La Bergerie Offering
By Jordan Wright
November 2008
During the 18th century all things pastoral were idealized by French nobility with the imagined notion that the peasants were enjoying a life of simpler and more passionate pleasures. Toile de Jouy, the fabric typical of the day, exemplifies that fantasy with its bucolic scenes of amorous flute-playing shepherds and their fashionably attired lovers.
La Bergerie which translates into “the shepherd’s cottage” evokes that romantic atmosphere. And to emphasize that I saw several couples sitting side-by-side in the luxurious tufted-leather banquettes, holding hands, gazing into each other’s eyes and stealing kisses.
Located in the historic Crilley warehouse, one block from the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, its rustic brick walls create a warm ambience. Candle and chandelier-lit with crisply ironed linens and sparkling glass and table ware, the room emanates Old World charm and the extensive menu showcases traditional recipes straight from the pages of the French bible, “Larousse Gastronomique”.