July 13 2008: ....and rightly so.   The Inn at Little Washington was America's first 5-star restaurant and remains one of  definitive benchmarks of American gourmet.  I wouldn't classify myself as a true gourmand, nor have I ever been swept away by cutting edge concept-cuisine -- you know, that "runner's high" of the culinary world where you experience transcendental bliss by taste bud ecstacy.  (And yes, I've BEEN to the French Laundry, thank you very much :).  )

So, while I was prepared for a superlative dining experience @ the Inn, I was not ready for the alimentary juggernaut that unhorsed me there.  I just can't muster up enough heavy-handed phrases to describe the dish that laid my expectations to waste, so I'll just put it out there : Tuna Pretending to Be a Filet Mignon.

And there you have it. Savor the abstract coyness of the dish's moniker and buy into every syllable -- as literally or figuratively as you like...it won't matter once you taste it!  

The moral of this review is this : if you are ever in the DC area and are game for an expedition to "Little Washington" (think: middle of NOWHERE, 50 miles outside of the city) then by all means, secure your mode of transportation and thank me later.

Date of stay: July 2005
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Friends/Group)

September 20 2007: The Inn at Little Washington is between Charlottesville and Washington DC off Skyline Drive.  The town it's in is almost nonexistent with only a few galleries and antique shops, but the hotel is truly a gem.  You go there for the cuisine.  We stayed there only one night and that is what I would suggest for anyone else - particularly at the steep prices.   The room price includes tea upon check-in and breakfast in the morning.  The food is incredible - the meals are interesting and fresh, with mostly local and seasonal ingredients.  Make sure to schedule far in advance.  If you want to go on a Friday or Saturday you'll probably need to call at least 3 months in advance.  Also, for dinner you should request one of the booths.  Some of the tables are a little close together.  Hands down some of the best food and service in the world.  I think they are in that book "Things to do before you die"...

Date of stay: June 2007
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Partner)