An Anniversary Getaway to Smithfield Station

Just looking at this picture makes me relax!

I know I have been a ghost on this blog lately.  Just my daily life and dealing with a family health issue has not left much time or energy to post about food. It is not that we haven't been eating, but lately cooking just has not held the same joy for me. However, this blog is a creative outlet and in my effort to make more time for myself,  I have pledged to begin posting regularly just as much for myself as for my readers.

My husband and I recently enjoyed an anniversary mini-vacation, thanks to our daughter Molly who gave her dad a Groupon for a night for two at Smithfield Station complete with a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries for Christmas.  He luckily decided that our 38th anniversary would be a great excuse to use it, and even better, he decided to take me;)!  Smithfield was a perfect location, right on the water and a short half-hour drive from home - far enough to be a change of scene but close enough that the trip itself was not a hassle. So I took off half a day and we packed up on Friday and headed to Smithfield. Our plan-have an amazing dinner, go to Saturday's Farmer's Market, stroll through Old Smithfield and have some time with focus just on one another, not distracted by daily issues and problems.

This pig was near the Art Center.

As we drove  into Smithfield, it was clear that this was a perfect place to get away- it was like driving into a different, simpler time. Smithfield has many gorgeous Victorian era homes and the downtown area is filled with shops and cafes.  We were familiar with the Mermaid statues in Norfolk, and the horses of the Outer Banks, so we were delighted to see that Smithfield had their own mascot- pigs!!! Each one has a different theme, and they are all over the town. Finally it was time to check in, and we were delighted to have a boardwalk room that was essentially on the marina.  The room was spacious and rustic in decor, featuring a corner gas fireplace, queen bed, comfy recliner and a mini-fridge where our champagne and strawberries were chilling.

We made ourselves at home, and got dressed for dinner (we had an early reservation).  After looking at the menu(and a lot of Yelp research by me), we wanted to have the Oysters Rockefeller as an appetizer, and since Friday, that was the half-price special at the IBX bar, we decided to head there for a pre-dinner drink and oysters. Since it was early, boaters were just beginning to trickle in, so we sat at the bar - the best view in the place- and ordered our drinks and appetizer.  The Oysters Rockefeller was delicious, especially at $8 for a  dozen and we had a relaxing drink until our table was ready for dinner.

Our corner table by the window was private and scenic and our early reservation meant we had the restaurant nearly to ourselves.  Our waitress was friendly and helpful, letting us know about the specials (which included a whole lobster !!)  My husband had crabcakes and I have the sweet potato crusted rockfish, both of which came highly recommended by diners on Yelp.  In addition, I was seduced by the Pineapple Upside Down cake martini, which was a special. Everything was just terrific.  Gavin's crabcakes were pure crabmeat with just enough binder to hold them together- definitely the best crabcake not made by me I have every tasted. My rockfish was moist and perfectly cooked, with a sweet-savory sauce that was unexpected and delicious.

Even though we were stuffed, we could not resist dessert.  We chose to split a hot fudge ice cream cake, which was just the right sweet treat to top off our meal.  All in all it was a great anniversary, and we will definitely be heading back to Smithfield Station-  I have heard that they have an amazing brunch, and the food and atmosphere of a time gone by is perfect for a relaxing time that rejuvenates the soul!