Savoring food and consuming service - Willow

by YankeeJim | February 13, 2011 at 04:32 am

101 views | 0 Recommendations | 0 comments

It’s the time of year for those special romantic dinners at a favorite restaurant.

Many people in the DC Metro area dine out regularly because they are working professionals and don’t have time to cook, or as often, dining with friends, clients, and associates is a part of urban social networking where all of that e-messaging comes to life.

So, when you want to have a truly special experience with the love of your life, you have to raise the bar.

My choice is Willow. It is an elegant design with a touch of good times harkening to days of luxury with lots of wood and draperies. Most important, the experience begins and ends with service, from coat check to chocolate dipped strawberries and heart shaped cookies to take home.

Server, Marc Jean, with an authentic South of France accent was our guide to the evening specials. We began with sparkling wine to enhance the festivity. While the appetizers all sounded wonderful, being diet conscientious we opted for a pear salad with goat cheese. The pear was poached in a balsamic marinade and the goat cheese was creamy and drizzled with alternating balsamic over a crispy array of special greens and topped with glazed pecans.

The table was provided with an assortment of tasty breads as fresh baking is a feature here.

Talking and sipping the bubbly, we ordered differently to experience the contrast in menu items.

She: Norwegian haddock and lobster ravioli – with fresh peas garnish

Me: Ossobuco and veal chop – with polenta and fava bean garnish

Dessert choices were many, though we opted for pineapple upside down cake with homemade vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce.

Server Marc was supported by a food server and water and table service server so there was nothing lacking.

The ambiance and noise level were comfortable throughout, and walking home was especially healthy.

http://www.willowva.com/

“What a neighborhood gem!

by bkreilly , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

We live only a few blocks from Willow, so during this winter's many snow storms, we decided to check it out. We now go to Willow on a regular basis! Willow has some wonderful food and wine, and the best way to take advantage of it is at the bar during happy hour. There are bar bites, cheaper glasses of wine (and rail drinks!), and delicious appetizers. The bar tenders are knowledgeable and super friendly.

I've eaten in the main dining room a few times - but find it better fits my wallet during Restaurant Week (as the entrees can been a little pricey). Overall, Willow is one of the nicest places to eat in Arlington, and their happy hour definitely makes me happy :)”