What Christmas Looked Like

CHRISTMAS 2011, WASHINGTON, VA.

This photo captures what Christmas morning looked like to me, way out in Virginia, in Rappahannock County, after a great long wonderful and late night with friends at The Inn at Little Washington. We got to bed at 2 o'clock in the morning, joyfully pickled with Champagne and Meursault, and after sitting on a top-of-the-roof deck to admire the incredible array of stars. It was a special way to usher in December 25th. At midnight we sang Carols. In this photo you see The Inn's sheep in the foreground and The Inn in the distant background. 

What was Christmas Eve dinner? Let's see: Popcorn hallowed with layers of shaved Black Truffle, Foie Gras rolled in jingles of Black Truffle, jolly Oyster "Slurpees," merry Maine Day Boat Scallops with Gnocchi, and merry Maine Lobster, wintry Tuna "Wellington," seasonal Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Duck Breast, fruit, Stilton, and many sweets. I think some egg noggy Bourbon was in the mix, too.

Thus an early morning walk before a cheerful Christmas morning country breakfast - yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, fresh juices, eggs benedict, bacon, sausage, croissants, toast, muffins, home made jams and preserves, country butter, coffee.