Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE RESTAURANT CONCEPT?
Lemaire is a New Southern restaurant and bar that is inspired by the agricultural and coastal bounties of Virginia.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
Chef Bundy uses a “farm to table” menu philosophy that celebrates our relationships with small, local producers.  Whenever possible, we will source the items on our menu from local sources.  This ensures we use only seasonal, wholesome products for our customers.  In the summer months, many menu ingredients come from “Bundy Farms”, Lemaire's urban garden located just outside the hotel. 
The menu allows customers to personalize their dining experience according to their preferences.  The menu is divided into categories that enable guests to share multiple appetizer-size items from the Hot and Cold sections before ordering entrees from the Main and Dessert.  Guest may also follow a more traditional meal with an Appetizer, Entrée and Dessert, if they like. 

HOW HIGH ARE THE PRICES ON THE MENU?
There are no items on our dinner menu that are greater than $30.  Our bar menu features several appetizer size options with prices starting at $5.
The average cost for a guest to have a three-course meal with a glass of wine is $50.

WHAT IS THE BEVERAGE PROGRAM LIKE?
Just like the dinner menu, the beverage menu allows guests to explore flavor through multiple formats.  Our menu features seasonal cocktails, wines by the glass, quartino, half bottles and full bottles that all create excellent food and beverage pairings.  We feature a selection of red and white wine “Discoveries” that are priced at $30 or less.

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
It’s casual - come as you feel most comfortable.  Please know, however, that there may likely be other guests that are joining us as they are leaving work from downtown and they may be dressed in coat and tie.

ARE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED?
No, reservations are not required, but they are suggested.  We encourage you to walk in, but food and beverage will be provided on a first come first served without a reservation.

WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION?
Bar and Lounge  
Open daily from 4 pm to 12 am
Dinner   
Serving daily from 5 pm to 10 pm

CAN GROUPS STILL DINE IN THE RESTAURANT?
Yes, please contact our event planner, Maureen Powers at 804.649.4663 or via e-mail at maureen.powers@jeffersonhotel.com for more details.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS IN LEMAIRE?
Special events are always posted on the “Food and Wine Events” section of www.lemairerestaurant.com or you can like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest updates, offers and culinary news.  Please also register on the home page for our e-mail newsletter which comes out twice per month. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE DINNER IN LEMAIRE?
The style of our menu allows you to order a variety of ways, so it is entirely possible to come to the restaurant or bar, have an assortment of appetizers or entrees and be done in an hour. 
We want people to understand they do not have to plan to spend several hours dining with us, and can pop in and out as they please, or be done in plenty of time for the theater.

WHY DID WE CHANGE LEMAIRE?
The original Lemaire was opened in 1986 and experienced great success, eventually earning the AAA Five Diamond Award.  While this award is very prestigious, we noticed that guests began only joining us for special occasions like their birthdays or anniversaries.  We listened to our customers, and they told us they wanted the quality of a fine dining experience without the formality, pretense and expense!  We closed Lemaire for a renovation in January 2009 so we could start a new chapter for this hospitality landmark. 

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS LEMAIRE VS THE PREVIOUS LEMAIRE?

  1. The new Lemaire will deliver the quality and service the hotel is known for, but in an accessible and affordable format.
  2. The fantastic new bar and lounge allows you to experience the new concept for the price of a cocktail.
  3. We have adapted our menu so that the restaurant is more accessible to guests with lower pricing and local menu choices.
  4. It’s flexible!  This concept is designed so that you can drop in at the bar for a burger and a beer, or design your own multi-course food and wine experience!
  5. You can have fun!  This is not a formal restaurant, so guests should feel comfortable sharing their plates, socializing with their friends and enjoying themselves.
  6. In addition, we designed new uniforms, implemented a new sound system and lowered prices on the menu to make sure that our guests can use the restaurant in more ways than just for special occasions. 

WHAT DESIGN FIRM DID YOU USE FOR THE RENOVATION?
The architectural and design firm Forrest Perkins of Washington DC helped us breathe new life into the space, including the beautiful new bar, lighting, furniture, restrooms and wine storage. 

The paint colors are from Sherwin Williams Paints:
 Library: Independent Gold SW 6401
Astor & Gibson: Ambitious Amber SW 6366
Valentine & Conservatory: Harvester SW 6373
Ginter Room: Antique White SW 6373
Restrooms: Hearts of Palm SW 6415
Trim Throughout: Collector’s White SW 1907

New design elements included the following:
Chandeliers and wall sconces are Murano Glass custom designed by ForrestPerkins, fabricated by Alger International.
Dining chairs, ottomans, & bar stools are from Mark David.
Lounge chairs in bar are from Baker.
Banquettes are custom designed by ForrestPerkins, fabricated by Martin Brattrud.
All area rugs are custom hand tufted rugs designed by ForrestPerkins, fabricated by Soroush Custom Rugs and constructed of 100% wool.
The gate design was inspired by metal work at Thomas Jefferson's grave.

WHAT INSIRED THE ART IN LEMAIRE?
Like the menu, the paintings in Lemaire were inspired by the bounty of Virginia.  Local artists were commissioned to paint the landscapes of Virginia: 

Summer Hay in Carroll County by Karen Blair
Afternoon Marsh on Virginia’s Eastern Shore by Gray S. Dodson
Coast Line at False Cape State Park in Sandbridge by Durwood Dommisse
Vineyard Vista and Vineyard Sunset in Albemarle County by David Skinner
North Fork, Morman's River in Flood in Albemarle County by Edward W.T. Thomas