Patrick O’Connell and The Inn at Little Washington:

Washington, Virginia, Jan. 11, 2018 -- Just weeks after the legendary Inn at Little Washington opened 40 years ago, a DC restaurant reviewer wrote:  "Once in a great while there comes along a restaurant so good that you worry.  You ask yourself, was everything that happened a series of fortunate flukes?  Or, if it's that good, will it crumble under the pressure of success?"   

This January 28th will mark the Inn's 40th Anniversary and some people are still worrying.  How can a place which has won almost every accolade in the hospitality world, including five James Beard Awards, five Diamonds from AAA, two Michelin stars, and has become the longest tenured Five Star restaurant in America continue to evolve and surpass itself year after year?  

Therein lies the opportunity to answer that question from long ago. There have been no fortunate flukes in the Inn’s unprecedented four-decade run.

Over the course of 2018 we will celebrate Patrick’s 40-year legacy as the “Pope of American Cuisine” with four events focused on philanthropy, historical preservation and relationships.

A Magnificent Dream begins: January 28, 2018 – The festivities will launch on the actual day of the Inn’s birth with an intimate “family and friends” dinner featuring some of the Inn’s greatest dishes of the last 40 years.  A reception sponsored by Dom Perignon and Petrossian Caviar in our Tavern building where George Washington once danced will precede the dinner which is open to the public at $375.

Mount Vernon - Bringing History to Life:  June 16, 2018

Our first large-scale event celebrates America’s founding father, who as a young surveyor laid out the streets of “Little” Washington. A spring garden party on the lawn at Mount Vernon will recreate the experience of being a guest at Washington’s table in the 18th century.  Much of the produce served at the dinner will be used from the estate’s gardens which have been cultivated for more than 250 years. Top chefs from across the country will be present and honored as Culinary Pioneers. The night will conclude with a fireworks display over the Potomac River.  French Ambassador Gérard Araud will serve as Honorary Chair.

Innstock: September 2, 2018

Channeling Woodstock, the next anniversary event will feature a “family reunion” of former employees of the last 40 years who will return to the mothership to create an outdoor feast.  This culinary food festival will be open to the public and will showcase the work of the next generation of alumni.  Virginia’s premiere wine makers, bonfires, a rock concert and “glamping” in our “Field of Dreams” will be additional highlights. For anyone who didn’t get to experience Woodstock, Innstock may be the next best thing.

Vaux-le-Vicomte - A Spectacular Soirée: September 30, 2018

The capstone event of The Inn’s 40th year will celebrate Patrick’s deep affinity for France. Vaux-le-Vicomte is a 17th century chateaux outside Paris where in 1661, Louis XIV was honored with a party that is thought to be one of the greatest events ever created.  We will channel the original party with a feast inspired by the actual menu served to the King.  Only 150 guests will relive this experience when they dine by candlelight in the dining room of this magnificent castle.  The evening will conclude with a fireworks display.

In addition to these events, The Inn’s 40th year will also mark the launch of Patrick O’Connell’s charitable foundation which will focus on historic preservation and the culinary arts. The first major gift will benefit ongoing preservation of Mount Vernon, through the work of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.  www.theinnat40.com

PHOTO GALLERY: http://theinnatlittlewashington.com/press40.zip

FOR INFORMATION ON TICKET SALES, PLEASE CONTACT: 202-459-0853 or [email protected]

FOR MEDIA QUERIES, PLEASE CONTACT: Annette Larkin @ 540.675.5228 or [email protected]

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/795ad531-ddfa-499d-9962-1323a00d49b3

Annette Larkin
The Inn at Little Washington
540-675-5228
[email protected]