L'Auberge Chez Francois is a bit out of the way, requiring you to travel out to Great Falls. For city folks, it might feel like you're way out in the country, until you realize that you're only a few miles from Tyson's Corner.
But, oh, it's worth it. L'Auberge is charming, has wonderful, and opt notch service. Rarely stuffy, this isn't a Mortons or even one of the trendy places downtown. And, yet, it's a great special occasion place. It's romantic enough for an anniversary (I had my 4th anniversary dinner there). It's relaxed enough for a special dinner with an old friend. It's fancy enough to celebrate graduation, a big business deal, or a special birthday.
Yes, it's expensive. So this isn't the place to take your first date or to for a casual Saturday dinner with the kids. But it's worth it.
My only complaint was that, after being seated, they asked which of two special drinks I (and my wife) would like. We were under the impression these came with the meal, so we each picked one. It wasn't until we got the check did we notice they charged us for them (in the $7-$9 range, if I remember correctly). While drinks are rarely free, the way the waiter phrased it made is sound like it was included. Had we known, we would have skipped them because they weren't really our kind of drinks.
Want to celebrate in a comfortable place far away from the hustle and bustle? You can't do any better than this. Inn at Little Washington may be nicer and have somewhat better food, but for what they charge... you've better off at L'Auberge.
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