This would be interesting!
Château de Beaucastel, Roussanne, Vieilles Vignes (2002) $300.
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I’ve never failed to see wine on every table. It’s a special place and a destination, not just a restaurant. Their revenue literally goes to building up the whole town. I doubt very many people leave feeling ripped off. It’s admittedly a little annoying for wine geeks who would love to use an environment like that to drink DRC or whatever. Sometimes *** restaurants are the most cost-effective way to drink those things and that’s not the case here. But there is corkage for that.
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For those who don’t know the story, Patrick O’Connell and his then-partner were driving through the foothills of the Blue Ridge and found a dilapidated old inn on a square in a decrepit hamlet – population of about 100 people. There was literally nothing in the “town” other than a couple dozen 18th century brick buildings. The town, actually called Little Washington, was originally surveyed by George.
They bought the inn and created not only one of the greatest restaurants in the world but an inn that places in the top tier world wide. They didn’t hire al their staff from NY or DC; they hired kids from the Rappahannock County environs and rigorously trained them until the performed at an elite level.
Since then, a number of other inns have opened in the area (for those who aren’t interested in $1000 a night rooms). The Inn literally supports the entire town and the county. They own most if not all of the buildings facing the square, and have renovated a number of other old buildings there as lodgings.
The design of the place is not to my tastes. It is incredibly ornate. Think Laura Ashley turned up to 11. But the attitude of the place is the antithesis if every other “temple of gastronomy” I have ever been in. Friendly, welcoming, and a complete absence of elitism. Well worth the (obscene) money and the ~1:45 drive from DC if you have the time.
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Reminds me a bit of the entrance to Disneyland.
Andy Hayler wrote a somewhat mixed review of his visit in 2019.
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Was thinking the same.
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Well, except the building is more than 120 years old and the area surrounding it looks like this
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When Gail and I went in 1991 to celebrate her 40th birthday (it was expensive then, but not gut clenchingly so), it was on a small street in the middle of nowhere. Its main entrance is now surrounded by buildings in a downtown square. They did that. I note that the people who have been there speak more positively than those who have not. I don’t know that I will go there again. But I’m happy I did numbers of times over the years.
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BTW, they have a cafe for breakfast and lunch at decidedly more terrestrial prices. It’s good but not otherworldly. Fine if you are in the neighborhood peeping leaves
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Neal’s review is right on the money. Food was terrific, service was friendly and down to earth despite the overdone decor. We had an oxidised bottle of something I’ve long ago forgotten which they happily took back. We stayed in an inn a couple of blocks away.
Haven’t been in ~20 years and at current pricing I’m up in the air about going back.
I do remember excellent quiche for lunch for five bucks when they first opened in the space whose previous use was as a garage. Patrick O’Connell is both an amazingly brilliant chef and a genuine good guy.
Of course there was a comment on the Chateau Margaux btg, but you can drink very well from the extensive glass list at reasonable prices. No, nothing spectacular with bottle age, but you are here for the food, not the wine. You can have lovely complementary glasses without worrying about cost… if you’re already paying for dinner, a few glasses that go along are not going to hurt you.
It’s certainly an amazing experience.
I scanned the first few pages of the wl.
2011 Mt Eden Chard 185 and 2012 Arterberry Maresh Maresh 180 could be nice bottles.
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If in Rappahannock County already for the Inn at Little Washington, check out Three Blacksmiths, 10 minutes away, in Sperryville. We dined there in 2019 and again last month (drove down from NJ to Charlottesville, then returned via Sperryville, Flint Hill and (Little) Washington. Three Blacksmiths is very distinct from the Inn at LW, with no opulence and heavy fabrics, but a beautiful, rustic space, amazing attention , delicious courses and a wonderful experience. Only 20 diners in one sitting, Wed through Sat nights. The owners are chefs from “Big Washington” (D.C.) and New York, with extensive time in Hong Kong, and are talented and lovely. A very down to Earth, genteel Virginia experience (said the former Virginian).
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Blue Rock is good, too, with chefs who came from The Inn.
Forgot to thank you for sharing the background of the place. When I checked out the wine list I obviously knew nothing of the restaurant. I just saw a wine list.
I believe you and others saying it’s a pretty special place for many reasons. Everyone who’s been there seem to agree, regardless of the current value perception.
My guess is that Russell as me have been to Disneyland in Paris, (long time since I was there though). Probably because the European audience is fascinated by US, there is a part of the theme park reflecting that IIRC.
Minus the castle it has that late 19th - beginning 20th century look -googled a picture:
No offense intended. When I as a 16 or so, first sat my foot in Manhattan it all felt surreal, like I was in a move.
I don’t sweat lists like that, there is always something nice to find among classic producers.
Huet
Chidaine
Donnhoff
Foillard
Lovely wines.
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I’m surprised nobody has mentioned the $8000 bottle of Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc.
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No offense taken, my friend, I assure you. But the two venues could not possibly be more different
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I can see where the comment came from, it definitely has that Victoria and Alberts at Disney look to it!
I trust your judgment, tho.
Although I will caveat, I have been traumatized by Disney.
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Well, I should have admitted that I have never stepped foot on a Disney property. I’d describe the Inn as ornate, rococo excess, but each square inch of brocade and every tchotchke on a shelf is legit/period/designer quality. Like I said, it is a bit much for me, but the eye is never bored lol.
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I’m intrigued