For many in the United States, a long weekend extends before us–the unofficial beginning of summer which signals warm weather barbecues and refreshing cocktails.
A few weeks ago, I spent a similar long weekend in Alexandria, VA, a charming off-shoot of our nation’s capital. While there, Mr. Rache and I painted the town. . .vermilion. . .at a restaurant of the same name.
Vermilion
Vermilion promotes food values much like mine: simple and locally sourced, even designating a page to local purveyors on their website. Farms in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania make the list.
Roasted carrots with sesame encrusted goat cheese = the best thing I have eaten in a long time
Goat cheese always deserves a close-up
On the menu are seasonal items such as Spring Pea Angolotti and Pennsylvania Lamb with spring carrots.
Spring Pea Agnolotti – peas with toasted hazelnuts and bacon lardons. They managed to make a dish heavy with bacon lardons taste light and fresh.
Pork with quinoa, baby carrots, roasted artichokes and garlic jus
Vermilion doesn’t only apply the seasonal approach to the food menu. Right now, May flowers are in the spotlight on the cocktail menu. I’m sure “Lovely Lavender” is as sweet as its name, but when I sidled up to the bar, I ordered a frothy gin concoction with blueberry flavors.
Purple, frothy, tart, and slightly sweet
The next day at an impromptu happy hour, I chose a house favorite – the King Street Lemonade. This drink reminded me of a lemon mojito without the rum (and plenty of vodka). On an unusually hot and humid Spring day in Virginia, “refreshing” isn’t an adequate descriptor.
I couldn’t write a post about Vermilion without mentioning this dessert. That cherry-infused marshmallow alone is worth a trip to Alexandria.
I loved it so much I recreated it at home. Whether you’re having a celebratory barbecue with friends or a lazy weekend at home, your Memorial Day should include one (or three) of these.
Vermilion-Inspired Lemonade
1/2 cup mint leaves, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
3 cups seltzer water
2 cups vodka
2 cups fresh lemon juice
Make the sugar syrup: Heat the 1/2 cup of sugar and water over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to medium and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before using.
In a pitcher, muddle ½ cup mint leaves with the sugar syrup. Stir in the seltzer water, vodka, and lemon juice. (If you like a sweeter drink, add a 1/4 cup of superfine sugar at this point.) Chill.
Pour into ice-filled tall glasses–rimmed with raw sugar, if you wish. (Makes about 10 servings.)
Just as refreshing as the original
1120 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-9669
Rachel's Table 
Lemonade was my second-choice for “signs of summer”. It has become my white-slacks beverage — I am waiting until this weekend to kick off lemonade season, and this looks like a delicious way to do it right.
You must make this then. Lemon and mint are a perfect combo! (And the vodka doesn’t hurt either.)
Okay. The fact that I’m not at Vermilion right now is upsetting me. I think I have everything I need to make this lemonade, though… I may be really drunk by the time you see me tonight.
P.S. – How jealz is DP going to be when she sees that gin-blueberry drink?
Super jealz. wahhhh!
I ordered that drink in honor of DP!
Maybe one day we’ll be able to drink gin (and vodka lemonade mojitos) together. I will toast to blogging and purple cocktails!
Ah! You were in my old stomping grounds!
“On an unusually hot and humid Spring day in Virginia, “refreshing” isn’t an adequate descriptor.” This reminded me how much I don’t miss the humidity of Northern VA…
I will definitely be making this…I don’t have enough vodka drinks in my life lately…
It was SOOOOO humid that day. And I was wearing jeans and a long sleeved shirt – I had to go to one of Alexandria’s fabulous consignment boutiques and buy a new shirt.
This particular vodka drink won’t disappoint. Any drink with mint is a favorite of mine.
You have aroused my hunger and nourished my soul.
Thank you.
Vodka is always nourishing.
I’m drooling over that dessert. I’ve never had goat cheese before. And that drink looks so good, wish I had one right now….sigh..
Ah, goat cheese is my one true love. If it’s on the menu I have to order it.
Wish we were sharing one right now, D! Two tiny straws!
Everything looks amazeballs. ESP the goat cheese and the pork! I’m thinking there’s some of that lemonade in my future. And by future I mean liquid lunch.
Liquid is my favorite kind of lunch!
I can’t stop thinking about that goat cheese. It was perfect! As a meat lover, I was embarrassed to have loved those carrots so much.
I want to read a scathing restaurant review one day on “Rachel’s Table”:
“The carrots were not organic OR local, the ‘rabbit’ was actually chicken, the cocktail was made with mix, the waiter was mean and the doorman pinched me on my way out!”
I’m waiting until you open your restaurant.
Just kidding! Your restaurant will receive 3 “Rachel” stars – Michelin’s got nothing on me.
I tend to NOT post about restaurants I don’t like.
{:-o
Sesame . . . sesame encrusted GOAT CHEESE?? Oh my lord, those are 2 of my favorite things EVER. I need some of that right now. Also, it doesn’t help that you’re probably drinking with Jules right now. You are, aren’t you? Huh, huh? So jealous . . .
We just drank two margaritas, two beers, and a night cap of baileys, vodka, and something else. I don’t remember.
Oh my, the carrots and goat cheese looks scrumptious.
SERIOUSLY scrumptious!
WOW that all looks amazing! I mean seriously, seriously amazing. Like I want to drive there right now. Without all my kids, because they’ll never eat any of that (more for me!).
Alexandria is a fun place to go for the weekend – kid free of course. The restaurants are all good – sushi, Thai, pizza! I’ve eaten at them ALL.
The lemonade sounds delish! And I want that recipe for the sesame crusted goat cheese!! That looks amazing. 😀
Thanks, Sarah!
I would love to recreate that goat cheese. It was so, so good.