An End of Summer Reunion

Me, Momma Singleton and my friend, Keli

When I met Keli in 1997 in Bumstead Hall at Clark Atlanta University, I knew she would be a lifelong friend. She was a fellow DIIIIIVAAA and we really got to know each other on the Dorm Step Team. Here we are 21 years later – still one of my best friends.  When I am in the country we try to meet once a year.  Last year Mom and I went to St. Louis, where she is from, so this year Keli and her Mom blessed us with a visit to Virginia.  Mom and I could not wait to host these two and the weekend was FABULOUS! 

They say, “Virginia is For Lovers” because you truly can get everything you love in Virginia – and what we chose to love was history, wine, good food, amazing scenic views and moonshine.  (Well the moonshine was in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia, but more on that later).

Richmond, VA - Food and History 

Hundreds flock to Washington DC to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture but did you know in Richmond, VA there is a wonderful option:  Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (122 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23220, http://blackhistorymuseum.org/).  It is less crowded, interactive and their gift store sells reasonably priced purses, shirts, shoes and earrings created with traditional African materials (kente, chitenge, etc) as well as  featuring art created by local Black artists! You can buy the tickets online or upon arrival for $10. Unfortunately, during our visit the second floor was closed as they prepare for a new exhibit which is set to start 28 September:  Fighting for the Right to Fight (http://blackhistorymuseum.org/event/fighting-for-the-right-to-fight/). I would highly recommend a visit!

Keli finds a plant in the corner and sees a photo op …

I clearly support this haha

After the museum, it was time to eat.  What better place to have a late lunch than Momma J’s Kitchen (http://mamajskitchen.com/)! The restaurant was a short walk from the museum.  We had a 40 minute wait as the location is small but the wait was worth it! The food was amazing!  Mom and I both enjoyed the fried pork chops.  I enjoyed mine with rice and collard greens while mom ordered a side of macaroni and cheese as well as collard greens.  The macaroni and cheese was AMAZING and I almost wish I ordered that instead but with my pork chops smothered in homemade gravy, the rice was perfect! For dessert, please request the homemade buttercream on buttercream cake – it was moist and amazing!  We were advised that their homemade coconut / pineapple cake is their #1 seller.  Now to figure out WHEN I can return to try a slice of that cake!  

I asked for the gravy on the side...trying to be responsible LOL

It's wine time!

Sip, sip away Saturday

The rain, rain, went away (thank you for skipping us Florence!) a\nd this meant we were ready for a beautiful day in Purceville, VA – it’s wine time! First vineyard up, Breaux Vineyard: https://www.breauxvineyards.com/!  The view at Breaux Vineyard is gorgeous! My friend and I enjoyed a standard wine tasting and we both really enjoyed a wine that was not on the tasting menu:  2013 Meritage.  It is a bold, big bodied wine.  Great for pairing with steak or simply sitting and catching up with friends.

Tasting Menu

Wine and a View

Meritage 2013

Hey ladies!

After enjoying a tasting, a bottle of the 2013 Meritage and catching up, we all decided it was time to move to the next vineyard which was less than a mile away – 868 Estate Vineyard: https://868estatevineyards.com/.  This vineyard was very accommodating when it came to the tasting options.  They allowed one of us to only do white wine, red wine as well as an Elevated tasting which included sweet and salty bites paired perfectly with their wine.  I would suggested the Elevated Tasting as the nibbles were delicious and paired very nicely with the wine.  My favorite pairing was the 2016 Merlot (what? MERLOT?? Yes, Merlot) with the red wine poached sackel pear, goat cheese and truffle oil.  So many flavors that compliment each other and the pear was perfectly crisp.

Elevated Tasting Bites

This tasting may or may not ruin your appetite but if it does not, please do yourself a favor and dine at the restaurant on the property – Grandale (https://868estatevineyards.com/grandale-restaurant/)!  Mom started the party by ordering the Prawn Charmoula.  The prawns were perfectly cooked and the sauce was spicy, buttery, perfect.  Keli enjoyed the Mesclin Salad.  The strawberries were sweet and this sweetness was perfectly joined by the saltiness of the goat cheese and pecans. Momma Singleton opted for a small meal so she chose the Short Rib Poutine and enjoyed every single bite! “These sweet potatoes remind me of my own… I have not had sweet potatoes this good outside of my house!” She was impressed!  For dinner my mother ordered and very much enjoyed the Duck Breast.  My friend Keli and I both enjoyed the 6oz Filet Mignon.  It was perfectly cooked and accompanied by fingerling potatoes and asparagus.  You would think we would not have room for dessert but we did!  The table shared the Three Berry Crème Brulee and the Cheesecake drizzled with fresh honey and granola.  Please skip the crème brulee and spoil yourself with the cheesecake.  It was the best cheesecake I have ever had! The honey provided just enough sweetness and the granola a special crunch with the crust.  Amazing!

The Prawn Charmoula

Mesclin Salad

Short Rib Poutine

6oz Filet Mignon 

Duck Breast

Thre Berry Crème Brulee

The Cheesecake.  Please save room for this!

