Orange County restaurant specializes in savory satisfaction
November-December 2024
Ahi tuna ceviche tostada
Chilled ratatouille with Gruyére
Espresso-rubbed bison striploin
Peach melba tart
by Peggy Hyland, Contributing Columnist
Nestled on a hillside on the edge of the Piedmont, Vintage Restaurant & Pub blends its historic surroundings with modern tastes. The small menu focuses on seasonal offerings, so every dish is packed with fresh flavors prepared with a sophisticated touch.
The main dining room is elegantly apportioned with supple leather couches and exposed brick walls. There are also several smaller, more private dining rooms for more intimate events and family gatherings.
We settled in to peruse the beverage menu, which featured creative cocktails and mocktails, along with a well-sourced and diverse wine list with offerings for any budget. The service was attentive and helpful. Vintage’s attention to detail is evident in even the simplest of things: our breadbasket came with inventive kinds of butter, including a fantastic red pepper one that we could not resist. We were then presented with a chilled ratatouille with Gruyère while we worked our way through the many enticing options on the menu.
My companion began with the beef tartare, which was perched atop a fried potato cake. This was no ordinary potato cake — it was delicate, silky and exquisite, a splendid base for the luscious beef. I opted for the ahi tuna ceviche tostada, with delicate fish, zesty pineapple and fresh cilantro, a tropical/Asian treat. The meal was served leisurely, so we savored every bite before moving on to our mains.
I was drawn to the roasted pork tenderloin, which was supple and tender. It came with caraway spaetzle, butter-poached beets, apple and confit garlic. The beets were fabulous on their own, and the whole dish was a harmonious triumph. The combination of coffee and meat captivated my companion, so he opted for the espresso-rubbed bison striploin. It had a lovely char on the outside, with a lean and silky texture on the inside. The earthy rub perfectly complemented the meat, paired with perfectly crisp-tender haricots verts (French green beans) and crispy shallots, and a sensational sweet potato soufflé.
For dessert, I went straight for the peach melba. It had a delicate, flaky crust, salty Marcona almonds on top, and a delicious freshly whipped cream garnished with thinly sliced peaches and raspberries. He chose the blueberry parfait, the perfect combination of sweet and tart. It was silky smooth and garnished with candied fennel and a crunchy streusel topping.
Vintage Restaurant offers lunch and Sunday brunch and private tasting menus, with or without wine pairings. If you are staying at the Inn, you can book a tasting experience as part of your stay.
I have fond memories of coming to the Inn at Willow Grove for Easter and Mother’s Day brunches with my grandmother and I was so pleased to see that a place that delighted me as a child could also delight me as an adult. Whether this is a destination or a day trip, Vintage Restaurant will delight you too.
Vintage Restaurant & Pub (The Inn at Willow Grove)
14079 Stones Throw Dr., Orange, Va.
Phone: 540-317-1206.
Got a restaurant for Peggy to review? Let us know at [email protected].