Patrick O’Connell
Personal stats
Occupation: Owner and chef, The Inn at Little Washington
Age: 59
Number of years in D.C.: Forever
Neighborhood: Little Washington, Va.
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT
Furin’s Deli in Georgetown (2805 M St. NW). The home-style food is wonderfully simple and healthy.
FAVORITE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
I took my first Metro ride last month after my train broke down coming from New York. It was a pleasant adventure, but I’m never without my car.
FAVORITE SPORTS EVENT
I have never been to a sporting event, but have not ruled out the possibility.
BEST LIVE MUSIC
The last live concert I attended was at the Cellar Door when the Mamas & Papas were playing. It was fabulous … and the end of an era.
BEST PLACE FOR VISITORS
The National Cathedral is on the highest point of land in the city so it offers a unique perspective. I like to sit in the wonderful herb garden and meditate.
FAVORITE MUSEUM
The National Portrait Gallery — the restoration is flawless and I love the colors of the walls.
MOST ROMANTIC SPOT
The C&O Canal is a great place for an evening stroll with someone special.
FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A LAZY SUNDAY
I haven’t had a lazy Sunday in 30 years. It’s one of our busiest days. The inn opens at 4 p.m.
BEN’S CHILI BOWL, OLD EBBITT GRILL OR CAFE MILANO?
My mother used to take me to the original location of the Old Ebbitt when we would go shopping downtown, so dining there always makes me feel young again.
FAVORITE OUTSIDE-THE-BELTWAY RETREAT
Home in Little Washington is my sanctuary. I open the back door and watch the resident family of deer scampering through the fields and wait for the bear cub to make an appearance every evening at dusk. Few people are aware that such an idyllic utopia lies so close to a major metropolis.
FAVORITE INSIDE-THE-BELTWAY RETREAT
Whenever the city jangles me I slip over to Dunbarton Oaks (R and 31st streets Northwest), go for a nice walk and pretend I own it.
BEST LATE-NIGHT EATS
What’s the best place for late-night eats?
Zaytinya (701 Ninth St. NW. Corner of 9th and G).
BEST D.C. MOMENT
What’s the most “D.C.” moment you’ve had?
Laura Bush invited me, along with Jacques Pepin, for breakfast at the White House. It was really homey.
PROUDEST PART OF LIVING IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL
Wherever I travel, people seem to have heard of it.
EMBARRASSING PART OF LIVING IN WASHINGTON
Wherever I travel, people want to talk politics and seem to hold me personally responsible for something I had nothing to do with.
