Vermilion

Vermilion offers deceptively simple modern American cooking in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria. From Chef William Morris' regional cuisine using local, farm-raised products whenever possible to the warmth of its ambiance and the gracious hospitality its staff brings to the table, Vermilion serves as an ideal location for a casual weekday dinner, a special occasion destination or simply a great gathering place for drinks.  Closest Metro is King Street.

Keith and I had a day off from work, and decided to head out to Alexandria to catch a movie.  We stopped at Vermilion for lunch before hand.  It was a gorgeous day, and we were seated upstairs next to a window.  It was very quiet in the dining room for lunch, but we didn't mind.

I chose The Intern option for $13 featuring half mixed greens salad, a cup of Potato Chowder made with creme fraiche, celery, bacon and potato, and half of The Goat Herder sandwich with whipped goat cheese, honey roasted beets, red peppers, and garlic confit.  The portion was perfect, and I loved that it all came out together.   A perfect option for those taking a quick lunch break from work.  The beets were generous and the French bread wonderfully crispy and chewy.  The soup had great flavor too, and was lighter than the typical chowder.

 

Keith chose the The CEO option - a relaxed two course meal choice of soup or any salad and any main for $23.  He started with the Endive & Citrus Salad topped with pain d’espices crouton, torn mint and charred lemon vinaigrette.  He isn't the biggest fan of grapefruit, but these slices were sweet and juicy and complemented the bitter radichio and crunchy endive.
 

For his main, he chose the Pan Roasted Hanger Steak that came with herb fries, baby greens and house made steak sauce.  Seeing the additional heaping of greens on his plate made him instantly regret ordering the salad before.  Both of us overlooked that on the menu.  Nevertheless the steak was cooked medium-rare and was overall tasted okay. 

 

Keith found the lunch to be a bit basic, but I thought it was a nice alternative to other fast-casual lunch fare in the area.  I can see how Vermilion may be a more exciting place to try for dinner though.

Total Rating: 3.9
Food: 4, Price: 3.5, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4

What I ate:

The Intern
half mixed greens salad, cup of soup & half goat herder sandwich

Plus Keith ate:

Endive & Citrus Salad
pain d’espices crouton, torn mint & charred lemon vinaigrette

Pan Roasted Hanger Steak
herb fries, baby greens & house made steak sauce