Date
December 26, 2008
Location
In the little strip mall on Carlton
156 Carlton Rd. Suite 203
What I ate
Bowtie alfredo
Who went
Ditto and Squid (and Sarah Tweedt, kinda)
Website
http://www.beerrun.com/
Thoughts
"I don't know what this place is trying to be, but I think that's a good thing."
That's how Squid described it and I'm not sure I can come up with anything better. Here's a brief description of the layout: immediately to your left upon walking in is cafe-style seating for about 15 people; along the back wall is a fridge section just like the one you'll find in a convenience store; right in the middle of the place is the bar; the open kitchen is right behind that; and the far side of the store is full of racks of great beers from all over the country (and world?) with a little area for tasting in one corner.
Speaking of the tasting area, we'll start there. We were lucky enough to be there for a free wine tasting night and it was a great way to start the meal. I'm not a big wine fan, but there was a white wine that was delicious and a strong but tasty dessert wine; it was so good we went home with a bottle. The other two or three offerings were pretty good, too. The guy running the tasting knew quite a lot about the wines, both in terms of their taste and the production process. According to their schedule, wine tasting happens every Friday and beer tasting happens ever Wednesday, so I'll be back there soon and possibly repeatedly.
Then we went back to our table to start on our beers while we examined the menu. They had Jefferson's Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout, my new favorite beer (and easily my favorite winter beer) on tap, but I tried something new, the Ommegang Abbey Style Ale. It was really good, but my affinity for bourbon keeps Jefferson's Reserve atop the list. There were a bunch of other good beers on tap; check the website for the list. You can sample a beer before actually ordering it, which is something I really appreciate at a place with beers you may not have had before.
The food was also delicious. Andrew and Brian had the meatloaf and, while I was considering joining the club, I opted for the bowtie alfredo. I probably should've gotten chicken with it, but it was still a great meal and filling. The menu is a little limited, but there's enough on there for everyone to find something. For a place focusing on beer, it's more the sufficient.
Recap
Pros - great food, great beer, free tastings
Cons - the logo looks like it was designed by The Flash, but I guess that just adds to the charm
Overall - Like Squid said, it's a little surreal to be in there because you're trying to figure out exactly where you are the whole time, but it's great. If you don't go there, you're really missing out on a currently-hidden-but-sure-to-be-much-more-popular gem in Charlottesville.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Quick bites - the Corner
There are a few great places for food around town that aren't sit-down restaurants and thus don't fall into the regular theme of WEDS; I probably won't direct an outing there and thus won't ever write a full review, but I feel you should know about these places. Here's a quick rundown of places on the Corner.
Bodos - bagels, salads, sandwiches, soups, etc.
It's probably the best bagel place in town and the overall food quality is pretty good. I'm a big fan of the caesar salad - it's a little oily, but it's filling and tasty - and some of the bagel toppings. The bagels aren't as hearty as I'm used to, but they are light and hold up well enough to hummus, chicken salad, and other spreads. The specialty cream cheeses tend to be a little messy, but are good. Overall, it's a great place to go. Be sure to visit the other places on Preston Ave and route 29.
Littlejohn's - sandwiches, subs, sandwiches, and subs
If you're in Charlottesville, you already know how great they are. They have big, filling sandwiches that are delicious. You can pick and choose ingredients, but I usually only do that to get rid of bacon, cole slaw, or sauerkraut. The menu changes on occasion but has a few popular standards. They recently introduced some smaller sandwiches that are or sound tasty and the muffins are always good. They have a decent beer selection if you want one with your sandwich and you're going to wait at least 15-20 minutes to order on a Friday or Saturday night, but it's well worth it.
Qdoba - burritos, tacos, general Tex-Mex
Nothing special, but it's moderately-priced, pretty good, very filling food. The burritos are a meal unto themselves and the flavors are generally good. Some of the burritos are a definite miss - the new adobo chile burrito is far too sweet - but it's a decent choice for lunch. It's just a slight notch below Chipotle, but not so much that you'd walk to Barracks for lunch.
Take It Away - sandwiches, bread ends, some specialty salads
The sandwiches are really good and, while it's not that different from many other sandwich shops, it's still a solid establishment. You have a little flexibility and can put house dressing on anything, which is a Good Thing (tm). You can also get a bag of bread ends for $0.50 and use them to sop up any dipping sauce, like house dressing. They have a few specialty salads that are pretty good and they have Gearhart's chocolates and some other confections. Go there, get lunch, be happy.
Revolutionary Soup - soup, sandwiches, and salads
The soups are awesome and filling enough to be a lunch by themself. I'm a big fan of the spicy Senegalese peanut tofu soup and get it for lunch at least once a month. The lamb curry is also a favorite. While I've never gotten any of the sandwiches or salads, they look pretty good and put an emphasis on local ingredients. Brush up on your literature because you might earn yourself a little discount for reciting a few lines.
White Spot - typical greasy spoon
You're probably not going to go other than at 2 in the morning for a Gusburger while drunk, but it will be delicious. They churn them out at an alarming pace late at night and you can't move because there are so many people and no room. I still haven't gotten a grills with but I should. They have normal greasy spoon fare and a few Greek offerings, too. It's probably not worth it other than a late night Gusburger run, but you could do worse.
Arch's - ice cream, salads, ice cream, sandwiches, and ice cream
You go there for ice cream - you can get a variety of decadent creations - but the sandwiches and salads are pretty good, too. The Archers tend to be quite rich and it's all a little expensive, but it's a great indulgence every so often. They use frozen yogurt and soft-serve in a variety of flavors and you can mix-and-match toppings if you really want. Definitely worth the trip.
Michael's Bistro - slightly upscale pub fare
Located above Littlejohn's, it's often ignored. The food is generally well-prepared and tasty and they have a a creative, albeit somewhat limited, menu. The beer selection is one of the best on the Corner and they have a few combination beers that are awesome. I even had a professor recommend we go try their beer sampler after class let out that Friday afternoon. Definitely worth a trip, but it's a little on the expensive side. It's more upscale than most places on the Corner and I'm a fan of visiting every so often.
There are a few other places you should visit, but I don't feel like writing about at the moment. Be sure to visit Martha's Cafe, St. Maarten's Cafe, and Ritas (when it's open) and give some thought to College Inn, the Virginian, Zydeco (I've never been), and the Biltmore.
Bodos - bagels, salads, sandwiches, soups, etc.
It's probably the best bagel place in town and the overall food quality is pretty good. I'm a big fan of the caesar salad - it's a little oily, but it's filling and tasty - and some of the bagel toppings. The bagels aren't as hearty as I'm used to, but they are light and hold up well enough to hummus, chicken salad, and other spreads. The specialty cream cheeses tend to be a little messy, but are good. Overall, it's a great place to go. Be sure to visit the other places on Preston Ave and route 29.
