ALEXANDRIA, VA – In a town steeped in tradition and charm, few places evoke as much local affection as Blue & White Carry-Out, a modest eatery tucked along North Henry Street. For more than 85 years, this no-frills food stop has been a dependable source of sizzling breakfasts and soul food staples like fried chicken, served up long before most of the city is awake.
This summer, Blue & White reopened its doors following a short renovation — and the passing of its beloved owner, Alexander Truitt — and what’s returned is far more than an upgraded kitchen. It’s a story of continuity, community, and quiet love.
From One Heart to Another
Alexander Truitt, affectionately known as “Alex” to regulars, ran Blue & White for over four decades, becoming a local institution himself. When he passed away earlier this year, many feared the restaurant’s long run had come to an end.
But in a touching twist, Alex had left the restaurant in the hands of Candida Cureton, his partner of more than 20 years. Rather than shut the doors, Candida stepped up, determined to preserve his legacy.
“She’s honoring him by keeping it alive,” said one longtime customer, standing near the bustling counter window. “You can feel his presence in every detail.”
Candida took charge of a month-long renovation that left the structure and spirit of the restaurant intact, while gently modernizing its functionality.
What’s New — and What’s Not
The menu, helmed by longtime cook Chef Travis Ward, remains mostly untouched — and that’s a good thing. Diners still line up for cornbread, smothered pork chops, fried chicken livers (Tuesdays only!), and other signature comfort food.
But Candida added a few fresh favorites: shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and pancakes now grace the menu, expanding the appeal without disrupting the rhythm.
Perhaps the most significant change? They now accept credit and debit cards.
For decades, Blue & White operated as a cash-only establishment, a badge of old-school authenticity. But Candida recognized that even the most cherished traditions need to evolve.
“I was nervous about changing anything,” she said. “But I knew people needed that option, and Alex would have wanted the place to keep serving the neighborhood.”
A Neighborhood Staple, Reborn
Since its reopening, the early morning crowd has returned — construction workers, retirees, longtime locals, and even first-timers all crowding into the familiar space. Orders fly out the window with practiced ease, and stories about Alex are exchanged like currency.
Behind the counter, Candida and her sister Estela Hernandez greet many by name, continuing a tradition of familiarity and family that stretches back generations.
“This place was always his second heartbeat,” Candida said, watching the crowd. “Now it’s mine too.”
Comfort, Continuity, and Community
In a city experiencing rapid change, Blue & White is more than just a carry-out — it’s an emotional anchor. The $6 pork chop sandwich still tastes just like it did in the ’80s, and the same wedge-cut potatoes still fly off the fryer under Chef Ward’s watchful eye.
Social media users call it the “best-kept secret in Alexandria,” celebrating its resurrection and the comforting knowledge that, amid the noise of gentrification, some things remain gloriously the same.
The kitchen still opens before 6 a.m., the coffee still flows freely, and the prices remain astonishingly affordable.
Legacy Served Daily
Candida Cureton didn’t reinvent Blue & White — she revived it. With reverence, resilience, and a love story built into the walls, she has ensured that Alex’s dream lives on.
And for those who’ve been coming for decades — or those just discovering the spot for the first time — it’s clear: Blue & White didn’t just come back. It came back right.
Leave a Reply