Dolce + Bean in Del Ray Update

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Plans are moving along for the opening of Dolce & Bean at 2003-A Mt. Vernon Ave. in Del Ray.

The owners are planning a $15,000 renovation of Suite A at 2003 Mt. Vernon Avenue, according to a construction permit filed Friday with the city. The location for Dolce & Bean is between The Purple Goose children's boutique and the hardware store on Mt. Vernon Avenue, Del Ray's "Main Street."

Dolce & Bean describes itself on its Web site:

"Life should be exciting and so should your dessert! Dolce and Bean brings you a unique experience by revolutionizing gourmet desserts. Dolce and Bean is a specialty cafe and gift shop with premium confections from artisans. We focus on offering consistency, quality and a luxury experience to our customers. “Dolce” means sweet in Italian and “Bean” offers an organic presence to the name given, whereas, chocolate is a derivative of the Cacao bean and coffee is derivative of the coffee bean. Our product line includes a luxury candy bar, gourmet chocolates, premium gelato, Parisian pastries, delicate macarons, handcrafted espresso and more."

When they open, the owners have been OK'd by the city to have eight seats inside and 12 seats outside and be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily inside and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily outside. The alleyway alongside The Purple Goose would be used for outdoor dining. A barrier of some type will be located at the entrance to deter any vehicles from driving through the alley, according to the special permit application.

The owners have no plans for alcohol sales or live entertainment.

PHOTO of espresso coffee/Shutterstock