445359 Thu Sep 27 06:28:17 -0700 2007 18 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 2981167 My husband recently took me on a surprise birthday trip for a night at the Inn at Little Washington. It was, in a word, breathtaking. Yes, we spent a lot of money, but the experience was pretty amazing. I know that there have been some conflicting reports on here about the quality of food, but I found everything to be quite wonderful. Many of the dishes came out looking not at all like they sounded on the menu. One taste easily identified it, and all the flavours were bright and vivid. I'm not sure the policy on linking here, but I took photos of the meal here: http://weblogs.dailypress.com/entertainment/dining/skat/blog/. While we probably won't go back (unless we win the lottery), I'm so glad we just up and did it. Truly, it was an unforgettable experience. Thu Sep 27 06:28:17 -0700 2007 32799 skat 1 2981818 Thanks for the report. We hope to make it there someday. The pictures of the dinner looked amazing. Especially that veal loin. Thu Sep 27 09:05:45 -0700 2007 2981167 56703 jaydreb 1 2981833 Oh, gosh those pictures make me so jealous! My brother just took my mother to dinner there (not me boo). I can't wait to go myself. I am glad you had such a good experience, and thanks for sharing the pictures!!! Thu Sep 27 09:09:05 -0700 2007 2981167 92426 ktmoomau 1 2982226 Superb write up and great pictures. Thank you! And your husband? Truly a cutie!!! Thu Sep 27 10:31:45 -0700 2007 2981167 22794 debit 1 2982388 A truly breathtaking account of your wonderful getaway. I'm in NoVa and will one day get there too! PS..you're husband's suit jacket is fabulous. www.piealamona.blogspot.com Thu Sep 27 11:02:52 -0700 2007 2981167 65673 monavano 1 2982525 OMG those pictures are sssooo nice. yum. Thu Sep 27 11:31:36 -0700 2007 2981167 51422 Jeserf 1 2984135 Great write up on your blog. Thanks for the information. I have to say the focaccia sandwich from Cafe Torino caught my eye as much as the food from the Inn! Thu Sep 27 18:31:15 -0700 2007 2981167 39874 chowser 1 2984242 jaydreb, it was very fine and very flavorful. Not scary-tortured-smithfield kinda stuff. ;) ktmoomau, I truly hope your brother makes that mis-step up to you very quickly! debit, truly my pleasure! Thanks for the (very true) words about my husband- he's the best person I know. Pie a la Mona: The jacket is Lily Pulitzer. It belonged to his grandfather when he was a very young man. Thanks, Jeserf. chowser, I was really happy to post about Torino. I'd never been in that direction before, and couldn't find any information on the particular route I'd be traveling. Or, more accurately, at where we could stop for lunch along the way. This was the sort of place that's heaven to pull into, after miles driving of plowing past fast-food studded by-ways. Thu Sep 27 19:29:22 -0700 2007 2981167 32799 skat 1 2984367 That looks like an incredible experience you had. I've been to the Inn a couple of times and it was great, but it's been a while. That being said, I'm not sure I'll ever go back (although with Maestro changing hands, I might have to!!). I tried to book a room there a couple of weeks ago for a weeknight in October for me and my wife's 10 year anniversary. I called and was immediately put on hold by a recording claiming that the receptionist was busy helping other customers and would pick up the phone soon. 30 minutes passed and I finally hung up. I then went online to request the reservation. They had a space for comments where I went ahead and commented that they shouldn't have put me on hold for 30 minutes AT LEAST (how long would I have remained on hold is anyone's guess!) and that they should just request the customer leaves a message and with contact info and will be called back. Well, I never got an email reply either. If they can't even pick up the phone and/or reply to an email, I think I have to stay away on principle! Thu Sep 27 20:33:15 -0700 2007 2981167 17318 food dude 2 2984831 That's really crap-tacular service, and very frustrating! Fri Sep 28 05:55:29 -0700 2007 2984367 32799 skat 2 2987138 I have been there, in fact the last time was just this week. It is too bad you encounterd such rare and uncharacteristic service. I always stay at the Inn and service has been flawless from reservation to parting gift as we leave. I hope you don't let your bad experience prevent you from having a truly memorable stay. Yes, I have had food as well prepared at other restuarants and service as good at other restaurants but the entire stay at the Inn combined with the food is a great experience. We use the occassion to stop at a few wineries each way on the trip from DC as well. Always a memorable and fun couple of days. PS: Skat's pictures were great. Brought back memories. Fri Sep 28 16:31:09 -0700 2007 2984367 12690 Dakota Guy 1 2985098 I could eat all of that. Looks great! Fri Sep 28 07:33:48 -0700 2007 2981167 102756 Pool Boy 1 2988829 A few months ago I had a $182 meal without wine by myself at the Inn at Little Washington. I was treated like a queen and the food and service superb. Traditional yet decadent...I understand the two owners are separating I don't know how this will affect it. I'm glad you did too, Tom S. of the Washington Post poo-poo's it. I hate his write-ups... Sat Sep 29 14:32:03 -0700 2007 2981167 56766 Pesel 2 2991971 The two owners went their separate ways a while ago. Service and food are still superb. Mon Oct 01 05:52:36 -0700 2007 2988829 12690 Dakota Guy 2 3024687 Oh my gosh, Tom never "poo-poos" it. He was very adamant, too, about stressing to people that despite the owners parting ways, it will remain. Thu Oct 11 08:06:32 -0700 2007 2988829 87249 katecm 1 3024344 skat, your blog is very nice. you write so well, making your experience come alive. i cannot, however, find your pics/discussion of dinner at the inn. please help. Thu Oct 11 06:26:26 -0700 2007 2981167 105717 alkapal 2 3024432 I am reading it now - try to copy & paste http://weblogs.dailypress.com/entertainment/dining/skat/blog/2007/09/part_3_dinner_interrupted_1.html Thu Oct 11 06:53:53 -0700 2007 3024344 12175 foster 3 3036084 Thanks for linking to it, foster! Mon Oct 15 11:32:00 -0700 2007 3024432 32799 skat 1 3025111 wow! that was ONE meal? thanks for the vicarious luxury. Thu Oct 11 09:53:00 -0700 2007 2981167 105717 alkapal