Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 15, 1995 TAG: 9511150013
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOURNAL NEWSPAPERS
DATELINE: ALEXANDRIA (AP) LENGTH: Long
In fact, you will find few that are as genuinely authentic as Gadsby's Tavern, an 18th-century eating and drinking hall that prides itself on capturing the true spirit of colonial life. Every detail, down to the selection of food and wine, has been designed to recapture the days of George Washington in Old Town Alexandria.
The original Gadsby's Tavern was built in the 1770s. It now houses the Gadsby's Tavern Museum, a gallery of artifacts that date from the 18th century and paintings of some of the illustrious area politicians and patriots of that time.
The current tavern opened as an inn in 1792 and served as a gathering place for residents of Alexandria and political figures from across the Potomac River. Gadsby's Tavern was considered the center of political, social and cultural life in this important colonial seaport back in the 1800's. It hosted events honoring several United States presidents and visiting foreign dignitaries.
John Gadsby took over the tavern in 1796 and gave it the name it has today. Among the tavern regulars was George Washington, who is said to have performed his last military review on the tavern steps.
Gadsby's Tavern and the inn were saved from being demolished in 1928 by Alexandria veterans, who turned the buildings into a legion hall. The buildings were purchased and restored by the city of Alexandria, and Gadsby's Tavern was named a historic landmark in time for the United States Bicentennial in 1976.
Today, when you walk into Gadsby's Tavern, you're taken back to colonial times as the dishware, utensils, furniture and decorations are all reproductions of items from 18th-century life. Even the wait staff's costumes are period pieces.
Gadsby's Tavern provides nightly entertainment for its customers. John Douglas Hall dons his wig of Benjamin Franklin-like powdered curls and recites the news of the day (200 years ago, of course). Hall appears Tuesday through Saturday nights. The other two nights feature performances by Jim Diehl, a violinist and singer who entertains with colonial music and songs.
The Tavern has three dining rooms, a tap room and a courtyard patio that is suitable for warm nights. Fresh Maryland crabs are served outside (the host says they're too messy for the dining rooms) in season.
The menu consists of meat and fish dishes, some authentic, like the Colonial Game Pie, which used to feature whatever fresh game could be found in the ``wilds'' of Old Alexandria. Chef Rick Thompson serves ``George Washington's Favorite Duck,'' a roasted half duck served with fruit dressing and madeira sauce in honor of the nation's first president. Washington is said to have greatly enjoyed the dish, along with a glass of madeira, his favorite libation. And Gadsby's Tavern serves the traditional prime rib, with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish sauce.
Highlighting the colonial seaport's abundance of fresh seafood, one of the Gadsby Tavern's specialties is a flounder stuffed with shrimp, crab meat and monterrey jack cheese with lemon butter and white wine. Another specialty is a fried fish filet featuring the day's catch.
Gadsby's Tavern serves Virginia wines and some 18th-century favorites including ports and madeira. Wines are selected to reflect those enjoyed in Virginia and specifically at the tavern during the colonial and early republic period. Scuppernong wine is also available, as is Soave, one of Jefferson's favorite wines. Other authentic beverages include Pusser's Rum, which was the original grog served on British sailing ships in the 18th century. Beers such as Newcastle Brown Ale (brewed since 1342) and Watney's red barrel (since 1487) are available in bottles, with Sam Adams on tap.
GADSBY'S TAVERN COLONIAL GAME PYE
2 cups cooked and chopped chicken
1 package frozen pastry dough
1 cup cooked salad shrimp
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced potato
1 cup clam juice
1/2 gallon milk
4 oz. butter
flour
Old Bay seafood spice
parsley
Melt butter and add flour to make a roux. Add milk and clam juice and cook until thickened. Add chicken, shrimp and cooked vegetables. Season to taste. Cool and put in individual serving dishes and cover with pastry dough. Bake at 350,F until crust is browned and filling is heated through, about 15 minutes. Serves 4.
Recipe supplied by restaurant; tested by members of the junior element of the Tidewater Chef's Association, American Culinary Federation and Johnson and Wales University College of Culinary Arts.
Gadsby's Tavern
Address: 138 N. Royal Street, Old Town Alexandria. Phone: (703) 548-1288. Specialty: Traditional American cuisine with a ``Colonial'' flair. Price range: $15.95-$22.95. Hours: Dinner served daily 5:30-10 p.m., Lunch served 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday - Saturday, Brunch served Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Reservations: suggested. Payment: Visa, MasterCard, Carte Blanche, Discover, Diners Club. Alcoholic beverages: full liquor, extensive wine and beer list. Non-smoking section: inside is all non-smoking, smoking available in outside courtyard. Handicapped accessible: yes. Additional information: private parties, outside bar and courtyard dining, Gadsby's Tavern Museum is next door to the tavern, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sundays from 1-5 p.m., nightly entertainment.
by CNB