Live Oak Restaurant: Opening Any Day Now in Del Ray

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Live Oak, a Low Country-inspired restaurant, could be opening as early as this week in Del Ray.

"We are looking to open the doors next week," one of the restaurant's owners, Jeremy Barber, commented Saturday morning on the restaurant's Facebook page.

The restaurant does not appear to be taking reservations yet, according to a message on its phone line. The company's Web site was not yet up and running as of Monday afternoon.

The company's license to sell beer and wine became active last Wednesday, according to online records from the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. There were no records as of Monday, posted online from the health department, showing the restaurant has been inspected. Records from the City of Alexandria show that the building passed a final inspections on July 29, after more than $75,000 in renovations were made.

An award-winning restaurant designer, Griz Dwight, was hired to design the new restaurant space. Dwight counts Founding Farmers Tysons, Fiola and Iron Gate among his high-profile restaurant design projects. Construction photos show brick walls, booths and outdoor seating. Expect to see 20 seats at the bar.

Justus Frank, a former executive chef of the award-winning Fiola will be handling executive chef duties. Frank, whose resume includes working his culinary magic at Fiola in DC, will be creating a Charleston-inspired menu at the new restaurant, Jeremy Barber, a partner in the business, said.

Owners of the restaurant are Barber, Frank, Timothy Irwin and Bruce Sheaffer, according to the restaurant's special use permit filed with the City.

PHOTO of Live Oak interior from Live Oak Facebook page.