Nurturing my inner... local paris in the springtime

Since I went on a couple of small vacations, you're going to notice more restaurants and treats in my blogs than my home cooking. Just for a bit, while I catch up.  Not that there won't be any made from scratch meals, because I have a few particularly yummy things I did manage to whip up here and there.  But I have also been to some wonderful places this spring and summer, so I wouldn't want you to miss out on them.  One of them is in Culpepper, Va, in the Spotsylvania area. It's About Thyme Cafe.

French bistro - ooh la la!

The exterior had a cute, Parisian like cafe feel.  Small awning.  Little table and chairs.

Not sure if the neon is authentic.

Now for credentials of the chef: cooking education at Le Cordon Bleu.  How's that for hoity toity.  (The good kind, of course.)

This is some serious education.

Enter... the doilies again.  What is with them?  They are only cut paper, but I guess they evoke a feeling of class.  Eh, I care more about what is on them.  Even a paper bag presentation is okay by me as long as the food is this good.  We started with rosemary focaccia.  Some of the best I've ever tasted.

Warm and aromatic.

Next up was one of the best wedge salads I've ever had.  Creamy, garlic blue cheese dressing and crumbled bacon.

Crisp, cold iceberg lettuce in a sea of dressing.

And now, a mural on the wall.  There were more around the place.  I like when restaurants take the time to create a one of a kind atmosphere.

Such unique feel.

I wanted everything on the menu, but landed on the lobster ravioli.  The top of it was made with black, squid ink pasta.  In the center was jumbo lump crab and it was all on a pool of delicate saffron cream sauce.  Hurt me, it was so good.  I've got to learn to make that at home.  (Don't think I won't try.)

I got the half portion (3) and really
should have gotten the full portion (6)!
Outrageously delicious.

I also decided to take pictures of everyone else's entree.  For your sake.  Mom's friend had nut encrusted salmon over potatoes au gratin and wilted spinach.

Fresh dill on top.

The man at the table got some giant steak.  Over broccoli rabe and french fries.  A small salad on the side with walnuts.

Could feed a family of four.

Mom got a tomato-based pot roast with penne pasta.  I tried a bite and it was delicious.  (Okay, maybe I had two bites.  This is what happens when you only got the half order of the ravioli!  You go dipping into other people's plates.)

Ginormous portion. Good for sharing. (Or so
I told my mom as my fork dipped into her dish.)

Dinner was a cannoli drizzled with chocolate, which people got into before my camera could get pulled out, but we went by the bakery on the side street and saw the amazing treats they had.  So you can get a picture of those.

And I'll have one of those and one of those.

There were also tables in that side alley for adventurous outside diners. Romantic hanging lights, wrought iron gate, the works!

Mom and her friend from fifth grade with
her husband.

I also took a shot of the street at night.  Culpepper has a bunch of cute stores!  I'd like to go back in the daytime soon and meander about the town.

Street lights and lots of windows.

After full bellies, we all waddled back to the car.  But I took a quick pic outside of a couple of happy patrons.

Me and mom.

I hear there are other great places to try in Spotsylvania which come highly recommended by mom's friends.  (Who are people of great taste.  They made me a cappuccino with their schmancy machine when we stayed over at their house.  Who wouldn't love that kind of first class treatment!  My mom has wonderful friends.)  I plan to find all the best restaurants there.  What a great idea!  Find a gorgeous weekend day, enjoy a scenic hour and a half drive into the country and dine at a unique establishment.  I have no problem driving a little distance for great food.  Not a bad way to spend a sunny day.  (If you're a foodie like me.)