Littlejohn's - sandwiches, subs, sandwiches, and subs
If you're in Charlottesville, you already know how great they are. They have big, filling sandwiches that are delicious. You can pick and choose ingredients, but I usually only do that to get rid of bacon, cole slaw, or sauerkraut. The menu changes on occasion but has a few popular standards. They recently introduced some smaller sandwiches that are or sound tasty and the muffins are always good. They have a decent beer selection if you want one with your sandwich and you're going to wait at least 15-20 minutes to order on a Friday or Saturday night, but it's well worth it.
Qdoba - burritos, tacos, general Tex-Mex
Nothing special, but it's moderately-priced, pretty good, very filling food. The burritos are a meal unto themselves and the flavors are generally good. Some of the burritos are a definite miss - the new adobo chile burrito is far too sweet - but it's a decent choice for lunch. It's just a slight notch below Chipotle, but not so much that you'd walk to Barracks for lunch.
Take It Away - sandwiches, bread ends, some specialty salads
The sandwiches are really good and, while it's not that different from many other sandwich shops, it's still a solid establishment. You have a little flexibility and can put house dressing on anything, which is a Good Thing (tm). You can also get a bag of bread ends for $0.50 and use them to sop up any dipping sauce, like house dressing. They have a few specialty salads that are pretty good and they have Gearhart's chocolates and some other confections. Go there, get lunch, be happy.
Revolutionary Soup - soup, sandwiches, and salads
The soups are awesome and filling enough to be a lunch by themself. I'm a big fan of the spicy Senegalese peanut tofu soup and get it for lunch at least once a month. The lamb curry is also a favorite. While I've never gotten any of the sandwiches or salads, they look pretty good and put an emphasis on local ingredients. Brush up on your literature because you might earn yourself a little discount for reciting a few lines.
White Spot - typical greasy spoon
You're probably not going to go other than at 2 in the morning for a Gusburger while drunk, but it will be delicious. They churn them out at an alarming pace late at night and you can't move because there are so many people and no room. I still haven't gotten a grills with but I should. They have normal greasy spoon fare and a few Greek offerings, too. It's probably not worth it other than a late night Gusburger run, but you could do worse.
Arch's - ice cream, salads, ice cream, sandwiches, and ice cream
You go there for ice cream - you can get a variety of decadent creations - but the sandwiches and salads are pretty good, too. The Archers tend to be quite rich and it's all a little expensive, but it's a great indulgence every so often. They use frozen yogurt and soft-serve in a variety of flavors and you can mix-and-match toppings if you really want. Definitely worth the trip.
Michael's Bistro - slightly upscale pub fare
Located above Littlejohn's, it's often ignored. The food is generally well-prepared and tasty and they have a a creative, albeit somewhat limited, menu. The beer selection is one of the best on the Corner and they have a few combination beers that are awesome. I even had a professor recommend we go try their beer sampler after class let out that Friday afternoon. Definitely worth a trip, but it's a little on the expensive side. It's more upscale than most places on the Corner and I'm a fan of visiting every so often.
There are a few other places you should visit, but I don't feel like writing about at the moment. Be sure to visit Martha's Cafe, St. Maarten's Cafe, and Ritas (when it's open) and give some thought to College Inn, the Virginian, Zydeco (I've never been), and the Biltmore.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Alumni benefits
I know a few of you who might read this are members of U.Va.'s Alumni Association, so this is to your benefit. Follow this link and click on "Restaurant Discounts" to see a few potentially awesome uses for your membership. I'd imagine the non-restaurant discounts are good, too.
http://www.alumni.virginia.edu/Membership/alumni/benefits.aspx
Hat tip to Squid for the heads-up.
http://www.alumni.virginia.edu/Membership/alumni/benefits.aspx
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Lemongrass
Date
December 9, 2008
Location
On 14th Street next to Revolutionary Soup, right where Gumby's used to be
104 14th Street NW
What I ate
Spicy lemongrass chicken
Who went
Sara Bumgarner, Zac, Suzie, Rowlf, Larsen, Nora, Matt
Website
http://www.lemongrassuva.com/
ThoughtsMy food was really tasty. There aren't very many flavors and the best way to eat the food is to just mix it around with the rice, but the flavors that are there are delicious. The curry sauce came through strongly, just like I hoped, and the level of spiciness (5 out of 10) was just enough; it had a good kick but didn't stick around for a long time. I've gone twice before and haven't really experimented with the spicy scale, but I'm looking forward to edging towards 10. Matt said his 8 was a little disappointing.
The menu is not too complicated but still has a decent variety. There are a few appetizers - it looked like the calamari was a big hit - and traditional soups. The salads sound interesting, but I'm not sure I'd ever go there for the purpose of getting them. As for entrees, I don't recognize any offerings that don't have similar counterparts at most other Thai restaurants, nor do I notice any glaring omissions. They post a key in the menu informing the customer which dishes can be prepared vegetarian or vegan upon request, which is helpful.
The service was quite good; orders were taken quickly and food was out without much of a wait. This was quite nice since we needed to go somewhere that would be relatively quick so there was time to get to the Messiah Sing-In with plenty of time to get situated. We were in and out in just over an hour without feeling rushed. It took a little while for Nora's Thai iced tea and Erik's dinner to arrive, even though they were both ordered with things that were delivered to the table quickly, but that was the only gripe about the service.
The atmosphere is interesting. The space was obviously not intended to hold a sit-down restaurant, but they do a pretty good job spreading around the tables. They were able to seat our group of 8 right away and it looked like the staff could still navigate through space with ease. They could probably do with a little more light, but that's just nit-picking. A few people noted that the table decorations were half-hearted at best, but they do have a pretty cool 3-D, umm, art right by the entrance. All told, I think they do a pretty good job given the space they have.
Recap
Pros - Good food, quick service, relatively inexpensive
Cons - Not particularly unique
Overall - If you're on or around the Corner looking for Thai food, I highly recommend it. It's not necessarily a place to go when you're just hungry, but will definitely hit the spot if you're in the mood.
December 9, 2008
Location
On 14th Street next to Revolutionary Soup, right where Gumby's used to be
104 14th Street NW
What I ate
Spicy lemongrass chicken
Who went
Sara Bumgarner, Zac, Suzie, Rowlf, Larsen, Nora, Matt
Website
http://www.lemongrassuva.com/
ThoughtsMy food was really tasty. There aren't very many flavors and the best way to eat the food is to just mix it around with the rice, but the flavors that are there are delicious. The curry sauce came through strongly, just like I hoped, and the level of spiciness (5 out of 10) was just enough; it had a good kick but didn't stick around for a long time. I've gone twice before and haven't really experimented with the spicy scale, but I'm looking forward to edging towards 10. Matt said his 8 was a little disappointing.
