Sonoma Cellars

The cheese plate, delicious rosemary accented focaccia, and a two ounce wine taste. 

Sonoma Cellars is an exciting new restaurant in Alexandria, VA, on Old Town's King Street. Serving California cuisine, the small, homey restaurant serves small plates and large plates, and specializes in wine pairings of different sizes: both 2 and 6 ounce portions, as well as full bottles. 

Sonoma Cellars offers more vegetarian options than the typical restaurant. My husband and I sampled yummy lentil soup, which was very well-seasoned as well as an outstanding rich beef estouffade (beef stew) with strong flavors of red wine. The unusual touch is the addition of black olives and pappardelle noodles. 

The restaurant was packed despite the hard-to-find sign out front and near black-out of publicity. 

Check it out for healthy options!

Your foodie,

Patsie

Alexandria Scottish Walk Homes Tour

Dear Imaginary Friends,

I had the privilege of touring five historic homes recently on a chilly rainy day. And it was well beyond worth it! I was inspired and impressed by the room decor and the accessories. 

The homes tour benefits the work of the Campagna Center, whose mission is helping disadvantaged women and children. All five homes were lovely and impressive. These pictures are a pastiche of various homes. 

Timothy McTabby- Prizewinner

Timothy McTabby,  oil

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Guess who is winning a prize for this painting tonight? Yes, moi!
Timothy McTabby, an extremely genteel tabby, is wearing his Sunday best to impress.
He has won me an honorable mention in the current show at the Durant Center on Cameron Street in Old Town, Alexandria, VA.
The show is entitled Young At Art, and remains on view from now until January 22, 2014. The opening and award ceremony is Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013.

Timothy's faves:
Literature: The Great Gatsby
Beverage of choice: Milk or Maker's Mark on the rocks
Dinner: Trout Meuniere
Pastime: A quiet afternoon, bird watching
Occupation: State Department, consulate in Cat-zahstan

Happy to be of service to Timothy,
Patsie

Our New Old Home in Old Town

We all love it!

Shriners in Tiny Cars

In Old Town Alexandria at this year's George Washington parade

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Why do Shriners climb into tiny little red sports cars, and fly around like bats out of hell? For that matter, why are there people calling themselves Shriners?
It is one of life's mysteries.

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie

Beall & Brumbaugh Gallery at 215 King St., second floor

Dear Good Buds,

My new gallery -- Beall & Brumbaugh -- is opening a week late, due to construction delays. The new date is October 30, Sunday, from 3-7. It will be open to the public as of October 28. It is on the second floor of 215 King Street, above the tobacconist, in a great little town: Alexandria, Virginia.

Alexandria, the home of George Washington and Robert E. Lee, among other historic figures, is a vibrant community. It is listed as the third best small city for art in America.

And this new gallery opening is an offshoot of that thriving mentality! What recession?

Come on over and see it some time.

Your Artist friend,

Patsie

Robert Liberace at the Art League

Rob Liberace, teaching at the Art League

Dear Imaginary Friend,

Many, many students flock to the classes of Robert Liberace at The Art League in Old Town, Alexandria.

Not only has Liberace achieved international stature with his paintings and drawings in the old style of the masters, but he is also revered as a teacher.

It is my good luck to be in his Friday class, called painting the portrait and figure. He is show above painting a demonstration piece from the live model. I am hoping that his enormous talent rubs off on me!

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie

Another angle on the Miller Sisters

 

Dear Imaginary Restaurant Goers,

Here we are still sitting at the Warehouse, having consumed massive quantities of she-crab soup and popcorn shrimp salad, etc. Not to mention a bucket of their delish iced tea. WE might never get up, except that Susan has a plane to catch.

Beth, Susan and I all love the Warehouse and the beautiful ambiance. If you have not visited, please, stop being shy!
Love,

Your Foodie,

Patsie

Red Rocks Pizza Napoletana-new restaurant

Dear Imaginary Dining Companions,

Do you love pizza? Well, for a great selection, try Red Rocks Pizza, in the 900 block of King St., in Old Town Alexandria. Their dishes contain ingredients that I am not totally sure how to pronounce, such as rabe,  and also weird new meats like speck.

It attracts a cool, happening crowd.

What's not to like about creative pizza, gelato, etc? Plus they have some neatso specialty cocktails.

I like their eggplant pizza. It's kinda healthy, right? I also had their side dish of asparagus with balsamic vinegar. Tasty.

See you there!
Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie