THE INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON
309 Middle St., Washington, 22747
Rating: Three Michelin Stars
What the Michelin inspectors said…
Set 90 minutes from DC in a town whose very existence seems tied to the restaurant, The Inn at Little Washington is a destination in every sense of the word. Embellished to the last inch, the dining room resembles a jewellery box lined with patterned carpets, lush wallpaper, heavy drapes and bejeweled upholstery. Servers are knowledgeable and warm; the room is conducive to conversations. This is a civilised affair for sophisticated patrons celebrating a special occasion. The restaurant may be over 40 years old, but Chef Patrick O’Connell’s cuisine shines as brightly as ever. Each menu has a unique focus: “Here and Now” spotlights seasonality; “Gastronaut” reflects the chef’s ambitions; and “The Good Earth” offers superb vegetarian items. Guests can also meander through all three for a full sense of what this kitchen can do. Their extraordinary focus on detail and sourcing is clear from the start in the BLT-inspired amuse-bouche with heirloom tomato gelée, or the excellent rye bread smeared with honeycomb butter. Sauces work a particular magic, as seen in the truffle-infused tartar with morel “crabcake”. Desserts like coconut sorbet with ginger granité are perfection.
We want to try…
Carpaccio of herb-crusted Elysian Fields baby lamb loin with Caesar salad ice cream (wine suggestion: Domaine de Fontsainte, Gris de Gris, Corbières, France, 2019). A veggie tasting menu is also available − how about the savoury black pepper cheesecake and roasted baby beets, perfumed with orange zest, paired with an Alfred Merkelbach, Riesling, Kabinett, #13, Mosel, Germany (2018)? The tasting menu is $315 per person; optional wine pairings are $195 per person.
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