The Shenandoah Valley local farming community has been busy this year preparing for an authentic Shenandoah Valley Thanksgiving. We can procure so much of our harvest dinner from Farm to Table. Fields of Athenry is supplying us with some super White Turkey (the breed) this year which we will be brine and roast with our special blend of herbs and seasonings from the fields and garden. In a playful way we are de-constructing the usual sides and finding fun and whimsical ways to showcase some traditional dishes.

Smoked Hickory Syrup Foie Gras

Hickory Syrup, harvested from local hickory trees will be featured on this year menu. We have been loving it for its nutty smokey flavors. The process unlike maple syrup which is tapped, is made by smoking hickory bark and harvesting the syrup. It is just fabulous! Wild boar, sweet potato confit, Pumpkin butter, with fresh foraged Juniper Jus, mushroom bread pudding and funyun powder and smoked hickory syrup foie gras make this a truly mouth watering feast. Arrive early to the Shenandoah Valley and take a crisp walk at the Virginia State Arboretum before or after dinner, just minutes from our Northern Virginia Bed & Breakfast.

Call early for reservations: 1-540-837-1375. We will be serving from 12:00-7:00 pm.

We all should take a few minutes to be thankful for all the blessings of the year. Here at L’Auberge Provencale we also will be sending our prayers to our fellowman in New York and New Jersey who are still facing so many challenges.

Pinot Noir Grapes Ready for Harvest

I know you are all used to hearing about the “Pinot Camp” in Willamette Valley and know it is impossible for the general public to attend; so we are bringing “Pinot Camp” and Wine Dinner to you here at L’Auberge Provencale, our Virginia Wine Country Inn. This dinner will be Pinot 101, with stories about the wine makers, the tradition of Oregon Pinots, the structure and elegance of a grape that has found it’s home here in America. You can take notes or just come and enjoy!

On Sunday, December 9th, Tom the “Pinot Guy” from Roanoke Valley Wines will be introducing you to some of the best Pinot wines from their extensive portfolio. Our dinner starts around 12:45pm for a meet and greet and sign in with a glass of Pinot Noir bubbly, followed by a seven course dinner featuring local and seasonal offerings to marry with the wines.

Our last couple dinners have been sold out, so book early to make sure you have your reservations. This is a great way to start the holidays with just a day away from the stress of shopping and decorating. Reward yourself and come and enjoy the camaraderie with our friendly group of foodies.

As an added bonus we are throwing in a maverick during one of the courses. If you can guess what it is and where it is from you have a chance to win a L’Auberge Provencale goody basket of our house made jams, jellies, oils, vinegar, and coffees we have been producing this year.

Call early for reservations: 1-540-837-1375.  If you want to stay the night at our Northern Virginia Bed and Breakfast we are offering a 15% discount on any room available. Just mention “Camping” when making your room reservation.

We are not sure they will be driving their Ferraris but on Sunday, August 5, 2012, we are going to Italy for an afternoon gathering of fine food, fine wine, and fine conversation at our Virginia Wine Country Inn.

These Ferraris were lined up in Monaco just roaring to get to L’Auberge Provencale, our French Country Inn and Restaurant for our Al Fresco dinner. Chef Benedict Zappone and his team are creating Italian family recipes paired with fine wines from Italy presented by Jason Bise of the Country Vintner.

As one patron told us yesterday, “I have been to wine dinners a lot, but yours is so different. The food is terrific, the best, and the wines are paired perfectly.”

Our recent wine dinners this summer have been quite a hit, and you may want to reserve early for this event as it is booking up fast. (Winey and Cheesey think as fast as a Ferrari.) It is a great way to spend time with family and friends gathering in the Shenandoah Valley for a leisurely afternoon. Life at it’s best. Come join us…there is no passport required.

To whet your appetite, here is the menu for the afternoon in Italy..

An Afternoon Gathering in Italy

Sunday August 5, 2012

On the Table:

Bruschetta

Our Garden Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Balsamic Vinegar

Nino-Franco ‘Rustico’ Prosecco,    Veneto

First Course:

Proscuitto and Garden Melon

Fields of Anthenry Beef Carpaccio- Mache, Capers, Pecorino Romano, Truffle Vinaigrette

Coreggia Roero Arneis 2011,   Piemonte

Arepe Rosso di Valtellina 2009,    Lombardia

Second Course:

Grilled Summer Vegetables from The Inn Garden-Eggplant, Zucchini,

Yellow Squash, Red Peppers, Olive Oil, Balsamic

Wild Mushroom Lasagna with Mushroom Cream Sauce

Massone ‘Masera’ Gavi 2011,   Piemonte

Sperino ‘Uvaggio’ Lessona 2008,     Piemonte

Third Course:

Pan Seared Bronzini and Herb Gnocchi-Shiitake Mushrooms, Fava Beans, Lemon Butter

Risotto Alla Piemontese- Meat Broth, Nutmeg, Parmesan, Truffle

Contratto Brut 2007,     Oltrepo-Pavese

Vajra ‘Albe’ Barolo 2007,    Piemonte

Fourth Course:

Rabbit Cacciatore Over Soft Rosemary Polenta, Tomato, Olive, Peppers, Red

Pollo Potenza-Braised Chicken, Tomato, Onion, White Wine, Pepperoncino, Basil

Parsley, Pecorino

Venica Pinot Grigio ‘Jesera’ 2011,        Collio

La Giaretta Amarone della Valpolicella 2008,    Veneto

Fifth Course:

