Scenic West Belmont Place

Posted by Zuriana on March 14, 2011

Photo credit: West Belmont Place

Last Wednesday I had an opportunity to attend a Spring Tasting with a Cooking Demo and Fresh Local Foods at West Belmont Place in Leesburg, Virginia.  West Belmont Place at The National Conference Center is just 45 minutes from Washington, DC.  West Belmont features a quiet and scenic setting with a ballroom that holds up 1,800 guests.  Your wedding can be an intimate affair or a gala.  There’s plenty of free onsite parking and comfortable accommodations for you and your guests.

For our spring tasting, Executive Chef Craig Mason worked with Virginia farmers to prepare locally made entrees and hors d’oeuvres.  What a treat we enjoyed!

We were greeted in the spacious and beautiful pre-function area.   We enjoyed cocktails and butlered hors’d’oeuvres including Filet of Beef Tenderloin stuffed with Gorgonzola and wrapped with applewood smoked bacon with a glace de viande dipping sauce, Wrapped Brie and Pear wrapped in crispy phyllo, and Grape Tomato and Mozzarella Bocconcini marinated in a balsamic and basil reduction.   Think that sounds good?  Well things got even better.

We were invited into the ballroom where the funny and charismatic Chef Mason did a cooking demonstration on rockfish. Then it was time to savor our food.

Chef Mason enjoys wine, an important ritual while cooking.

Our starter was a Shrimp Crusted Rockfish sautéed in an oregano lemon butter pan sauce with freshly cooked spinach. Yes you could taste the freshness. I wanted more!  Yummy.

Our entrée was Dijon Mustard Crusted American Rack of Lamb with Smoked Gouda Polenta, Baby Vegetables, and Rosemary Jus lie.  I have never had polenta so delectable.

For dessert we enjoyed a delicious Virginia Apple Tart a la mode with cinnamon crème anglaise.  What a meal!  Yes, I ate every crumb…

The only thing I missed was a car to take me home.  Chef Mason, I relished the food you and your staff prepared.  You can cook for me anytime!

What a wonderful venue, great staff, and phenomenal food!