L'Auberge Provencale, a small taste of France in Northern VA

L'Auberge Provencale
13630 Lord Fairfax Highway, Boyce, VA

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a small family wedding at L'Aubereg Provencale, a small, family-run bed and breakfast owned by Alain and Celeste Borel. Approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes from DC, L'Auberge Provencale is located out in grassy horse and wine country, just past the Three Foxes Winery. Entering the B&B feels like walking into someone's cheerful French country home - if that someone had Wine Spectator awards decorating their entryway and a photo-worthy fire crackling in the fireplace.

Although the day was overcast and bitingly cold, L'Auberge Provencale exuded a warmth that was only encouraged by their generous offerings of freshly squeezed mimosa. The staff was attentive and paid careful consideration to detail - no sooner had I taken the last sip of mimosa than a second one appeared in my hand. Every action was accompanied by a smile.

Perhaps the most exciting part about L'Auberge Provencale is its amazing, Zagat-rated restaurant. Out of Zagat's Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America, L'Auberge Provencale rates #57  - no small feat considering that the two-room restaurant is in a somewhat isolated location. And the food was delicious. Guests had the option to choose an appetizer and a main course, accompanied by ample portions of red and white wine - the red option a delicious blend from the Cotes du Rhone region.

Dinner began with a bread basket, filled with large, warm hunks of multigrain bread and smaller slices of French bread. Then the appetizer - options included a creamy butternut squash soup, a fresh green salad, and Prince Edward mussels mariniere, served with a delicious broth of saffron, cream and vermouth.

There were three options for mains - Eggs Benedict, which presented perfectly poached eggs perched atop housemade chicken sausage and soft English muffn; a beef culotte of Wagyu beef atop fingerling potatoes with truffle sauce; and a lacquered salmon. I chose the Wagyu beef and it was wonderful - a tender, medium-rare cut of beef that was perfectly complemented by the salty, rich truffle sauce. The meal concluded with coffee, tea and wedding cake.

After attending upwards of 20 weddings in my life, I can honestly say that L'Auberge Provencal offered the best fare of them all. I'm so glad to have been introduced to this place, because I would love to make a return trip. The warmth of the ambience and the staff, combined with the amazing meal, turned out a wedding day that was one of my all-time favorite experiences.