Molasses Grill: It's not just dinner. It's a social event.

I went out with five girlfriends last night to Molasses Grill in the Town of Halifax, Virginia. It truly was a social event - not just because it was GNO, but because everybody from Halifax to Dry Fork was there. They were celebrating birthdays - Happy Birthday Donny Ellington and Happy Birthday Scottie Emerson-Lawrence! - and eating dinner at the bar, enjoying a date night sans children. It was awesome to see the Hendersons from Dry Fork and Robin and Kim from Danville. I loved hearing from Ellen about her son and about what a great kid my nephew is. That's good stuff. 

Going out to eat in small town is not just for the food. It's not just for the ambiance or the presentation or the fact that you don't have to cook and clean your own kitchen. It is as much for the for the social gathering as all those other lovely reasons combined. Two weeks ago, I gathered with some friends to celebrate our friend Jenny on her 40th birthday. This girl makes 40 look so good! Seriously, she is drop dead gorgeous, a mom of three, a marathon runner, and honestly one of the kindest and most genuine people I know. Happy birthday Jenny! Gathering together with friends and having a beautiful restaurant with delicious food is icing on the birthday cake. Girlfriends, we have it good.

We love to go to Molasses for any reason or for no reason at all, but every once in a while, they have a special dinner with a theme that is worth calling a babysitter for. This past October, Mark and I went with some friends to one such special event - an Oktoberfest celebration. 

The prix fixe menu including special beer and wine pairings included items not regularly found in house. Chef Schopen talked to the crowd gathered to explain each menu item as it was served, including the ingredients, how each dish is prepared, and why it was selected. Then in between each course, the whole restaurant sang the toast, which was printed on the menu. Molasses regularly hosts these special foodie events, so keep your eyes peeled and make your reservations in a timely manner, because they fill up quickly.  

As they like to say in the local paper, a good time was had by all.

If you can hardly wait to enjoy one of these special meals, then you're in for a treat this Valentine's Day. Molasses Grill is offering two great ways to celebrate the romantic occasion. Dine in at Molasses Grill with a romantic 3 course pre-fixe menu -or- enjoy a romantic evening at home with a Valentine's Day take out package- choose 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and a bottle of wine, comes with complimentary chocolate dipped strawberries and one of our house made baguettes. Call 434.476.6265 for reservations.

Thanks to our friend Beth for setting up our dinner, making reservations, and treating us all to that that first bottle of vino. I enjoyed last night as always, and look forward to the next time with great anticipation: the food, the wine, the laughter, the conversation, the friends, the ambiance, the gathering together, and did I mention the ginger ice cream? I can't get back soon enough, and hope to see even more familiar faces the next time I visit. Until then, savor your friends and the times you share like you savor that last bit of ginger ice cream- or their famed coconut cake if that's what pleases your palate.  

Wishing you the very best friends, food, and fun that any small town could offer. 

xoxo, Erin

Southern Virginia Mom

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