A few weekends ago, we ran away from home for a weekend. We set up "base camp" at Wytheville, Virginia, a beautiful, quaint small town that is loaded with history. One of their claims to fame is being the birthplace of First Lady Edith Wilson!
When reviewing the restaurants in Wytheville, how could I pass an opportunity to dine at such a historic location as this?
Click on this link to learn all about the history of the Log House 1776 Restaurant.
The restaurant is best described as "rambling." Tables are placed in every alcove, breezeway, and tiny side spot. There is an upstairs dining area, but I didn't venture to explore. Some tables are light by kerosene lamps, others have dim lighting which contributes to the cozy feel.
We dined here both nights of our stay in Wytheville. One restaurant, two nights, two different dining experiences!
Let's start with our appetizer for Night #1. Corn fritters served with honey. These little fritters were filled with sweet corn and, thankfully, the butter was soft and perfect for spreading. I felt the fritter batter just needed a touch of salt. The honey was a nice touch and this was a very generous serving.
Sweet Harold chose the New York Strip cooked medium rare with a baked potato and green beans as his side items. The steak was delivered to the table sizzling....I mean, hear it coming from across the dining room sizzling. Remember this detail; it will be important later. The steak was perfectly cooked, the potato was served hot and fluffy, and the green beans were well seasoned. 10/10 for Sweet Harold.
When I saw Smithville Ham on the menu, I knew I must enjoy Smithville Ham while actually IN Virginia! Virginia hams are salt-cured, coarse in texture, slightly dry, and salty. This slice was lightly fried and met the above criteria perfectly. I immediately fell in love with the potatoes and I thoroughly enjoyed the green beans. 10/10 for Lolly.
Service by Katina could not have been better. Thank you!
Now, Night #2.
For this meal, we made reservations and requested the table located in the "breezeway." Here are a few pictures so you can see our cozy dining area. The lighting here was very dim, which explains the not so perfect photo quality.
Both nights we were served a house-baked bread with lots of butter. I will show you a picture from Night #2 because I like everything about this.
This night was MY night to try the steak in a Surf and Turf meal.
And here's where things begin to differ from Night #1.
The shrimp were warm, not hot, and even though they appeared to be well seasoned, there wasn't a lot of flavors here.
After hearing the sizzle of Harold's steak the night before, and tasting a bite and knowing how delicious that steak was, I was ready for my turn! Sigh. It wasn't to be. No sizzle, no warning of a "hot plate" from our server, and when I literally touched the steak with my fingertip, no warmth. So disappointing.
My side choices of baked potato and those amazing green beans were delicious.
My score for Night #2.... 6/10.
Sweet Harold ordered the Garlic Shrimp. Again, lots of seasoning apparent, but somehow it didn't transfer to the actual dish. I had imagined a shrimp dish with garlic sauteed in butter or something similar. The garlic on these shrimp appeared to be simply raw chopped garlic placed on top of the shrimp.
He fared a little better with the coleslaw!
But the fried grits with the pepper jelly was the star of the evening. Grit cakes fried to a beautiful golden brown and then topped with spicy pepper jelly.
Sweet Harold's score for the night? 8/10 based on our love of the grit cake!
Thank you to Whitney for giving us great service in our own little world in the breezeway!
Would we return? Of course! The atmosphere is inviting and interesting. I'd love to see the remainder of the house/restaurant.
Sorry the 2nd night wasn't a 10/10 for both of you. Glad you did get that for your 1st meal.
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