OK now we are full and ready for one last tasting.  We cross state lines and enter Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.  Why?  Moonshine and Gambling ha Before checking into our hotel and going to the Casino, we stop at the Bloomery Distillery (http://bloomerysweetshine.com/).  The tasting is free and while the pours appear small, trust me, that is all you need.  We tasted 9 (yes, NINE) different moonshines and they were amazing!  I purchased my favorite three:  Cre (botanical goodness – think “will pair well with gin!”), Ginger Shine (sweet and spicy, like biting into fresh ginger) and Crema Lemma (reminds me of a creamy limoncello – a creamy after dinner option).

There really is not a reason to talk much about the casino haha (I did win my money back plus $160 so I left happy ha).  Keli learned (somewhat) how to play roulette and apparently I should bet on RED.  It was hard to find a poker table that was not overcrowded but next time she learns to play poker!

Spa Day Sunday

Finally, no vacation is complete with a little spa time.  The day before departing, Keli and I enjoyed 90 minute massages at Stafford Massage and Healing Arts (http://staffordvamassage.com/).  This is my regular go to for a massage as well as for facials.  Of course Keli really enjoyed her time there as well!  Not only are they reasonably priced ($105 for a 90 minute massage) but there are other services such as an oxygen bar, energy work, a meditation room and much more.  The energy is cleansing and they are here for your overall well-being.   This is also where I purchase my sage and other herbs to purify my home, bedroom and general space. After the spa we enjoyed wine, sake, sushi and girl chat.

Spa Time

Sushi Time

All in all it was an amazing long weekend, filled with love, great chats, hugs, food, wine and bonding. We are in talks about our next Mother/Daughter adventure, but it is looking like July in Chicago 2019! 

"Close friends are truly life's treasures". Vincent van Gogh

The Cocktail of the Weekend: The Snow White Bite Martini
 (2oz Vodka, 1oz Crown Apple, 1oz Sour Apple Pucker and a dash of orange bitters.
Shake with ice, serve straight up).  
**Just give me credit if you use recipe and photograph** XOXO 

West Virginia: Wild, Wonderful and Decadent

Greetings from Virginia!  As many of you know, I spent a few, much needed, weeks at home with family and friends.  The time flew by but I was definitely able to enjoy quality time with many loved ones!  I will compose another entry with more details but this entry is focused on the spa and wine getaway enjoyed by Mom and I -- West Virginia -- wild, wonderful and decadent!

As I planned my trip home, Mom and I discussed taking a short drive to West Virginia.  I brought up the idea of going to a bed and breakfast, seeing what West VA has to offer ... more than just the casino.  After doing some internet browsing we chose Hillbrook Inn (http://www.hillbrookinn.com/).

Prior to arriving, we booked 1) facial and massage appointments upon arrival, 2) 5-course dinner with wine pairing for Friday night and 3) wine tour for Saturday afternoon. We were NOT disappointed! The property is green, serene, private and idyllic for a peaceful getaway.  Just what I needed!  We arrived an hour early so we ventured immediately to the spa to enjoy our facial and massage.  After being in the car for 2 hours, that was a great idea!  The massage was ok - I would have preferred more pressure but the facial was amazing!  The spa uses great products which left my skin dewy (http://www.hillbrookinn.com/spa/spa-products/)!  I actually purchased two of the products to take home with me!

After the spa we formally checked in and upon check in we were greeted warmly with a smile, a welcome drink (prosecco and fresh fruit juice) and an offer to tour the property.

The Hillbrook Inn has quite an interesting history! Hillbrook Inn was actually built during the 'roaring 20s' by Brigadier General Frank E. Bamford on land that was once owned and farmed by President George Washington!  He designed the house after an inn he stayed at frequently after World War I in Normandy.  While there, of course, has been updates and modifications, it remains quaint and gorgeous!

Warm guest welcome

Sitting room and bar

Fine dining

Sunroom - breakfast with a view!

After our welcome drink and tour, Mom and I went to the room.  We chose the Tranquility Cottage. The room was very nice offering a full kitchen, large bathroom complete with jacuzzi tub, vanity mirror and sink, plus a large shower that offered four pulsating jets. The bedroom offered a large queen bed and fireplace.  There was also a queen pull out sofa in the sitting room.

After we settled in, we changed our clothes and made our way back to the main house for the 5-course dinner with wine pairing.  The 5-course dinner with wine pairing was a total of $110 per person.  But my oh my was it decadent!

The menu.  We were prepared for our taste buds
to be amazing and they were!

My gorgeous mother

Pre-appetizer: chicken salad with cucumber
on toast.  It was really good.  We wanted
another bite!

Wine pairing for courses 1 & 2.
Perfect pairing!

Course 1.  The salad was quite good.
The pesto was fresh and provided amazing flavor!

Course 2:  Before this meal, I had never heard of vichyssoise.
The server explained it is a thick soup made with
pureed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream and chicken stock.
It is traditionally served cold but can be served hot.  Ours was
served cold but I wish it was served hot!  It was good and I am
glad I tried a new dish!

Wine pairing for Course 3.

Course 3:  swordfish.  This was only ok.
I felt my swordfish was overcooked and
was rubbery but the flavor was good so
I enjoyed half of the dish. It really paired
well with the wine choice!

