighs. They are served up two ways: the Classic serves up the above with pimento cheese and a few sweet pickle slices. 

The Un-Classic has a delicious non-traditional sauce.  It gets my vote!!

The Farmers Salad is not my fave. It is super healthy, but has a bitter taste. 

I love the mismatched china and the friendly owner. 

The service could really use some consistency. Sometimes it is great and sometimes non-existent. 

It is worth eating here, and you can also get take out. 

Bon appetit,

 Your imaginary friend Patsie

In My Studio

In progress, for your insight into the artist's process, a portrait of a home. The subject: a commission of a Del Ray, Alexandria, VA, Cape Cod bungalow. 

The materials: oil on canvas. The size: 8 x 10".

The buyers are selling their charming home and wish to remember it from afar. 

Stay tuned for the finished painting. 

Your imaginary friend,

Patsie

House commission on the easel in my studio

What's Cookin', Good Lookin'?

What's cookin' in Del Ray is A Show of Hands! Gifts galore, fine arts by Patricia Uchello as well as many fine crafts will satisfy your every gift-giving need. On display currently are eleven of my paintings with themes of summer, including sunflowers, peaches, cantaloupe, and much more.
A Show of Hands is open daily except on Mondays.
 It is a vibrant, happy store, showcasing all local artists and craftspeople.
Please visit!

Your Imaginary Friend,
Patsie

Get Your Crawfish On!

 Dear Cher,
That is repetitious, but pretend I am Cajun for a moment. If you live in the Washington, DC, area, and want to get your crawdaddy on, head on over to Evening Star Cafe, on Mt. Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray part of Alexandria, VA.
Dey got yo crawfish, yo boiled taters, yo boiled corn and sausage... And you will leave with spicy lips on fire!
Whether you call 'em crawdads, mudbugs, or crawfish, go get you some. For only $14, enjoy a whole pound of finger-lickin' good bugs. Pull they heads off, and suck away. Squeeze they tails, and make some magic. Mmm, mmm. You will need plenty plenty napkins and water to wash down the fiery goodness.

Your Imaginary Cajun,
Patsie

Del Ray

Name a neighborhood that has both character and characters.
I nominate Del Ray in Alexandria.
In case you are wondering why... I offer two excellent reasons.
Retail, number one:
A Show of Hands on Mt. Vernon Avenue. Great gifts! And, all hand made by local artists. A Show of Hands

Retail, number two:
Del Ray Variety Store on East Custis. It opened just yesterday and is patterned on the famous Hollin Hall Variety Store.

Shop in Del Ray and enjoy the scene. 

Your imaginary friend,
Patsie

A Show of Hands

What Did I Sell Yesterday?

I am so glad that you asked. Well, I sold Earnest the Seal at A Show of Hands on Mt. Vernon Avenue, in Alexandria's fabulously funky Del Ray neighborhood.
a show of hands
They have one remaining animal painting of mine for sale, and yes, it is crazy and fabulous.

Mrs. William Wegman

She is one sexy b****!

An animal lover,
Patsie

Dear Blogger lady,

Where can I go shopping for gifts in Alexandria that is charming, convenient, and has something for everyone?
Befuddled in Bethesda

Dear Befuddled,

That's easy! Shop at A Show of Hands in fabulous Del Ray! Head on over to Mt. Vernon Avenue.

a show of hands.biz

Now that was easy!
Blogger Lady

PS This painting awaits you at A Show of Hands: Three Roses, Oil, 10" x 8", by Patricia Uchello

http://diydelray.com/

Dear Imaginary Friends,

I am so excited, because my art studio was featured today in a blog about small spaces, and do it yourself design. Please check out yours truly in http://diydelray.com/

Diydelray.com is devoted to small space living, inspired by the charming if not altogether spacious homes of Del Ray. Del Ray is just north of Old Town Alexandria, and possesses many craftsman style bungalows. It is an artsy neighborhood with many of my favorite places, such as A Show of Hands shop, ashowofhands.biz, Tacqueria Poblano, Los Tios, Kiskadee, The Dairy Godmother, ACKC, Cheestique, etc.

Although I live in a different part of Alexandria, my studio is a tad tight and could just as easily be a bedroom in Del Ray. 

Somehow,  the limited space works.

Check out the article and you will see why.

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie

A Show of Hands: Where to Buy That One-Of-A-Kind Valentine's Gift

Now showing at A Show of Hands

Ernest the Seal just showed up at A Show of Hands yesterday. He wants to go home with you!

At A Show of Hands, one of a kind gifts are available, for Valentine's Day, for birthdays or for yourself. (Hey, you deserve it!)
Also stocked -- besides paintings and crafts -- are knitware, baby items, and lots of handmade jewelry.
Check it out, on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray.A Show of Hands