Fine Eating in Virginia

Along with the beautiful homes, stunning gardens and breathtaking floral arrangements,  we enjoyed  some very fine dining throughout Virginia. 
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Le Refuge in Old Town Alexandria

You've probably picked up by now that I have a penchant for classic French cuisine.  If you're in the same camp, you'll want to put this eatery on your to-do list.  A go-to for Francophiles for over 30 years, you won't be disappointed. 

​What We Ate....
Mousse de foie de canarde au cognac
Salade Vert 
Eminces du beouf au Bearnaise
Coq au vin
It was so good we just sat there grinning.  

Moving on around the state we found ourselves in Onancock, Virginia on the Eastern Shore. 

The Charlotte Hotel, Onancock, Virginia

Onancock is a charming village on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay and the Charlotte Hotel's reputation as a boutique hostelry is well known.  Their 33 seat restaurant has a well deserved three diamond AAA rating. Imaginative American cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients makes meals from this scratch kitchen a real treat.  

What We Ate ...

Fried Chincoteaque Oysters
Chicken Oscar 
(Planko coated chicken breast topped by sautéed crab meat, asparagus & Bearnaise sauce)

Another sigh worthy meal.

So, in case anyone wants to  replicate some of these for Mom's big day, here are the recipes.

Jacque Pepin's Chicken Liver Pate 
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Chicken Oscar 
Pound boned chicken breast into thin cutlets, dredge in planko or flour.  Saute in butter and olive oil.  Top with warmed crab meat and finish with Bearnaise sauce.

 Finish off your feast for mom with this ridiculously simple and impressive dessert. Brownie mix, Dove chocolate pieces - one minute in the microwave and rave reviews. 

Microwave Brownie Lava Cake