The Inn at Little Washington: A Culinary Jewel Maintaining Its Michelin Crown

The Inn
M
iddle & Main Streets
Washington, VA 22747
540-675-3800

American | $$$$

Inn at Little Washington Main Building
The culinary world continues to celebrate the unmatched brilliance of The Inn at Little Washington, which has retained its prestigious three Michelin stars for the seventh consecutive year. This recognition solidifies the Inn’s position as the pinnacle of fine dining in the Washington, D.C., area and among the elite few in the United States.

A Legacy of Excellence
Nestled in the quaint Virginia town of Washington, just 60 miles west of the nation’s capital, the Inn owes its legendary status to the relentless dedication of chef and proprietor Patrick O’Connell. Over the past 46 years, O’Connell has cultivated an environment where culinary artistry meets theatrical elegance, ensuring that every guest’s experience is as memorable as it is delicious.

In a statement, O’Connell expressed pride in this enduring recognition, noting how each accolade serves as fuel for innovation and a testament to the Inn’s commitment to excellence. As of 2024, The Inn at Little Washington remains the only three-star Michelin establishment in the D.C. region, joining a prestigious list of just 14 such venues in the United States.

The Art of Hospitality
The accolades are not merely for the cuisine. Renowned chef and author Jacques Pépin, a long-time friend of O’Connell, lauds the Inn for its warmth and hospitality, describing it as “a great place to go over and over again.” This balance between sophistication and approachability has made it an international destination for gourmands and travelers alike.

Chef Thomas Keller, a Michelin-starred luminary in his own right, praised O’Connell as a visionary, noting his unwavering commitment to a singular establishment. “Patrick transformed The Inn at Little Washington into what it is today—a masterpiece,” Keller said, highlighting O’Connell’s dedication to both culinary and experiential perfection.

Creating Dreams, One Plate at a Time
The Inn’s attention to detail extends far beyond the kitchen. From the meticulously curated ambiance to its world-class service, every aspect of the guest experience reflects O’Connell’s pursuit of perfection. Chef Eric Ripert, another three-star Michelin chef, described O’Connell as “relentless, passionate, and unstoppable,” marveling at his ability to bring dreams to life for his guests while living his own dream.

A Destination Worth the Journey
For food enthusiasts, a visit to The Inn at Little Washington is a rite of passage. Its reputation for excellence, paired with its scenic location in rural Virginia, ensures it remains a beacon for culinary pilgrims worldwide. With its unwavering commitment to innovation and hospitality, The Inn continues to set benchmarks for others in the industry to aspire to.

In retaining its three Michelin stars, The Inn at Little Washington reaffirms its place not only as a regional treasure but also as a global icon in fine dining. Chef O’Connell’s passion and dedication ensure that every guest who steps through its doors embarks on an unforgettable journey, one that blends artistry, hospitality, and a touch of magic.

Alias Never Disappoints

Alias Farm to Table
7150 Farm Station Road
Warrenton, Virginia 20187
(540) 422-0340
https://aliasvinthill.com/

American | $$$$

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Service at Alias is first class.

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And just like that, two hours later it was over. A feast that will take you on a flavor rollercoaster. Try to get a reservation as soon as possible. You won’t be disappointed. You’ll leave wondering where is Chef Stephen’s  Michelin star.

Breakfast at Lucile’s

Lucile’s Creole Café
544 Briggs St.
Erie, CO 80516
720-484-5469
https://www.luciles.com/

Creole | $

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With seven locations around Denver, chances are you are close to an awesome breakfast. We enjoyed their location in Erie, CO.

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My morning started  with an excellent cup of coffee. Full-bodied yet smooth.

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Who isn’t going to order Beignets in a Creole restaurant?

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Perfect, as good as you will find in New Orleans.

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Blueberry Hoe-Cakes griddled in bacon drippings.

20240914_083624Peach Shortcake Pancakes layered with Macerated Palisade Peaches and topped with Marsala Whipped Cream, Pecans, and Peach Syrup. My wife loved the peaches.

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I had to go with the Carlin County—Chef Mikey’s Sausage Gravy over a Buttermilk Biscuit with Grits. The dish, off the menu, comes with red beans but I’m not a beans for breakfast kind of person so I got extra grits. The grits were buttery and needed just a hint of salt. The sausage gravy was off the charts. The sausage was super flavorful with just a little spice to it. The biscuit was perfect and reminded me of the ones you find in hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop restaurants across the South.

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Owner Michael Micer, Chef Angelica Bautista, and Sous Chef Quinn are crushing it in the kitchen.

