We could all use a picnic in the country right now. But wouldn’t it be even better if packing your own picnic basket was unnecessary, replaced by wine cultivated on-site and food from an accomplished chef? This is the idea behind Picnic at the Vines, a new monthly event that kicks off on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. at RdV Vineyards. This Sunday’s dinner is sold out, but potential diners can join the waitlist here.
Picnic baskets are sized for two people at a cost of $300. They are prepared by chef Adam Howard of Occasions Caterers. Howard most recently worked at Brian Voltaggio’s Volt in Frederick, Maryland, and Blue Duck Tavern in DC’s Park Hyatt. The latter restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in Howard’s time there.
At the Delaplane vineyard, he’ll prepare five dishes. The first is perhaps the most ambitious, a picnic tray for two that includes a chicken mousse terrine, local goat cheese and fresh and dried fruits, as well as carrot salad, pickled radishes and cornichons.
Vegetarian options are available, but for meat eaters, the main dish is lemon chicken with farro salad, grilled halloumi cheese and tahini-yogurt sauce. He’ll also prepare a pair of salads: green chickpea salad with preserved lemon vinaigrette and salad of roasted butternut squash, haricots verts and sunflower seeds. Dessert is a cobbler made with fresh, local peaches and covered with a lavender butter crumb topping. A full wine list will be available, providing perfect pairings for every course.
If you’re lucky enough to join this month, you’re in for a treat. If you have to wait, you can look forward to a meal to remember, from a different area chef, next month. // 2550 Delaplane Grade Road, Delaplane
For more things to do in Northern Virginia, subscribe to our newsletters.