The menu is not too complicated but still has a decent variety. There are a few appetizers - it looked like the calamari was a big hit - and traditional soups. The salads sound interesting, but I'm not sure I'd ever go there for the purpose of getting them. As for entrees, I don't recognize any offerings that don't have similar counterparts at most other Thai restaurants, nor do I notice any glaring omissions. They post a key in the menu informing the customer which dishes can be prepared vegetarian or vegan upon request, which is helpful.
The service was quite good; orders were taken quickly and food was out without much of a wait. This was quite nice since we needed to go somewhere that would be relatively quick so there was time to get to the Messiah Sing-In with plenty of time to get situated. We were in and out in just over an hour without feeling rushed. It took a little while for Nora's Thai iced tea and Erik's dinner to arrive, even though they were both ordered with things that were delivered to the table quickly, but that was the only gripe about the service.
The atmosphere is interesting. The space was obviously not intended to hold a sit-down restaurant, but they do a pretty good job spreading around the tables. They were able to seat our group of 8 right away and it looked like the staff could still navigate through space with ease. They could probably do with a little more light, but that's just nit-picking. A few people noted that the table decorations were half-hearted at best, but they do have a pretty cool 3-D, umm, art right by the entrance. All told, I think they do a pretty good job given the space they have.
Recap
Pros - Good food, quick service, relatively inexpensive
Cons - Not particularly unique
Overall - If you're on or around the Corner looking for Thai food, I highly recommend it. It's not necessarily a place to go when you're just hungry, but will definitely hit the spot if you're in the mood.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Italian Villa
Date
December 3, 2008
Location
Next to the Emmet/Ivy Garage, across the street from Carr's Hill field
129 Emmet Street
What I ate
Beef vegetable soup, hamburger, fries
Who went
Liz, Nora, Sara Herbst, Matt
Website
http://www.expressoitalianvilla.com/
Thoughts
Solid but not spectacular. The soup was tasty and the burger was juicy and well-cooked. The service was relatively prompt and our waiter was nice and conversational. The place feels a little cramped, but that just adds to the diner atmosphere; the prices aren't dirt cheap, but you definitely won't be overpaying for anything. The menu is full of traditional Italian dishes and a variety of pizzas, so I'll have to sample those at some point, but people seem to drift towards the traditional diner food (burgers, chicken fingers) and breakfast foods (served all day). There's good variety in the menu and I don't recall having anything bad there; all-around, it's a good place to eat and it's open until 2, just in case you need a quick meal during a study break.
Recap
Pros - Good food, cheap prices, little variability
Cons - Somewhat limited menu, quality ceiling is only so high
Overall - It's not the Princetonian, Americana, or Mastoris, but it's a good diner. If you're not looking for something too adventurous, this is the place for you.
December 3, 2008
Location
Next to the Emmet/Ivy Garage, across the street from Carr's Hill field
129 Emmet Street
What I ate
Beef vegetable soup, hamburger, fries
Who went
Liz, Nora, Sara Herbst, Matt
Website
http://www.expressoitalianvilla.com/
Thoughts
Solid but not spectacular. The soup was tasty and the burger was juicy and well-cooked. The service was relatively prompt and our waiter was nice and conversational. The place feels a little cramped, but that just adds to the diner atmosphere; the prices aren't dirt cheap, but you definitely won't be overpaying for anything. The menu is full of traditional Italian dishes and a variety of pizzas, so I'll have to sample those at some point, but people seem to drift towards the traditional diner food (burgers, chicken fingers) and breakfast foods (served all day). There's good variety in the menu and I don't recall having anything bad there; all-around, it's a good place to eat and it's open until 2, just in case you need a quick meal during a study break.
Recap
Pros - Good food, cheap prices, little variability
Cons - Somewhat limited menu, quality ceiling is only so high
Overall - It's not the Princetonian, Americana, or Mastoris, but it's a good diner. If you're not looking for something too adventurous, this is the place for you.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
South Street Brewery
Date
November 20, 2008
Location
Downtown, right by where they have the Farmer's Market
106 W South Street
What I ate
Chicken breast with BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese on a kaiser roll with fries; Satan's Pony Amber Ale
Who went
Matt and Suzie
Thoughts
The food was really good. It is, overall, just a solid place. The selection seems a little limited, but there is enough variety that you can find something to eat, as long as you aren't a vegetarian. I think there was one entree on the menu that didn't include meat. They also have a good variety of beers, letting you mix and match your beer with your dinner. My chicken was well-cooked and, while the roll lacked a little heartiness, the sandwich held together. The fries are tasty and crispy, though a few pieces were burnt.
My beer was a nice compliment to the chicken; it was nice and light but still tasty. Matt got the porter, which was delicious. I'm sure it would work beautifully alongside a burger. Ask him about that and his satay bowl. Suzie had nice things to say about the cider, though her stuffed trout was apparently a little boring.
The only real gripe was about the service, and it wasn't all that bad. Our beers were out very quickly but it just took a little while for the food to arrive. I have definitely waited much longer elsewhere and it wasn't so long that we ran out of conversation topics, but it just felt like the food could've found us a minute or two earlier. I think our waitress, who was nice and helpful when talking to us, was a little overextended as we were preparing to leave; it took a few tries to flag her down to get the bill and then pay. Again, this is not exclusive to South Street and wasn't that big of a problem, but there was a little room for improvement.
They do a good job with the pub feel - lots of wood (tables, chairs, walls) and good lighting makes the place feel warm and comfortable while the high ceilings give lots of space, making sure you don't feel cramped. It seems like a great place to go, especially with the weather getting colder, to hang out and have a few beers after wandering the Mall. I'll have to go back again soon.
Recap
Pros - Tasty food, cozy atmosphere, good beers
Cons - Service was a little slow, not vegetarian-friendly
Overall - High marks. There wasn't much to complain about unless you don't eat meat. They have good food and beers, and nothing seems particularly overpriced, especially for that area of town. This was my first time dining there, but it definitely won't be my last.
November 20, 2008
Location
Downtown, right by where they have the Farmer's Market
106 W South Street
What I ate
Chicken breast with BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese on a kaiser roll with fries; Satan's Pony Amber Ale
Who went
Matt and Suzie
Thoughts
The food was really good. It is, overall, just a solid place. The selection seems a little limited, but there is enough variety that you can find something to eat, as long as you aren't a vegetarian. I think there was one entree on the menu that didn't include meat. They also have a good variety of beers, letting you mix and match your beer with your dinner. My chicken was well-cooked and, while the roll lacked a little heartiness, the sandwich held together. The fries are tasty and crispy, though a few pieces were burnt.
My beer was a nice compliment to the chicken; it was nice and light but still tasty. Matt got the porter, which was delicious. I'm sure it would work beautifully alongside a burger. Ask him about that and his satay bowl. Suzie had nice things to say about the cider, though her stuffed trout was apparently a little boring.
