The Gaslight
When I moved to Charlottesville in 1967, one restaurant had established itself as the best in town: The Gaslight, at 615 W. Main Street stood alone. The Gaslight was the brainchild of John Tuck, known to one and all as “Tuck”. He wore a beret and visited every table to make sure the guests were completely satisfied. I have always said that the best restaurants have hands on owners and Tuck was definitely hands on.
The Gaslight became nationally famous with special entertainment and guests – among those who performed were Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. Some of the many celebrities to dine there and be listed as “Honored Gaslight Guests” include Muhammed Ali, Frank Capra, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Jerry Falwell, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Alan Alda, Lady Bird Johnson, Tom Wolfe, Ethel, Sunny Jurgenson and The Supremes. And there were many more.
Reservations in the early years were absolutely required and it was a pricey restaurant. I was treated there for an early birthday present, and the food was fabulous – just perfect. The wait staff was hand-picked. The appetizers, entrees and desserts were incredible. Tuck insisted on perfection.
Interestingly, when the restaurant first opened in 1962, Tuck offered a free meal to anyone who donated a piece of decor. This resulted in a giant top hat wearing walrus head in the dining room and many other relics scattered about.
Other restaurants have come and gone at that location, but none has ever approached the ambience and superb cuisine of John Tuck’s Gaslight Restaurant.
