When Cook Out first opened in Charlottesville about five years ago, the lines at the To Go windows were longer than those at John Paul Jones Arena for a Rolling Stones Concert. The lines have since subsided but Cook Out remains one of the most popular fast food options in Virginia. Our close friends and in-laws, Charlotte and Dick Forester from Richmond, are big time fans of Cook Out. … [Read more...]

Summertime and ice cream. A perfect combination. On a hot night after dinner, there’s nothing like putting out a couple scoops from a Breyer’s carton of Rocky Road Ice Cream in a bowl, but for an extra special treat, it’s hard to beat a trip to an ice cream parlor - a place like Kirt’s Homemade Ice Cream. These folks do it right and they’ve been doing it right for some 20 years. This out of the … [Read more...]

I don’t like to go to Downtown Charlottesville. I’m always afraid that if I stand still, someone will think I’m a statue and throw a tarp on me. I also don’t like the fact that there are approximately 15,000 cars trying to squeeze in one of the 50 available parking places, meaning it costs you ten bucks to park in the garage. But. I enjoy seeing performances from the Charlottesville … [Read more...]

Cville Buzz’s ace reporter, Sherman Shifflett, has uncovered another eating establishment worthy of our attention – the Brew House in Blackstone. Here is Sherman’s account of the experience.   “Ava Pippin and I don't travel much on holidays because there is too much traffic. We may take a short drive on the holiday itself, because traffic is light. Last July 4, 2018. we meandered around … [Read more...]

Sunday night is often pizza night for the Brewers. Odds are that we have either had company, been to someone’s house, eaten out or all of the above in a given weekend and neither Nancy nor yours truly are particularly interested in cooking. Last Sunday evening,  I happened to think about the Brick Oven. It had been a while since I’ve eaten there and I have had some terrific pizzas over the years … [Read more...]

  There are scads of great restaurants in Nags Head. If they weren’t great, they wouldn’t survive because of all the competition. As of last weekend, though, Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant is our choice as the best of the best. When they say waterfront, it’s waterfront. Any closer and your feet would get wet. Nancy wanted to see the sunset over the Roanoke Sound on her birthday evening. … [Read more...]

  Lord Hardwicke’s once made the best Reuben Sandwich in town, but that old brick and mortar restaurant got leveled and I am still in mourning. Hardwicke’s was a great restaurant with a large menu and terrific service – and they did make the best Reuben in Charlottesville. However, I have discovered a close rival, maybe the equal of a Lord Hardwicke’s Reuben. Timberwood Grill at Forest … [Read more...]

So, where’s the best place to eat breakfast in Charlottesville? The big fellas, IHOP and Waffle House, are certainly contenders, but many would argue for a local establishment – the Villa Diner,  now located on Emmet Street near the old Lord Hardwicke’s location. Once sited near University Hall, the new location is even easier to access, say some of the regular patrons. My wife, Nancy, and her … [Read more...]

  Hilltop Market used to be just a small convenience store. They sold lots of live bait to fishermen headed out to the Rivanna Reservoir. They sold some canned goods, drinks, snacks and some really good and fresh produce. Then they opened a small deli. Since then, I’d guess about 20 years ago, Hilltop Market has become one of the go-to lunch destinations for many in Charlottesville. You’ll … [Read more...]

Sometimes it’s worth going to a restaurant for the scenery alone. If the food is good, that’s a bonus. Such is the case at Graves Mountain Lodge where the scenery is breathtaking and the food fabulous. Graves Mountain has a storied history. Captain Thomas Graves sailed the “Mary and Margaret” to Jamestown in 1608, and served as a representative in the Virginia Assembly at Jamestown in 1619. In … [Read more...]