The Wine Kitchen, 7 South King Street, Leesburg Virginia.
Last week I had planned to meet a friend here at the Wine Kitchen for lunch. It was kind of a rainy Friday, so I took a seat and ordered a cup of green tea. The place had a warm atmosphere made more so by my server, Ryan who stopped by to say hello. I told him I was waiting for a friend. After about 10 minutes I decided to go ahead and order my lunch thinking that my friend might have been delayed somehow.
I really appreciate a menu that is progressive in that it offers all organic and locally grown food and wines. What really sets this restaurant off from others is the healthy choices throughout the menu. I recently had learned that one of the co-owner's wives graduated from the Institute where I am currently attending school and had remembered reading about this menu and its effort to bring healthy, but fun choices to the table. I know why the menu is the way it is...In checking their website I noticed that they offer Lunch and Learn Nutrition classes by a nutrition coach. Bravo!
I had ordered the daily special which was perfect for a rainy & damp day: beef pho in a ginger and lemongrass broth with thin noodles. This was lovely and light. Now I happened to have a pair of chop sticks in my purse that day so pulled them out and proceeded to enjoy my lunch. Ryan came over and made a comment about the chop sticks saying that he was impressed I also carried them. He said that he never goes anywhere without his own pair of cherry wood chopsticks!
Beef pho served with a spoon...bring your own chop sticks and eat in style
That reminds me of how important it is that we focus on the food we eat and taking our time to eat and appreciate what is before us. The noodles were light as could be and the broth was slightly sweet and aromatic with the ginger and lemongrass.
For dessert I chose a passionfruit creme brulee that did not disappoint! The brulee on top was just a light lacework of sugar, melted to a perfect state. The creamy and slightly citrus taste of the creme completed the profile. Served with the lightest biscotti with dried cherries was more than enough.
Passionfruit creme brulee with dried cherry biscotti
Today's lunch was a pleasant surprise. I had heard about Wine Kitchen, but had not stopped here. I am proud to live near a town who has places that cater to a more discriminating public who wants higher quality and healthy choices in local food. This is the place to come.
If you want to try a restaurant with a local food menu, try the Wine Kitchen next time you are in Leesburg and bring your friends. Healthy local food at its very best!
Variety is the spice of life
indulge in great living whenever you can...