Patch Pockets -- Secret Garden Cafe

It's your retired Army colonel and foodie extraordinaire -- who? -- ME! -- back for another entry on Patch Pockets, because I've discovered another good place for you to eat.

I have previously recommended the French cuisine at Bistro L'hermitage (703-499-9550) in Occoquan and the Morrocan cuisine at Les Brochettes (703-499-9200) on Hedges Run Drive in Woodbridge/Lake Ridge.

This time it's American cuisine, with a few delicious twists, at the new (opening day was April 8th) Secret Garden Cafe (703-494-2848) at 404 Mill St., Occoquan, VA. It's owned and run by Dave and Sarah De Vight, along with partner Eric Wallace-- good, hardworking folks all.

Just park on the street and go up the short flight of steps into a little, hidden garden and the adjacent restaurant. During nice weather, you can dine in either the garden or inside the restaurant.

New paint inside, garden improvements outside, friendly staff, good food and reasonable prices, with a diverse menu containing some sophisticated surprises. 

Try the deconstructed Cobb Salad, which I had on my second visit, and tell me what you think. I thought it was delicious and I was pleasantly surprised by the deconstruction, so you can eat salad elements separately or mix them together as you like.

Or try the Turkey-Avocado BLT with fries, which I had during my first visit on their opening day. Yum! And I hear the Shrimp and Grits are really tasty too.

Actually, I'll be going back often, sampling something new from their menu each time. Come join me and help support a new small business in our community.

Bon Appétit!