Wine pairing for Course 4.

Course 4:  rib-eye.  Now ... anyone that knows me
KNOWS I like my meat medium well.  When they
served the rib-eye medium I thought "oh no..." BUT
I was not going to insult the chef and ask for it to be cooked longer.
So I picked up my steak knife, sliced a small bite, closed my eyes and placed
the small bite in my mouth.  My eyes opened in surprise - AMAZING!
The collard greens were also perfect!  The wine pairing was well chosen!
Mom and I could do this dish over and over and OVER again!

Wine pairing for Course 5.

Course 5:  Bourbon pecan blondie with blueberries and
fresh cream.  Wow, perfect ending to this delicious meal!
I actually enjoyed the bubbly paired with this dish after dessert.
Overall a very decadent AND enjoyable meal!

After dinner Mom and I ventured to the casino.  Lady Luck must have taken off that night ... I digress haha

The next morning Mom and I woke up, got dressed and arrived at the main house for our 9:45am breakfast sitting.  I have never been to a bed and breakfast before and to be catered to was quite nice! I advised them I do not like eggs, oatmeal, cooked fruit and mushrooms.  The chef modified breakfast both mornings to ensure that I was able to enjoy breakfast. They also added my preferences to my guest profile so that if (WHEN) I ever return my preferences would be on file.  Both mornings Mom and I chose a table in the sunroom so we could enjoy a view of the grounds.  We were lucky to also see cardinals, bluejays and butterflies dancing on the sunbeams ...

Breakfast course 1:  french toast with
warm blueberry maple syrup, fresh OJ
and coffee.

Breakfast course 2 for Mom:  mushroom,
rocket and cheese quiche with bacon.

Breakfast course 2 (for me):  fruit cup
(raspberries, blackberries and grapes), bacon,
swiss cheese and pastries.

Breakfast course 1 (day 2):  fresh, flaky,
cinnamon pasty with icing and blueberries.
This was REALLY good!

Breakfast course 2 (day 2)  sausage and fresh
peach halves.  Mom ate most of the peach --
I knew she wanted it because she kept staring,
coveting haha  (not pictured is Mom's second course.
She enjoyed a potato and sausage egg bake)

On Saturday, after a wonderful breakfast, Mom and I relaxed and walked the grounds a little before they picked us up at noon for the wine tour.

A game of chess anyone?

Queens

The wine tour is $85 per person and covers transportation to three wine farms, all tastings and cheese tasting at the first farm.  I would, OF COURSE, recommend the wine tasting tour!  We went to three farms:  Northgate (http://www.northgatevineyard.com/), 8 Chains North (http://8chainsnorth.com/) and Doukenie (http://8chainsnorth.com/).  After enjoying the wine at all three farms, Mom and I agreed that Northgate winery was our favorite!

Northgate:  award winning!

Northgate:  the cheese tasting.

Mom posing at 8 Chains North.

8 Chains North views.

8 Chains North:  chocolate and wine pairing.
Mom and I actually enjoyed the chocolate more
than we enjoyed the wine ...

Doukenie views.

Doukenie:  time to taste some wine!

Doukenie:  comforting inside view.
The wine was just ... ok.

After a wonderful wine tour, Mom and I returned to the room to relax, hydrate and get dressed for dinner.

Mom and I decided to enjoy yet another decadent dinner.  We called our taxi and went to the casino. We made our way through the casino and to The Final Cut steakhouse (http://www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/dining/Final%20Cut). Dinner for two (pictured below) was $200 (tip included) and was worth every.single.bite (or sip)!

To ... cleanse the pallet ... a glass of
Tiamo (prosecco).

Soup:  broccoli with white cheddar
crouton.  This soup was AMAZING.
Full of flavor, great texture and the
crouton was so so good!

Salad:  Cesar.  WHY are their croutons
so big and so delicious!  The salad is a good size
so Mom and I easily split in half.  The pictured is half
portion.

Family size side:  truffle macaroni
and cheese.  When I say this was the best thing
I ate all weekend -- TRUTH!  I tried to stop eating it.
I failed ... failed miserably haha but SO WORTH
EVERY CALORIE!  A must try!

Malbec with my steak.  Great wine -
great pairing!

Main course:  Mom and I both selected the 8oz filet.
I chose a pepper sauce while Mom chose the hollywood steak
sauce.  We did request medium well (some habits are hard
to break) and the steak remained juicy, tender and full of flavor.

After dinner, bellies full, Mom and I thought we would look for Lady Luck again. She, clearly, remained 'out of the office' the second night as well haha but this time we played longer with Mom enjoyed roulette and me enjoying poker.

While Mom and I may have lost at the casino, we definitely WON the weekend!  We planned a decadent weekend in West Virginia and that is exactly what we enjoyed! Upon our return we found the Hillbrook Inn listed at an amazing rate on Living Social! If you purchase now, you must travel until December 22 - it is a great deal! If I were going to be home from Zambia earlier in December, Mom and I would book again for a winter stay!

If you are on snapchat, follow me at: pmkenney79!  Have a wonderful week!