Friends dining with us at the Log Cabin in Stafford noted that I had stopped talking and was simply saying "Mmm," as I tasted my appetizer of clams casino ($8.95). "Mmm" is a very universal sound for "yummy," perhaps dating to prehistoric times.
The Log Cabin, which features fresh seafood, has a long history in the Fredericksburg area. The original building dates to the 1920s when it served as a gas station with tourist cabins. In the early 1940s, it was a dance hall; then the Mitchell family purchased it in 1942 and opened it as a restaurant a year later. In 1979, it was converted to a steak and seafood destination.
Lovely antiques fill the lobby, including a family member's square piano with mother-of-pearl keys and old sewing machines. There are linen tablecloths and fresh flowers on each table. Touches of color come in the form of a quilt piece and old hats belonging to various Mitchell grandmothers. And the "chandeliers" over each table are upside down bean hampers.
Even though the restaurant was full, and had large parties in several areas on a Sunday evening, it was well staffed and we were attended efficiently, pleasantly and without being rushed.
Our friends, who arrived first, saved us tastes of the mushroom caps (six) topped with crab imperial ($6.95). Mmm. The crab was fresh, the mushrooms, tasty, and the buttery sauce, agreeably unintrusive.
THE LOG CABIN
Address: 1749 Jefferson Davis Highway (U.S. 1),
Stafford (about 61/2 miles from the Falmouth
Bridge, and 31/2 miles north
of Mountain View Road.)
Phone: 540/659-5067
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 4–9 p.m.; Friday
and Saturday,
4–10 p.m.
Prices: Appetizers: $6.95–$19.95
Soups and salad (if ordered without meal): $6.95
Dinners: $15.95–$49.95
Children's menu available.
Desserts: $5.95–$8.95
Beer, wine and mixed drinks available.
Atmosphere: The Log Cabin has the ambience of
rustic elegance, a feast for the eye. The service
is excellent, even on a busy Sunday evening.
Payment: Major credit cards accepted.
My Dining Partner ordered the white crab soup ($6.95), which he pronounced "excellent" after just one taste. I had to agree. The stock, with pieces of mushroom, had a delicate mushroom flavor, and it was chock-full of lump crab.
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