Food
Lancaster County cuisine comes in at least three distinct
flavors-classic, country and cutting-edge. And the ambience ranges from candlelight
and soft music, a sommelier and a menu with words you can't pronounce to
picnic tables on a wharf with Travis and Garth in the background. First-time
visitors are often surprised to discover that prize-winning chefs don't always
live in Manhattan and that memorable dining experiences aren't restricted
to "Restaurant Row." Doesn't surprise us. But then, we live here.
Restaurants
From
elegant to trendy, classic American to French bistro, you'll find something
here to suit every palate. Jump-start your day with a cappuccino or latte,
then lunch on a Rappahannock Burger or an oyster sandwich. Dinner? Why not
try the pan-seared skate wing with potato gnocchi? Or the soft crabs, a regional
specialty. (As our waitress told us the first time we ordered them, "You
eat the whole thing.")
Fast Food
From the golden arches to the big BK, we've got all the standards, as well
as a few places willing to "push the envelope." In White Stone, look
for "the hot dog stand with an attitude," fast food the way fast
food used to be back in the 50s (maybe even earlier, but we won't admit to
knowing anything about that). Just watch for the red and white stripes.
Gourmet Grocers
Grapeseed oil? Wasabi paste? Fresh Mozzarella? We've got it. No need to
leave the latest copy of Bon Appetit back in your city apartment. (But if you
do, you can find a replacement here.) Lancaster County food purveyors are out
there on the cutting edge with everything you need to prepare that great-looking
Algerian dish you found on page 27.
Gourmet Take-Out
Or you can let them do it. You'll be amazed at the variety of ready-to-eat
foods available here. And maybe even more amazed at how many of Lancaster
County's convenience stores have moved into this niche. Don't overlook them
when you're on a quest for something new and different. And remember, whether
you find it in a gourmet market or a convenience store, no one will know you
didn't cook it yourself . . 
. will they?
Personal Chefs and Caterers
Whether you need to feed a crowd or just want to make the right impression
on that one special person, you'll find the experienced chefs and caterers
you need right here in Lancaster County. Why spend the day in the kitchen when
there's a river out there beckoning?
Coffee Bars
Eat your heart out, Seattle. Your trend-setting coffee bar scene has become
a "big brand," look-alike facsimile of the original while here in
Lancaster County we have "the real thing." Independent coffee bars
where the owners are free to experiment. Cappuccino? Latte? Sure. Chai tea
and smoothies, too. But be sure to check the chalkboard to see what custom
creations the resident coffee chemist has come up with to keep you perkin'
all day long.
Food Events
From church suppers to community crab feasts, food is a featured attraction
whenever people gather. And in Lancaster County, they gather often. Plan early
to be part of the Rotary Foundation's fall Bay Seafood Festival, always a sell-out.
Ditto for "The Northern Neck Entertains," a tantalizing series of
dining "happenings" created by supporters of the Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury
Foundation. Check the Calendar of Events on this website to find out what's
cookin' in Lancaster County throughout the year.
Do-it-yourself
Seafood
always tastes better when you catch it yourself. (Why is that, do you suppose?)
And there's plenty to catch here in Lancaster County. But if you'd rather leave
the catching (and the cleaning) to someone else, there's certainly no shortage
of seafood markets to keep you supplied.