The Wine Kitchen (Leesburg, VA)

THE MEAL
Appetizer: Beet Salad (tangerines, roasted almonds, baby greens, goat cheese vinaigrette)
Entree: Short Rib Tacos; Espresso Rubbed Pork Chop (Brussels sprouts and bacon sweet potato spaetzle, cherry sauce)

THOUGHTS
We ventured out to Leesburg on a Wednesday evening with a Living Social coupon in hand, ready to sample the the farm-fresh food and wines offered at The Wine Kitchen. Any restaurant known as "The" Wine Kitchen must know that, comparatively, it is at the pinnacle of its genre. Call it a quiet confidence.

We began our meal with the Beet Salad. I find myself becoming more and more enamored with beets, and The Wine Kitchen dressed their beets nicely with a light and citrusy goat cheese vinaigrette. With the burst of the tangerine and the light nuttiness of the roasted almonds, I thoroughly enjoyed our choice of salad to begin the meal.

For my entree, I selected the Wednesday night special: Short Rib Tacos. Touted as being entirely homemade, The Wine Kitchen's short ribs were tender, albeit drier and less fatty than most short ribs I've ever had. I assume that The Wine Kitchen hand sorts out the fattier portions of the short rib, leaving the meatiest and most flavorful selections of meat. The Wine Kitchen then kicks the Short Rib Tacos up a notch with a homemade queso fresco drizzle and an ample portion of an avocado sauce (thinner than a guac). Wrap it all up in a homemade corn tortilla and I would certainly be happy to return to The Wine Kitchen on a Wednesday evening.

It bears noting, however, that I would be happy to return to The Wine Kitchen on almost any evening, given my first experience there. My dining companion ordered the Espresso Rubbed Pork Chops. I was fortunate enough to have two bites (with the sweet and sour cherry compote marrying flawlessly with the thick-cut pork chop), and a couple of moments gnawing on the bone. Yes, gnawing.

Not only did the food impress, but the atmosphere struck a nice balance between contemporary American food and intimate wine bar. Throw in an excellent wine list (with over thirty wines offered by the glass), and I'm sure I'll be back.

CONCLUSIONS
Food: 8.5/10
Service: 4/5
Errata: 4/5
Total: 16.5/20
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