The Inn at Little Washington's Champagne Shuttle
Chef Patrick O'Connell in the Inn at Little Washington's kitchen.photo from theinnatlittlewashington.com
If I were Cinderella, I'm thinking my ride of choice would be a "Champagne shuttle" over the pumpkin carriage any day.
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be a guest on the Inn at Little Washington's new luxury coach service, aka the Champagne shuttle, which ferries diners to and from the restaurant, about an hour and a half from the city. That way you don't have to fret over such unglam details as transportation logistics.
In this fairy tale, my Prince Charming was chef Patrick O'Connell, whose restaurant, after more than 30 years, remains one of the DC area's most worthwhile splurges.
The luxe coach runs on select nights from the Jefferson Hotel downtown. Make a reservation for $100 per person (dinner is separate), and you'll board what feels a bit like a band's tour bus (only way tidier), with plush armchairs, a bar, a few tables and a mirrored back room where a TV runs a charming video about the inn.
Hit the road, the Champagne is popped and you can toast to not having to navigate traffic. Menus are presented, and you place your order onboard. That way, once you arrive, decisions are out of the way and the plates can start parading out.
Upcoming dates for the service are:
• Thursday May 10
• Thursday June 14
• Thursday July 12
Call 540.675.3800 to make a reservation. And thank your fairy godmother someone else is doing the driving.