Annie's Restaurant is all about an old dream and a brand new restaurant.

Annie was Carole's mother and after many years of searching and dreaming, Carole Robert and Mark Manly want to welcome you to Annie' s Restaurant, their new dream come true, in Middleburg.

When Annie died in a car accident in 1983, Carole was just 18 years old. Her dream to remember her mother in this way was only a hope for the future born back then.

Over the years, after looking at more than 80 locations, just this year, 5 West Washington Street became Annie's Middleburg home and 2009 became the magic year to make their dream come true.

"I was born and raised in Paris, France and grew up with my grandparents in the Loire Valley," Carole said. "I worked on the farm and in the kitchen throughout those years and cooking became my passion. After moving to the United States, Carole tucked her dream in her pocket, met her future husband Mark, married, and lived a corporate, urban life in the finance industry. She and Mark welcomed two daughters into their family, Jessica (now 21) and Rachel (now 13).

In time, their dream of Annie's Restaurant came out of Carole's pocket and they began their search. Early in March, 2009 Carole and Mark looked at the quaint space at 5 West Washington street and knew immediately they had found a home for Annie's Restaurant.

Early in April they made their deposit on the property and got the keys. At the time they were living in Bethesda, Maryland and they commuted for six weeks until they found a house in Middleburg for their family. In less than 90 days, Carole and Mark became Middleburg business owners and their family became Middleburg residents.

Their daughter Jessica, who attends hairdressing school, also works at the restaurant with her parents. Daughter Rachel is a student at Middleburg's Hill School. Carol said, "ours is a family business, we all pitch in and help."

The menu at Annie's features French Country cooking and often includes grilled chicken and fresh local produce. Each menu is built daily based on available ingredients. Regular customers, some from the city, call ahead to reserve their favorite dishes. Of course, desserts include crepes, sorbet, mousse and cakes.

Carole and Mark have built up a fine catering clientele, in addition to their restaurant guests over the summer. Local foundations, galleries, horse shows and private parties have served offerings from "Annie's" kitchen.

Middleburg is a place where private hopes and dreams sometimes become realities. Rural village life comes with its own attractions, its own open friendliness, and its own special kind of welcome that reaches out to many visitors.

Carole, Mark, Jessica and Rachel invite you to Annie's to enjoy the new flavors in town.