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Dining on history

By Marilyn Loeser

Discovering American history is as easy as opening a book, watching the History Channel and, sometimes, having dinner.

Case in point: Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.

Setting out from my hotel, guidebook in hand, I decided to skip the lure of great shopping opportunities and simply concentrate of discovering as much as I could about Washington, DC’s neighbor.

It was in 1669 that Scotsman John Alexander purchased land along the Potomac River from an English ship captain. Alexandria became a bustling seaport, its streets lined with substantial brick houses.

By the 18th century, the city had become a prominent center for the export of tobacco. Nearly a century later, in 1755, the five Royal Governors of the Colonies met with British General Edward Braddock at his headquarters here to discuss ways to fund British military campaigns in the French and Indian War. A tax on "all his Majesty's dominions in America" was recommended to the British Parliament and became the first Colonial tax, beginning 20 years of unrest ultimately culminating in the Revolutionary War.

Much of the city has been meticulously preserved. It’s easy to block out the 21st century as you walk through residential areas admiring historic preservation and lavish gardens.

I decided to have dinner at Gadsby's Tavern, which turned out to be a wonderful history lesson all by itself.

Gadsby’s was providing travelers with rest, food and drink, and a place to socialize and discuss political issues in the late 1700s when colonists were fighting for independence from Britain.

Consisting of two buildings built during the late 1700s — a tavern and a hotel — Englishman John Gadsby leased the buildings and operated them from 1796 until 1808.

The original tavern noted for its Georgian and federal architecture now houses a well-respected museum, and the hotel serves as the restaurant. Today, both are owned and operated by the city of Alexandria.

My waiter Eric Linders introduced me to the significance of Gadsby’s and why so many historians seek it out when they visit Alexandria and Washington, DC.

“Above us is the ballroom where Thomas Jefferson’s inaugural banquet was held,” said Linders as he took my order for The Gentlemen’s Pye, described as Our Daily Prepared Fricassee of Chef’s Choice Game, Farm-Raised Meats and Vegetables Baked in a Flaky Puff Pastry.

Other colonial fare includes Filet of Hereford Beef Tenderloin, Spiced Filet of Cod, Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Brioche and Dijon Mustard-Crusted Venison Chops, and George Washington’s Favorite — Crispy Half Duckling with Sage-Cranberry Stuffing, Tart Cherry Gravy and German Rhotekraut.

The tavern was the setting for many dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations, Linders explained. The national historic landmark was also the site of George Washington’s Birthnight Ball. Other historic patrons included John Adams, James Madison, James Monroe and the Marquis de Lafayette.

As informative as Linders was, I wish I would have planned for a visit to the museum. Opened for the nation’s bicentennial in 1976 after extensive renovation by the city, the historic attraction offers changing collections and exhibits helping bring to life the heritage of Alexandria and the nation.

The museum helps open a window to the city’s social, political and commercial life of more than two centuries ago.

Dinner was excellent as was the service. I would recommend the tavern whether you can visit the museum or not. There’s just something about visiting a house or restaurant where our founding fathers once lived, dined or entertained.

Even if time is limited, try and explore your surroundings no matter what brings you to a destination. In our nation, you can find its history everywhere.

If you go:

The tavern and museum are located at 134 N. Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria. Museum’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Thirty minute guided tours are offered, as well as a variety of special events and children’s activities.

Meals are served at the tavern between 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and Sunday Brunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information check the Virginia tourism website at virginia.org, check under museums.

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