Junction Bakery + Bistro to Open Wednesday in Del Ray

PHOTOS: Sarah Zuckerman peeks from behind a chalkboard listing coffee drinks at Junction Bakery & Bistro in Del Ray Tuesday night. Click on photos to enlarge. Patch photos

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ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Nathan Hatfield and Noe Landini are opening Junction Bakery & Bistro on Wednesday morning in Del Ray.

Del Ray residents have eagerly awaited the new addition to the neighborhood dining scene at 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. It will take the place of Mancini's Cafe & Bakery, a local landmark that closed when the owner, Barbara Mancini, retired from the business.

Look for a retro vibe with influences from Del Ray’s past in the design of the new restaurant. During recent renovations, a tin ceiling was discovered from the 1950s, from when the building served as a grocery store. The name of the restaurant is a nod to its roots when it was a stop for hungry Potomac Yard railroad workers. Look for railroad influences in the design of the new restaurant.

The doors will open for business Wednesday at 7 a.m. The breakfast menu will include pastries (sticky buns, ham and cheese croissants, chocolate croissants, maple blueberry scones, etc.), toasts, fruit, yogurt, cheesy grits, eggs, egg sandwiches, porridge, french toast sticks and more.

The lunch menu will include small plates (brussel sprouts, kale caesar, roasted beets), sandwiches and large plates (blts, smoked turkey, roasted chicken breast, short rib grilled cheese, pan roasted rockfish) and sweets (buttermilk panna cotta, chocolate cake, seasonal fruit crisp with ice cream).

The soft opening of the new eatery will take place this week with the following hours, according to manager Tami Hatridge, who was busy making preparations Tuesday night:

• Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thursday: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (10 a.m.-3 p.m. brunch with wine and beer)

Starting next Monday, Junction will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Also read: Q&A with Junction Bakery & Bistro, Opening Soon in Del Ray