Brabo Closes for Renovations, Plus More Intel

Renovation report

Expect a brief closure for Alexandria’s Brabo restaurant. The Kimpton hotel destination is closing from Oct. 24 to mid-November for a refresh after eight years of business. The tasting room will still be open during this time.

Award Season

Talk about a study in marketing. Washingtonian looks at how Ambar, a solid restaurant that nevertheless rarely makes critic top ten lists, secures the number one spot on TripAdvisor. A lot of reaching out to tourists is involved. [Washingtonian]

Road trippin’

Interested in making the trek to Frederick, Md.? Zagat has some restaurant suggestions. [Zagat]

Book Club

Ina fans, here’s Eater talking to the Barefoot Contessa about her latest cookbook, “Cooking for Jeffrey.” Ms. Garten was in D.C. recently to film a television special for Food Network. [E]

Pop-ups

A new Alfie’s pop-up is here. Find an event dedicated to Thai soups like Khao Soi every Wednesday at the affiliated Tchoup’s Market.

Spooky

Check out Macon Bistro’s Edgar Allen Poe tap takeover for Halloween: