We had my birthday dinner at the Inn at Little Washington a couple of weeks ago. The Inn was kind enough to do a somewhat individualized menu for us, and I feel inclined to gloat about the meal, which was fabulous, even by the Inn’s usual impeccable standards.

We started off, of course, with truffle popcorn. Really, dinner at the Inn would be complete with just a giant vat of this. Who needs a real meal?

truffle popcorn

But, no, we had to continue on with a shot of chilled English minted pea soup (which wasn’t exactly not delicious, mind you).

English mint pea soup with Parmesan tulle

Served along with these was a Legret champagne, Blanc de Blancs.

Next up was the spicy sesame crusted ahi tuna tartare with cucumber sorbet. The wine was a Pinon Vouvay from Trios Argiles. It was surprisingly good for a white wine. (I know—did I mention I was high maintenance?)

ahi tuna tartare

The fourth course was a Fricassee of Potato Gnocchi with Wild Morel Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Slivers of Virginia Country Ham. This dish was divine. The wine paired with this dish was a Cadre The Architects Pinot Noir.

gnocchi with morel mushrooms and Virginia country ham

The entrée was a Jamison Farms Lamb Loin with Potato Puree, Spring Vegetables and an Onion Jam. We served a 1998 and 2001 Rudd Oakville Estate Cabernet side-by-side with this dish.

lamb loin with spring vegetables

And for dessert, there was A Spring Fling: A Miniature Rhubarb Cobbler, Limoncello Pudding Cake and Strawberry Ice Cream. I prefer fruit desserts over chocolate desserts (which the family members whose names start with J consider heresy), so this was perfect, both seasonally and for me. The wine was a Steindorfer Cuvee Klaus Eisewein.

trio of spring desserts

It was an extraordinarily memorable dinner!