I'm always interested in highlighting local businesses that are doing good things on the green front. And recently I had the opportunity to sit down with two staff members from Poplar Springs Inn & Spa.

Anita Carshult, Director of Special Events and Sarah Stanton, Inn & Spa Manager, were kind enough to take some time to tell me about some of the exciting initiatives under way at Poplar Springs.

First of all, I'm very excited by their efforts to incorporate more local food into their menus. Local farms are providing seasonal produce, beef, poultry, cheese and eggs. Lavendar froma local farm is being used in both the restaurant and spa. Local game is served in the restaurant during the fall and winter. Work is under way on an herb garden on the property. The herbs would be used in both the restaurant and spa. And plans are in the works for a vineyard on the property!

The restaurant currently features many local Virginia wines. And they have recently added biodynamic wines as well as some organic vodkas.

The spa is also incorporating local grape skins in some of their products. And their signature treatments are all handmade on site.

On the energy front, they've installed a geothermal system for heating and cooling. LED candles are beiong used in the spa and restaurant.

They are working on reducing water usage by reducing the amount of linens used in the spa.

And I'm also happy to report that they're working to encourage local people to spend more time with them. They've added a new light fare menu available in the lounge Thursday through Sunday from 3:30 to closing. No jackets are required, no 5 course meals, just a menu of light, delicious foods a great selection of adult beverages and the chance to unwind in beautiful surroundings.

They're also added dinner on Sundays from 5:30 to 8:30. Many of you may already have tried their wonderful Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

And, they've been doing Date Nights this summer. For a discounted price you get a three course dinner, bottle of wine and an outdoor movie projected on the barn. The cost is $55 on Friday nights and $65 on Saturdays.

I'm looking forward to hearing more about their plans for green initiatives and hope to see many of you in the lounge one evening, relaxing after work!

Mojitos and Tapas is an exciting new restaurant in Warrenton. As a big fan of Cuban food, I've been eagerly awaiting this opening and I was there with bells on for lunch on its first day.

There was a crowd there to try out the newest spot in town. It's so nice to have something new that's not a chain!

While the wind was cold and blustery outside, you feel warm as soon as you step in the doors. The decor immediately tells you you're in a warmer climate than the outside thermometer indicates! The bold red behind the bar immediately grabs your attention!

The menu is extensive, with much of it made up of tapas, small savory bites meant to be shared. Bring your friends and try a few of these. Tapas originated in Spain and seem to now have made their way to almost every corner of the world. The tapas I tried were terrific and I especially enjoyed my garlic fix! Enjoy your tapas with Cuban bread and a glass of wine, beer or sangria. Or, of course, you can try their signature drink, a mojito, from Cuba. They've got a larger variety of mojitos than I've ever seen and I lived in Miami for 13 years!

The service is warm and friendly. And there were surprisingly few first day glitches for a new restaurant.

You can find more information on their web site http://www.mojitosandtapas.com

I definitely recommend the food and will be going back soon with friends!