Trotters Perk brings new life to bistro cuisine

By Dulcy B. Hooper

Among the first things shared by Chef Ti (pronounced simply “T”) Ang is that she is a very private person. She is, in her words, a philanthropist first and an executive chef next.

Trotters Perk Bistro opened in August 2015 and the reviews since, both word-of-mouth and scattered throughout any number of online sites, offer glowing comments on the atmosphere, the staff and Ang’s creative menu — including the exceptional desserts that one reviewer described as “more like an addiction.”

“Food just dances in your mouth,” wrote one out-of-town customer. “We could tell the owner/chef poured her heart into everything she made.”

The menu at Trotters Perk is limited, by choice, with everything made on the premises using fresh, local, organic ingredients. “I’ve even put a lot of effort into the water system,” said Ang. “I’m very ‘green’ and eco-friendly and care about the environment.”

Ang has been doing catering for 25 years and, with her husband, has lived in Virginia for the last 12 years. Along the way, she has had “a few bakeries in the area, bricks and mortar.”

“The food I serve is not affected by artificial enhancers — hormones, antibiotics, artificial flavors or colors and pesticides.” Ang’s fish tacos with “habanero heat” get rave reviews, as do the “Sonoran style dawgs with avocado aioli spici hawt.” (Among Ang’s whimsical charms: She has her own creative way when it comes to spelling.)

“I make this killer salad dressing,” she said. “I promise you: It is the best you will ever taste in your life.” Ang is in talks with a number of gourmet retailers to carry her Chef Ti Series Italian Vinaigrette, as well as her “addictive” chocolate decadence drenched with potato chips.

Ang’s love of food goes back to her childhood. “I learned to prepare food and make pastries from my grandmother,” she said. “Nana Lucia taught us how to prepare for everything from a small gathering to a large affair — how to set the table and how you were to greet your elders. I owe so much to her.”

She credits her grandmother as the inspiration behind one of Trotter Perk’s most popular items:  the “killer” gorilla cheese sandwich. “When we were growing up, Nana Lucia would do a little dance when she made those for us. And I’ve mastered it,” Ang said.

Ang also credits her grandmother with teaching her about philanthropy and the importance of giving back to others. “She really instilled the qualities that I needed in life,” said Ang. “I recall her sponsoring young children,” says Ang, “and telling us that these are our brothers and sisters and that we must help those that needed it the most.” Ang’s beloved Nana Lucia died in 2012, “107 years young.”

Many bistro items are on the menu at Trotters Perk. Photo courtesy of Trotters Perk Bistro.

Through Trotters Perk Bistro, however, Ang pays respect to that same commitment to giving back that she learned from her grandmother. “We have been involved with various organizations,” said Ang. “Animals, children, the homeless and the LGBT community. We’re involved with Seven Loaves, the Lion’s Club, Middleburg Humane and WAAAG [Washington Area Animal Adoption Group].”

Trotters Perk has also been involved in raising funds for the Gingersnap Girls Equine Rescue. Ang has also rescued Merilee, an American paint who, she says, looks just like Trotters Perk’s logo of a Gypsy vanner, her favorite horse. And to keep Merilee company, Ang also rescued a miniature pony, Red Shiloh.

Ang made the decision to open Trotters Perk in Middleburg after having attended the Middleburg Christmas parade for several years and staying at Salamander Resort & Spa for holiday vacations and weekend getaways. “My love of Middleburg is enormous,” she said. Ang said that she is so grateful for the support of our customers.

“I love the food that we prepare at Trotters Perk,” said Ang. “And I love the warm family feeling people receive when they join us for a late breakfast or lunch or for Sunday brunch — everyone loves my Belgian waffles.” ML

Trotters Perk Bistro: Open Wednesday-Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m-5:30 p.m.; 16 E. Washington St., Middleburg, VA 20117; 540-687-3606.