Patrick O’Connell is a singular force in the restaurant world, with a storied career that spans decades.

His masterpiece, The Inn at Little Washington, is not only one of the most awarded and cherished restaurants in Virginia and the D.C. area but also a culinary icon recognized across the country—and even the world. For more than 40 years, The Inn has set the standard for fine dining and hospitality, earning numerous accolades. O’Connell and his team have been celebrated with James Beard Awards, including a lifetime achievement award, as well as Michelin stars. The Inn has also received honors from Forbes, AAA, Wine Spectator, and even the White House.

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Located about 60 miles from Washington, D.C., The Inn is a beacon in the restaurant world, with hospitality at its core. In 2018, it was awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide, a distinction it has retained ever since. As Andrew Lloyd Webber once remarked, “For my money, this little hotel provides the best overall dining experience I can remember in a long while, perhaps my best ever.”

Salon recently had the opportunity to speak with Chef O’Connell about the origins of The Inn, his commitment to sustainability, his iconic dishes and much more.

Patrick O'Connell (Photo courtesy of The Inn at Little Washington)

The following interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

For those unfamiliar with The Inn at Little Washington, how would you describe its ethos?

Dining at The Inn at Little Washington has been likened to performance art with the guest always playing the starring role. The experience evokes a romantic dinner party in a private country house from another era. Whimsical touches such as our rolling cow — named Faira — displaying cheeses invites guests to relax, be themselves and have fun.

In addition to being a 3-Michelin Starred dining destination, The Inn at Little Washington is also the longest tenured Forbes 5 Star property in the world, where the finest culinary and hospitality experiences are delivered with a touch of theatrics.

The Inn at Little Washington is a restorative retreat in the Virginia countryside, a place where the extraordinary is the........

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