Sweet Sixteen

After our 10th Anniversary, we decided that every five years we'd celebrate our marriage at the Inn at Little Washington. But when our 15th came around, we'd already planned a trip to Glacier for the same time. So new rule: every time our anniversary is on a Friday, we spend it at the Inn. Which meant while the kids were at camp (and our friends generously picked them up for us and were then coerced into keeping them overnight), we headed back to Washington, VA.

We got there a little early and briefly walked around the grounds before checking in (the weather was glorious as it finally stopped raining in the DC Metro area). But our room wasn't quite ready, so we enjoyed a welcome cocktail on a veranda looking out on the Shenandoahs while we waited. Once we got to our room, we understood why it took so long: Allen had booked the Julia Child suite complete with two balconies and an enormous bathroom with a soaking tub. It was a lot to take in, so we skipped afternoon tea (we had an early dinner reservation, anyway) in order to enjoy it thoroughly.

Since the last time we'd been there, The Inn now has a three star Michelin rating, and while the food before was delicious, they've definitely taken it up a notch. For dinner, Allen chose the "Gastronaut's Menu" with the pairing, while I opted for the "Here and Now" and a lovely Sancerre (sadly, while I love a good pairing, I think I've gotten too old). It was amazing -- the "Petals of Maine Diver Scallops Poached in Olive Oil with Artichokes, Lemon and Sicilian Olives" is the best thing I've eaten in recent memory though Allen would argue that the Carpaccio of Herb-Crusted Elysian Fields Baby Lamb Loin with Caeser Salad Ice Cream was even better (though maybe because the accompanying Salwey, 2017 Pinot Noir, Rose from Baden, Germany really enhanced the flavor).

After completing all seven courses and a night cap, we retired for the night. And after a lovely breakfast (including rhubarb-ginger lemonade) and another brief stroll, we checked out and headed out to the Skyline Drive where we did a little site seeing before returning home to our awaiting brood.

We can't wait for a redo on Friday June 21, 2024...



(click here for all the pictures)