Today, Old Town Alexandria’s boutique lifestyle hotel, Morrison House, an Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel, welcomes guests back to its elevated, Modern American craft cocktail lounge, The Study. The Study celebrates a new beginning as a luxe, intimate gathering place and live piano bar for locals and hotel guests to escape the bustle of King Street. Like a book, The Study tells a story through the lens of its main characters – classic cocktails inspired by literature, complemented by a menu of Modern American dishes inspired by Mesoamerican culinary traditions.
Executive Chef Tomas Chavarria authored the menu after his Mesoamerican roots and heritage, using specific techniques and the highest quality, regionally sourced ingredients. Chef Chavarria, who joined the team in January, also oversees the new menu concept at neighboring King & Rye restaurant, located at The Alexandrian Hotel, an Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel in Old Town Alexandria.
Chef Chavarria has curated a Modern American menu to pair thoughtfully with the cocktail offerings that highlights seasonal provisions. Sourced from local farms ranging across Pennsylvania to the Shenandoah Valley, the plates will spotlight specialties like Lancaster and Firefly Farms cheeses and Seven Hills Farms Dry-Age Strip Loin. Mesoamerican techniques such as smoking and curing meats over open fire, for example, result in dishes such as Korobuta Pork Belly with Cassava Puree, Peas, and Jus, which perfectly pairs with the Green Apple and Monkey Shoulder Scotch in Eve’s Mistake – a whimsical ode to Adam and Eve – offering an inspired juxtaposition of sweetness from the apple and kick of smokiness from the cayenne in the pork.
The revamped beverage menu has been cleverly crafted by Lead Bartender Emmanuel Pressley to reflect great literary works throughout history, and each cocktail has a story of its own. A study in today’s cocktail culture, guests can expect libations including Giving Tree, a new take on a traditional Indian Lassi with Basil-Infused Citadelle Gin and Green Chartreuse, nods to The Giving Tree’s humble beginnings and global influence; and Beautiful Little Fool, a play on a New York Sour with a Malbec Float, inspired by The Great Gatsby’s lavish parties while mystery lied underneath. These thought-provoking and bold flavors welcome guests’ curiosity in a hideaway that encourages discovery and adventure.
“We’re thrilled to introduce a fresh concept to Old Town Alexandria’s community that will re-establish The Study as a go-to spot for not only our hotel guests, but locals too,” said Area General Manager, Jeffrey Brower. “A compelling addition to the vibrant local food and beverage scene, The Study offers live entertainment and a bespoke cocktail experience unlike any other in Alexandria.”
“Our team is excited to welcome guests back to The Study for new and inspired cocktails and dishes that honor our mid-Atlantic and southern region’s seasonal bounties, infused with creative, global flavors and techniques to offer our guests something that’s both new and familiar,” said Chavarria.
The Study, open Wednesday-Saturday 5-10PM, offers live piano with Bialek’s Music every Thursday-Saturday from 5-9PM in the bar area. Also available for intimate buyouts and private events, The Study is a convivial space to sip, savor and enjoy.
