In a way you hate to give up the "secret" of your favorite little places to sneak off for lunch or a sweet treat.  On the other hand you want others to realize that you don't have to spend a fortunate at one of the mega chain coffee stores or settle for fast food when in the same area is a great little deli and pastry shop that will satisfy your hunger with real food.

In this case the little secret spot is the Alexandria Pasty Shop and Deli in the Bradley Shopping Center on King Street.  Since I own a townhouse in the Fairlington Community just across the street it is one of the first places I tell potential tenants about and a spot where I met prospective buyers before we tour the close by neighborhoods.

The pastry shop isn't new.  In fact it has been around for 20 years but the location is unassuming as compared to either Shirlington or Old Town Alexandria both just a few miles away.  The big decision when you walk in the door is whether you should be good and go the right and order real food or just give in to the urge to go left to the pastry side of the store and buy yourself a treat. 



The Alexandria Pastry Shop offers a great selection of daily specials that include London Broil Salad, Eggplant Parmesan Roll-ups, Veggie Lasagna or Quiche to name a few.  There is also a set selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches made to order and my favorite is the grilled chicken with avocado on a fresh croissant. 

The pastry side of the store is where it all really started and it is evident when you look at the selection available.  Cookies, cupcakes, huge brownies, fresh fruit tarts and cake slices of all varieties are displayed beautifully and calling your name.  Add to what you can buy to eat on site are the beautiful specialty cakes that you can order.  Alexandria Pastry Shop is known around the area for their wedding cakes and often when you stop in to eat you will find a future bride and groom sitting at the tasting table in the back trying to decide which flavor cake to order.

If you live in the Fairlington neighborhood or anywhere close by wander down to the Bradley Shopping Center and check out the Alexandria Pastry Shop and Deli.  If you see me there pull up a chair and lets chat about our other favorite places in the neighborhood.