Luck was with us all day: we walked in at the perfect time to get in the next 30 minute group; headsets were available, and after a leisurely stroll through the exhibition, we made a quick return together to comment on some works and motifs that, well, just needed commenting on!
With a nice recommendation from the museum staff, we took advantage of the beautiful day and walked down to Cary Street for a lunch at Secco Wine Bar. However, we did not end up at Secco Wine Bar because, realizing we had a man with us we quickly realized that the lovely prixe fix lunch of tender baby greens, or portabella mushroom plate might not be sufficient, we all headed back to Double Ts to- and I quote- pig out. While ordering, we discovered Governor McDonnell had proclaimed this an all-Virginia establishment. Then owner, Double T, moseyed over, pulled up a chair and explained the virtues of his establishment made St Louis cut ribs, pulled pork barbecue, roasted sweet corn pudding, collards, onion rings, Brunswick stew, and fresh brewed sweet tea or homemade lemonade (the lemonade being the only thing we did not get!)
Ted Truman, also known as Double T, filled our table with tales of his home in Missouri, including the fact that Harry S Truman was a cousin, taught us the virtues of St. Louis cut ribs, vinegarless barbecue sauce, the beauty of buying all produce from local growers and meats from local farms, and openly flirted with our model, offering half of his bread pudding...which she delightfully accepted. Full of delicious food and delightful conversation, we all ordered cobblers and brownies topped with Double T's homemade ice cream to share.
The drive home was electric with dozens of conversations that erupted non-stop all the way home as we relived the events of this wonderful day of art and friendships.