The only real gripe was about the service, and it wasn't all that bad. Our beers were out very quickly but it just took a little while for the food to arrive. I have definitely waited much longer elsewhere and it wasn't so long that we ran out of conversation topics, but it just felt like the food could've found us a minute or two earlier. I think our waitress, who was nice and helpful when talking to us, was a little overextended as we were preparing to leave; it took a few tries to flag her down to get the bill and then pay. Again, this is not exclusive to South Street and wasn't that big of a problem, but there was a little room for improvement.
They do a good job with the pub feel - lots of wood (tables, chairs, walls) and good lighting makes the place feel warm and comfortable while the high ceilings give lots of space, making sure you don't feel cramped. It seems like a great place to go, especially with the weather getting colder, to hang out and have a few beers after wandering the Mall. I'll have to go back again soon.
Recap
Pros - Tasty food, cozy atmosphere, good beers
Cons - Service was a little slow, not vegetarian-friendly
Overall - High marks. There wasn't much to complain about unless you don't eat meat. They have good food and beers, and nothing seems particularly overpriced, especially for that area of town. This was my first time dining there, but it definitely won't be my last.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Meal Club!
Hey everybody! Take a look at this!
http://mealclub-weds.blogspot.com/
They apparently have restaurants out in Oregon, too. While you might not be visiting these establishments, I'm sure Squid will give you some good reading material and important information if you ever visit the Pacific Northwest. He travels a lot more than I, so you can expect to see a pretty wide range of eateries reviewed.
http://mealclub-weds.blogspot.com/
They apparently have restaurants out in Oregon, too. While you might not be visiting these establishments, I'm sure Squid will give you some good reading material and important information if you ever visit the Pacific Northwest. He travels a lot more than I, so you can expect to see a pretty wide range of eateries reviewed.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Mas
Date
November 7, 2008
Location
Belmont, right by the Local and Belmont BBQ
501 Monticello Road
What I ate
Tortilla espanola, warm goat cheese and artichoke hearts spread, roasted pumpkin with sugar and lavender honey, Babaganoush, yellowfin tuna - grilled rare - with tomato aioli, cannelloni with chicken and roasted peppers
Who went
Matt, my mom and sister
Website
http://www.mastapas.com/
Thoughts
I've been here before, and the food is tasty, but I'm not sure I was really in the mood for tapas; I think that really shaped my perception of how good this meal was. The food was still tasty (with a few notable exceptions, see below) and I felt full, but I was mentally prepared for dinner and focusing on one large dish. I just wasn't thinking about working to take a bite of this, a sampling of that. If you're looking for tapas, this is a great place. If you're not actively seeking small portions of a variety of dishes and lots of conversation for dinner, you might want to steer clear.
First, the good. The tuna was delicious. I would've been very happy to get a big plate of this, concentrate on the tuna and just sample a few other things to supplement. It was well cooked with a great texture in the middle and somewhat crispy edges. The tomato aioli didn't have much flavor, but was a good complement. The goat cheese was very tasty and the Babaganoush was awesome. I don't generally like eggplant, but the seasoning was just right and it even had a little bit of a kick. I would be very content to just have these three dishes.
Now, the not-so-good. The tortilla espanola and cannelloni were just a little boring. They tasted alright, but they were a little bland. The cannelloni just needed a more spices but I'm not convinced the tortilla espanola can stand on its own like that. It'd be great under something or maybe with vegetables (peppers? onions? broccoli?) mixed into it. I don't want to mess with the dish, but to make it a bit more quiche like could be a good thing (tm). That leaves us with the pumpkin. It was just overdone. The skin stayed moist and helped the texture a little bit, but the meat was just mush that stayed in the oven a little too long. The sweet butter came through, but I don't think it is supposed to carry the dish; it didn't, but there was still something missing. The lavender honey could have saved this, but was barely noticeable. The squash part of this dish rotates with the seasons, so I'm not giving up on the idea, but I think the pumpkin, especially roasted for so long, is one to avoid.
Everything was good as far as non-food issues go. Our waiter was very nice and patient, answering any questions we had about specific dishes or about the tapas experience in general. We made it down to ice a few times in our glasses, but he returned with the pitcher of water shortly thereafter. The food arrived in spurts which a) was not told to us, b) probably depended on when certain dishes were finished cooking, and c) may have helped because I'm not sure we would've known what to do with 7 dishes in front of us. Yes, I only list 6, but there was a dish Matt had - I'll let him post his thoughts in the comments section if he so chooses. Given the quality of the ingredients and the thoughtfulness of the menu (it's fun to just read the menu and think about certain dishes) it's not that expensive. It's not cheap, but you can definitely get a good sampling of things and feel sated for around $20 after tax and tip.
Again, I really like the menu and enjoyed rereading it a few minutes ago when I double-checked what I ate. It's a little ham-heavy (in Spanish cooking? No me digas!) but there is plenty on there for vegetarians and even celiacs. I especially like the emphasis on integrating local ingredients when possible.
Recap
Pros - tasty food, good portions, excellent tapas experience overall, patient wait staff
Cons - some flavors were surprisingly bland
Overall - If you're in the mood for tapas, it's awesome. The food is tasty and the portions are appropriate. It's not cheap, but not overpriced, and the experience is just great. If you're not in the mood for tapas, you're probably going to leave a little disappointed, while still enjoying the food. I'm sure I'll be back, but I just have to make sure I'm in the right mindset for tapas. This place won Best of Cville for a reason.
November 7, 2008
Location
Belmont, right by the Local and Belmont BBQ
501 Monticello Road
What I ate
Tortilla espanola, warm goat cheese and artichoke hearts spread, roasted pumpkin with sugar and lavender honey, Babaganoush, yellowfin tuna - grilled rare - with tomato aioli, cannelloni with chicken and roasted peppers
Who went
Matt, my mom and sister
Website
http://www.mastapas.com/
Thoughts
I've been here before, and the food is tasty, but I'm not sure I was really in the mood for tapas; I think that really shaped my perception of how good this meal was. The food was still tasty (with a few notable exceptions, see below) and I felt full, but I was mentally prepared for dinner and focusing on one large dish. I just wasn't thinking about working to take a bite of this, a sampling of that. If you're looking for tapas, this is a great place. If you're not actively seeking small portions of a variety of dishes and lots of conversation for dinner, you might want to steer clear.
First, the good. The tuna was delicious. I would've been very happy to get a big plate of this, concentrate on the tuna and just sample a few other things to supplement. It was well cooked with a great texture in the middle and somewhat crispy edges. The tomato aioli didn't have much flavor, but was a good complement. The goat cheese was very tasty and the Babaganoush was awesome. I don't generally like eggplant, but the seasoning was just right and it even had a little bit of a kick. I would be very content to just have these three dishes.
