Some say there is such a thing as “Authentic Mexican” food. Not being an expert, and barely knowing the difference between a Burrito and a Taco, I really couldn’t say. I enjoy Mexican cuisine on occasion, but my wife Nancy is a rabid fan. And she especially enjoys the food at Guadalajara. A few nights ago, after she accommodated me and went to Bonefish for Fish & Chips, I agreed to eat … [Read more...]

Unlike the French and Italians, the British aren’t known for their culinary skills. When Kidney Pie is one of your top dishes, you know you’re in trouble. But one thing the Brits do well, and are famous for, is Fish and Chips. Fish and Chips was a blue-collar staple for the English working men. They used white fish caught in trawlers in the North Sea, then fried the fish, served them with potatoes … [Read more...]

When an alumnus of the University of Virginia returns to grounds, one of the first things he or she will do is find the nearest Bodo’s and get a bagel fix. Bodo’s is quite simply a Charlottesville institution. Brian Fox, a New England escapee, founded Bodo’s in 1986. At that time, bagels were known as a northern dish. Only the Yanks ate the odd shaped bakery items and usually with something … [Read more...]

Many of us are now making, or have already made, plans for a summer vacation and Nags Head on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a popular destination. Nancy and I like Nags Head because it’s more of a family beach, than the much-commercialized Virginia Beach. There are scads of things to do, the fishing is usually excellent and the food – ahhh, the food. There are some exceptional restaurants … [Read more...]

  There is a new restaurant in town. Well, it’s not exactly in town – it’s south of Ruckersville - and it’s not exactly new – it’s about 5 months old. It’s Coppersmith’s Food and Spirits. We ate there last week and I was delighted with my experience. The restaurant is located off Rt. 29 North, about halfway between Forest Lakes and Ruckersville, in the small shopping center with Dunkin’ … [Read more...]

One of Charlottesville’s most popular tourist destinations, right up there with Monticello, is Michie Tavern. Unquestionably Charlottesville’s oldest restaurant, Michie Tavern was established way back in 1784 by a Scottish Gentleman, William Michie. The Tavern was first sited in Earlysville, then moved near Monticello in 1927. At Michie Tavern, waiters and waitresses in period attire greet and … [Read more...]

CvilleBuzz reader and contributor, Sherman Shifflet, and I are always on the lookout for new and interesting places to eat. Sherman says he may have found another needle in the haystack. “Greg Barlow, my hunting buddy for the past 40 years, and I went to Richmond, today, and a friend recommended the Pickle Barrel Restaurant for breakfast,” Sherman noted. “He also said the place was good for … [Read more...]

A great Italian restaurant in Covington? No way! Yes, way! It’s called Cucci’s. I’ve eaten there on several occasions and the food is authentic Italian and very good. Cucci’s is a popular local hangout. The one-acre parking lot stays packed, except on Sundays, when they are closed. Cucci’s prepares their food fresh and daily, including fresh breads. They offer a wide selection of Italian … [Read more...]

I found myself in Downtown Waynesboro recently around lunchtime. How convenient. Any excuse will do when it comes to getting a couple of hot dogs from Sam’s Hot Dogs in Waynesboro. In my humble opinion, there are three places that stand out when it comes to great hot dogs – Jack ‘N Jill in Charlottesville Jim’s Drive In (Lewisburg, WV) and Sam’s in Waynesboro. All good, but none are better than … [Read more...]

How many Chinese or Oriental restaurants do we have in Charlottesville? A thousand? No, not quite that many, but sometimes it seems that way. There is certainly one in every strip mall in town, and most I’ve tried are pretty good. Our favorite Chinese Restaurant used to be the Flaming Wok. I knew the owner and always enjoyed his food and service, but pending development shut down his restaurant … [Read more...]