Leesburg, Virginia. You thought I was going to say Paris, right? No, we actually went to Leesburg, Virginia for dinner. I know I mentioned in my last blog that was going to stay close to my hometown in Parkton, but it was my husband’s fault.
He requested an adventure for the day to West Virginia to watch racing at Summit Point Raceway. While driving there, I saw the turnoff for Leesburg, Virginia and I got my own idea for a “Yummy Reservation” after the races. I had been anxious to go back to a fabulous restaurant we discovered last year called Lightfoot. You’ve got to check out their menu on line at www.Lightfootrestaurant.com. Not your “same old-same old” menu selections, and definitely a touch of “southern” (like “Honey Ham Biscuits” as an appetizer).
What first drew us to try Lightfoot Restaurant was walking up to their front door. It was originally an old bank and the building dates back to 1888. As you venture through the big wooden doors, with the decorative iron scrolling above, you feel like you are walking back in time. Inside is elegant, romantic, intriguing and inviting all rolled together. You know from the start this is going to be a special experience. I can’t wait for you to see it!
Our original visit at Lightfoot was a casual lunch. I was not writing my blog at that time, but I do recall ordering their U.K. Ham & Cheese sandwich. Talk about comfort food! Check out the description on their website (very yummy). That lunch was enjoyable enough to dream about going back. Also, what intrigued me is that they offer, for those special occasions, a reserved chef table in their kitchen, which you can make reservations for up to 6 people. It’s like experiencing something totally out of the box when you’re a foodie like me. And I’ve got my “hint” in for birthday festival month for that.
This time, when we arrived, after a day of spectator racing, you can imagine we were not exactly dressed for a fancy dinner. Although I know it would have been acceptable, we still opted (especially since the weather was perfect) to eat on their outdoor patio. The outdoor decor is definitely “European style quaint” with lovely potted plants, and a stone fountain as you are escorted to your table; and we were very lucky to have an attentive and engaging waiter, Troy. (To me that even adds to the experience, don’t you agree?)
I know I’ve got you hooked – What did we eat? It was about 15 minutes before the dinner menu started, so we looked at both menus and were too hungry to wait. Plus, their lunch menu is still amazing. My hubby and I both ordered the “Lightfoot Spicy Creamy Tomato Soup”. The aroma was amazing when placed in front of me, and was sprinkled with homemade mini pumpernickel croutons. The taste was even more enjoyable and it did have a nice, manageable “heat” to it. We also split a Caesar salad, which was topped with an Anchovy Filet (if you choose), with fresh house made dressing.
For my entrée, I took a chance on their “Jumbo Lump Crab Cake”. I was not disappointed. It was not full of fillers and was accompanied with a butternut squash gratin and an apple-raisin slaw. On the side was a remoulade sauce that was the perfect balance with the crab cake. Being a Baltimore girl and having had my share of crab cakes, it definitely gets my approval! In an attempt to also eat healthy, my husband chose the Lightfoot Burger without a bun and added their “Applewood smoked Bacon and Cheese”. They also offer sides of sweet potato fries or zucchini fries, and he chose the latter. I was even allowed me to “steal” a couple. What a fresh change from regular fries – loved them! By the way, I was told the burger was fabulous!!
After we bid farewell to our Troy (and paid the bill), we strolled around the town of Leesburg. Seriously, what a great place to plan a little day trip, depending on where you live; or you should definitely think of making it a “delightful destination” for a weekend. The area in and around Leesburg is full of great wineries, little shops, historic sites and many more sidewalk restaurants and wine bars where you can make your own “yummy reservations”. I’m hoping to get in another weekend myself and sample some of the many other adventures in and around that area. For planning purposes, check out www.visitloudoun.org for suggestions on the local wineries and tasting rooms. If you are a Bed & Breakfast lover like we are, there are many to choose from so just do some research on line. I would be happy to help with any questions you may have. I wish you continued luck in starting your own adventures and making a “yummy reservation” and maybe even choosing a “delightful destination”!
Yummy Reservations and Delightful Destinations! 