"Fox Blog"

What to Do When the Parents Come to Visit for the 5th or 6th Time?

2010-06-04T12:49:00.002-04:00

Its always hard to figure out what to do when the parents come to visit you in the Washington D.C. metro area for the fifth or sixth time. They have seen all the museums and all the monuments, why not be a little adventurous and get some fresh air out in the country. In the June 4th edition of The Weekend Going Out Guide, The Washington Post suggests trying a trip out to Middleburg. According to the Washington Post a stop at the Red Fox Inn " is a must...The food? Affordable and parent-proof: Think crab cakes, tuna melts and fried green tomatoes." Why not come check us out. Be sure to check out all the cute shops along U.S. Route 50 and the wineries in the surrounding areas too. Click here to view the full article.

The Kennedy Family and Middleburg

2010-05-19T21:56:00.004-04:00

The following picture and text is taken from
the Visit Loudoun website:

Camelot in Middleburg

Jackie Kennedy’s style and grace epitomizes Loudoun County’s horse country and its capital, Middleburg. In the early 1960s, President John F. Kennedy and his family used Middleburg as a retreat from the pressures of the presidency. The Kennedys leased a 400-acre 19th-century farm, Glen-Ora, to relax, foxhunt, and socialize with friends. Later, they built their own weekend country retreat, “Wexford” in Middleburg on 39 acres bought for $26,000 from a local farmer.

Jackie treasured "normal" time with her children, John Jr. and Caroline, here, reading bedtime stories, shopping, and teaching them to ride their ponies. JFK, also a regular visitor, flew in by helicopter to attend Sunday mass at the Middleburg Community Center. He even held rare press conferences in the Jeb Stuart Room at the Red Fox Inn.

In the 1990s, Jackie Kennedy Onassis often returned to spend foxhunting weekends in the countryside filled with happy memories from her time as First Lady. She stayed at the Red Fox Inn's McConnell House, not far from Wexford. Today, her hunting "pinks" are on display at Morven Park's Museum of Hounds and Hunting, and can be viewed by the public.

The public pavilion and garden next to "The Pink Box" Information Center in Middleburg are dedicated to Jackie in honor of the contributions she made to the town during her residence there.

Below are two letters Jackie Kennedy wrote to the current Innkeeper as well as a picture of the Innkeeper and Jackie out Foxhunting with the Piedmont Foxhounds:

Warm Weather Brings New Menus

2010-05-17T09:07:00.000-04:00

With the weather getting warmer outside, here at the Red Fox, we decided to spice it up a little bit and change our lunch, dinner, and brunch menus. Don’t worry, some your old favorites such as the Guinness battered fish and chips and crab cakes are still available. Try some of our delicious crispy Virginia spring rolls, schnitzel and spaetzle or even the grilled mahi mahi. Or if you have that craving for some delicious grilled meat, try a bite from our grill. Perhaps a 16 oz dry aged NY strip or a 14 oz bison rib eye with your choice of sauce. Whatever your taste buds maybe desiring, the Red Fox Inn would love to be the one to make them happy. For a look at our new menus for lunch, dinner and brunch, check them out at our website www.redfox.com.

Red Fox Inn in National Geographic Traveler Magazine

2010-05-17T08:28:00.001-04:00

If you are looking for something to do, consider stopping by “Meander Middleburg” and grab a bowl of creamy peanut soup at the cozy stone-walled Red Fox Inn says National Geographic Traveler in their May-June 2010 issue. Even our famous makeshift surgeon’s table, which is now a part of our service pine bar in our restaurant, made the list of places to be when you retreat to hunt country. Stop by the Red Fox Inn to see what its about.

Visit Loudoun Names Red Fox a Destination Restaurant

2010-04-19T16:18:00.000-04:00

The Red Fox Inn is proud to announce that Visit Loudoun has named us a Destination Restaurant. Only 9 restaurants were selected in 2010!

The Loudoun Destination Restaurant Program was established in 2007 to identify and recognize those restaurants that meet the standard of what a destination restaurant should be. Restaurants are nominated for that recognition. The nomination form requires the restaurants to supply information according to specific criteria (the criteria are listed below). Secondly, a Loudoun tourism industry panel reviews the applications and scores them. Site visits are also an integral part of the selection process to supplement the committee’s knowledge of the nominee with experience with at the actual establishment. The restaurants are required to meet a minimum total score in order to be named a Loudoun Destination Restaurant.

The criteria restaurants need to meet to be named a Loudoun Destination Restaurant include:
•    Unique Experience – The establishment offers a unique experience, either through the food, the service, the interior design, the setting or ideally, all of the preceding.
•    Cultural/Authentic – The establishment has made an obvious attempt to create a culinary/cultural experience that educates as well as entertains. The authentic ethnicity of the operation is evidenced in various aspects of the dining experience – from the cuisine to the environment – and provides “nourishment” as well as sustenance.
•    Quality – The establishment has made an obvious commitment to ensure that the final product consistently meets exemplary standards. Responsible and appreciable cooking techniques are being utilized to ensure that the culinary component of the dining experience is of a uniformly excellent quality.
•    Locally Grown Products – Locally grown products play an integral part in the menu.
•    Local Favorite – The establishment has distinguished itself as a local favorite and also as a place of “character” in the community. Awards and accolades from the public count in this category.
•    Loudoun Wine – Bonus points were awarded to those establishments that serve Loudoun Wines, either by the bottle or glass.

We are just thrilled to have this prestigious honor and would like to say congratulations to Chef Gordon Wicks and the rest of the Red Fox Inn and Restaurant staff.

Virginia Governor Declares April " Confederate History Month.”

