The Inn turned 30

Last Wednesday evening fans of the Washington, Virginia institution, The Inn at Little Washington, came out in droves (and with their checkbooks and credit cards) to pay homage to the “Pope of the Culinary World”: Patrick O’Connell.  But it wasn’t just those who worship the ground he walks on, although he truly deserves it - hey, thirty years for one place to be in business in the restaurant and hospitality industry as an independent proprietor and Chef is a LONG LONG LONG (did I say “long”?) time. Ask anyone who is in that world or who follows it. Those who are fans of the great work that Kate Roberts’ international non-profit initiative Five & Alive were in attendance as well.

(Pictured above: Patrick address his 500 fans, including the great Tim and Nina Zagat who publicly congratulated him; below: Washington Ballet dancers greet guests as the Dom Perignon VIP reception)

There were the who’s who of Washington society and media as well as a few local celebrity chefs like Vidalia’s RJ Cooper III (James Beard Award winner) and Restaurant Eve’s Cathal Armstrong (Rammy’s 2007 Chef of the Year).  There were also several luminaries and contemporaries of O’Connell himself.  This night was not only to celebrate 30 years of the Inn, but to honor many of the important people in the foodie industry who have pioneered the way for others and continue to do so, all so we can benefit.

(Pictured from top to bottom: The area’s more prominent Live Auctioneer gets the crowd riled up; Victoria Michael, Patrick O’Connell and James V. Kimsey; dessert anyone?; a natural born centerpiece)

The most exciting part of the night was the Live Auction, where 6 of the chefs who were on the list of honorees and were actually present (including Thomas Keller, Alice Waters, and Charlie Trotter), got up on the stage and playfully kept the bidding going by adding more and more to the prize.  Dinner for 4 at each of the chef’s restaurants was one thing (remember, you have to fly to most of these places) but how about the kicker that pushed the bidding war between two people over the edge:  A naked photo of Patrick O’Connell himself on the chair where he was interviewed for the movie of his history.  Wow. Would you pay $105,000 for that? Apparently someone did … and we thank him, as this money all goes to Five & Alive - an avenue for children five and under to stay alive in third world countries through clean drinking water, vital nutrition and vaccinations.

From the ornate gold frame on stage, to the natural centerpieces, to the many many many courses all paired with wines, to the very attentive service and everything in between, this event was absolutely one of the best in Washington.  The vibe in the air was so positive and joyous.  Everyone was so proud of Patrick, who was humble and honored.  He never once took credit for his success, he always came back to his staff and his team, which made him an even classier act.  We hear of great future ideas out there in Washington, VA and hope to see him again in 10 more years to celebrate.

P.S. - one question … where was the great Michel Richard? hmmm….

For more information on Five & Alive and how you can get involved, please to go http://projects.psi.org/site/PageNavigator/FiveAlive