Just follow the G.W. Parkway south from Washington D.C. towards Mount Vernon until you reach Lucia Lane. There you must stop at the Cedar Knoll Inn on the Potomac, where elegance and fine-dining meet.

In 1752 George Washington bought the land on which the Inn now stands. The original farmhouse that is the Cedar Knoll Inn was constructed in the late 1800's as a tenant farm house for a 115 acre plantation called "Marshland on the Potomac." In 1935 Mrs. Pauline Walsh added a screen porch, the famous Log Room, a second story porch and opened a fashionable antique shop.

In 1967 Miss Mildred Linster opened Cedar Knoll as a restaurant and the tradition of elaborate wedding receptions and private parties began. It was Linster who gave the Inn its name to reflect the tall cedars surrounding the building. But when Antonio and Beatriz Flores took over the Cedar Knoll Inn in 1994 the place combined fine cuisine with the real feel of elegance. The Flores' added a foyer and the lovely main entrance. They made the bar available in its own separate room, opening up the main rooms for larger gatherings.

"I saw the necessity for bigger wedding receptions," Beatriz Flores said. And if it is the wedding reception of the millennium you want, this is the place that gives it to you. Flores and partner Pat Smith provide complete service. They organize not just the catering, but can arrange the entire reception, taking the details right out of the hands of family and friends, bride and groom, leaving friends and family free to have a good time. This attention to detail and spectacular service is complimentary. "We can be the coordinators of the whole reception," Beatriz said. "They really are special days."

In fact, why not just hold the whole wedding there, from ceremony to reception, a Christmas banquet, a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration, a Thanksgiving feast, a romantic Valentines' Day, Halloween, Fourth of July or any excuse for a party. Everyday is a holiday with this commanding view of the Potomac. "People really love the place," Flores added.

Remember there are three giant rooms at the Cedar Knoll Inn. Even on days when toasts are shared to mark a special occasion, the Cedar Knoll Inn is open for regular business, tea, lunch or dinner. "I really care about my customers," Beatriz said. "I never want to turn them away."

Everyday a new and different, fresh variety of seafood is on the menu. For a starter or a whole meal, experience authentic "Tapas." These are the appetizers that are sweeping the nation in popularity for both their flavor and variety.

Here are some of the tastes prepared from fresh ingredients daily: stuffed potatoes filled with savory beef or fried calamari in marinara sauce. But who would envision a Caribbean Ceviche, combining scallops, calamari and flounder in lemon. Or how about Mussels and Clams Tio Pepe, which is steamed mussels and clams with a mixture of onion, fresh herbs and peppers in a lightly scented sherry wine. For those looking for Tapas, but not the seafood, the Inn has you covered. Look for the Chicken Seville, sautéed chicken tenders with escargot and mushrooms in a marinara sauce. And don't forget the chicken quesadillas.

The Inn's actual entrees are just as mind boggling delicious. There is not nearly enough room to list them all here, so here is just a taste. Stop in for their renowned Seafood Paella or the Medallions of Beef Zaragoza; grilled twin Medallions of Filet Mignon served on Portabello Mushrooms with Bordelaise and Béarnaise sauce. Or try the Roasted Duck Sevillana, marinated boneless, skinless breast of Duck served with Brandy, Green Peppercorn Sauce, Banana, Mango garnished with seasonal Grapes and accompanied with Wild Rice and Mushrooms. The Inn's Cubana Sandwich, a grilled and pressed combination of Roast Pork, Honey Baked Ham and Cheese on Fresh Bread, is justifiably famous.

Never forget to combine your fine meal with a wine that fits your taste. The Cedar Knoll Inn cellar contains many international fine wines. From France choose Rothschild Saint Emilion, a 100% Merlot Bordeaux, soft and luxurious. From Italy there is the Cavit Cabernet Sauvignon Della Tretino Riserva, a medium-bodied wine, with berry, cherry and cassis flavors and a soft finish. Spain offers Torres Gran Vina Sol, a Chardonnay from the hills above Barcelona. Or choose a sparkling wine, from Dom Perignon to Moet et Chandon White Star Extra Dry.

Call (703) 799-1503 for more information on catering and scheduling events, (703) 799-1501 for lunch, dinner or tea reservations.

George Washington Memorial Parkway
9030 Lucia Lane
Alexandria, VA 22308

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