The building that houses Lightfoot was originally constructed in 1888 for Peoples National Bank in downtown Leesburg. This beautiful Romanesque revival-style building has been restored to its original state by the Gustavsons (Ingrid and Carrie), and opened its doors in 1992 as Lightfoot Café (Lightfoot Restaurant in 1997).
The first thing we notice as we walk into the restaurant is the beautifully carved ceiling a la ancient “Pantheon” style. We are seated near the back wall of the restaurant in front of the old bank’s original walk-in safe. As an appetizer we order Chef Ingrid’s Soon-to-be-Famous French Onion and Field Mushroom Soup. This is a delicious twist on the classic French Onion soup, and is topped with a croustade (pastry), ample amounts of Gruyere, Goat and Pecorino Romano cheeses. Ingrid finishes this soup with a little bit of truffle oil. If you like French Onion soup, you will like Ingrid’s creation.
For our quick lunch, we skipped the full plate entrees, and instead opted for the open face 8oz. grilled rib-eye as well as the Chesapeake Crab & Ham Reuben sandwiches. The grilled rib-eye sandwich is served on a French baguette and is topped with mozzarella cheese, sautéed peppers, onions and fresh basil. As a side item for this dish we tried the basil aioli French fries. If you take your husband to this restaurant and order this sandwich, he’ll love you for it - we guarantee. Dishes do not get any more local than the Chesapeake Crab & Ham Reuben sandwich. For this delicious original, Ingrid uses all local ingredients starting with Virginia smoked ham and crab salad, which is then topped with Swiss cheese and remoulade sauce, and served on grilled rye bread.
You may have had a Reuben at the Carnegie Deli in NY or crab salad at a famous Maryland institution, but we can assure you that you’ve never had them as successfully combined in this way. Who knew that Virginia ham and Maryland Crab had so much in common? Bravo Ingrid! We promise to be back to try the World’s Smallest Sundae.
11 North king Street Leesburg, VA
lightfootrestaurant.com
Phone: 703.771.2233
Hours: Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner
written by Mindy , April 07, 2009
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