River Bend's Grilled Quail Takes 'Cherry Challenge' Entree Prize

The George Washington Birthday Celebration has announced winners of this year’s Cherry Challenge, an annual cherry-themed culinary competition, at Monday's George Washington Birthday Parade and named River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar the hands-down favorite in the entrée category for the bistro’s grilled quail with George Washington grist mill grits and a cherry and pinot noir sauce.

Between Jan. 20 and Feb. 11, participating restaurants presented guests with cherry-themed drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts. Diners were asked to vote on their favorites and encouraged to rate the taste, creativity, and presentation of each dish.

The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee works with local museums, historical societies, businesses and citizens to support George Washington-themed events each February.

River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar will have the award-winning cherry-themed dish on their specials menu through the week. The cozy and comfortable upscale eatery in the Hollin Hills neighborhood is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week with a brunch menu on the weekends.

River Bend Bistro is a one-of-a-kind place with simple, good food and a full bar with an extensive beer selection and international wine list.

In addition to the grilled quail, River Bend Bistro offers many other comfort dishes like its braised lamb shank over gorganzola polenta, roasted fluke filet with red wine sauce, spinach and ricotta agnolloti with walnut and parsley pesto, and grilled ribeye with garlic herb butter. The raspberry linzer torte, mouth-watering chocolate mousse or mascarpone cheesecake make the perfect end to any meal.

River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar serves homey and comforting American-style food with a French and Mediterranean influence. It was founded by Bill Ross and Executive Chef Caroline Ross, who attended the prestigious École de Cuisine La Varenne in Paris, France, before opening the bistro.

With a strong focus on delicious, simple food, all made from local and seasonal ingredients where possible, along with a quality international wine list and an extensive beer selection, River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar is an atmospheric bistro where guests can relax and enjoy a good meal. It is located at 7966 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308. Call (703) 347-7545 or fax (703) 347-9348. Open for lunch (brunch on Sundays) every day from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and for dinner from 4 to 10 p.m., and 9 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit www.riverbendbistro.com.

PHOTO of grilled quail dish courtesy of Riverbend Bistro