Looking for something different, fresh, exciting, and kind of not well known? Check out Bastille, located at the north end of Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Reservations are recommended unless you get there early and don’t mind waiting 7 minutes to order. The only thing I have negative to say about Bastille is about the host, who stated he could sit us at a table but could not provide menus for 7 minutes because the kitchen was currently really busy and they wouldn’t be able to place an order at this point. I understand production schedules and appreciate the effort it takes to keep things moving to accommodate the varying number of dinners, however, 7 minutes? I asked if he was sure it was 7 minutes and not 6 and a half or could it actually go for a whole 8 minutes. I am not sure he enjoyed my humor. It would have taken me longer to figure out which wine to start with, or the wait staff could have just taken a little extra time getting to the table. A host like this will most definitely prevent Bastille from earning any extra stars by any critics. Again, the only negative thing to say, so go there, and enjoy a great meal. We chose to eat at the bar, as I was under dressed in jeans and a polo while Rachel was appropriately dressed, as she described, to the Nines! Perhaps this was the reason for the 7 minute delay, me and my jeans, but I digress… I’m gonna try and let this go… We had the Bistro Menu which consists of 3 courses for $35 and we opted for the wine pairings for an additional $20 each. I highly recommend the pairings and $55 for this meal is well worth it. I was aptly full after starting with the goat cheese cromesqui with baby lettuces, the grilled hanger steak with frites, and finishing off with a warm apple tatin. The wine pairings are perfectly matched for each course. This is a real bargain and perfect for special occasions or daily lunches.