Alexandria Pastry Cafe Offers Delectable Treats

from BI Word - April 2022

March Madness: A Month of Underdogs and Upsets

Cherry Blossoms Bloom in DC

By Jamie Kaiser

As the warm weather approaches nature begins to grow and bloom. Each year the cherry blossoms bloom and are celebrated in Washington, DC. The history behind the cherry blossoms dates all the way back to the early 1910s. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration in Washington, Dc. The festival celebrates the gift of cherry blossom trees from the Japanese government in 1912. The Japanese gifted the tree that carried a symbol of rich meaning in their culture. According to the National Park Service the trees were given to the U.S to grow a relationship and promote peace between countries. When spring rolls around many locals including Bishop Ireton’s students and even tourists take time to enjoy the beautiful sights of the various colors of the Cherry blossoms. With many different attractions and historical sites and monuments the cherry blossoms and The Cherry Blossom Festival are a great addition to the city and the awesome things that happen during the changing of seasons. The cherry blossoms bring many great sites along with memories and traditions for people who enjoy them. Valerie Watkins, a junior at Bishop Ireton had much to say about her connection and experience with the Cherry blossoms and the Cherry Blossom Festival. “ I haven’t been to the Cherry Blossom Festival in a very long time, the last time I went I think I was around 6 or 7 but I remember it being a real treat to look at the Cherry Blossoms and enjoy the nice weather. I think it’s pretty cool that the cherry blossom trees are such an attraction in D.C. I think they really compliment the beauty of the city.” To further curiosity, junior Amondi James added his experience with the cherry blossoms and the Cherry Blossom Festival. “I haven’t paid attention to the festival and stuff in a while but I always appreciate seeing the nice colors of the cherry blossoms out of the window of the car on the way home or to practice.” The Cherry Blossoms that are often appreciated by the great citizens of Washington, D.C., and even have an impact on people’s lives all around the world. The Cherry Blossoms are just another addition to DC’s great attractions and historical sites.

Alexandria Pastry Cafe Offers Delectable Treats

By Chris Stone

Alexandria is home to many great shops, restaurants, and cafes. One of these is Alexandria Pastry Cafe, located in Bradlee Shopping Center. The cafe is a popular choice of students after school, passersby, and in my case, people leaving nearby churches. The cafe serves a very diverse menu including breakfast and lunch. However, just as the shop’s name would imply, Alexandria Pastry Cafe’s specialty is baked goods, specifically cakes. The cafe also offers catering services for any event. The Alexandria Pastry Cafe has become an important part of the Alexandria community, and has been owned and operated by Tom Lally since its opening in 1989. The Cafe’s “Takeout” menu offers a wide variety of sandwiches served hot or cold, and side salads. The Bakery menu offers three smaller menus titled: Baked Goods, Year-Round Cakes, and Seasonal Cakes. The Baked Goods include a wide variety of cakes, and a glass case full of assorted pastries from croissants to cake pops to cookies. The YearRound Cakes menu offers a more elaborate and wider selection of cakes, most of which are for special occasions. The Seasonal Cakes menu includes a rotation of cake selection depending on the time of year, showing yet again that Alexandria Pastry Cafe’s specialty is their delicious selection of cakes. I first discovered Alexandria Pastry Cafe as a child with my father. Every other Sunday, we would attend services at Fairlington United Methodist Church, located a few blocks down King Street from Bradlee. After the services ended, we would frequently walk to Bradlee and the cafe. During these walks, he and I would talk about anything and everything that interested us, from the Church services, to politics, to our shared love of baseball, and the Washington Nationals. Naturally, these walks, among other things, resulted in a deep and lasting friendship between my father and I that lasts still today. After arriving at the cafe, I would always get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and usually chocolate milk. Though I can’t remember our first visit to the cafe, I remember looking up at the black wall behind the counter, covered decoratively in smashed plates, and thinking “Hmm, that’s kinda unusual.” I have since moved, and neither my father, nor I have set foot in the cafe for years. However, every time that I pass by the red lettering of the sign outside, I reminisce about the days that my father and I would enjoy the walk between the church and the little cafe.