Vous aimez la cuisine francaise? Do you like French food? Tucked away in Hot Springs, Virginia is a charming new influenced French American restaurant called Les Cochans d’Or. Pronounced LAY-CO-SHAWN-DOOR, it means “the golden pig.” Around town, locals call it LCdO or LeCosh. It’s located in the old Wine Store beside Sam Snead’s Tavern, just down the hill from the Omni Homestead Resort in the little village.

Since its opening, we have heard nothing but the highest praise so we had to check it out. As soon as our party arrived, we were seated right away to an elevated table in full view of the kitchen. The kitchen is in the read and we watched all that was happening through a high glass pane. Chef Kyle Krieger, also the owner, was preparing a popular dish for the night, the wood grilled leg of lamb. Our server, Chris Mines, gave us the menu with each course (there were four) and took our drink order, which were cocktails: The “Pig”-hattan, made with spiced apple bourbon; and the LCdO Old Fashioned, made with rye, brandied cherries, orange bitters, and LCdO ginger beer.

On the left: Warm Jumbo Lump Crab Appetizer. On the right: Pan Seared Scallops

For dinner, I ordered the following: Frisee aux Lardons Salad, the Warm Jumbo Lump Crab Appetizer, Pan Seared Scallops (evening special), and the Famous “Hotel” Peach Cobbler (this was the chef’s choice).

All of my dishes were well executed, plated beautifully and served at the right temperature. My favorite dish had to be the scallops. They were juicy and served with oven roasted mushrooms, dehydrated broccoli, cauliflower puree, and orange pernod (liquor) sauce. The combination of flavors was phenomenal – nothing like I’ve ever had before. I accompanied the dish with a 2013 Beaujolais Blanc, a full-bodied chardonnay. From start to finish, our group had a great dining experience in a beautifully modern and intimate atmosphere. Chef Krieger also talked to us about using local and fresh produce, meat, and fish. He purchases bacon from The Rock Barn farm in Arrington, VA, honey from Lexington, herbs from the Shenandoah Valley, and so on.

Plates from around the table!

The Golden Pigs-Dig in!! Can you say “Pig ‘Hattan” ?? Love this yummy craft cocktail with a twizzler of bacon-infused cotton candy! Try the cast-iron mountain trout. Sooo delicious. Small town find with big-time foodie food. – MarketGirl. 5 Star Review. Via OpenTable.com 12.5.14

Chef Krieger’s experience includes several years at The Greenbrier. He’s also the owner of Greenbrier County’s favorite local condiment, The Pig Cave Black Mustard (thepigcave.com). If you haven’t tried this mustard, order it with a warm pretzel the next time you visit the Irish Pub in downtown Lewisburg. Chef Krieger operates this restaurant with his lovely wife, Crystal Krieger. She is an Advanced Wine Sommelier and recently participated in Andrea Robinson’s Top Taster event NY Wine Festival. The duo partnered with Kate and John Loeffler from the Inn at Gristmill Square to open this incredible establishment.

On the left: My son and I. On the right: Crystal & Kyle Krieger

Go and enjoy fine French cuisine in the heart of Bath County, VA. Dinner hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 5-9pm with Happy Hour until 6pm. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 11-2pm. For more information, visit lescochondor.com or call 540-839-8900.

– Christina Entenmann. LBSPY #61. January 2015.