What happens when an interior designer who loves to bake opens a cafe? A place to settle in for coffee that’s as pretty as it is aromatic with rising loaves. But customers can decide for themselves when they visit Le Vingt-Trois Cafe & Bakery. Owner Mary Caroline Achi hopes that, in keeping with the meaning of her restaurant’s French name, it will open on February 23.
What’s with the number 23? According to Achi, it’s been a theme in her and her family’s life for years. “It’s our lucky number. We’ve gotten job offers on the 23rd and every time we get a hotel reservation, it’s number 23.” She’s betting that she’ll be lucky again with her move around the world.
Achi and her family recently relocated to Herndon from Australia. “We visited here back in 2012,” she recalls. “I was in love with Virginia and wanted to make my dream happen here.” Achi, her husband and her children settled into their new home in December.
What can guests expect at Le Vingt-Trois other than a pretty place to relax? “The food will be baked on premises,” says Achi. “You’ll have the best coffee with a nice baguette, a nice salad or soup.”
Bread will be available by the loaf, but the baguettes will also feature in sandwiches that include French classics like the jambon-buerre (ham and butter), but also a selection of veggie options, like grilled halloumi cheese with arugula, tomato and pesto. Desserts? Mais bien sûr! They’ll include sables, biscuits au chocolat and crème caramel. // 311 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon
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