Now, the not-so-good. The tortilla espanola and cannelloni were just a little boring. They tasted alright, but they were a little bland. The cannelloni just needed a more spices but I'm not convinced the tortilla espanola can stand on its own like that. It'd be great under something or maybe with vegetables (peppers? onions? broccoli?) mixed into it. I don't want to mess with the dish, but to make it a bit more quiche like could be a good thing (tm). That leaves us with the pumpkin. It was just overdone. The skin stayed moist and helped the texture a little bit, but the meat was just mush that stayed in the oven a little too long. The sweet butter came through, but I don't think it is supposed to carry the dish; it didn't, but there was still something missing. The lavender honey could have saved this, but was barely noticeable. The squash part of this dish rotates with the seasons, so I'm not giving up on the idea, but I think the pumpkin, especially roasted for so long, is one to avoid.
Everything was good as far as non-food issues go. Our waiter was very nice and patient, answering any questions we had about specific dishes or about the tapas experience in general. We made it down to ice a few times in our glasses, but he returned with the pitcher of water shortly thereafter. The food arrived in spurts which a) was not told to us, b) probably depended on when certain dishes were finished cooking, and c) may have helped because I'm not sure we would've known what to do with 7 dishes in front of us. Yes, I only list 6, but there was a dish Matt had - I'll let him post his thoughts in the comments section if he so chooses. Given the quality of the ingredients and the thoughtfulness of the menu (it's fun to just read the menu and think about certain dishes) it's not that expensive. It's not cheap, but you can definitely get a good sampling of things and feel sated for around $20 after tax and tip.
Again, I really like the menu and enjoyed rereading it a few minutes ago when I double-checked what I ate. It's a little ham-heavy (in Spanish cooking? No me digas!) but there is plenty on there for vegetarians and even celiacs. I especially like the emphasis on integrating local ingredients when possible.
Recap
Pros - tasty food, good portions, excellent tapas experience overall, patient wait staff
Cons - some flavors were surprisingly bland
Overall - If you're in the mood for tapas, it's awesome. The food is tasty and the portions are appropriate. It's not cheap, but not overpriced, and the experience is just great. If you're not in the mood for tapas, you're probably going to leave a little disappointed, while still enjoying the food. I'm sure I'll be back, but I just have to make sure I'm in the right mindset for tapas. This place won Best of Cville for a reason.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Rapture
Date
November 6, 2008
Location
Downtown Mall, right by 3rd street
What I ate
Thai bowl (sauteed vegetables and mushrooms with noodles in a spicy Thai sauce)
Who went
My mom and sister
Website
http://www.clubr2.com/
Thoughts
The food was pretty tasty although it lacked a certain something without a protein. Yes, they offer chicken, shrimp, or tofu, but the bowl is $14 without and $19 with a protein. They did a good job with the flavors, especially in the sauce and some of the vegetables - the crunch of the carrots was quite welcome - but I fear for the other levels of spiciness. I asked for mine hot (as opposed to mild or medium) and there was a bit of a kick, but not nearly what I expected from the highest level, especially on a Thai dish. That said, the slaw in my sister's Thai beef tacos was apparently very spicy and the accompanying mango sauce had a good kick to it. My mom had pasta with smoked salmon, which was apparently delicious. My bowl was quite filling and, like I said before, very tasty but something just felt missing; maybe I'll have to go back and splurge for a protein.
Our waitress was very nice and made good conversation. She also had no problem taking back my mom's initial dish - it had parmesan cheese on top, something not mentioned on the menu - and we didn't run out of water. She automatically added gratuity without telling us, but that could be because I used a coupon; I'm not sure. After a little initial confusion, it wasn't really a problem.
Recap
Pros - Good food, varied menu (I have to try the fish and chips), friendly service
Cons - Some things are overpriced, website is out of date (a few offerings listed there sound delicious but weren't on my menu tonight)
Overall - The food is good, the people are nice, but it's nothing amazing. It's worth a visit every so often, but I don't think there's anything on the menu that I'd get repeatedly.
November 6, 2008
Location
Downtown Mall, right by 3rd street
What I ate
Thai bowl (sauteed vegetables and mushrooms with noodles in a spicy Thai sauce)
Who went
My mom and sister
Website
http://www.clubr2.com/
Thoughts
The food was pretty tasty although it lacked a certain something without a protein. Yes, they offer chicken, shrimp, or tofu, but the bowl is $14 without and $19 with a protein. They did a good job with the flavors, especially in the sauce and some of the vegetables - the crunch of the carrots was quite welcome - but I fear for the other levels of spiciness. I asked for mine hot (as opposed to mild or medium) and there was a bit of a kick, but not nearly what I expected from the highest level, especially on a Thai dish. That said, the slaw in my sister's Thai beef tacos was apparently very spicy and the accompanying mango sauce had a good kick to it. My mom had pasta with smoked salmon, which was apparently delicious. My bowl was quite filling and, like I said before, very tasty but something just felt missing; maybe I'll have to go back and splurge for a protein.
Our waitress was very nice and made good conversation. She also had no problem taking back my mom's initial dish - it had parmesan cheese on top, something not mentioned on the menu - and we didn't run out of water. She automatically added gratuity without telling us, but that could be because I used a coupon; I'm not sure. After a little initial confusion, it wasn't really a problem.
Recap
Pros - Good food, varied menu (I have to try the fish and chips), friendly service
Cons - Some things are overpriced, website is out of date (a few offerings listed there sound delicious but weren't on my menu tonight)
Overall - The food is good, the people are nice, but it's nothing amazing. It's worth a visit every so often, but I don't think there's anything on the menu that I'd get repeatedly.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Milan
Date
November 5, 2008
Location
1817 Emmet Street
Just south of Hydraulic Road
What I ate
Chicken Saag - chicken with spinach and herbs
Who went
Miles, Lauren, Ryan, Matt, and Ellen
Website
http://www.milan-indian-cuisine.com/
ThoughtsDelicious! The food was quite tasty. They give the table a tray of jasmine rice and everyone takes some, adds some of what they ordered, and enjoys. It made sharing and sampling very easy. Everything I tried was good and most of the descriptions in the menu were accurate while a few were quite vague. A few of the dishes had a hint of sweetness in the sauces, but nothing was overpowering. I asked for my dish medium (options are mild, medium, medium-hot, hot, Indian hot) and there was essentially no kick. Matt had a dish at medium-hot and said the same thing. It would've been nice if they delivered on the spicy, but I guess they just went the safe route; a dish that is too spicy is much less enjoyable than one that isn't spicy enough.
It took a while for someone to come take our order and the waiter was tough to hear, both speaking somewhat quickly and not loudly. That said, no one ever had an empty water glass and, once ordered, the food arrived promptly. They also had no issues taking my coupon.
