Our Anniversary Spot: Willow

Butter Poached Lobster Tail and Lobster Ravioli
Creamy Fennel Gratin, Savory and Sherry Lobster Sauce

This week TWSF celebrated the 2nd anniversary of our first date. Chuck, being the awesome guy that he is, wined and dined me at one of our neighborhood restaurants, Willow, on our first date. Since then we've made a tradition of visiting Willow each anniversary not only for the memories, but for the food. The really AMAZING food.

Proscioutto Ham and Fontina Stuffed Chicken
Creamy French Green Lentils, Lemon-Arugula Salad and Chicken "Jus"

Check it out:
Willow is conveniently located within a block of the Ballston metro. It has a beautiful outdoor patio for the summer months and an inviting indoor dining room. One would think that this spot would be packed with pretentious young consultants, but surprisingly the clientele appears to be much...older. Recently Groupon offered a great deal for Willow, which I'm sure will bring in some of the younger folk and show them that sophisticated food is well within reach of the Uncle Julio's, Rock Bottoms, and Front Pages. In fact, we've decided to coin Willow as the "the not-so-hidden gem" of Arlington. (Chuck's note: or 'diamond in plain sight').

Eat it up:
As for the food, it's really something to look forward to. All dishes are dressed with exciting ingredients and complex sauces. My favorite dish is easily the scallops. I order scallops every year, and somehow Willow is able to continually provide a different experience by creating different flavor profiles using a genius combination of sides. This year we also really loved the buttery lobster appetizer.

Willow serves dishes that you just can't cook at home. We are always in awe of the beautiful array of colors which adorn each plate, and how miraculously all the flavors, sauces, and sides come together to really "wow" your taste buds.

Seared Day Boat Scallops with Potato Ravioli
Grilled Shiitake Mushrooms, Ragout of Corn, Peas, Fava Beans, Oven Dried Tomato, Bacon & Savory, Corn Sauce

The customer is always right:
The servers at Willow are very attentive (this is the type of place that folds your napkin if you leave the table for even a few seconds) and the prices are on par for quality and portion size (entrees range $21-33). We are confident that you will be impressed, and hope that you keep this perfect date spot in mind for your next special someone.