(tuskies.com) – Leesburg, Virginia

How I heard of this place: Leaving our apartment building, we decided to introduce my in-laws to our concierge. In conversation, it was mentioned that we were on our way to Leesburg for a leisure afternoon of sight-seeing and reminiscing. It was Wayne who, without pause, recommended Tuscaora Mills.

Type of cuisine: “Tuscarora Mill is an independent, locally owned restaurant, casual cafe, bar, and bakery in Leesburg Virginia. In addition to our fine food and spirits, we offer unique, individually styled banquets, catering, wedding receptions, and special events.

“Tuscarora Mill strives to exceed your dining expectations with every glass, platter and bowl. Our C

ommitment to the community extends to the scores of local farmers, growers and producers that are the mainstay of our menu.

“We opened in 1985 with a commitment to deliver great food and service to our community.

We are a major supporter of the buy local movement and through the year our menu boasts the products of several dozen local growers, cheese makers, wineries and farmers and livestock producers.”

Ambiance: They say a picture says a thousand words. This photo journey is worth more than I could do the space justice.

The ceiling of the main dining area:

Intimate seating in the nook between the main dining room and the sunlight-infused room towards the end of the building:

Our glorious, bright and happy seating area:

Glasswork at the Tuscarora Mills bar:

What I ordered: Four hungry adults, and an impressive menu of locally sourced options meant only one thing: lots of food, and great satisfaction! My husband and I started with one cranberry juice ($3), a Caesar salad ($6)

and one Seared Beef Fondue ($10) with Blue Cheese sauce, Ciabatta toasts and truffle salt.

For our main entrees, my mother-in-law chose the Turkey B.L.T. ($10) with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, Brie cheese, and mayo served on a Parmesan ciabatta with a side of fries.

My father-in-law selected the Vegetarian Burger ($10) served on an 8-Grain Kaiser bun with avocado, chipotle cream, a tomato salsa and a side ranch salad.

The Grilled Rainbow Trout ($20) immediately caught my husband’s attention, grilled with Cajun spice whipped potatoes, asparagus, almond butter and crisped capers.

At the high commendation of our server, I chose the Eggs O’Benedict ($13): poached eggs on grilled sourdough, atop house-made Irish bacon, and a light drizzle of Hollandaise, served alongside country cheese grits, and a Roma tomato salad.

What I loved: Everything from the beef fondue to the cheese grits, the moist and subtle flavors of the trout to the brightness of the Roma tomato salad, kept our mouths watering and our appetites grand.  Not one course, one dish, one bite could be compared to another; each completely satisfying and elegant to the taste buds.

Why I loved it: The ambiance, our friendly server and the beautiful space created at Tuscarora Mills create everything a restaurant to which everyone will want to rush!

Cost: Average to high ($10-$20 per lunch entree)

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