A Class Act in Every Way

We are blessed with some really terrific places here in central Virginia. Relative to the actual population, I think we have the highest quality restaurants of any place I've been, and I've been in many places over my many years. New York and Boston have, of course, world-class eateries, but good old C'ville has a few that hold up under the toughest scrutiny.

I've typically used my nights at The Four Columns Inn in Vermont as a gauge for seriously upscale places (The Four Columns' guests include some serious big names--Mick Jagger spent his 40th birthday there). For style in an elegant but not overwhelming manner, The Four Columns sets a high mark.

The Clifton Inn meets that mark.

The Inn's history is one well worth checking into--I won't presume to bore the reader with a summary. Suffice to say it's very old and very connected to Virginia events. But do note that it has a connection with the area's iconic figure, Mr. Jefferson.

Now for dinner. The start is an easy wait in a front room (parlor?) of the main house. Drinks and horsdeorves are served as you sit in a room that has the perfect old Inn feel. After an appropriate waiting period the chef comes in and announces the evening's offerings. This is truly fun: the chef gives you a wonderful description of the food and it's preparation, including the origin of much of the fare: they tend to use local produce and meats, many of an exotic variety. After giving us the exactly proper amount of time to confer on who would get what (these people know what they are doing), you are graciously ushered into the dining area. The charm of the veranda, even on cold nights (the fireplace does a laudable job of keeping the place warm) is incomparable.

The staff are knowledgeable and skilled--they, coupled with the remarkable food, make for a night that is well worth the cost (which is not insubstantial). If you have to ask how much, you probably don't want to go there.

I won't go into the specifics of the food--the menu varies significantly--but rest assured, you will not be disappointed. If you're trying to get on the good side of major bosses or demanding in-laws, take them here. You cannot go wrong.

It's perfect