Side Trail: Fete at the Secret Garden café, Occoquan, VA

Who: Baldwin Family and Friends

What: A baby shower for C and BBB

When: September, 28, 2013

Where: the Secret Garden café

404 Mill St., Occoquan, VA 22125

Youngest daughter C and her husband M are expecting BBB (Baby Boy Baldwin) in late November, thankfully. Sister S and Mother M wanted to fete her with a baby shower among her friends in NoVA, so they set about trying to find a venue to accommodate the event. Now finding a place in the Big City is a little different than down here in Richmond, VA or in the country, say Orange, VA. C & M had their wedding in Orange and we had the reception in the back garden of Pied-à-terre (our second home there) and the Baldwin seniors (M's mom and dad) hosted the rehearsal dinner at the repurposed train station, both events catered locally, wonderfully, and reasonably. Finding something with those same characteristics proved difficult. After some research they did find a suitable place: the Secret Garden café in Occoquan, VA, that historic town and port just south of DC. Plans were finalized, a reservation made, a menu chosen, and invitations sent out to friends and family. There was a good response from the invitees. A small group of about 25 were expected. Sister was responsible for the logistics, and Mom did decorations, M (husband not mother) and I were classified as non-attending support personnel.

Crowded

The Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show: unbeknownst to the girls the Saturday chosen for the party was during this event. So that meant there would be a bunch of people in area, and, O, by the way, a number of streets, including Mill Street would be closed off and access to the area would be by shuttle ($4) from close-by commuter parking lots. Logistics now became a major concern. But the intrepid sister made some calls and put all things right. She secured a prized parking spot just off Mill Street in a restricted zone and the event organizers comped her free shuttle passes for the quests. The staff of the Town of Occaquan, especially our police escort to our parking spot (no kidding), and the organizers should be accorded high praise. We were hosted like royalty and shouldn't pregnant ladies get special treatment anyway? Walking from the shuttle drop-off to the café took the quests directly through a crowded Mill Street with vendor booths on both sides of/in the street. Felt like rush hour on the T in Boston.

The Café: Firstly (so you do not need to read through the whole blog) I unreservedly recommend this eatery and the girls would also. The owner/chef and staff were amiable as though we had frequented the place many times and were old friends and assiduous in responding to our questions and requests. The venue was perfect for our small to medium sized party, and the food was excellent: not too fancy (what is that on my plate?) and thoughtfully flavorful. The presentation was simple but elegant, not too fussy. And the price was right. But please read on and view more about the café and our party.

Unfortunately Mom could not make the trip at the last minute (so sad), so I was transformed from a gofer to an attendee: the "sole man". Husband M was relegated to the green parking lot to hand out shuttle passes to arriving guests, give instructions, and call in the status of arrivals to C. Later he and friend K hung out at a local watering hole until they got the call to come over to haul loot to the car. So about 2pm, after being escorted to our primo parking spot, C, sister S, C (grandmother to be times 3 on the hubby side) and I made our way loaded with decorations and party paraphernalia around the corner to the café.

Entrance from Mill St at right side of Hornbaker House

Up this way

That is some old brick

Nice touches

There was a lovely entrance off the street and sidewalk between two buildings housing other  shops. As we crested the stairs we were met by some live music in the garden behind and to the right of the building entrance to the café.

View from top of stairs

View from top of garden back to entrance

We entered into a dining room attractively decorated with a service area to the right, staff area to the left and the banquet rooms further in on the left.

Dining Room

Service area to right of entrance with
two well-maintained bathrooms across

When we arrived there was a flurry of activity to put the party area into tiptop shape so that we could begin to add our personal touches. Windows were open to allow a pleasant breeze to cool the space - quite delightful. The staff was ever present and helpful, providing bits we needed to complete the landscape, and arranging tables and fixtures as directed, meanwhile preparing a exquisite repast.

Serving area with C observing.
Isn't she lovely?

Through the door behind C was the private dining area with just the right amount of space for the party. Unusual and practical wicker booths set the tone of simple elegance.

Sisters setting up

Mom's flower arrangements were gorgeous

One grandmother is in the house.
Isn't she lovely?

As 3pm approached, M called to say folks were on their way via shuttle. It was party time! Iced water was flowing and the first platters of food appeared: chicken and brie in a light crusty turnover; tomatoes, mozzarella, and herbs, with aged balsamic vinegar drizzle; sliced baguette, cucumber sandwich wedges.

When the final contingent of guests arrived, out came crab cakes with lemon wedges and a delicious rémoulade. Freshly prepared lemonade and champagne cocktails were offered. The cocktail was laced with raspberry but not too sweet: an adult drink. The two desserts were made on site: bite size pecan tassies that were better than my mom's - if you did not pop the whole thing in your mouth but cut through with a fork, the filling oozed delightfully; chocolate cupcakes with maple flavored icing (I think) - moist and sweet. All the food was fresh and tasty. While folks were enjoying the food, C did presents. The guests were enthusiastic, conversational, interactive and loving. A marvelous pile of baby stuff accumulated as splendidly wrapped boxes and bags were opened.

Sisters

Owl theme

We wrapped up about 5pm with some folks lingering as we organized our departure. M and K appeared from down the street and we made our way out with many thanks to the staff at the café. Mom and sister had planned well and the staff at the café executed remarkably. Of course, Mom not being there was a downer, but a good time was had by all and the upcoming birth was celebrated in fine fashion and the presents were nothing short of lavish in their expression of love for C, M & BBB.