Month: May 2014

Red Apron Butcher

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Red Apron Butcher
8298 Glass Alley (Merrifield)
Fairfax, VA 22031
703-676-3550
http://www.redapronbutchery.com/

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The first location in Virginia for the popular DC based Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s charcuterie deli and butcher shop is worth a stop when you are in Merrifield.

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Butcher Nate Anda has done a great job of getting only the highest quality meats, fresh pasta, and prepared meals.

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They offer an array of breakfast and made to order sandwiches. Check out the menu here.

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My wife and I split the incredible Porkstami sandwich, made of Pastrami Style Pork, Mustard Aioli, Bacon Braised Sauerkraut, on a Baguette. I am not a big sauerkraut fan but this was the best I have had. Not overly sourer as some can be. We were not hungry enough to order fries but I understand the Nate’s Fries cooked in aged beef fat are awesome.

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Even if you don’t grill or do much cooking it is worth stopping at any of the 3 Red Apron Butcher locations for a splendid lunch.

My First 100% Biodegradable Wedding

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My wife and I were invited to an amazing event last weekend as part of nearly 100 friends and family who watched Christina and Devin tie the knot. The light rain on our drive to Madison, VA broke on queue just before the beautiful ceremony. My blog title may seem a little farfetched but this truly was a one-of-a-kind experience. Everything was hand-crafted, created, or repurposed right down to the officiant who was Christina’s 3rd grade teacher and now a vice principal at a local high school. The best part is it wasn’t a gimmick. It’s how Christina and Devin live their lives, a huge impact on those who love them and minimal impact on their environment.

Sure the band used some electricity and there were twinkly lights strung around the tents so no one would hang themselves on guide wires. Other than that everything could be repurposed or recycled.

Attendees sat on hay bales covered with linens the bride’s mother handmade.

All the plates, napkins, utensils, and cups were 100% biodegradable. Tablecloths were made of book pages and old topographical maps.

Guests were asked to bring a covered dish and the response was wonderful. We dropped off our dish in the kitchen when we arrived and everything was arranged with no worries. When it was time to leave we stopped by the kitchen and found our dish washed and ready. Luckily Christina and Devin have many friends and family who are wonderful cooks and foodies.

Round One! Each table had fresh cut flowers from friends and family gardens and the table runners were made by Christina’s mother Bonny from Goodwill linens.

Just to be clear this wasn’t some vegetarians only get together.

 

Christina made this wonderful lemon wedding cake.

Having any event with near zero environmental impact is hard work and not for everyone. It’s the reason weddings are a 40 billion dollar a year industry. Its easier for most people to just buy stuff. We’re blessed to have friends not like everyone and who worked so hard to make this a special day for Christina and Devin and all who joined them.

Merrifield Café for Brunch

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Merrifield Garden Center Café
6895 Wellington Rd.
Gainesville, VA 20156
703-368-1919
http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com/

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Tucked away in a back corner of the Gainesville Merrifield Garden Center is the delightful Merrifield Café. Manager Chance Warhurst, grandson of Merrifield co-founder Bob Warhurst, has done a superb job of creating a small dining oasis in the midst of a bustling nursery. Open year round with about 25 seats, it is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch 7 days a week. We often visit on Sundays after church to avoid the crowds at chain restaurants. They offer an array of fresh salads, made-to- order sandwiches, and breakfast items all reasonably priced. Coffee is always free and the most expensive item on the breakfast menu is $6.00.

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Four of my favorites for brunch.  Large fluffy pancakes, great French toast with bacon, omelets with an assortment of fresh ingredients, and a killer sausage breakfast sandwich.

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My favorite sandwich for lunch is the hot roast beef and cheese with a tasty sweet mayo. My wife raves about the lamb gyros. Honestly we have had nothing that wasn’t great­­, which can make ordering a dilemma at times. If you can go a little early getting there before noon is best. Lunch can be busy with locals and tradesmen from the area who know they can get an inexpensive fresh high quality lunch quickly. Summer means patio seating is available so there is plenty of room. Merrifield has always been known for their wide selection of high quality plants, it’s great they have taken the same approach to the Café.