Let’s Toast to the New Year!
Part of a culinary experience is beverage procurement. So Taste of Blue Ridge reached out to our culinary partners and asked them for fun winter cocktails for the new year.
Hunters Head Tavern – Upperville, VA
A beautiful drive in Virginia is a trip to horse country. The Hunter’s Head Tavern is a must-bar stop with fireplaces going in every room. A real experience is when the Hessians drop by after one of their reenactment events. Wednesdays are “We Drink Whisky and Sometimes Scotch” specials. Your palate will be satisfied from an Ayrshire Hot Dog or an Ayrshire Seared Steak to a healthy salad.
One of my favorite bars because of its unique seasonal cocktails. Thanks to Caleb Spangler and James Baker for this fantastic holiday recipe.
Restaurant Info: Hunter’s Head Tavern is open 11:30 am-9:30 pm Sunday – Thursday and until 11 pm Friday and Saturday. Enjoy new menus each season and when weather permits spend an evening on the pet-friendly patio!
Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Co. – Shepherdstown, WV
Besides a bar, the Bavarian Inn Resort and Brewing Company has a beautiful fireplace, relaxing couch, and chairs for friends to settle in. Christian Asam, General Manager, has created a special winter martini. If you are a brave soul, you can also head outside to their firepit with a request for smores. Winter gives the resort a unique character to enjoy should you want to spend a night or two.
Restaurant Info: The Bavarian’s various dining options are open daily 7 am – 9 pm. Rathskeller Bar is open 5-9 pm Thursday-Saturday. Reservations are highly encouraged.
The Vagabond Kitchen – Wheeling, WV
Many thanks to Chef Matt Welsch, our friend from Wheeling, West Virginia. Matt owned Vagabond Kitchen and was our featured guest chef in 2021 at “Grilling and Chilling” Root to Table event at the Bavarian Inn.
Restaurant Info: The Vagabond Kitchen is open 4-9 pm Wednesday & Thursday / Friday & Saturday 4-10 pm /Sunday 11 am – 3 pm.
Lilah Restaurant – Shepherdstown, WV
Lilah’s is a Shepherdstown favorite both for the locals and visitors. After opening the restaurant in 2020, Connie Heyer, owner, has successfully made the restaurant a popular spot, including their nationally recognized “Brunch” by Southern Living. Other favorite events are their “Drag Show Dinners.” In addition, Lilah’s will offer its third Mixology Class on May 5th over the Root to Table Culinary weekend.
The tagline – “Food – Drink – Community” sums up the essence of your culinary experience. Lilah’s is dog friendly so bring your best friend along too. They are taking their winter vacation and reopening on January 17th.
Restaurant Info: Lilah is open for Lunch Fri-Sat 11:30am – 5:00pm / Dinner Wed-Sat 5:00pm-9:00pm / Sunday Brunch 10:00am-3:00pm
We Wish You a Happy New Year
If you are getting cabin fever this winter, think about an evening of bar hopping. First, pick a location and several good restaurants to experience their bar scene. Next, select a designated driver, and head off to several restaurants to taste their popular cocktails with some excellent appetizers.
