Food Matters
The only restaurant located within the Cameron Station community is also a mecca for locavores and those who want to enjoy food made from fresh, local ingredients. Food Matters strives to create a sense of community and connect people through good food and good wine. The menu changes with seasons, and always reflects what is locally available. Some examples of the dishes Food matters serves (from the March 2010 menu) are deviled eggs with smoked paprika turnovers, bison cheesesteak (with shaved griddled bison, grilled onions and provolone) and lamb ragu with roasted peppers, garlic, lemon, olives and feta cheese. In addition to offering a regular menu, Food Matters hosts an all you can eat pasta night every Wednesday, with three kinds of freshly prepared pasta dishes. The restaurant also hosts wine tastings and special prix fixe food and wine nights.
Food Matters
4906 Brenman Park Drive
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-461-3663
foodmattersva.com
Cafe Aurora
Located just a few blocks from Cameron Station, Cafe Aurora serves traditional Ethiopian food, as well as Italian dishes. Among some of the Ethiopian favorites are qulwa lamb, beef, shrimp or chicken (with tomatoes, green peppers, onions butter and spices, served in a clay pot) and shiro (chickpeas cooked in a savory sauce and served in a clay pot). Order a side of Enjera, a traditional Ethiopian bread with a pancake-like texture and sourdough flavor, to enjoy with the Ethiopian dishes. Those who prefer Italian cuisine can pick anything from fettucine alfredo to linguini with pesto and spinach.
Cafe Aurora
50 South Picket Street
Unit #24
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-567-4050
cafeaurorausa.com
Shooter Mcgee's
Just across Duke Street from Cameron Station, Shooter McGee's serves eclectic pub fare in a tavern-style setting. The restaurant's dining room features a rustic exposed beam ceiling and intimate tables and booths. This decor, along with the friendly service, give Shooter McGee's a comfortable and familiar feeling, which it considers a point of pride. There's something for everyone on the menu; some offerings include a duck taco appetizer with spiced duck confit, pico de gallo, jack cheese and cilantro sour cream, grilled rib-eye steak with onion and mushroom compote and a smoked pork kaiser sandwich with BBQ sauce and provolone.
Shooter McGee's
4239 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-751-9266
shootermcgees.com
Article Written By Heidi A. Reeves
Heidi Reeves writes in Alexandria, Va. She got her first writing and editing job in 2001, when she worked as editor-in-chief of her undergraduate newspaper. Since then, she's earned a Master of Fine Arts at The University of Alabama, where she wrote and designed artist's books. Reeves writes hobby, lifestyle and wedding planning articles for various online publications.
