Virginia ham? Psha.

No. Although I have had some while here and it's great.

I'm still in Virginia working outside DC, and just had the pleasure of family visiting, the husband included. My parents graciously treated us to several wonderful meals over the weekend. Here is a little recap...

Foti's in Culpeper (don't forget only 2 p's, says the Maestro)
I had some reservations regarding this place. A good friend had recommended it having gone there the previous week with his own family. We made reservations, and due to the removed setting of this small community we probably didn't need to, not a large amount of people in attendance, even on a Friday night. Coming in the "front door" we passed through a long hallway dotted with other shops, one being a really nice wine/beer shop, with local products as well as classic favorites (including Gruet!) The restaurant is a little dark, but very prettily decorated in a kind of late 1800's "pad" style. We ordered some aperitifs and a quick antipasto of plank roasted brie, which was quite nice. Then we had 2 orders of each, the duck breast with cracked pepper peaches, and pan fried soft shell crab with sweet breads. The soft shell crab was really lovely crispy goodness, and it's always able to eat the shell and all! Bottom up. The sweet breads I thought could have been crunchier, in opposition to their rich velveteen. For dessert I had pots du creme - 3 of them - all chocolate. We had a really nice Malbec to accompany per the Father's suggestion.

Thorton River Grill, Sperryville

We had been to this little bistro before for brunch, and they do have a great brunch. In mind for a bit more simpler dinner, we split salads instead of getting an appetizer, which were butter lettuce, blue cheese, and bacon. Very traditional American, but really charmingly executed. Three of us got the diver scallops for the entree. Since this is "good-ol-boy" country, they have fantastic portions. The plate came with four massive scallops, accomp with sugar snap peas and Israeli couscous. Cooked perfectly, and served in a sassy beurre blanc. The wine with this nosh was also very fitting, we did Riff's pinot grigio, crisp and light.

Iron Bridge Wine Company, Warrington

This might be one of my favorite meals out that I have had while living here this summer. We started out with a wine flight each. My mother and I each went for the Virginia trio, a Kluge blanc de blanc, a Viognier, and something else red who's name escapes me but was part Merlot and part Cab. All were great, though the nose on the Viognier was probably my favorite part of the whole flight. It was fruity and floral, without being to over powering. Sunday-Wednesday these guys do a 3 course for $30, and it's well worth it given you can have anything your little heart desires off of the menu. I did a diver scallop ceviche to start, which was sliced horizontally on top of a cold salad of roasted red peppers, watercress, onions and banana peppers, along side also was half of an avocado and some lemon. I thought it could have been salted a little better but the taste was light, but still indulgent. For the main I chose the rack of lamb, served with a cherry demi glace, asparagus and a fabulous cheese risotto and Yukon Gold potato cake which was fried. That cake might just have made my day. Dessert followed, I had a beautiful strawberry-creme filled crepe and a glass of Sauternes.

Who know rural Virginia foodies had it so good... Next time I'm pulling out the stops and doing the Inn at Little Washington, just for kicks. ;)