FOODE, Part I

Almost a month ago, I decided to take a "me" day.  Classes were starting soon, so why not.  I decided to head into Downtown Fredericksburg.  I only live five minutes away, but I find that I spend so little time down there.  Ok, so usually when I go down there it's for dinner at Capital Ale House and a trip to our favorite wine store The Virginia Wine Experience.  (It's a really awesome place, and Edwin is amazing at picking out wines that would go great with anything we might be serving for dinner.  Plus, he's getting to know us, and the types of wine we like, so he's got recommendations for us as we are turning the doorknob to the store.)  Other than that, our days downtown are usually limited to weekends or holidays, or the random day off when family might be in town.  When I was working it was hard because everything would be closed by the time I got off of work.  So, now I don't have quite the excuse and was excited to be able to spend the day. 

When I first started this blog, I asked for some recommendations on facebook for where I should go.  One of my classmates had listed FOODE.  As I drove downtown, I thought I just might go there.  There's a few other places I want to try as well, so at that point I was leaving my options open.  I was excited to find a parking spot on the street (although that meant I only had two hours to have fun, before I'd either have to move my car to a new spot, or pay a parking ticket).  I began my shopping at a new store in the corner shop of the new Courtyard Marriott.  It's called The Frenchman's Corner.  They have a wonderful selection of specialty chocolate, as well as a number of tea supplies and other specialty food items.  I really enjoyed looking around and talking with the owner.  She used to teach cooking lessons, but retired because it was hard to find fresh products... that was just a few months before Wegmans opened.  (Gotta love Wegmans!!).  I decided to ask her thoughts for lunch and right away she recommended FOODE.  Ok, there's two votes for the place.  I continued shopping as I walked toward the restaurant and got three more recommendations.  I'm sold.  Let's go.

I remember going to this particular location when it was a "garden" shop.  The storekeepers sold plant like things, and I think I saw a pack of seeds for a flower in there once.  So, I am excited that the storefront has a new life.  The "storefront" is actually not on the street, you have to walk through this really cute little patio archway which now has seating for the restaurant.  I was in love... a cute little spot.  Then you walk into the restaurant proper and place your order at the cash register, and then find a seat.  It was a pretty busy day, so I found an open seat at a long table where a few other single diners were sitting.  I should add that the place was pretty busy considering it was almost 1:30 when I walked in... and it stayed busy the entire time I was there.

After a short wait, my food was delivered by a very friendly waiter.  In the interest of time, I went with a char-grilled burger: (description from their menu on line) all-natural, grass-fed, hormone free beef*, bacon aioli, organic lettuces, sharp cheddar. served on a toasted bun with a side of FOODĒ fries.  The toasted bun came from another bakery downtown - Eileen's.  If you are a regular reader... you know I skipped the veggies. 

The presentation was unique.  The top bun was upside down... I thought about leaving it this way to eat, but in the end flipped it over.  The burger was juicy and flavorful.  The sharp cheddar was great.  I'm not a huge fan of eating hamburgers at restaurants, but I'm so happy I ordered this meal.  I loved every bite!  Even better were the fries.  They were just like the fries my mother makes at home.  Totally fresh, real potatoes!!!!!!!  Fried to a perfect golden brown color with a nice soft middle.  (Here's where my Dad would say... Mom's would be just a bit darker... like burnt brown).  To wash my meal down, I enjoyed a handcrafted root beer made by Maine Root.  It was pretty good, but I think I liked the Chowning's Tavern Root Beer in Williamsburg better.

So, I highly recommend this establishment.  I'm hoping to get there for dinner in the near future.  As you'll see in a little while, I had fun making hamburgers one evening to make a meal similar to this.

If you would like to check out FOODE, visit their website at www.foodeonline.com or go to the restaurant in person (which makes it easier to eat the food).  It's located at 1006 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540)479-1370.

Even better... if you want to go for dinner, let me know!