The Unique Dining Experience at The Inn at Little Washington
As restaurants in various municipalities receive approval to reopen, numerous new considerations come into play. Moreover, factors such as outdoor versus indoor seating, capacity restrictions, and ensuring diners are seated at least six feet apart are critical. Furthermore, waitstaff and back-of-house personnel must adhere to new safety protocols, including the use of masks and gloves.
A notable example is The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia, which has opted to adorn its dining room with vintage mannequins dressed in period attire, courtesy of a nearby theater. This creative decision aims to provide patrons with a sense of ambiance while adhering to state regulations that limit indoor dining capacity to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Chef Patrick O’Connell collaborated with Signature Theater and Design Foundry in Arlington to create a charming 1940s look for the mannequins, harmoniously aligning with the historic elegance of the dining room. The Inn at Little Washington recommenced dinner service on May 29, complying with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s phased reopening orders.
Historically, The Inn at Little Washington has received numerous prestigious accolades beyond the novelty of its well-dressed “diners.” The establishment boasts three Michelin stars— the highest accolade in the culinary world— and Chef O’Connell has been honored with a James Beard Award for lifetime achievement. Remarkably, the mannequins reflect the restaurant’s ethos, which is characterized as “a literal destination that remains relevant through its timelessness.”
The impeccable service for which the restaurant is renowned will also extend to the mannequins, ensuring a unique experience. According to the Washingtonian, servers will engage with the mannequins as if they were actual patrons, offering wine and inquiring about their “well-being.” Furthermore, playful masks featuring the mouths of iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe for women and George Washington for men contribute to a blend of safety and entertainment that Chef O’Connell hopes will appeal to both locals and visitors from Washington, D.C.
However, many restaurateurs globally continue to grapple with a key question: will diners be willing to step out as stay-at-home orders ease, or will they exercise caution before resuming their social activities? While some, like O’Connell, are striving to foster a welcoming (and sanitized) atmosphere, the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19 remain prevalent. Additionally, a smaller segment of the population grapples with pediophobia, or fear of dolls, complicating the dining experience further.
Nonetheless, for food enthusiasts who have been longing for the award-winning tasting menus at The Inn at Little Washington, the opportunity to relish dishes such as Heart of Smoked Scottish Salmon with Apple Noodles and Horseradish Cream, along with Carpaccio of Herb-Crusted Elysian Fields Baby Lamb Loin with Caesar Salad Ice Cream, could be irresistible.
Additionally, there is a sense of curiosity surrounding whether the mannequins might prefer the Blain-Gagnard, Morgeot, Chassagne-Montrachet wine pairing from France or the Alto Moncayo, Garnacha, Campo de Borja from Spain. After all, they are set to become the Inn’s most frequent dinner guests, with their own reserved tables. Who better to offer a wine recommendation than a regular?
