I got an interesting email last week raving about eating beets at a local restaurant. Beets? Either these were amazing beets or maybe that was the best the restaurant had to offer? Sherman Shifflett, who ate there with Ava, said the beets were as good as advertised and the meal – at Obrigado’s in Louisa – was sensational.
Said Sherman: “I don’t know if you like beets or not. We grew them in our garden when I was a kid and I could take them or leave them. I probably liked pickled beets the best. I raised beets maybe 30 or 35 years ago, but not for many years.
When Ralph and I were in Peru, I sampled pickled beets in a restaurant that had a buffet. They were good. They also had pickled peaches. Had not eaten pickled peaches in 50 years. They were good too.
Anyway, Ava and I had dinner tonight at Obrigado’s in Louisa. The beets were an option as a side, so I went for it. They were excellent. I asked the waitress to ask the cook how they were prepared. She did not get all the details, but said the beets were baked, then peeled and cut into pieces. The beets were sautéed in olive oil and then butter was added. Finally, white wine was added. Drained and served. They were so good that Ava ate most of them.”
Obrigado’s, serving Mediterranean & Southern dishes, is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 until 3 PM. Dinner is served from 5-9 Mondays through Saturdays. There is a Sunday Brunch from 10:30 to 2 PM on Sunday and a Special Sunday Night Supper from 5 to 8 PM at a special price of $14.95 with one entrée, a side and cornbread.
A recent menu for the Sunday Supper included Shrimp & Grits, Bistro Chicken, Smothered Pork Chops, Fried Oysters, Blackened or Fried Catfish and Baked Ziti.
Sounds delicious and Sherman and Ava say it is.
“Our entrees were crab cakes with rice pilaf,” Sherman noted. “They were the second best crab cakes I’ve ever had. The best ever were at Tastings on Market St in Charlottesville. But that was 8-10 years ago. For dessert we had coconut-cream cake with a scoop of mango sorbet. It was very good but it wasn’t cheap.”
Obrigado’s is located at 109 W. Main Street in Louisa. Reservations are encouraged. Call them at 540.967.9447.