The big 5-0 has come and gone. Thus far, I don’t notice anything different. I’ve heard all the usual senior citizen jokes from: have you started looking for nursing homes, to did you get a cane to help you get around and did you buy the bulk package of Depends. Of course the cards were the most entertaining and even my parents took shots at me getting older.
There was one part of this celebration that I have to say was over the top and absolutely amazing…dinner at The Inn at Little Washington.
The idea of dining at the Inn, I had feelings of excitement as well as intimidation. I enjoy fine dining, but the closest I’ve come to this level would have been our meal at Volt in Frederick, Md.
Could a good ole country boy like myself feel comfortable at a 5-star restaurant? I was about to find out.
I took half a day off from work. I did stay until the we were out of the weeds and left at noon for home. Mother Nature didn’t play well with our plans as she gave us a little coating of sleet. With the warm temps, this melted away and I arrived home without an issue. A French Cab. Sauv. was decanted and a glass was waiting for me when I arrived.
A short time to relax from work and then it was time to put on big boy pants and meet our friends for dinner.
Sandy was late! By just a minute, but I let her know she was late. We went round and round about the time and Tish & Mike just shook their heads.
The ride took 30 minutes and we arrived at the small community of Washington, Va.
As we walked in the doors, we were met with a smiling face, our coats were taken and then we were escorted to the “living room”. Of course when I think of living room I’m thinking, old T-shirt, sweat pants and Sport Center. This was a very plush room with cushy seats and small pub tables.
One of our many waiters on this night came and took our drink order. Sandy got a dark ‘n’ stormy, Mike got a bourbon on the rocks and Tish and I enjoyed a glass of the house Cab Franc made at Barboursville Vineyards especially for the Inn.
Since Sandy worked there, the staff would come over and make small talk and EVERYONE on staff wished me a Happy Birthday. We were curious about the one bottle on display. An oval shaped bottle sat in the center of the bar area with a spot light showcasing its design and content. The crystal bottle contained Rémy Martin Louis XIII and at $300 and ounce, I wasn’t going to sample it.
Then it was time for dinner. Again, we were lead to our table over looking the garden area. As we were handed our menus, Sandy told me to take notice when I opened the cover. “Happy Birthday Kevin” graced the top of the menu. inside were two meat options and on the back was a vegetarian option.
As we looked over the menus, a box of popcorn is brought for each of us. cooked in truffle oil and topped off with shaved black truffles from France. What wonderful flavors.
As the waiter went around the table to get our dinner option, a small hors d’oeuvres is placed in front of us. This was a bite of venison tartare, a horseradish foam with a small slice of cucumber topped with roe. The crisp looked like a mini canoli with pimento cheese inside. I could have
eaten a dozen or more.
We needed to select a wine, I had studied the list earlier in the day and decided on the ’10 John Duval Plexus GSM. a well rounded wine that had currants, a touch of earthiness and soft tannins on the palette.
The first plate is delivered a shot of Apple Rutabaga Soup with a Cheese puff was a wonderful start. A well balanced flavored soup with a melt in your mouth cheese puff. WOW!
Bread is brought to all and fresh butter is placed on the table.
The second course is delivered and it looks elegant: Napoleon of Chilled Lobster with Pomme Anna. A creamy lobster between a layer of thinly sliced potatoes with a touch of roe on top. Sinfully good.
The third course arrives, a Carpaccio of Herb-Crusted Baby Lamb Loin with Caesar Salad Ice Cream.
The “Ice Cream” is what I was looking forward too.
The lamb seasoned perfectly and served rare, the caesar with just the right amount of garlic. Loved this
Age Gouda Macaroni & Cheese with Virginia Country Ham with Shaved Black Truffles, what more needs to be said about the fourth course. If this dish was on a menu anywhere else, I would have picked the plate up
and licked it clean. Didn’t want to look too much like a redneck on this night.
The fifth course was one of those dishes you’re not too sure about: Red Currant Marinated Squab Breast with a Crispy Potato Galette. The breast was pink inside and I was shocked at how well this bird tasted. It looked like skirt steak and the marinade was succulent. The bonus during this course was Sandy wasn’t a fan so Mike & I got to share her plate. I wasn’t complaining.
And the sixth and final course of the evening: Veal Shenandoah: Local Prosciutto Wrapped Loin of Veal with Raviolis of Country Ham and Fontina Cheese. Oh. My. Damn! After finishing my plate, I was hoping Sandy didn’t want hers!
The last of the wine was poured and then it was time for dessert. Coffee was ordered by all as everyone pondered what to get.
In the meantime, a small dessert bite is brought out. It looked like a dreamsicle, frozen cranberry on the top with a vanilla ice cream on the finish. Yum!
I selected, The Southern Butter Pecan Ice Cream Sandwich with Bittersweet Chocolate and Hot Carmel Sauce. Just sheer goodness. The plate is placed in front of me and the Hot Carmel is then poured over the ice cream sandwich. This was amazing!
As we finished our desserts and coffee, I was given a package by the waiter. Inside was Patrick’s cookbook signed to me wishing me a “happy 50th birthday”.
You would think that would be the ending to a great night, but now we get to take a tour of the kitchen. That kitchen is my dream kitchen! So much room! I can only wish for that much space in my house. Then we get to tour a few of the rooms and neighboring house that are available for overnight stays.
This night was a complete success. The staff at The Inn pampered me and I can say; I’ve never encountered impeccable details and kindness. Thank you everyone at The Inn for taking care of this country boy! To my sister and her better half…Thanks, you guys rule! And to my little woman for arranging this…I Love Ya Baby!
I have to say, THIS is how you celebrate a milestone Y’all!
In closing…check out this good looking bunch of country folks! We clean up pretty well!
crazynvirginia 