Grape + Bean on S. Royal St. in Old Town Alexandria was recently opened by a local couple in this townhome turned gourmet wine, cheese and coffee shop. And.....they are (exclusively) selling fresh breads made by Nathan at Restaurant Eve. Today, for example, they have rosemary-potato, baguettes, fruit loaves and foccacia. The owner said it's best to call ahead to place an order or reserve a bread if you have something particular in mind or want to make sure you get something before they run out.
They are focusing on smaller producer wines and sparkling wines. A wine counter had wines to sample and the main counter had olives, breads and cheeses out to graze on.
There is also (what appears to be a unique thing in the area) a Clover coffee machine that they use to brew/make Counter Culture coffee beans.



More here.

David Gwathmey and his wife Sheera are the owners of the establishment, whom I have known for many years, and they are very excited about getting the place open to the public. The Clover coffee machine makes single cups of coffee right on the spot, and is known throughout the industry as being one of the best coffee machines around. they are also doing a small selection of wines for sale, somewhere around 100 bottles and plans to do more around wine tastings as business increases and develops.

They seemed very nice when I met them on Sat. and were really helpful.

this crazy little place just opened in Old Town - they have a Clover machine for coffee - more details here.

Anybody know how the wine selection is here? This place was brought up last night and I haven't made it over yet. Are they able to serve wine here yet?

(Starter website with hours)

I know that they have chosen to focus on small producers and sparkling wines. When I've gone, they have had 2 bottles open for self pour samples at the side counter. I also found out that if you want the bread at Eve that you get at the bar and bistro, ask for the ciabatta. You can call ahead to see if they can order it for you so you can be sure they have that particular kind when you go.

Is it sad to say that I'm just not that big of a fan of their coffee bean supplier? I know it's the same one that Nick and others use, but my stomach and the beans just don't agree. On the other hand, the Clover and the brew it made was just wonderful (rich, concentrated, hearty brew). And just seeing it in action makes me want to work there. If it only was closer to EFC area....

It is a small but interesting selection. The owner did offer to try to track down a specific wine someone was looking for when I was last in the shop. And I believe they're only doing tastings on the weekends, for now.

Stopped by here for the first time today with wife & baby. What a great experience. We tried a few different cups of coffee, and chatted with David & his crew for some time. They have a great setup there, the inside is simple and very well done. There is a menu of about a dozen different coffees, and the wine selection seemed varied. They also offer a few other treats beyond the grape and the bean--exotic salts, cheeses & beer. I was pleased to learn that they have just gotten their permit to serve food and they'll soon do small plates with a few tables outside.

The Clover is pretty cool to see, and the coffee that it produces is indeed terrific.

I really think they have a good concept, and one that is well executed. I wish them the best of luck.

They have some delicious small plates in mind-vegetarians keep an eye out. I also forgot to mention that they have wine tasting every Friday evening. They also seem to be carrying the Eve ciabatta consistently. I had my share at a Lickety Split lunch yesterday. Fresh.From. The.Oven.