March 15, 2020

Dear valued customers,

We are closely monitoring communications from local, state and national agencies regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, the risk level in Alexandria is considered low. However, the health and well-being of our customers, employees, and community is our top priority.

We have always focused on giving the best quality product and service while adhering to the foodservice industry’s strict local public health guidelines. Safety is our number one priority, and in response to the outbreak, we have stepped up even further our sanitation policies:

• Every table and its chairs are being sanitized with disposable Clorox disinfecting wipes after each customer,
• Every menu is being sanitized after each use,
• Condiments are now available upon request, rather than being left on the table, so that they can be individually sanitized after each use,
• Our dining room staff are all wearing disposable latex gloves while carrying out these processes,
• Hosts are regularly sanitizing the entrance and bathroom doors/handles,
• Three motion activated Purell dispensers are readily available to customers and staff, and
• We have removed several tables to provide more distance between them.

Del Ray Café is OPEN for business and we appreciate those of you who have come out this weekend to support us. For customers who prefer eating in rather than dining out, our menu is available for takeout. We also have our convenient family-sized Rotisserie Chicken Dinner including a large box of oven-roasted garlic potatoes, a baguette, and homemade rosemary chicken gravy for 25$ every night, now beginning at 5pm (although afternoon pre-orders are much appreciated).

Finally, in an effort to alleviate some of the stress school closings places on our staff, we are temporarily changing our hours. Beginning Monday, March 16th, we will now open daily at 9am and close when the last customer leaves. If you want to come a little later in the evening, please call ahead to be sure we are open.

Thank you for your trust in and loyalty to Del Ray Café, we look forward to hosting you soon!
Laurent & Margaret Janowsky

Top Things to Do Indoors in Alexandria was published today by Visit Alexandria in a blog post. We are included in their “Linger over Brunch” category. We think these activities are fun no matter the weather!

Zebra12-12 cover story A throw back to our first Christmas in Del Ray as we reminisce and give thanks to this great neighborhood for choosing Del Ray Cafe as the Heart of Del Ray in 2017.

The Washington Post published a review of the Del Ray Café, highlighting its kid-friendly menu and cool atmosphere. “The neat, two-story restaurant could have been whipped up by Martha Stewart. The many window boxes provide chef Sylvain Tonello with thyme, rosemary and sage for his bouquet garni. Home to a former studio, the interior is a dashing ode to repurposing. The table bases started life as engine blocks, the chairs are made from Vietnamese rubber wood and the carpet is spun from recycled fiber. “We did everything from scratch,” says Janowsky.”  Click here to read the full review.

Today, our favorite blogger at DIY Del Ray posted part 2 of the series “The Making of a French Café.”  “Every time I walk by the Del Ray Café location these days, the 1925 home at 205 East Howell is looking more and more like the Virginia farmhouse we wrote about in The Making of a French Café: Part 1.” Click here to read the full article.

Eight months ago today, DIY Del Ray Blogger Leslie published part 1 of a 2-part series on the making of Del Ray Café.  “I love their commitment to supporting local farms, but I must admit that I was beyond happy to learn that they import their baguettes, partially baked from France. The Janowsky’s other award-winning restaurant, La Bergerie, in Old Town, does the same thing.”  Click here to read the full article.

Del Ray Café is making headlines even before its doors open!  Today the Washington Business Journal featured the Del Ray Café in an article about how several Alexandria business owners are expanding their businesses in nearby neighborhoods.  “The fifth-generation Alexandria resident said she and her husband chose Del Ray because of its popularity as a walkable community among younger homeowners.”  Click here to read the entire article on page 2.