There doesn't seem to be a big range of tastes on the menu as most of the dishes sounded similar with just a different spice here or a change in the preparation there, but subtle variations on delicious dishes can still be delicious. I definitely missed a few of the items from the lunch buffet, which probably come a la carte, but that's one of the natural advantages to a buffet. I think I prefer the buffet to dinner, but the dinner options are definitely worth sampling.
Recap
Pros - Delicious food, tough to go wrong with the menu
Cons - The colors on the walls are horrible; the waiter was tough to understand and the menu doesn't feel too varied, but that's nit-picking.
Overall - Highly recommended. Just pick something that sounds good because it probably is. Definitely get the naan.
November 5, 2008
Location
1817 Emmet Street
Just south of Hydraulic Road
What I ate
Chicken Saag - chicken with spinach and herbs
Who went
Miles, Lauren, Ryan, Matt, and Ellen
Website
http://www.milan-indian-cuisine.com/
ThoughtsDelicious! The food was quite tasty. They give the table a tray of jasmine rice and everyone takes some, adds some of what they ordered, and enjoys. It made sharing and sampling very easy. Everything I tried was good and most of the descriptions in the menu were accurate while a few were quite vague. A few of the dishes had a hint of sweetness in the sauces, but nothing was overpowering. I asked for my dish medium (options are mild, medium, medium-hot, hot, Indian hot) and there was essentially no kick. Matt had a dish at medium-hot and said the same thing. It would've been nice if they delivered on the spicy, but I guess they just went the safe route; a dish that is too spicy is much less enjoyable than one that isn't spicy enough.
It took a while for someone to come take our order and the waiter was tough to hear, both speaking somewhat quickly and not loudly. That said, no one ever had an empty water glass and, once ordered, the food arrived promptly. They also had no issues taking my coupon.
There doesn't seem to be a big range of tastes on the menu as most of the dishes sounded similar with just a different spice here or a change in the preparation there, but subtle variations on delicious dishes can still be delicious. I definitely missed a few of the items from the lunch buffet, which probably come a la carte, but that's one of the natural advantages to a buffet. I think I prefer the buffet to dinner, but the dinner options are definitely worth sampling.
Recap
Pros - Delicious food, tough to go wrong with the menu
Cons - The colors on the walls are horrible; the waiter was tough to understand and the menu doesn't feel too varied, but that's nit-picking.
Overall - Highly recommended. Just pick something that sounds good because it probably is. Definitely get the naan.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Boylan Heights
Date
October 21, 2008
Location
102 14th Street NW
Where Orbitz used to be
What I ate
Gyro burger, seasoned fries
Who went
Matt, Jessie, Grandpa, Rowlf, Miles, Daniel, Tiff, and Nora
Thoughts
The first word that comes to mind is "underwhelming". It's not that the food was bad (it wasn't) there just wasn't much to it in general. The school theme became annoying very quickly and the menu is very limited. There are some places that can only offer a few things and it's fine because there's enough variety and quality, but this isn't one of them. I'm especially disappointed because I read a few good reviews, people raving about the quality of the food and the atmosphere, and both fell flat. Those who ordered the sweet potato fries said they were tasty, but the regular fries were just OK. I had to remind the waiter I ordered them but I really should have just let it go. The portions were on the smallish side while the prices weren't; burgers were $7 and sides were $3.
There were a few positive things. They were very flexible and able to accommodate our large party by moving around a few tables, though they just provided permission while we provided the labor. The beer selection looked good and the bar looked well-stocked; I'll have to check out the spirits after kickball one day since we get a discount. They have ample seating and plenty of televisions, so a Sunday afternoon with football and beer is an idea with potential. Overall though, it just wasn't exciting and, again, underwhelming seemed to be the word on everyone's mind.
RecapPros - the sweet potato fries are apparently quite good, they use local, organic beef
Cons - menu lacked variety, food is somewhat boring, overpriced
Overall - I sensed a bit of potential in the menu, so part of me wants to go back. But part of me also doesn't want to risk paying $12 or more for a burger and fries. I'll probably go back to check out the bar, but I don't think it'll be a dinner destination.
October 21, 2008
Location
102 14th Street NW
Where Orbitz used to be
What I ate
Gyro burger, seasoned fries
Who went
Matt, Jessie, Grandpa, Rowlf, Miles, Daniel, Tiff, and Nora
Thoughts
The first word that comes to mind is "underwhelming". It's not that the food was bad (it wasn't) there just wasn't much to it in general. The school theme became annoying very quickly and the menu is very limited. There are some places that can only offer a few things and it's fine because there's enough variety and quality, but this isn't one of them. I'm especially disappointed because I read a few good reviews, people raving about the quality of the food and the atmosphere, and both fell flat. Those who ordered the sweet potato fries said they were tasty, but the regular fries were just OK. I had to remind the waiter I ordered them but I really should have just let it go. The portions were on the smallish side while the prices weren't; burgers were $7 and sides were $3.
There were a few positive things. They were very flexible and able to accommodate our large party by moving around a few tables, though they just provided permission while we provided the labor. The beer selection looked good and the bar looked well-stocked; I'll have to check out the spirits after kickball one day since we get a discount. They have ample seating and plenty of televisions, so a Sunday afternoon with football and beer is an idea with potential. Overall though, it just wasn't exciting and, again, underwhelming seemed to be the word on everyone's mind.
RecapPros - the sweet potato fries are apparently quite good, they use local, organic beef
Cons - menu lacked variety, food is somewhat boring, overpriced
Overall - I sensed a bit of potential in the menu, so part of me wants to go back. But part of me also doesn't want to risk paying $12 or more for a burger and fries. I'll probably go back to check out the bar, but I don't think it'll be a dinner destination.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Buddhist Biker Bar
Date
October 9, 2008
Location
20 Elliewood Avenue
Just past the Biltmore
What I ate
Miles and I split the cheap date special - baked brie in a puff pastry, fettucini alfredo with grilled chicken for each of us, and a bottle of white wine
Who went
Miles, Sarah Tweedt, Liz, Sara Herbst, Patrick, Phil, Dan Brown, Suzie, Nora, Handy, Jessie
Thoughts
As described in an earlier post, Buddhist is the birthplace of WEDS, so we've been here a few times, but this was the first time I didn't get the steak and potatoes. It's tough to go wrong with the cheap date special at $25 unless you don't like one of the things included; the appetizer and entree are set earlier that evening. The brie was delicious and the pasta was alright. I should mention that I was fasting leading up to this as it was Yom Kippur, so maybe the brie wouldn't taste absolutely amazing on a not-as-empty stomach, but everyone else seemed to think it was great, too. The pasta needed a little seasoning as both the sauce and the chicken were relatively bland. A little salt and pepper really helped the dish. The wines weren't the highest quality stuff, but everyone seemed to enjoy what they picked; you had your choice of red or white. I don't generally like wine and I still had 3 glasses.
