Marshall, Virginia, Has Gone Gourmet


The latest trend in the Virginia countryside is the gourmet transformation of sleepy — and mostly previously ignored — Marshall, 11 miles south of Middleburg at exits 27 and 28 off Interstate 66.
Consider the scrumptious signature Moonshine Cake at the celebrated Red Truck Bakery, owned by Brian Noyes. Next door, entrepreneur Sandy Lerner closed her Middleburg Home Farm Store and now has a small army renovating the old Marshall Bank building to open Gentle Harvest. The new food and drink emporium will feature organic, locally grown and raised produce, meat and poultry.
Across Main Street, the Whole Ox is a sophisticated butcher shop during the day and a cozy bar and bits-and-bites restaurant in the evening. You’ll find frenched rib lamb chops and skirt, rib eye, flank, filet and strip beef, among other cuts.
At Field & Main, Star and Neal Wavra have created an upscale dining experience from field to table, with seasonal entrées such as hearth-fired squash with charred broccoli, roasted carrots and fresh goat cheese and pork roast, served for parties of two or family style. The two have also opened an adjacent Chicago-style hot sandwich walk-up shop, Riccordino’s.
Before departing Marshall, consider this: many true locals flock to the Old Salem Café for a rib-sticking breakfast served up by Kevin Whitener. And don’t forget Nick’s Deli, where you’ll run into D.C. politicos and journalists who weekend in the area. Pam’s fried chicken is perfect for fall tailgates.
In the chic village of Little Washington, internationally acclaimed artist Anna Weatherley will host a show and sale of her exquisite hand-painted porcelain at the Inn at Little Washington Tavern Shops on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 2 to 5 p.m. That’s also the final day of their fabulous farmers’ market.
We can’t ignore Middleburg completely, so mark your calendar for a holiday shopping spree Nov. 3, 4 and 5, when Emmanuel Episcopal Church parish house will be transformed for its 68th annual Christmas shop. Think fashion, jewelry, garden accessories, toys, books, antiques and ornaments from around the world. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with $5 admission.

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