With the holidays in the rear-view mirror, Nancy and I decided to go out for a bite. We thought we’d check out the new Red Crab Juicy Seafood place, but it felt strange when we went in – like an oriental restaurant with a seafood boil. We glanced at their menu, and they seemingly offered only boiled crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. They also sold stuff by the pound. It didn’t feel right. We wanted a … [Read more...]

  I avoid the Downtown Mall unless there is a good show playing at the Paramount. It so happened that there was a good show playing - “Christmas with Elvis”, featuring Matt Lewis as a terrific Elvis Impersonator along with Big Ray and the Kool Kats. So, we went to the Downtown Mall with friends and ate at the Citizen Burger Bar. Junior Samples of Hee Haw fame once said don’t order a … [Read more...]

  I understand there are over 200 restaurants in Charlottesville. It seems like there that many on the Downtown Mall, but regardless: All these restaurants can be divided into two groups. The Ivy Inn and the others. Not one compares to the consistent food, service and ambience offered by Charlottesville’s premiere eatery. We eat at the Ivy Inn mostly on special occasions. It was my … [Read more...]

  I don’t know if Texas Roadhouse delivers meals to folks at home, but they sure delivered the goods on our last visit. They knocked it out of the park. It had been a while since Nancy and I ate out, so when she e-mailed and suggested we let someone else do the cooking and cleaning up afterwards, I was in total agreement. “Let’s go to the Loud Place,” she suggested. Loud Place is … [Read more...]

Chicken lovers, take notice. According to my friend, Sherman Shifflett, a new restaurant in Gordonsville is turning out dynamite fried chicken. Here is his recent account. “Ava and I were in Louisa, and we were looking for a place to eat. Many of the places were closed, while others only had orders to go, and we were tired of fast food. We decided to try a place called Champion Ice House … [Read more...]

  Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers are so good that the local Emmet Street location has been grinding traffic to a halt on US 29. Cars waiting to drive through and order are backed up nearly to the stoplight at Hydraulic Road. There are sure a lot of “Caniacs” out there. For many, there is only one Fried Chicken Finger, and that comes from Raising Canes Chicken Fingers - and what a … [Read more...]

  If you find yourself hungry and on Rt. 33 between Elkton and Harrisonburg, stop at the Exxon station at the base of Massanutten Resort. It’s one of the best gas station/food joints in Virginia. Their chicken is out of sight. It rivals Wayside Deli Fried Chicken, and they have a dazzling array of sandwiches, sides, and finger foods. And they are nice folks – they act like they’re glad to … [Read more...]

I hate to admit this, but one of my greatest pleasures of beach life is eating out. In fact, our days often revolve around what restaurant we choose for dinner. For Nancy, a scarlet and cream sunset is more important than the food she will eat. I enjoy a good sunset myself, but good food is also important. We have found a few restaurants where we can have the best of both worlds. Our favorite … [Read more...]

  By Sherman Shifflett There are several good Mexican restaurants in the Charlottesville area, and now you can add another one. The El Mariachi Bar and Grill at Zion Crossroads. Ava Pippin and I have dined there several times and we plan to return. I can assure you the food is good. Not that I am an authority on Mexican food, but I believe I know more than the average bear. I lived in … [Read more...]

For 18 years, Rhett’s Bar and Grill was Charlottesville’s favorite seafood restaurant, but then suddenly lost their lease. Instead of relocating in Charlottesville, however, Rhett’s pulled up stakes and headed for a more business friendly atmosphere at Spring Creek in Louisa County. Now open, Rhett’s is getting rave reviews like never. Last Sunday, Sherman Shifflett and Ava Pippin chose Rhett’s … [Read more...]