Two big food events you won’t want to miss, but the clock is ticking on the reservation front. Plan now; enjoy later in the month. You’ll be pleased you were organized, or that we helped smooth the path of summer chaos! The irony for these two taste-busters is that they are the same busy weekend. Fortunately, back-to-back and not overlapping!

On July 24, Melissa Close, stellar exec chef from Barboursville’s Palladio Restaurant has a Garden &  Sea 4-course luncheon event that pairs the exquisite details from her kitchen with the award-winning wines of the Vineyard. Here’s a little summer teaser/pleaser: A soft-shell crab dish with green tomato paired with Barboursville’s Vintage 2009 Rosé.

Or skip to the dessert extraordinarie: The Rose Geranium Panna Cotta paired with the San Francisco Wine Competition double gold medal winner, Philéo nv and the Malvaxia Passito 2006. Now I know your palate-pleasing juices are already in overdrive. What’s special about the Passito is its rarity in our region and its intense, long-holding method which brings out the depth of terroir.

On July 25, the second event of the Loudoun Chef’s Collaborative takes place at Vintage 50. This special evening features dishes from 9 local chefs who are combining their talent with local winemakers, a sommelier, and a master brewer. The bounty from local farm products should feed the creative juices. This exciting community event will benefit the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation. Eat and drink well and support a wonderful organization.

Time to get our your credit card and get organized. You can thank us later.