inn at little washington

To continue the birthday celebration and in anticipation of Valentine's Day, Richard and I ventured out in Washington, Virginia to dine at the Inn at Little Washington. We have wanted to try the Inn at Little Washington since we moved to the DC-area, as it is consistently ranked as one of the area's top restaurants (and places to stay). This year it was the Washingtonian's number 1 pick, and a designation we found to be well-deserved. It was by far the nicest meal I've ever had, and it will probably be quite some time before we can afford to go back. But I'm glad we got to experience it while we were here!

outside shot of the Inn

personalized menu

happy to have a date night

our view of the prettily-lit outside courtyard

I didn't take a picture of our first few courses, but to start I had a beautiful beet salad, complete with a beet sorbet. Richard had a lamb caesar salad with caesar salad ice cream. The chef also sent out a pork belly appetizer, a shot of the best soup I've ever had- a rutabaga and apple concoction, and his version of chips and dip, with a bit of caviar. Our second courses were a mac and cheese with virginia country ham and foie gras. Richard's main course was a deconstructed beef stew with tenderloin and bone marrow, and mine was a seared tuna. Delicious. 

fancy tuna

Then came dessert...Richard ordered the Seven Deadly Sins, a sampling of the Inn's favorite sweet treats. And he didn't share one bit.

a whole lot of goodness

That was ok, since I had my own butter pecan ice cream sandwich with chocolate and caramel to contend with. 

loved the happy birthday sign!

one of the more creative things I've seen- a "doggy bag" in the shape of the inn filled with miniature treats

enjoying the warm fireplace

one last parting shot...hopefully one day we can come back to stay!

a very happy birthday indeed

Given how much as I dislike January, I always look forward to the arrival of February. I don't love the cold weather, but despite the fact the numbers keep climbing higher and higher, I do love celebrating my birthday. In the past, my birthday has caused some conflict in my relationship with Richard because of my huge birthday expectations. This year, I was determined just to be happy with whatever he planned, but he truly outdid himself. Unbeknownst to me, he coordinated a big party, complete with mailed paper Lilly Pulitzer invitations, flowers, homemade treats, a delicious caramel cake from South Carolina and a ton of our close friends in attendance. 

The day started off a little hectic when Richard got stuck at the hospital, and then we spent the afternoon with our little friend Anderson, whose mom and dad both were on call and got called in. Having a fifteen-month old in the house makes for some interesting party coordinating, but it all came together (even if it meant my hair/makeup/outfit weren't quite perfect!). We had such a great time, and I am so thankful for a husband who cares so much about the details and sweet friends to celebrate with.

Lilly invitation and pink and green flowers

USC Law is well-represented in DC, and these friends make me feel right at home

loved having friends from the Gowdy office past and present attend

general surgery friends

I hate I didn't take a better picture of the spread. Richard had arranged a fruit tray, made pretzel, m & m, and hugs treats, dipped s'mores and ordered pink and green polka-dot cupcakes from our local bakery. Too cute!

lighting the candles

I was fairly sick the week before my birthday, so I honestly had a little trouble blowing out all my candles. Hope that doesn't mean I won't get my wish!

lots of fire

love this man...

and this incredible 7-layer caramel cake from Caroline's Cake

with our friends the Kwoks- 4 y.o. Julia signed my card all by herself

general surgery chiefs, spouses and tiny Sam, only a couple weeks old

Anderson, my companion for the day, and his mom Ashley, who had delivered a baby just a few minutes before

with the "ortho" wives- Gus, Lauren and Amy- will miss these girls when we all go our separate ways next year

team ortho and Richard