Wine and Spirits Travel

It had been a while since I’d spent any time in the Nation’s Capital, and even longer since I’ve visited the attractions, so when my niece, Alea, began college there, I thought it was the perfect time to spend a few days with her in Washington D.C. . I took an early morning flight to Washington Reagan airport. I was picked up at the airport by a friend and colleague I hadn’t seen in a while, Julia Coney. My first stop in DC was lunch at Brasserie Beck . Julia had been here and raved about it, but it was my first time. I decided to start with a cocktail and their Pear Ginger Fizz ( Ketel One Vodka , Pear Ginger Cinnamon Shrub, Honey Syrup, Soda Water, Lemon) was as good as it sounded. We shared the Roasted Farm Beet Salad, which included sheep’s milk feta and candied walnuts, and was topped with a maple walnut vinaigrette. It was perfect for the spring-like day. Julia raved about their burgers and decided to get one with the Belgian Frites, which come with

My entire trip to Virginia had been packed to the brim, but no day proved to be busier – or more interesting – than the final one. The morning started at Society Fair Epicurean Emporium in Alexandria . I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am with this place. I have never seen anything like it and can’t imagine that I will again. The Eat Good Food Group has managed to put together in one spot a combination of food and drink items like no other, many of which are from their venues. Did you love the bread pudding at Virtue? It’s here. Can’t live without Todd Thrasher’s Tonic from PX? Buy it at Society Fair. Craving the birthday cake served at Restaurant Eve or the coconut cake from Majestic? You’ll find it on the shelf. In addition to supplying the homemade products sold in the restaurants, you will also find a full bakery, cheeses, a selection of sausages from Julian the butcher, a wine bar and a coffee counter. You can take out or stay (I enjoyed a latte and a