Lamb Osso Bucco with Pappardelle Pasta, Lamb Jus

Veal Valdostana-Veal Cutlet with Ham, Fontina Cheese, Lemon Butter

Elena Walch ‘Kastelaz’ Merlot Reserve 2001,    Alto-Adige

Vie di Romans ‘Flor Unis’ Bianco 2009,    Friuli

Dessert:

Tiramisu- Biscotti, Peach Sorbetto

La Spinetta ‘Quaglia’ Moscato 2011,      Piemonte

Call to make Your Reservation at our Italian Wine Dinner: 800.638.1702

At this time of year, one can really step into the world of Provence at our French bed and breakfast in Virginia: L’Auberge Provencale!  Just think of this list of  five things that bring you to the South of France and our bed and breakfast near Washington DC has them all:

• The beautiful scent of the lavender in full bloom in our French gardens.
• The Provence water and olive oil pottery containers with a profusion of flowers.
• The orchard with summer fruits basking in the sun and bursting with flavor.
• Our herb gardens thoughout our French bed and breakfast in Virginia with sage, thyme, rosemary, basil, scented geranium, thai basil, fennel (just  to name a few).
• Fresh L’Auberge Provencale tomatoes, hot from the garden, picked at 4:00 and served to you at 6:oo.  Is there anything fresher than that?

It is the perfect time to visit L’Auberge Provencale and experience all the delights of Provence, with no passport required. And don’t forget our wine tasting dinners. July brings us to Spain on Sunday, July 8th, from 1:00-5:00. Cavas, Tapas and Paella on a sunny afternoon Al Fresco. Look for July to transport you for an afternoon gathering of friends, food, and wine of Italy. That will take place on Sunday, August 5th. Make reservations early for these special events as seating is limited.

And when you come to dinner you will notice we have completed the change of the Peach room into our new Sun Room, with new fabrics from Provence and the Ochre from Rousillion painted faux on the walls. The warmth of the sun indoors is all here at our French bed and breakfast in Virginia.

Come out to our romantic Virginia restaurant to celebrate the one who means the most…your MOM! We will be serving brunch and dinner on Sunday, May 13th at our Virginia Wine Country bed and breakfast inn.

Brunch will be served from 11:30-2:30; Dinner 2:30-8:00 pm. The Mother’s Day Menu will feature local produce, local procured meats and seasonal ingredients. What a time of year to feast on Fresh foraged greens, Morels, Asparagus, Rhubarb, French radishes, and great greens and herbs from our own gardens and farms of the Shenandoah Valley. And don’t forget our secret house-made Bloody Mary Mix served with Peppered Vodka or perhaps a Provence Royal…Rose Petal Champagne.  For Dad, we have a great selection of microbrewery beers and 98 Scotches and Bourbons.

You may want to stop by Blandy Farm, the State Arboretum, for the Mother’s Day Plant Sale and Garden Fair. The weather is supposed to be beautiful on Sunday and a stroll through the Arboretum and perhaps purchasing an indigenous plant from our great state of Virginia makes the day complete.

Give us a call and we will be happy to secure your reservation! We will have Al Fresco dining available that day, weather permitting. Experience a day in France just minutes away. If the kids aren’t in town we still have a few rooms left. Why not rekindle the romance and enjoy at getaway with the love of your family life at our Virginia Wine Country inn!

Due to popular demand, our Cooking Classes have now been extended until June 14th 2012, including a one night stay in any available room or suite #1 thru #8 at our romantic Virginia wine country bed and breakfast. The classes start at noon; followed by a wine and cheese social; ending with a gourmet breakfast for two the following morning. Dinner can be arranged but is not included with this special.

A $650.00 VALUE

This Special only $399.00

Call for Available Dates

540-837-1375

Plan to attend our next wine dinner & tasting Sunday May 6th, 1PM – 5PM!

After a very successful Bordeaux Wine Dinner this past Sunday March 4th.We are offering the next event onSunday May 6th featuring Rhone’s.

CELEBRATE WITH your friends at the Rhone Wine Dinner and Tasting, Sunday May 6th 2012 1PM until 5PM. Enjoy a lovely 5 course dinner with wine pairings. A Blind tasting to win special door prize. Enjoy dinner at our world renowned French Restaurant in Northern Virginia!

The first Living Social Cooking Class at our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast was held Wednesday Dec 21.

The participants’ summary of the hands-on experience was “Perfect”, “Fabulous”, “What Fun”…

They enjoyed working hard at preparing:

-Roasted Squab

-Coffee Scented Macomber Turnips

-Glazed Chestnuts

-Brussel Sprouts

To the left you can see Chef Jacob Jananski tasting the fare prepared by guests at our Shenandoah Valley Restaurant.

Argentina Asado & Wine Tasting

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

2PM- 6PM

Join Madame Celeste Borel, Senor Gonzales, and the Chefs of L’Auberge Provençale for an afternoon on the terrace…Traditional grilled meats and seafood will be served buffet style, while you sip bold and hearty Argentinian wine and enjoy one last summer day dining Al Fresco.

LIVE MUSIC BY THE J.N.G.’S

CALL TO RESERVE NOW, LIMITED SEATING

540.837.1375

$125 per Person

$165 On ANY Premier Room or Suite

Valid only on stay Sunday, September 25, 2011

Includes Gourmet Breakfast for Two at our Shenandoah Valley Inn

Must attend wine tasting. Not valid with any other discount.

Check In 3:00pm    Check Out 11:00am