My family decided that this holiday we would stay close to home. Having traveled extensively for business throughout 2015 we wanted to just spend a few days in the country to relax, reflect and spend quality time together. We picked Middleburg, VA because it is just an hour’s drive from Washington DC has a wonderful country ambience and great accommodations, shopping & dining to take advantage off. Further, if one likes to go horseback riding then Middleburg is true horse country. From beginners to advanced riders you can take advantage of the many options offered.

One of my favorites dining venues for lunch or dinner is the French Hound run by Chef de Cuisine John Gustin Birkitt who studied at the New England Culinary institute and worked in Napa Valley and France before opening the French Hound in Middleburg. Chef Birkitt has created a French bistro in a relaxed country setting with fantastic fresh food.

We had a memorable lunch consisting of the butternut squash soup, the baby arugula salad with warm goad cheese, the grilled salmon with a vanilla beurre blanc and the beef bourguignon, Each item was beautifully presented and so tasty. Who can go to French bistro without ordering the mouthwatering frites.

All diets came to a screeching halt when we ended our meal with the vanilla ice cream profiteroles with warm chocolate sauce and the molten chocolate cake with crème anglaise. Our lunch was perfect for the holiday weekend when we could relax have a leisurely meal and then just take a stroll through the city of Middleburg afterwards. The French Hound is truly a treat found in the country and I cannot wait to return!