“We’ve wanted to bring our carbs and our vibes to Virginia for a while now, we were just waiting for the right spot,” says Andrew Dana, co-owner of DC’s cult bagel bakery and deli, Call Your Mother. “Once we came across this corner in Old Town–another former flower shop–we knew we had to make it happen.” He’s referencing the third location of the “Jew-ish deli,” which opened last year near Georgetown University in the former Greenworks Florist building.
Dana, who owns Call Your Mother with chef Daniela Moreira and Biden White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Jeff Zients, says that the menu at the new, Pitt Street location will be the same as other locations “to start.” That means seven flavors of bagels, including za’atar and cheddar, among more common toppings like poppy and sesame seed. Bagel sandwiches fill the majority of the menu. The Sun City features local bacon or pastrami with “bodega-style” local eggs, cheese, and spicy honey on an everything bagel. Many of the other sandwiches are either vegetarian or pescatarian, including The Horizon, which pairs smashed avocado with Fritos, red onion, and jalapenos.
Call Your Mother is expanding quickly. The first location opened in 2018. When Old Town begins serving later this year, it will be the sixth stop for the brand. Does that mean there will be more in NoVA soon? “We’re looking at other spots in Virginia, but don’t have anything official yet,” says Dana. For now, bagel fans can get a preview of what’s to come at the Mosaic District Farmers Market every Sunday. 128 N. Pitt St., Alexandria
Feature image by Tim Casey for Call Your Mother
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