Mrs. TJ and I will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary in May. We've decided to stay local (toyed with the idea of NYC and other places, but decided to save the dough on a big meal (or TWO) locally).

So, where to go?

We've tossed about Palena, Maestro, L'Auberge Chez Francois and other places. Secretly, I have even been considering a return to Citronelle or even The Inn At Little Washington (where I'd spring for a (weeknight) stay at the Inn as well).

Any ideas from the peanut gallery?

I pretty much live in the moment when buying wine. If it seems like a good deal, or I like the wine a lot, or.....for any reason....I'll buy. I try to not buy so many whites just because I tend not to drink them when I have a nice Zin looking at me.

BTW that happened to me last night. 96 Massoni Ranch Jeff Runquist Amador Zin. It was very very nice. No TN's though....

-Vitis Vinifera in Lodi

Gee TJ,

Someone told me Equinox is nice. And I know you like Tosca. Problem with Masestro is you can't take your own wine. Same for L'Abergue or anyplace else in VA.

However, have you considered Philadelphia? Depending on the day, you might try Le Bec Fin, Jake's in Manayunk, Lacroix at the Rittenhouse (would make a nice weekend), or the Striped Bass. All are nice places for a special meal. And reservations can be made at all of them on OpenTable.com.

Most of the places you've mentioned do not allow corkage I believe, except for Palena ($20) - I can vouch the food there was fantastic (better than Equinox IMHO). Never been to Citronelle or The Inn, so I can't say it's at that high caliber. My wife and I took my best friend to Palena for a special dinner in February and the bill was around $80/person for a 4 course dinner, with corkage.

TJ -

How about Galileo?

I think I will pass on Galileo, mdriver. Unless I can get in to the Laboritorio, that is.

Also, thanks all for the corkage comments. That actually might tilt me more towards a DC-based restaurant like Palena. In fact, one thing I DO know is that Citronelle, even though it is in DC, does not allow BYOW. My one issue with TIALW is that it, being in Virginia, doesn;t allow corkage. And their list is pricey.

Hmmmmm. Gonna have to sit & percolate on this one I think....

A couple of other thoughts:

Gerard’s Place - Very nice French
Kinkead’s - One of my favorites
Marcel's - Enjoyed it very much
I Matti - One of Roberto Donna's other places
La Colline - Have enjoyed some very nice meals here, but it has been a while

I have been to Gerard's Place and thought it was fabulous...but it was only for lunch. Gerard Pangaud is hyped as (or least was until recently) the only Michelin 2 star working the east coast. Also the yougnest ever I believe.

As for Maestro TJ...I haven't been there yet....but My Dad considers Colvin Run to be the weekly Saturday night restaurant for a "nice" meal.....he thinks Masetro is the best in the city (not including TIALW)....but it is pricey to say the least....they spent $1 million on the kitchen alone at that place......think he said last week the dinner for 2 was $1,200.

mdriver...yes, alot of wine and 1930's port....but the food taint cheap neither.

JohnnyB-- $1200 for 2 people at Maestro?! You're kidding me! Holy Moly! Must've been the wine propping that check up. Sheesh!

TJ & Co-

The Mrs. and I will also celebrate #10 in May (5/9 to be exact). I think we are planning to getaway provided that babysitting comes through as planned.

Any ideas for a Virginia/West Virginia/Maryland excursion, perhaps a vineyard w/B&B or spa?

Feb 15,

I'm celebrating my 50th b'day on May 10th at the Inn at Little Washington because my birthday is 5/9. sounds like it was a good date. Since I'm working on 18 yrs of wedded bliss, I congratulate you on #10. Well done.

Feb15-- Good luck, as there are many places to drive away to from the DC area. Canaan Valley in WV is gorgeous, but the dining options are a bit limited. Charlottesville can be a lot of fun since there's history and natural beauty (and I think a few vineyards, too). Heading to the beach early, before the masses, can also be quite enjoyable.

I am still trying to figure out where to go. Right now, it's Palena or TIALW or The Laboritrio at Galileo or Tosca or ???....

OK, I made a decision, well, two decisions actually...

1) For our actual anniversary, I got us in to the Laboratori del Galileo. I even got us secured at Table 7, right next to where Roberto Donna is cooking. Should be great. And only $15 corkage. Gonna be a blast. 13 days to go!

2) Since we're both taing off for a few days, we decided to indulge in a second dinner as well. But, rather than go overboard, we're heading to one of Mrs. TJ's faves, Mendocino Grill & Wine Bar. $20 corkage there. Interesting, they faxed me their wine list -- funny, they only sent me the reserve list page -- and they have some great sounding bottles, but I'm tempted to just BYOW. The prices seem to be about 2X, which isn't really bad... What do you all think?

Sine Qua Non 1998 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard $140
Kistler 2000 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch $130
Etude Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 $147
Beringer Private Reserve 1992 $160
Quilceda Creek 1997 and 1998 $135 and $145 respectively

Drink the SQN Veiled. Thats a fair price. During the boom, I paid more than that at auction.

TJ,

go for the QC

Tough choice: 49% vote for QC and 51% vote for SQN.

With those two choices at not an outrageous price I would order off the list.

Do you have the SQN at home? You probably have had the QC. I would definetly go with the SQN.

OK, dinner #1 was last night. The Saffredi was really good, but the Kistler Durrell was really great.

Not sure what we'll do for the 2nd dinner -- still on the fence about buying off the list or bringing my own (New Year's resoltion and all...)

Pay for the Veiled. You only live once.