Washington, D.C. - November 21, 2006

Catch a Buzz

Buzz Opens

Back in the day, your buzz came from 7-Eleven. NoDoz? Check. Mountain Dew? Make it a six-pack. Red Bull? Mix it with vodka and watch out.

Graduate from convenience store kicks at Buzz, the new bakery and dessert lounge from the Neighborhood Resto Group (Evening Star Café, Vermilion, Tallula, Rustico). The menu helps you get your fix in the form of espresso drinks, cupcakes (plain or filled), personal-sized cakes and pies, and house-made chocolate bars.

Early birds can feast on fresh doughnuts, waffles, and bacon and cheese brioche. And when the liquor license comes through (any day now), the lounge crowd can sip on wine, aperitifs, and after-dinner cocktails. (Toasted almond martini: heaven.)

With hours to sate nearly any craving (6 a.m.-midnight, seven days a week), free Wi-Fi, and comfy couches, you can kiss those 7-Eleven runs goodbye.

Because from now on, that place is going to seem like a serious buzz kill.

Buzz, 901 Slaters Lane, Alexandria (703-600-2899 or buzzonslaters.com).