Happy Hour at Elaine’s Literary Salon: Friends to Lovers bookstore
When: Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 6-9pm
Join us for our monthly happy hour with our book lover partners!
About Friends to Lovers Bookstore: The first romantic bookstore in the DC area, this shop is decided to celebrating love, and embracing the stories taht bring us joy. Visit the store, 301 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314: friendstoloversbookstore.com
Find more Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.
Elaine’s Literary Salon
About Elaine’s: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selection is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt — a combination of Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12 growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.
Shortcon 2026 is sold out!
Get on the waiting list for the Premier Conference for Writers of Short Crime Fiction
When: June 6, 7:30am to 6pm
Where: Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA
Join Us: Elaine’s Writers Club
From George Washington to Aaron Burr, author and speaker David O. Stewart is bringing American history to Elaine’sWednesday, June 03, 20266-9pm
QuinTango is coming to Elaine’s! Join us for “The Stories Tango Tells” — an intimate interview with the group’s founder Joan Singer and composers Ali Cook and Emmanuel TrifilioThursday, June 04, 20266-9pm
Humans may “Hang 10” when they surf, but surf dogs always “Hang 20,” insists law enforcement officer turned children’s book author Kerri Hagerty. Meet her at Elaine’s and check out her bestselling books!Friday, June 05, 20266-9pm
Noir at the Bar — Celebrate with 8 short story writers the night before ShortConSaturday, June 06, 20267:30-6pmJune 6: Shortcon 2026 is sold out! Are you on the waiting list for the Premier Conference for Writers of Short Crime FictionWednesday, June 10, 20266-9pm
Dr. Stephen Cook brings us “Daniel: An Exegetical & Theological Bible Commentary”Thursday, June 18, 20266-9pm
A.R. Milton brings us Augmented Reality: An Axiom Universe NovellaThursday, June 25, 20266-9pm
Happy Hour at Elaine’s Literary Salon: Friends to Lovers bookstoreWednesday, July 15, 20266-8pm
Friends to Lovers bookstore presents, “Falling for You” book release party with Natasha MadisonSaturday, July 18, 202612-3pm
Lynda Allen is bringing her books to Elaine’s, including the Liv Wilde Mysteries newest title “Flashes of Fire and Fury.” She insists, “Menopause is a superpower!”Sunday, July 19, 202612-3pm
Futurist Richard Smith brings us the new Clifi Technothriller, WhiteGrass: “We call it ‘Climate Change,’ because it’s not just the heat.”Thursday, September 17, 20266-9pm
You are going to love the first two novels by Michelle Cullen, including, “A Field Guide to Murder” — Meet her at Elaine’s on Sept. 17