Our waiter did a great job considering how large of a group we had. He answered all of our questions and was pretty funny. The hostess was very accomodating as our party grew from 8 to 12 as people kept arriving (note to people, RSVP when I ask you to) and we were seated without a delay, though there wasn't space for 12 outside. There was very little upkeep once the food was served because we were taking care of our own drinks. I don't remember running out of water, but I don't remember the waiter refilling our glasses either, so I guess he did a good job with that.
We were at a long table and, while it worked great for us, I'm glad there weren't any couples at the small surrounding tables. A dressed-to-go-out girl arrived and climbed the steps every few minutes for about a half hour, so I'd imagine there was a sorority function going on upstairs, but we couldn't hear anything. The lights could've been turned up a little bit, but you could still see well enough. We had conversation going on all night both in pockets and across the table, but we were still able to hear Cake covering songs in the background. Having everyone sing along to Mahna Mahna after a glass of wine or two was awesome.
Recap
Pros - Great deal, nice atmosphere, the brie was awesome
Cons - The fettucini was a little bland
Overall - Make sure you and your date both like what they're serving, but this is a great idea for a Thursday date. Even if you're not going for the cheap date special, take a look at the menu because there are some other great things on there.
October 9, 2008
Location
20 Elliewood Avenue
Just past the Biltmore
What I ate
Miles and I split the cheap date special - baked brie in a puff pastry, fettucini alfredo with grilled chicken for each of us, and a bottle of white wine
Who went
Miles, Sarah Tweedt, Liz, Sara Herbst, Patrick, Phil, Dan Brown, Suzie, Nora, Handy, Jessie
Thoughts
As described in an earlier post, Buddhist is the birthplace of WEDS, so we've been here a few times, but this was the first time I didn't get the steak and potatoes. It's tough to go wrong with the cheap date special at $25 unless you don't like one of the things included; the appetizer and entree are set earlier that evening. The brie was delicious and the pasta was alright. I should mention that I was fasting leading up to this as it was Yom Kippur, so maybe the brie wouldn't taste absolutely amazing on a not-as-empty stomach, but everyone else seemed to think it was great, too. The pasta needed a little seasoning as both the sauce and the chicken were relatively bland. A little salt and pepper really helped the dish. The wines weren't the highest quality stuff, but everyone seemed to enjoy what they picked; you had your choice of red or white. I don't generally like wine and I still had 3 glasses.
Our waiter did a great job considering how large of a group we had. He answered all of our questions and was pretty funny. The hostess was very accomodating as our party grew from 8 to 12 as people kept arriving (note to people, RSVP when I ask you to) and we were seated without a delay, though there wasn't space for 12 outside. There was very little upkeep once the food was served because we were taking care of our own drinks. I don't remember running out of water, but I don't remember the waiter refilling our glasses either, so I guess he did a good job with that.
We were at a long table and, while it worked great for us, I'm glad there weren't any couples at the small surrounding tables. A dressed-to-go-out girl arrived and climbed the steps every few minutes for about a half hour, so I'd imagine there was a sorority function going on upstairs, but we couldn't hear anything. The lights could've been turned up a little bit, but you could still see well enough. We had conversation going on all night both in pockets and across the table, but we were still able to hear Cake covering songs in the background. Having everyone sing along to Mahna Mahna after a glass of wine or two was awesome.
Recap
Pros - Great deal, nice atmosphere, the brie was awesome
Cons - The fettucini was a little bland
Overall - Make sure you and your date both like what they're serving, but this is a great idea for a Thursday date. Even if you're not going for the cheap date special, take a look at the menu because there are some other great things on there.
The Local
DateOctober 16, 2008
Location
824 Hinton Avenue
Right between Mas, Belmont BBQ, and La Taza
What I ate
Appetizer - House made mozzarella,roasted peppers, grilled bread, and sea salt
Entree - Braised beef short ribs with potatoes, carrots, and pearl onions
Who went
Nora, Suzie, and Matt
Website
http://www.thelocal-cville.com/
Thoughts
The food was great. The locavore in me loves the emphasis on local ingredients and I spent a lot of time reading over the menu planning out future trips. It is a bit expensive to visit regularly - appetizers are $6-$8, pastas are $12-$15, entrees are about $16-$18 - but it really isn't overpriced. The portions were generous and the food was rich and filling, though Nora said her dish was a bit too rich. No one had any room left in their stomach for dessert, but they all sounded delicious. I'm excited about going back in a few weeks, especially if they vary their menu with the seasons. I didn't get a good chance to look over the drink menu, but it seemed like they have a very well-stocked bar leaning towards the higher end in general.
Our waiter was really nice, even though it seemed like he was relatively new. He was very helpful and our relatively small glasses of water were never empty. Their menu says they will not split checks for groups larger than 4, but it was just 4 of us and there was no issue. The place was relatively empty, but we didn't get there until 7:15 and the hostess told me the reservation I made, while unnecessary at 7:15, would've been a very good idea just an hour earlier.
The lighting was a little on the dim side of ideal and would vary from time to time, but you could still read the menu and see your fellow diners. They generally played good music though I'm not sure Dave Matthews counts as a "local ingredient". It doesn't look like a good place to bring a large group, but there is plenty of seating, both inside and outside. Had we arrived earlier, I'd imagine we would've really enjoyed eating outside since it was a crisp, cool evening.
Recap
Pros - delicious food, nice atmosphere
Cons - a little expensive (though not overpriced), no parking in Belmont
Overall - Highly recommended, just not more than every few weeks
Location
824 Hinton Avenue
Right between Mas, Belmont BBQ, and La Taza
What I ate
Appetizer - House made mozzarella,roasted peppers, grilled bread, and sea salt
Entree - Braised beef short ribs with potatoes, carrots, and pearl onions
Who went
Nora, Suzie, and Matt
Website
http://www.thelocal-cville.com/
Thoughts
The food was great. The locavore in me loves the emphasis on local ingredients and I spent a lot of time reading over the menu planning out future trips. It is a bit expensive to visit regularly - appetizers are $6-$8, pastas are $12-$15, entrees are about $16-$18 - but it really isn't overpriced. The portions were generous and the food was rich and filling, though Nora said her dish was a bit too rich. No one had any room left in their stomach for dessert, but they all sounded delicious. I'm excited about going back in a few weeks, especially if they vary their menu with the seasons. I didn't get a good chance to look over the drink menu, but it seemed like they have a very well-stocked bar leaning towards the higher end in general.
Our waiter was really nice, even though it seemed like he was relatively new. He was very helpful and our relatively small glasses of water were never empty. Their menu says they will not split checks for groups larger than 4, but it was just 4 of us and there was no issue. The place was relatively empty, but we didn't get there until 7:15 and the hostess told me the reservation I made, while unnecessary at 7:15, would've been a very good idea just an hour earlier.
