My sister Johanna was in town to visit this week and when Wanch (family nickname) comes to Charlottesville, there are two places she eats lunch – Jack’n Jill and Bellair Market on Ivy Road.
When our Mom was recuperating at Morningside Assisted Living, both Wanch and I would stop by Bellair Market before our visits. Mom loved their homemade brownies and cookies as well as their unique sandwiches. My sister tried a sandwich called Ednam and that’s what she always orders. So on a Sunday for lunch, Nancy and Johanna headed for Bellair Market.
The manager was at the counter, directing operations, and they had three associates bearing spatulas and paring knives and assembling sandwiches. The manager said at first there would a 30 minute wait, then changed it to maybe 45 minutes. Johanna and Nancy decided it was worth the wait, and in less than 30 minutes they were eating gourmet sandwiches – probably the best in town.
The Ednam features Maple Turkey, Bacon, Havarti, Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato and Herb Mayonnaise on French Bread. The Afton, one of my favorites, has Corn Beef, Swiss, Cole slaw, and Brown Mustard on Rye. Another of their many splendid choices is the Keswick with Kite’s. Country Ham, Swiss, Lettuce, Tomato, Honey Mustard, and Herbed Mayonnaise on French Bread.
Bellair Market also has excellent soups and salads as well as great desserts – which often go quickly.
There is no doubt about it, when you’re hungry and want a really great sandwich, Bellair Market is always worth the wait.