Croatian Owner's Balkan Restaurant a Hit in Alexandria, Virginia

In Alexandria, Virginia, a unique culinary destination thrives, drawing attention with its blend of American, German, and Balkan flavors. Old House Cosmopolitan, owned by Ivica Svalina, has been a local hit for 22 years, offering a taste of the Balkans to an appreciative American clientele.

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The restaurant has existed for 22 years, and eight years ago we moved to a more attractive location, here in Old Town (Alexandria).

Svalina, whose parents are Croatian and who was born in Doboj, fled Bosnia with his wife Amela in 1992 during the war. They first went to Germany before eventually settling in the United States to build a new life and pursue his dream. The restaurant, established in 2004, has become a beloved spot, particularly for its specialties from the former Yugoslavia.

The restaurant's atmosphere is as vibrant as its menu. Staff, many of whom are of Latin American descent, often wear jerseys from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. During a visit, one employee sported a Croatian jersey with 'Perišić' on the back, while another wore a Bosnian jersey with the playful "No hablo Bosnian" (I don't speak Bosnian) slogan.

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The food is ours, Balkan, but also German because all of us, my sister, my son-in-law, and I, worked there in a restaurant, my son-in-law was the head chef.

While Svalina himself is a source of many interesting anecdotes, including connections with Croatian national team coach Zlatko Dalić, the more formal aspects of the restaurant's operations are managed by Almir Mahmutović, the manager. He noted the restaurant's relocation eight years prior to a more prominent spot in Old Town Alexandria. The proximity to the hotel where the Croatian national team was training for a tournament was a welcome bonus.

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Of course, we have ćevapi, pljeskavice, pies, krempita, baklava, goulash, trout, and everything else that is normally eaten in the Balkans.

Mahmutović highlighted the authentic offerings, including ćevapi, pljeskavice, various pies, and traditional desserts like krempita and baklava. The beverage selection also features regional favorites like Sarajevsko beer and a variety of Croatian and Bosnian wines, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to showcasing its heritage.

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As for drinks, we carry Sarajevsko beer, and we also have many Croatian wines such as dingač, plavac, malvazija, and graševina, as well as many quality wines from Mostar.