Photo courtesy of the Inn at Little Washington
A dinner table at the Inn at Little Washington
The award-winning Inn at Little Washington (in the "other Washington," 73 miles south of Alexandria) is celebrating 48 years in business, from Jan. 29 to Feb. 12.
The Inn will feature a limited-time retrospective menu honoring iconic dishes from years past. Each moment will invite patrons to step into the Inn’s living history, "capturing its signature spirit: thoughtful, playful and always a little indulgent."
Patrick O’Connell’s inspired American cuisine draws admirers from around the world. Dining at The Inn at Little Washington has been likened to performance art with the guest always playing the starring role.
The experience evokes a romantic dinner party in a private country house from another era. Whimsical touches such as a rolling cow (named Faira) displaying cheeses invite guests to relax, be themselves and have fun.
Patrick’s approach to cooking, while paying homage to the "lawmakers" of Classical French Cuisine, reflects a belief in American cuisine today — healthy, eclectic, imaginative, unrestricted by ethnic boundaries and always growing.
Much of the produce and herbs used in the restaurant is raised on a small farm on the campus by their Farmer in Residence, Andy Thewlis. Throughout the last four decades, The Inn has established a network of local farmers and suppliers whose products represent the best in the region. In 2021, Michelin awarded The Inn a Green Star for sustainability.
Patrons can experience the Inn's award-winning cuisine through three exquisite seven-course tasting menus:
**Limited Time** The 48th Anniversary Menu (Available Jan. 29 to Feb. 13). Includes a complimentary glass of Dom Pérignon and features a retrospective collection of the Inn's favorites from the past 48 years including the legendary Seven Deadly Sins.
The Enduring Classics Menu – featuring Chef Patrick O'Connell's signature dishes from the past five decades.
The Good Earth Menu – celebrating inventive vegetarian offerings.
The Here and Now Menu (Returning on Feb. 13)– showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from our local farm.
Each tasting menu is priced at $388 per guest, exclusive of tax and service charge.
Anniversary Menu patrons will enjoy a special menu from various decades that begins with a celebratory glass of Dom Pérignon, followed by an Amuse-Bouche.
Also on the 48th Anniversary Menu:
• Black and White Bean Soup with with a Parmesan Fillo Straw, which first premiered on the menu in 1978.
• "Fire and Ice": Seared, Peppered Tuna over Cucumber Noodles with Cucumber Sorbet, a dish which premiered in 2001.
• A Carpaccio of Elysian Fields Lamb Loin with Caesar Salad Ice Cream, which premiered in 1992.
• Fricassee of Maine Lobster with Potato Gnocchi and Curried Walnuts, which came on the scene in 2002.
• Black Pepper and Juniper-Crusted Venison Tenderloin with Caramelized Endive, Chestnuts and Lingonberries, premiered in 1992.
• George Washington’s Paw Paw Posset (Premiered 2022)
George Washington’s Pawpaw Posset is a signature, custard-like dessert featured at The Inn at Little Washington, inspired by the first president's fondness for the native American pawpaw fruit. It combines cream, sugar, lemon, and fresh pawpaw puree—which tastes of banana, mango, and pineapple—into a set, chilled, and velvety treat.
Read more about the Inn and its awards here:
