On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the Bailliage of Greater Washington, D.C. escaped the city for a Summer Sojourn that felt like stepping into a slower, sweeter rhythm. The day paired two pleasures that never go out of style: a taste of culinary history at True Treats Candy in Harpers Ferry, followed by a beautifully paced, French-inspired meal at Bistro 112 in nearby Shepherdstown.
The afternoon opened with a visit to True Treats Candy, where the charm is immediate and the experience is pure delight—part nostalgia, part storytelling, and entirely fun. It was the perfect prelude: light, engaging, and a reminder that the best gatherings are the ones that leave room for joy before anyone even sits down to dinner.
As the afternoon ambled along, Bistro 112 revealed itself with the quiet charm of a French countryside retreat—gracious, welcoming, and effortlessly intimate. Tucked within a historic home, the restaurant offered a series of thoughtfully designed spaces that allowed a large gathering to feel personal and unhurried. Guests drifted between manicured gardens at the back of the house and open-air dining rooms, the evening unfolding naturally as laughter mingled with the soft clink of glasses. It was, in every sense, a treat to experience the warmth of a French countryside restaurant in our own backyard.
Under the direction of Chef Paul Stearman, the menu was paced with confidence and restraint—each dish and pairing designed to prepare the palate for what followed, while gently teasing the senses along a carefully curated journey of flavor.
The evening opened with a playful and refined assortment of appetizers—delicious adaptations of traditional dishes that set a welcoming tone. Mushroom cigarettes, smoked salmon blini Napoleon crowned with trout roe, and bacon—Gruyère potato croquettes finished with ancho aioli were paired with Henri Champliau Crémant de Bourgogne NV. The richness and creaminess of the Crémant softened the warmth of the ancho chili beautifully, allowing the opening course to feel both indulgent and balanced.
A fennel and apple cappuccino followed, thoughtfully served in a petite espresso cup that emphasized the dish’s lightness and precision. Apple and fennel brunoise, shaved walnut, and brioche toast added texture and warmth, while Patient Cottat “Le Grand Caillou” Sauvignon Blanc refreshed the palate with minerality and lift, resetting the rhythm of the meal with ease.
The Maine lobster crêpe marked the heart of the evening. Sweet lobster was folded with creamy goat cheese, bright tomato concassé, and fresh chive, all brought together by a lobster—cognac cream that created a richly elegant foundation for the dish. Paired with Domaine Alain Chavy Bourgogne Blanc, the course showcased restraint and balance, allowing richness and structure to coexist gracefully.
The pheasant tortellini continued the journey with confidence. Here, the sauce was the true star, setting the stage for perfectly al dente pasta while sweet corn soubise, avocado julienne, and scallion brought freshness and seasonal clarity. The pairing of Barboursville Vineyards Virginia Vermentino Reserve offered a nod to regional excellence, its bright acidity and subtle salinity enhancing the dish without overshadowing it.
The braised leg of lamb served as the evening’s grounding note—tender and deeply flavored, with a soft, buttery texture that held up beautifully against the paprika-spiced lamb jus. English pea purée, turnip, crispy polenta, and smoked mozzarella added contrast and depth, while Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône met the dish with warmth and generosity, inviting guests to linger and savor the moment.
Dessert closed the evening on a note of quiet elegance. A classic Mont Blanc—chestnut mousse crowned with Swiss meringue and finished with amaretti—allowed the chestnut to shine, while Françoise Montand Demi-Sec Blanc de Blancs added just the right measure of sweetness. The final pour echoed the celebratory spirit of the opening course and brought the experience full circle.
Together, the menu and pairings reflected an evening designed not for spectacle, but for connection—each dish and glass working in quiet conversation with the next. Set against the historic charm of Bistro 112, this Summer Sojourn was a reminder that the most memorable meals are the ones that invite us to linger, savor, and feel completely at home at the table.