The lighting was a little on the dim side of ideal and would vary from time to time, but you could still read the menu and see your fellow diners. They generally played good music though I'm not sure Dave Matthews counts as a "local ingredient". It doesn't look like a good place to bring a large group, but there is plenty of seating, both inside and outside. Had we arrived earlier, I'd imagine we would've really enjoyed eating outside since it was a crisp, cool evening.
Recap
Pros - delicious food, nice atmosphere
Cons - a little expensive (though not overpriced), no parking in Belmont
Overall - Highly recommended, just not more than every few weeks
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Franchising
Do you want to start your own version of WEDS? Maybe you're busy on Wednesdays. Maybe you want to try one specific type of food. Maybe you're far away in a place like Blacksburg, NYC, Austin, or Malawi.
It doesn't matter! Everyone eats and everyone has friends (and potential new friends) around them. Come up with an idea and find a friend. It's always best to at least have someone to talk to during dinner. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or are looking for tips, but the concept is pretty self-explanatory and execution is actually quite easy.
If you do start your own, please at least let me know. It's always nice to hear that someone has adopted the idea.
It doesn't matter! Everyone eats and everyone has friends (and potential new friends) around them. Come up with an idea and find a friend. It's always best to at least have someone to talk to during dinner. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or are looking for tips, but the concept is pretty self-explanatory and execution is actually quite easy.
If you do start your own, please at least let me know. It's always nice to hear that someone has adopted the idea.
History
Blame the Buddhist Biker Bar.
Offering cheap steak and potatoes dinner on Monday nights, Buddhist was already popular with the guys in the house. A few of us went to partake of this and then began to wander the Corner since the weather was nice and we still had some time before practice. We noticed O'neills (RIP) had a similar deal - steak and potatoes for $6 on Mondays - and made a mental note; we now had dinner plans for next Monday. The same thing happened again. We found yet another deal the next week. Then we found the website, www.cavdeals.com (RIP) and everything took off from there.
The site was great - it showed food and drink specials at the restaurants around Charlottesville for every day of the week. Squid and I picked the places we wanted to visit and started planning. Then we realized we couldn't possibly keep this to ourselves, we had to invite friends. That was when we launched MEDS - the Monday Evening Dinner Series. We emailed friends a day or two in advance to let them know where we were going that week, but nothing was mandatory. Squid and I wanted to eat good, cheap food and, if we had more friends join us, that was even better. There were a few very small MEDS nights and the occasional huge crowd, but we averaged about 7-8 people per visit. There was a core group of 2 or 3 that accompanied Squid and me most nights, but everyone else came and went as they pleased because that was the idea.
That was the Fall of my second year. With changing schedules and commitments, our eating schedule shifted. Our philosophy changed a bit as well. It was great to save money, but the best part of MEDS was the delicious food, the sense of exploration, and the fun times shared with friends. We stopped using www.cavdeals.com as a guide (though we kept checking, just in case) and just picked restaurants that sounded good, had good reviews, or just seemed interesting. MEDS became TEDS, WEDS, and ThEDS depending on when we had a free evening.
Squid left town and, as much as I enjoyed ownership of our project, I wanted to make a little more of it and change the philosophy, albeit slightly. I created a facebook group with the intent of adding anyone and everyone who might be interested in something like this. With all of these people in one "place" and the ability to communicate with one another, I figured people could start calling their own dinners. I was aiming to be the Tyler Durden of restaurants, just without the destruction. That hasn't really happened yet, but there's still time and I'm hopeful. Sam Macher and Alexander Houck each took turns leading the flagship franchise while I was out of town. Sam had some fun with it and gave it her own twist, which was essentially the idea. WEDS has also been home-cooked on occasion, celebrating holidays, prepared for chili cookoffs , and just taking it easy/not spending a lot of money. The concept is flexible.
I'm back in Charlottesville for the year and have restarted WEDS (note - the W stands for Weekday in this case, just look for context clues in the future). The current incarnation takes place on Wednesdays, but we're going to shuffle between Wednesday and Thursday for a while. This blog will hopefully be a way to keep the fun times and good food rolling.
Offering cheap steak and potatoes dinner on Monday nights, Buddhist was already popular with the guys in the house. A few of us went to partake of this and then began to wander the Corner since the weather was nice and we still had some time before practice. We noticed O'neills (RIP) had a similar deal - steak and potatoes for $6 on Mondays - and made a mental note; we now had dinner plans for next Monday. The same thing happened again. We found yet another deal the next week. Then we found the website, www.cavdeals.com (RIP) and everything took off from there.
The site was great - it showed food and drink specials at the restaurants around Charlottesville for every day of the week. Squid and I picked the places we wanted to visit and started planning. Then we realized we couldn't possibly keep this to ourselves, we had to invite friends. That was when we launched MEDS - the Monday Evening Dinner Series. We emailed friends a day or two in advance to let them know where we were going that week, but nothing was mandatory. Squid and I wanted to eat good, cheap food and, if we had more friends join us, that was even better. There were a few very small MEDS nights and the occasional huge crowd, but we averaged about 7-8 people per visit. There was a core group of 2 or 3 that accompanied Squid and me most nights, but everyone else came and went as they pleased because that was the idea.
That was the Fall of my second year. With changing schedules and commitments, our eating schedule shifted. Our philosophy changed a bit as well. It was great to save money, but the best part of MEDS was the delicious food, the sense of exploration, and the fun times shared with friends. We stopped using www.cavdeals.com as a guide (though we kept checking, just in case) and just picked restaurants that sounded good, had good reviews, or just seemed interesting. MEDS became TEDS, WEDS, and ThEDS depending on when we had a free evening.
Squid left town and, as much as I enjoyed ownership of our project, I wanted to make a little more of it and change the philosophy, albeit slightly. I created a facebook group with the intent of adding anyone and everyone who might be interested in something like this. With all of these people in one "place" and the ability to communicate with one another, I figured people could start calling their own dinners. I was aiming to be the Tyler Durden of restaurants, just without the destruction. That hasn't really happened yet, but there's still time and I'm hopeful. Sam Macher and Alexander Houck each took turns leading the flagship franchise while I was out of town. Sam had some fun with it and gave it her own twist, which was essentially the idea. WEDS has also been home-cooked on occasion, celebrating holidays, prepared for chili cookoffs , and just taking it easy/not spending a lot of money. The concept is flexible.
I'm back in Charlottesville for the year and have restarted WEDS (note - the W stands for Weekday in this case, just look for context clues in the future). The current incarnation takes place on Wednesdays, but we're going to shuffle between Wednesday and Thursday for a while. This blog will hopefully be a way to keep the fun times and good food rolling.
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