One Block West

No, I'm not giving you directions. Its the name of a restaurant in Winchester Va near where I grew up.  Winchester is not exactly a bustling metropolis nor is it known for its fine cuisine. In fact I would categorize it as a small college town (home to my alma mater Shenandoah University, originally a music conservatory) full of country folk to put it nicely. Though I will give Winchester credit that over the last few years they've grown up a bit in trying to compete with nearby counties Loudoun and Fairfax.  However they still have a ways to go.

wild boar terrine

Israeli couscous risotto

This is why, when last month my family wanted to get together in Winchester to celebrate my parents 41st wedding anniversary, I was a little skeptical that we'd find a decent place appropriate for the occasion.  But my sister assured me she would find a couple good choices.  And she came through. We decided on One Block West.

seared fois gras

crab cakes and fancy slaw

There is a section of Winchester called Old Town where there is a quaint outdoor mall with neat little shops and restaurants and coffee shops.  Well, just "one block west" of this mall is the restaurant One Block West...hence the name...

osso bucco complete with marrow in the bone

wild mushroom puff pastry

I was pleasantly surprised (after having to walk down a dark alley) to arrive at this romantic and elegant yet comfortable setting, where my parents, my sister and her husband were waiting for Superking and I.  I was also pleased to learn that the menu is very seasonal, often changing daily, because the chef and owner takes pride in finding and using local fresh ingredients from local farmers markets. The menu even includes wine pairings from local wineries in and around the Shenandoah Valley.

rabbit cassoulet with brussel sprouts

port and blue cheese tasting plate

caramelized orange upside down cake

The food we had was great.  We've had better especially for the price.  It seemed a little expensive.  I don't mind shelling out the big bucks for quality, especially seasonal, food but I felt like we've gotten more for our money elsewhere. Having said that, the food was still very good, the atmosphere was nice, and the company wasn't too bad either ;)  One Block West is definitely a surprising little gem in an unlikely place. Happy 41 years, Mom and Dad!

chocolate truffles for the road

Left to right: Me, Superking, dad, mom, sister Lisa, her husband Scott

The Dairy Corner

The Dairy Corner is a frozen custard stand owned by Pack's Frozen Custard.  Does this sound familiar to you at all? Probably not unless you're from the Winchester, VA area.  I grew up near there and its pretty small-town.  The biggest thing Winchester is known for is the Apple Blossom Festival it puts on every May. The whole town shuts down for the entire weekend and there are parades and carnivals and craft shows and steam engine shows. And people come from all around to see the pretty pink blossoms covering the trees like pink cotton candy.

But if you're a home-towner like I am, you've at least heard about Pack's as well.  The other day, Superking and I went for a drive out to the country to visit my parents and we ended up in Winchester, right where Rt. 81 intersects with Rt. 7 (2 major highways of the area).  And as we're crossing over 81, something glimmers in the corner of our eyes.  What could it be? Frozen custard, of course!! So we quickly made a U-turn and pulled over to get some!

I love my country background but Winchester is not exactly known for its culinary prowess, let's say.  So when you find a gem like this, it should be well noted.  The Dairy Corner has this 1950's vintage charm on the side of the road and probably some of the best frozen custard you will ever have!

You feel like you've just gone back in time and you almost expect to see some bright red 1954 cadillac coupe de ville with shiny chrome and white wall tires pulling in to the parking space next to you.  Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a lot of information on the history of this place.  Though my family has lived in that area for over 30 years and its been there at least that long, if not back to the 1950's.

The frozen custard has such a rich creamy flavors! Apparently banana is one of their best selling flavors (though I'm not a banana fan) but they also offer other fresh flavors like peach, strawberry, and mint. Superking went simple with the chocolate vanilla swirl...simple but amazing!

This was the SMALL cone!!

I had a black raspberry shake...very berry and creamy! The perfect treat on a hot summer day!

If you're ever out that direction, you must put on your bobby socks and poodle skirts and stop to get some frozen custard!  Well, I guess you can forget the bobby socks and poodle skirts, but not the custard!!!

big old tree next to the building where they had a few picnic tables