We went to Nauticus in Norfolk, a part Navy museum, part aquarium. Afterwards, we were really hungry, but it was cold. The kind of cold that stings your face. We decided that we would just drive back to Williamsburg…until we drove past Freemason Abbey, a restaurant that used to be a church. We hadn’t been there in forever…

*cue in backstory*

My husband used to live in Hampton, VA, about an hour from Norfolk, and I’d occasionally visit him from California, and stay months at a time. This was before the 3 kids. I remembered going here. I don’t remember when or what we ordered, but we were here once before.

But I think we sat…
right…
there.

It was 4pm, and that in-between lunch and dinner time for most restaurants. Not too many people. Hungry group. Perfect.

At this point, I’m also kicking myself for forgetting my good camera back at the hotel room. Such a missed opportunity!

We started with the Artichoke Dip. Now let me say that I make a mean artichoke dip. MEAN. But all I can say about this one is WOW. The artichokes were nice and tender and the cheese had the right amount of ooey gooey and crunch on the edges. So far so good.

Then came the soup. The waiter mentioned that this soup won many awards. Who knew soups had contests?

It’s no secret that I’m not a big fan of soup, but DAMN this soup rocked. It reminded me vaguely of clam chowder from Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, one that I grew up eating. But (dare I say it), this was much, much better. There, I said it.

My choice of an entree is just an embarrassment. Just the day before I made the mistake of ordering an “Asian” (quote, unquote) Stir Fry at Jungle Jim’s. And here I ordered a Veggie Burger, which is a damn shame considering that Norfolk is near Chesapeake Bay and its seafood. As I ate my burger, I tried not to stare and drool at the dishes my husband and dad ordered.

My dad ordered the Flounder which was pan fried just right. Stop drooling, Portia.

My husband’s delicious plate of linguini, scallops, shrimp and crab just laughed at me.

Maybe next time I go to a Japanese restaurant, I’ll order a club sandwich