Creating Memories In Dining

The other evening Chef Hump (from Humberto) Astorga welcomed this reporter to "Aster", his brand new Middleburg restaurant, and an hour later any remaining shred of my journalistic impartiality had gone out the window.

Sure, he gave me a tour of the historic 1790's building he has artistically renovated; starting with The Foyer, where I got the impression that Maitre d' Craig Erion would forever remember my name. Next we viewed the bright, airy Porch with its large windows. Yeah, we saw the cozy Cartoon Lounge, stood surrounded by bottles of fine wine from all over the world in the Wine Room, and gazed at the snowy view from the windows in the Garden Room.

But it was when the tour ended and we were comfortably seated in one of the two banquettes in The Alcove, and stylish French waiter Luc Sorano brought me a series of small plates, that my palate, cultivated in countless McDonald's, was changed forever. Like a movie reviewer protecting a film's plot twist, all I will say is that when you and your companions are between courses, you will not be staring idly at the restaurant's fine decorations. From the start to the finish of your meal, you will be exploring a new territory of tastes led by your guides, Sous Chef Aaron McCloud and his skilled assistants Sasha Drew and Michael Zawilanski. And I assure you, your taste buds will be in very, very good hands.

Chef Hump Astorga has brought Middleburg locals and visitors a wonderful addition to the many fine restaurants in town. But you're going to have to try it for yourself, because you can't take my word for it - I've joined the growing number of "Aster" devotees, and we're hopelessly, and deliciously, biased.

Aster

Proprietors - Chef Hump Astorga, Joanne Errico
101 South Madison Street
Middleburg, Virginia 20117
www.asterrestaurant.com
Open 5:30 - 10:00 Tuesday - Sunday
Closed Mondays
Call for Reservations 540-687-4080