Foodie happiness

So, I'm a self-proclaimed foodie (as evidenced by my big, fat ass), so I am way excited about the news this week that I was able to come off the waiting list to go on a trip to the Inn at Little Washington on the 22nd. It's an all-day excursion, starting with a local vineyard tasting and cheese nearby and ending up at the Inn's five-star, one of the top 10 in the world restaurants, for a five-course meal with wine flight. I was looking through the sample menu (I assume it changes based on seasonal availability) and WOW. Now the big question... do I select what I know I'll love to eat (for example, on the sample menu I could eat lobster for almost every course) or do I take advantage of the opportunity to try some things that foodies rave about and I would never actually but or make (like fois gras)? So... safety to get a fabulous meal or going out on a limb to broaded my horizons? I am seriously torn.

Last night was Friday Wine and Dine again, and while it was way too dark at my table, here's the menu. The wines this time were a mix of California and Italian, culminating in a wonderful sparkling wine that honestly reminded my not-so-sophisticated palate of the time I got to try Dom Perignon. I could drink it all day and night...

After starting with cheese and meats, the evening proceeding with four courses, including mini Chesapeake lump crab cakes with chili tarragon aioli, cream of leek & wild mushroom soup, braised beef short ribs with stone-ground cheddar grits and wilted greens, and apple & toasted walnut galette with ice cream.

Another nice dinner and evening, and though I tend to be the only single at these events, I always meet nice folks from the university and community. Gotta love Second Fridays!