On Feb. 28, The Lion’s Den 1837 hosted its first anniversary celebration. As befits one of the premier restaurants in the area, the black tie recommended festivities included a six-course prix fixe menu (and three amuse bouches), national touring quality jazz provided by Tina Hashemi and her three-piece combo, featuring a virtuoso vibraphonist, and impeccable service throughout the evening.

Rosalino Taormina, known as Rosie, the proprietor, offered a champagne toast at the end of the evening, separately recognizing the wait staff, the kitchen (which elicited the loudest cheers), the musicians, and the guests. Missing, however, was a toast to Rosie, who had the vision to preserve and extend the tradition of fine dining established under Tavern on the Rail, during the stewardship of Melody Bowers, through the creation of The Lion’s Den.

As Rosie noted in his toast, despite its rural location — at least a 40-minute drive to the nearest town with a population of more than 2,500 — The Lion’s Den is succeeding in providing a top echelon dining experience to the Lake Anna community.

Dave Richards

Dave Richards and his wife danni are long time Lake Anna residents (since 1996) with a penchant for travel.   They also LOVE to stay in unique places, which have included a hanging spherical tree house in Qualicum BC, the Marilyn Monroe suite in Edith Palmer’s place in Virginia City NV, and a quonset hut in Yosemite.  Closer to home, they have stayed in the Lighthouse in Smithfield, the Silo at Kelly’s Ford, and the Tepee at Eagle’s Landing In Lynchburg.   They are looking forward to visiting the unique accommodations nearby at Lake Anna!