Say Yum: Butcher's Block by RW Now Open

After much anticipation, The Butcher’s Block, a Market by RW, next door to sister restaurants BRABO Tasting Room and BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier is finally open.

The Butcher’s Block, a Market by RW promises a chef-driven market with a wide selection of value wines, international beers, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, prime cut meats, desserts, dry goods and home cooking accessories.

Vicente Wolf, the same architect who designed the adjacent Lorien Hotel, selected white and black mosaic tile flooring, bright blue subway wall tiles behind the display counters and an eye catching wine display that covers a wall with single-bottle accessibility. A stainless steel swivel-mirror demonstration table completes this appealing shop for gourmands.

In addition to the charcuterie, pates, sausages and terrines, The Butcher’s Block, a Market by RW sells prime cuts of rib-eye, fillet, lamb tenderloin, veal chops, pork loin, rabbit and chicken. Chef Wiedmaier sources much of his meat from the region, and he offers braised lamb shank, pork and beef carbonnade that can be purchased with his signature sauces to be heated and served at home.

For the more serious home cooks, Chef Wiedmaier and Chef de Cuisine, Chris Watson, will offer culinary demonstrations, starting later this spring, showing patrons how to break-down, clean and filet the whole animal. The demonstrations are free and the dates will be posted in the market for interested parties.

“I’m really excited about sharing my full-circle philosophy that cooking with the entire animal achieves optimum flavor. By learning how all animal parts can be used for the meat, stocks and terrines, home chefs can double the value of their efforts by enhancing the flavor and stretching the dollar,” says Wiedmaier.

The dedicated wine wall features more than 60 wines, 75 percent of which are priced under $25 a bottle. Featured wine regions include France and California, as well as other international varietals and Virginia wines. Customers can also buy Belgian, French, German and American beer in six-packs or large, 750ml format bottles.

The Butcher’s Block, a Market by RW is located at 1600 King Street in Alexandria, Virginia, adjacent to new Lorien Hotel & Spa, a Kimpton Hotel. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM.