BEST PLACES FOR SIPS, SNACKS & NOSH

Alexandria, Va., resident Andrea Viglione, a passionate cook and “foodie” at heart, gives us the “skinny” on the best places to savor the cuisine that put the D.C. metro area at the top of the food-mecca list. Her top picks are as follows:

Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

Grape + Bean 118 S. Royal St. 703-664-0214

Enjoy lovely wines and a terrific assortment of cheese and charcuterie, crostini and other noshes at Grape +Bean, a small gem of a wine shop, wine bar and boutique coffee spot. Visit grapeandbean.com

Society Fair 277 S. Washington St. 703-683-3247 A wine bar, bistro, demo- kitchen, coffee and gourmet market all in one, Society Fair is a fun stop for all things delectable. Visit societyfair.net

Hummingbird 220 S. Union St. 703-566-1355

Located within Hotel Indigo on Alexandria’s historic waterfront, Hummingbird’s menu follows “the rhythm of the seasons” and features locally-sourced, coastal favorites. Visit hummingbirdva.net

Landini Brothers 115 King St. 703-836-8404

A favorite destination in Alexandria, Landini Brothers has been serving visitors their traditional, Northern Italian dishes since 1979. Visit landinibrothers.com

Hen Quarter 801 King St. 703-684-8969

Offering Southern cooking showcased in a warm and fun environment, Hen Quarter supports local artisan food producers. It serves up great bourbon drinks and chicken

fried cracklings to die for! Visit henquarter.com

Sunday in Saigon 682 N St. Asaph St. 703-549-7777

“Sunday in Saigon combines Vietnam’s rich regional diversity with the modern atmosphere of Saigon.” Its inventive cocktails and creative menu filled with delicious Vietnamese dishes make it a noteworthy choice. Visit Sundayinsaigon.com

Eamonn’s A Dublin Chipper 728 King St. 703-299-8334

A true Irish “chipper” (slang for a traditional fish and chip joint), Eamonn’s serves scrumptious seafood. Be sure to visit the intimate, speakeasy-style Bar PX upstairs — just look for the blue light outside! Visit eamonnsdublinchipper. com and barpx.com

RedRocks Neapolitan Bistro 904 King St. 703-717-9873

RedRocks, an award-winning, upscale pizzeria, offers wood-fired, Neapolitan- style pizza, along with other creative, Italian dishes; numerous craft beers; and of course, Italian wine. Visit redrocksoldtown.com

Arlington, Virginia

Kapnos Taverna 4000 Wilson Blvd. 703-243-4400

Celebrity Chef Mike Isabella’s Kapnos Taverna features classic and coastal- inspired selections as well as more modern mainland dishes. You’ll find delicious roasted pork and lamb,

grilled octopus, spanakopita, fish crudo and much more! Visit kapnostaverna.com

Ambar Clarendon 2901 Wilson Blvd. 703-875-9663

Ambar Clarendon delivers an authentic traditional Balkan experience, with delightful small and large plate offerings, such as almond-crusted chicken, grilled calamari, roasted eggplant spread and more. Following your meal, relax at BABA, the coffee and cocktail bar and lounge located downstairs. Visit ambarrestaurant.com and baba.bar

Mussel Bar & Grille 800 North Glebe Rd. 703-841-2337 Mussel Bar & Grille showcases a wide range of casual dining fare, including grilled and wood-fired dishes of meats and fish, pizzas, seasonal salads and soups, and crafted desserts. Also features an extensive Belgian beer menu. Visit musselbar.com

Washington, D.C.

The District Wharf 1100 Maine Ave. SW 202-314-5759

The newly opened and stunning attraction along the D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront, The District Wharf is the hot spot for live music, celebrity chef restaurants, gorgeous views and just plain all-around fun! Visit wharfdc.com

Le Diplomate 1601 14th

202-332-3333

A classic French bistro brought to you by James Beard Award-winning

Eammon’s A Dublin Chipper — a true Irish fish and chip joint.

Hummingbird – Hotel Indigo’s waterfront resta- urant in Alexandria, Va.

22 SPRING 2018 St. NW

restaurateur Stephen Starr, the Le Diplomate’s extensive menu highlights a variety of classic favorites and contemporary creations. The crusty baguettes are made in-house and pair nicely with their delicious assortment of regional French cheeses. Visit lediplomatedc.com

Del Campo 777 I St. NW 202-289-7377

Situated in the Chinatown neighborhood of D.C, Del Campo is an upscale South American grill paying homage to the chef/owner’s Latin American roots. Various flavorful steaks and slow- roasted meats are the back- bone of the menu. The fabulous cocktail menu includes “smoking hot” drinks — literally. Visit delcampodc.com

Old Ebbitt Grill 675 15th St. NW 202-347-4800

Nothing says old D.C. like the historic Old Ebbitt Grill, established in 1856. The oldest operating saloon in D.C., Old Ebbitt Grill is just steps from The White House and showcases upscale, classic American fare. Grab a drink and oysters at one of the several wood-paneled bars and feel like a D.C. insider from the moment you enter the door. Visit ebbitt.com

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace 1612 14th St. NW 202-319-1612

While you’ll find fresh oysters from all over the country at Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, it’s well known for its bivalves from the treasured Chesapeake Bay. It also offers a full menu of seafood dishes that won’t disappoint. Visit pearldivedc.com

Society Fair – A fun stop for all things delectable!

Boqueria

1837 M St. NW 202-558-9545

Boqueria, a Spanish Tapas restaurant, is located off the hustle and bustle of the infamous K Street action. Their fish dishes, cured and roasted meats, and vegetables embody the savored flavors of Spain. Don’t forget to raise a glass of sangria! Visit boqueriadc.com

Georgetown Waterfront (Washington Harbour)

Tony and Joe’s Seafood Palace 3000 K St. NW 202-944-4545 Tony and Joe’s is the number-one spot along the Washington Harbour for enjoying magnificent scenery while enjoying cocktails, seafood and steak. Visit tonyandjoes.com

Farmers Fishers Bakers 3000 K Street NW 202-298-8783

As part of the Farmers Restaurant Group, Farmers Fishers Bakers crafts all dishes and drinks from scratch. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit farmersfishsbakers.com

Fiola Mare 3050 K St. NW 202-628-0065

Rub elbows with local and national celebrities and politicos alike at the luxurious Fiola Mare, which evokes the seaside dining experience found along the Italian and Mediterranean coasts. Visit fiolamaredc.com

Andrea Viglione has worked in the hospitality industry in the D.C. metro area for 20 years. She has worked in almost every aspect of the restaurant industry — from bartender at a local pub and manager/sommelier for a four-star restaurant to wine buyer and course instructor for a popular wine shop and bar. She and her husband, Dan, are “food passionate” and their favorite hobby is to keep up with all the new food and beverage destinations popping up all over the D.C. metro area, which, lucky for them, includes cuisine from every region of the world!