Cooperative Living May 2023 - 30

DINING WITH PEGGY
Got a restaurant for Peggy to review?
Let us know at editor@co-opliving.com.
O, What a Meal
by Peggy Hyland, Contributing Writer
Patty O's is a unique Rappahannock treat
I
n a converted gas station in Rappahannock County's tiny
Little Washington, Patty O's Cafe & Bakery serves up
delectable food in an atmosphere of relaxed casual elegance.
Named for its owner, Patrick O'Connell, the well-known chef
and owner of The Inn at Little Washington. Located directly
across the street from its sister restaurant, Patty O's clearly
shows the same passion
for excellence. The two
also excel in exceptional
service, with that perfect
but elusive balance of
being very attentive
without hovering.
Open since 2021,
Julia Child's Beef
Bourguignon
Patty O's has been serving
up O'Connell's favorite
food from growing up,
with his own modern
twists and sophisticated
style. Think burgers,
meatballs and hearty beef
stew, elevated and
reimagined for today's
consumers.
The cafe has a countryPimento
cheese spread
and caraway flatbread
style theme throughout,
from the mural that greets
guests immediately upon
entering to metal water
pitchers shaped like
cowboy boots, wrapped
with a Patty O's-branded red bandana. The creative use of
mirrors gives a sense of expansiveness to the interior, and
beautiful glass doors open to the patio on warm days. The
patio tables had cozy blankets for guests who wanted to ward
off the oncoming chill of the evening, and heaters were ready
to go if the temperature dipped.
The breadbasket featured truly exceptional house-made
offerings from Patty O's bakery. The wine list is small but
carefully chosen, including several Virginia wines and the
cocktails are imaginative and eclectic.
We could not resist the classic Southern pimento cheese
dip, which came with crisp house-made caraway flatbread. It
was outstanding, with a texture of tiny fluffy curds and a fresh
burst from minced chives. I love caraway but never would have
28 ● Cooperative Living ●
May 2023
thought of this pairing, yet they enhanced each other
beautifully without competing. We also had the tuna tartare,
popping with flavor. The minced tuna tops chopped mango
and avocado, with yuzu sorbet and shrimp chips. The fried
onions add a new layer of flavor to every bite.
My main course was the aptly named Momma's Mammoth
Meatball, a 10-ounce
Wagyu meatball bigger
than my fist. It was
delicately seasoned,
allowing the great
ingredients to shine. It
was served over delicate
and fluffy garlic polenta
and topped with shaved
Parmesan cheese. My
companion chose Julia
Child's Beef
Bourguignon, featuring
beef from a farm in
nearby Paris. It is served
table-side, arriving in a
small Dutch oven so the
braised root vegetables,
perfectly tender chunks
of beef, and silky sauce
can be served over a bowl
Carrot Cake
Patio Seating
of egg noodles.
The bakery's
dessert offerings were
exceptional and
exquisitely presented. My all-time favorite cake is carrot cake,
and this was the best I've ever had. It was moist, packed with
flavor, and perfectly spiced. My companion went for the lemon
pistachio tart, as much a feast for the eyes as for the mouth.
Creamy delicate lemon filling and chopped pistachios were a
fresh and light way to end the meal.
Whether you're going antiquing, hiking, or just exploring
beautiful Rappahannock County, make sure to add Patty O's
to your itinerary to round out a perfect day. 
Patty O's Cafe & Bakery
389 Main St., Washington, VA 22747
(540) 675-3801
pattyoscafe.com
co-opliving.com
http://www.pattyoscafe.com http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living May 2023

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