What can be more secluded and socially-distant than a cozy igloo for you and your COVID-19 bubble?
The Alexandrian, a restored Federalist-style 241-room hotel in Old Town, has extended its popular Winter Wonderland pop-up through February 2021. The offering, which launched Dec. 2, lets groups of up to eight people congregate in their own private igloos while noshing on Southern-inspired fare and sipping seasonal beverages from on-site restaurant King & Rye.
“We have been blown away by the positive response we’ve received from the community,” says Allison Strunk, general manager King & Rye. “They are perfect for a cozy date night for two or a long-awaited girl’s night out.”
Each igloo in the private courtyard has an individual heat and Bluetooth speaker so groups can customize the temperature and music experience. The menu features Southern-style tapas like “Southern Paella” with Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice and either shrimp, mussels and clams or smoked beef short ribs. Signature cocktails include Buzzing Around Old Town with a barrel-select rye from Catoctin Creek Distillery, cold brew coffee, amaro and amaretto, garnished with a rye whiskey marshmallow. And if you can’t snag an igloo, you can grab a heated table on the courtyard.
“With 2020 being a tough year for everyone to be able to socialize, we wanted to provide a space where our guests can not only feel safe, but have a fun and unique experience while enjoying our southern inspired tapas menu and seasonal cocktail offerings,” says Strunk.
Igloos cost $50 for a 90-minute reservation which must be made in advance online, with a $100 food and beverage minimum; state and local taxes and a 20% service charge are not included. Reservation times are 4:30-6 p.m., 6:30-8 p.m. and 8:30-10 p.m.. The pop-up has proven to be so popular that all spots for December and January are already sold out. However, Strunk says they plan to announce their February dates and packaging in early January in their monthly newsletter and via social media channels. She also expects the additional dates to go quickly, and recommends following them on Instagram @kingandryerestaurant or signing up to receive emails so you’ll be the first to know when the dates are announced. You can also be added to the waitlist by emailing [email protected].
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