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The staff was super friendly and everyone pitched in to get it done. Our hostess cleared, checked on us, poured coffee, and fetched things guests needed all the while keeping a watchful eye on the door. It is pretty clear the staff’s goal is to get you great food in a comfortable setting and get you out talking about coming back.

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There is a great outside seating area weather permitting. Come early. We got there around 0800 and were seated right away. Within 15 minutes there was a wait building. I am sure all their locations are great, but I highly recommend the one in Erie.  It’s a great place to start your day.

Mile High Pizza

High Mountain Pies
115 W Fourth St.
Leadville, CO 80461
703-486-5555
https://www.hmpies.com/

$ | Pizza

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A block off the main drag in Leadville, CO, is the best pizza around. At 10,154 feet, Leadville is a funky little oasis and the highest incorporated town in the country.

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Popular with the locals, they’re not kidding when they say the “line is out the door.” That’s where they put their menu.

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It’s not a large space; there are just a couple of tables inside. The staff is awesome. They work well together and are always checking on us.

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We ended up with a couple of medium Carnivores—a bit much for four people. One large would do the trick. But the leftovers later that night were great. This pepperoni, ham, bacon, and sausage pie was cooked perfectly. Watching the kitchen, everything coming out—wings, salads, and submarine sandwiches—looked great. The chef told me all the ingredients are fresh, and the dough is made in-house.

If you are anywhere near Leadville and looking for fast casual dinning you want to make sure you drop by High Mountain Pies. You won’t be disappointed.

How to Reheat in an Air Fryer: The Complete Guide

Leftovers are great, but reheating them can be a challenge. Sometimes, you wind up with a soggy mess, especially if you’re using the microwave. That’s where the air fryer shines. You’ll learn how to reheat in an air fryer quickly and efficiently and make your leftover pizza taste just like it did when it was fresh.

Source: How to Reheat in Air Fryer: The Complete Guide

How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label | FDA

Percent Daily Value on Sample Label

Here is a good explanation of the information found on nutrition labels required on all packaged food sold in the United States. I see very few people looking at the labels when shopping. Most seem to only look at sodium content, which is good, but serving size is also important. I once saw a product with several hundred milligrams of sodium, which I thought was low until I saw a serving size of two tablespoons.

Source: How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label | FDA

Baked Sweet Potatoes from Once Upon a Chef

Golden and crisp on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, baked sweet potatoes are a versatile, nourishing side dish that deserves a spot in your meal rotation. Sometimes, the simplest things are some of the best. Here are step-by-step instructions if you have never baked them before or a reminder to pick some up soon.

Source: Baked Sweet Potatoes

The Best Instant Pot to Buy In 2024

When you hear the words ” Instant Pot,” you automatically think of an “electric pressure cooker with a silver body and a black lid”. The first Instant Pot model, released in 2010, embodies that description. Though many current multicookers share that aesthetic, Instant has released more than twenty-five new models since then, all with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Instant Pot Eats has great recommendations for choosing the best one for you.  The Best Instant Pot to Buy In 2024

New Iberia Kitchen

New Iberia Kitchen
3 River Lane
Sperryville, VA 22740
(540) 227-6647
https://www.newiberiakitchen.com/

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20240405_125832Located in the old River Arts building, New Iberia Kitchen is a fresh addition to the growing dinning scene in Sperryville, VA. Starting as a food truck, this permanent location will bring joy to those who don’t like to eat standing on the side of the road.

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Our first shared appetizer were these delicious Eggplant Beignets.  Dusted with powered sugar, they  were awesome.

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These Boudin Balls are a Louisiana staple. They are wonderfully seasoned sausage and rice breaded balls, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Similar to what many know as Arancini.

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I chose the Karl Burger. Karl’s burger is a 4oz patty with bacon, cheddar cheese, onion rings, and apple BBQ sauce. Cooked to perfection, it was lean but tasty. The apple BBQ sauce had a mild sweetness that was a perfect complement to the salty bacon.

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The chips were home-made.

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Everyone else opted for the Friday Lunch Special, Catfish and Butter Beans. The breading was light and had a great flavor. All three said they would order it again.

If you are looking for a nice drive in the county and want to bypass the expensive dinning options in Washington, VA keep going ten minutes down the road to Sperryville and New Iberia. You won’t be disappointed.

How Long Does It Take Instant Pot to Pressurize? Quick Guide

How long does it take Instant Pot to pressurize? It’s a burning question on the minds of new Instant Pot owners everywhere. You’re excited to try out your shiny new appliance but don’t want to wait all day for it to come under pressure and start cooking. I get it. Many users forget to factor in the time it takes to pressurize in timing out their meal.

Source: How Long Does It Take Instant Pot to Pressurize? Quick Guide