…comes an innovative local eatery that melds the best of French country cuisine and American country products. Our concept is simple: We offer French style dishes prepared using the freshest ingredients available. But the food is only part of the experience: We offer a welcoming atmosphere where you’re warmly greeted and served. We’ve lovingly refurbished a 1925 Del Ray house to create a “home away from home” restaurant reminiscent of an old Virginia farmhouse where you can “come casual” and relax.
Our Story
Laurent Janowsky, co-owner of Del Ray Café along with his wife Margaret, has fond boyhood memories of growing up in the Alsace region of eastern France. He picked wild mushrooms and berries in the Vosges Mountains and cooked with his grandmother everyday. And his uncle, a French butcher, showed him the proper way to cut a side of beef. Though he left his native France when he was barely a teenager, Laurent’s love of French cuisine and his appreciation for farm-fresh dairy and vegetables has endured.
For as long as his family and friends can remember, Laurent has dreamed of creating a casual neighborhood eatery in Alexandria where folks could pop in to enjoy fresh, simply prepared yet delicious French country fare. He envisioned a place that makes his guests feel like they’ve walked in the door to visit a good friend. Del Ray Café is the culmination of that dream.
When the Janowskys bought Alexandria’s renowned French restaurant La Bergerie in 2000, Laurent began to put into practice the lessons he learned while working with master chef Jean Louis Palladin.
These days, Laurent returns to France briefly in the summertime–often with Margaret and the kids –to visit his family and renew his spirit. And there are always new food ideas that come back with him! For the other 50 weeks of the year, you’ll find Laurent here at Del Ray Café. So come enjoy a meal with us. We look forward to seeing you soon!