2010-04-19T11:03:00.003-04:00

On April 7, 2010 Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia declared the month of April " Confederate History Month." Did you know that the Red Fox Inn has a piece of Confederate history in it today? While fierce cavalry battles at the beginning of the Gettysburg campaign occurred around Middleburg, the Inn served as headquarters and as a hospital for the Confederate soldiers. Strategy was planned upstairs in what today is known as the Jeb Stuart Room while wounded soldiers were cared for in the tavern rooms below. The pine service bar, which is in use today in the Tap Room, was made from the field-operating table used by an Army surgeon who served with General Stuart's cavalry. Don't worry it has been cleaned and sanitized since then. Come check out where strategy was planned by General Jeb Stuart, General John Mosby and his famous Mounted Rangers. While you are here checking out the Jeb Room and our Tap Room, be sure to take some time and enjoy some fine dining while you soak in the history.

Matilda Wins Visit Loudoun Tourism Award

2010-04-08T18:01:00.000-04:00

Front of House Manager, Matilda Reuter, was awarded Visit Loudoun's 2009 Tourism Front-Line Employee of the Year. Guess those long hours of work paid off!

Breakfast Lovers Rejoice!

2010-01-15T15:01:00.002-05:00

After years of dedicated service, the Coach Stop Restaurant closed its doors for the last time on January 4, 2010. The establishment will be greatly missed on the Middleburg restaurant scene and breakfast will not be the same without the race forums and coffee at the Coach Stop Counter. In hopes of continuing the tradition of breakfast on Washington Street, Coach Stop owner Mike Tate has graciously allowed the Red Fox Inn to serve the Old Coach Stop Breakfast Menu. Also, to help make this breakfast transition seamless

we have hired the Coach Stop Breakfast Chef Antonio Martinez.

Join us daily from 8am - 11am and enjoy a cup of coffee and a
hearty Hunt Country Breakfast by one of our fireplaces!

Team Red Fox in Action!

2010-01-15T14:44:00.000-05:00

Manager Jonathan Engle, Waitstaff Marsha Zebley, and avid Red Fox Inn Coffee Drinker Ted Zimmerman compete in the Orange County Team Chase at Old Whitewood Farm this Fall.

Christmas in Hunt Country

2010-01-15T14:27:00.002-05:00

Twas the night before Christmas

and all through the Inn

the employees were anxious

for the Christmas festivities to begin!

Snowed Inn!

2010-01-15T14:19:00.000-05:00

What better place to be snowed in?

Hot cocoa and 6 fireplaces!

2009 Holiday Parties in the J.E.B. Stuart Room

2010-01-15T14:10:00.001-05:00

Washington Bridal Showcase

2009-10-17T18:10:00.000-04:00

Becky and Matilda represented the Red Fox at the Washington Bridal Showcase at the Dulles Expo Center. We met a lot of great brides and realized that 10-10-10 is a VERY popular day for weddings next fall. Check out our great booth thanks to our fantastic rental company Party Rentals Ltd.!

Loudoun Destination Foundation Scholarship Benefit

2009-10-17T17:47:00.001-04:00

The Red Fox Inn was invited to participate in a Tailgate Competition befitting the Loudoun Destination Foundation which provides scholarships to students studying hospitality in our county. Awards were given for Best Menu and Best Decorations. Matilda, Jon and Becky represented the Red Fox Inn with a traditional hunt breakfast (Middleburg's idea of a tailgate) featuring Stone Ground Cheese Grits, Ham Biscuits, a hearty Beef and Lamb Stew and our classic Waldorf Salad. We won for Best Menu! Congratulations to the Backstreet Cafe for Best Decorations!

Windy Hill Fashion Show

2009-10-17T17:33:00.002-04:00

Matilda, Gordon and Becky participated in this year's Windy Hill Foundation annual Fashion Show. Middleburg restaurants donated food and service to raise money for the low income communities in the area. We lucked out on the weather and a good time was had by all! Thank you to our patrons the Treptow's for hosting such a wonderful event! Check out the October/November issue of Flavor Magazine (and our picture) featuring this event.

Sarah and Ted's Wedding - June 09

2009-10-17T17:16:00.000-04:00

Sarah and Ted were married on a beautiful day in June. We were lucky to work with Laura from Three Lights Photography. Check out the great shots she took of their special day. To view more of Laura's work go to her website: www.threelightsphotography.com

Welcome Gordon and Becky

2009-10-17T16:41:00.002-04:00

Executive Chef Gordon Wicks comes to us from the Inn at Little Washington and is eager to bring the freshest ingredients, presented in simple, yet refined Country Fare. In his time away from the kitchen, Gordon teaches Martial Arts. In January of this past year, after twelve years of extensive study, acquired his Masters in Tai Shan Mantis, Tai chi Tong Long, Chin Na and Shaolin Kung Fu, becoming the highest ranking member of his generation.

Events Director Becky Croft joins us from Virginia Beach with a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales and a business degree from Virginia Tech. She is excited to bring previous experience working in kitchens, teaching cooking classes and event planning to the Red Fox Inn. Becky enjoys surfing and watching Hokie football when she is not at work.

Summer Crab Feast on the Garden Terrace

2009-10-17T16:19:00.000-04:00

Professional Photographer Duane Heaton vists the Inn

2009-10-17T16:08:00.000-04:00

Visit Duane's website: www.duaneheaton.com

Liam McVicar - The Red Fox Jockey!

2009-10-17T15:58:00.000-04:00

Liam McVicar, 2008 Steeplechase Jockey of the Year, joins the Red Fox Inn Team. Good Luck this season Liam!