King & Rye Celebrates 5 Years with an Epic 6-Course Dinner Experience
King & Rye, a popular Southern-inspired restaurant in Alexandria, just celebrated its fifth anniversary in the most delicious way, marking the milestone with an unforgettable culinary celebration (and collaboration!).
The restaurant hosted a 6-Course Dinner Experience, with plates from current Executive Chef Tomas Chavarria and former Executive Chef Peter McCall reuniting in the kitchen for a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration.
The dynamic duo wove years of experience and Southern tradition together into an elegant and inventive feast, where guests experienced bold flavors, thoughtful pairings, and a sense of nostalgia through King & Rye’s evolution over the past half-decade.
From the first nibbles of some of King & Rye’s favorite bites — Buttermilk Biscuits! Country Fried Steak! — to a parade of tantalizing plates, the real magic of the fifth anniversary event was in the reunion of two chefs who shaped King & Rye’s identity. (And there were more perfect pairings — thoughtfully provided by Beverage Director Allison Strunk — including a tasting of King & Rye’s own whisky barrel collaboration.)
For those who may not have dined at King & Rye lately, Chef Thomas took the reins of the whisky (and rye)-forward Southern restaurant just over a year ago, bringing his refined touch and innovative spirit to the menu; Chef Peter, who helmed the kitchen from the restaurant’s opening, infused the dishes with the Southern comfort and tradition that made King & Rye a beloved local institution in Alexandria.
“It’s been an incredible five years, and this celebration is a tribute to the food, the team, and the guests who have supported us along the way,” said Chef Tomas. “Working with Peter again on this special night has been a joy — he’s been a huge influence on my career, and it’s amazing to reflect on what we’ve built here together.”
As King & Rye steps into year six, guests can expect more on the menu of traditional — but refined — dishes. Just don’t ever skip that storied cornbread or anything from its carefully curated bourbon and whisky list!
