The Alcove Restaurant

The Alcove has been a beloved fixture in the Mount Vernon Community since 1911, but had become tired by the time a local family made the bold decision to partner with Cameron Mitchell, transforming the bar, lounge, dining and banquet spaces, not to mention adding a state-of-the-art kitchen.  Thoughtful use of architectural salvage along with memorabilia collected over a century allowed the spaces to feel like a continuation of the story rather than an overhaul.  The centerpiece of the main dining was a magnificent salvaged cherry colonnade.  Washington's historic Mount Vernon is depicted in the oversize toile pattern on feature walls of the main dining space.  The owner's love of royal blue and French antiques set the tone through-out.  The bar has a decided club feel, while the light-filled upper banquet rooms contrast with a pastel garden palette.

BrieF:

Full Renovation of entry, bar, main dining and banquet rooms:

Improved space-planning and flow to maximize seating and circulation

New bar and back-bar crafted around salvaged victorian woodwork

New millwork, booths, lighting and finishes through-out

Fully-renovated banquet room with secondary bar

Updated bathrooms with marble tile

Fully re-designed entry and street facade.

transitional dining

The original Alcove had no option for relaxed dining between bar seating versus the main dining room.  Claiming dead corridor space allowed for a third option that has become the favored spot to meet and greet.

pub feel

The previous bar had been sealed off from the entry, and reception was a distance from the vestibule, showing no activity toward the street.  A cozy bank of booths, leaving open sight-lines throughout the newly-combined bar and dining spaces makes for a lively atmosphere immediately upon entering.

modern history

A salvaged Edwardian colonnade from the same period the Alcove began allowed the historic main space to reclaim its sense of occasion, creating options for either open dining or private get-togethers.   The enclosed rooms feature pieces from the owner's pre-Raphaelite art collection.

a special connection

An enlargement of a documented Mount Vernon toile celebrates the link between the town and Washington's home.  The space also features the owner's Napoleonic era doré-bronze chandeliers and sconces.

street presence

Removal of an awning that obscured the 1911 building's limestone facade allowed for a signature canopy.  Along with the interior design, Fritz conceived the graphics for the Alcove's renewed brand of elegance.   Now the generous windows reveal the improved reception sequence.