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by Paulspicer
Richmond, Virginia
September 4, 2004
In fact, the Zagat Guide of Washington Area Restaurants was so impressed with the use of local flare, that it gave the historic inn its highest rating – a rarity in the culinary circle.
Among the vintage china, sparkling crystal, and heirloom silver you’ll find traditional southern dishes, all stepped up a notch to meet culinary excellence. Pick your passion, most often served as a six course meal, and dine in one of the many unique options – the elegant Dolley Madison Dining Room, the sunny Jefferson Library, the more causal Clark’s Tavern, or my personal favorite – the antebellum veranda overlooking the Victorian gardens.
The menu rotates, but look out for the use of their famous house Virginia Peanut Vinaigrette, and any dish that might have a hint of New Orleans, as Chef Dawn is from the city that never sleeps and regularly throws in Cajun influences from time to time. Bourbon glazed quail, pan roasted rack of lamb, and the mustard seed crusted tenderloin are always a good bet.
And as always, save room for dessert…..as the homemade ice cream and apple cobbler is simple country perfection.
Best of all, if you stay at the inn you can always take a bottle of wine back to your room, or return to the kitchen at a late night hour for a snack. Pretend you’re at home living in a historic Virginia plantation!
And if you can’t sleep, return to Clark’s Tavern in the wee hours of the night and ask about the local ghost stories, as Willow Grove has its fair share of spook along with spectacular.
From journal Willow Grove Inn -- Upscale Southern Accomodations