C & O Restaurant; Dining Out in Charlottesville, VA
Fabulous atmosphere in this country French classic in the downtown area Photo: Dean Maupin
AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER
C&O Restaurant
dining out in charlottesville, VA
While you might remember Charlottesville for more dubious reasons, I have the fondest memories and love for the city where I spent childhood Thanksgivings and Easters with my paternal grandparents. Every year we would come rolling up the hill to turn left into the driveway of the big brick house on the corner of East High Street.
There, all things delicious waited to be gobbled up by our hungry crew from the kitchen of a stern roly-poly grandmother whom we called Hallie. A simple basic she-chef, she mastered her art cooking for guests in her boarding house home during the Depression and by making her famous fruitcakes for the boys in the war and anyone else who might want to purchase them. Her recipe is still the only one I will eat to this day.
Gives you a great idea of how cozy this date night spot can be
So it is no surprise really that I try to return to the city every couple of years to see the changes, visit the lovely University of Virginia campus and walk the pedestrian only downtown area partaking in the wealth of restaurants and bars on offer there. One of my favs is C&O on East Water Street.
THREE COZY SPOTS
Serving in their bistro, mezzanine and upstairs dining rooms Tuesday through Saturday, this country French gem is a popular spot. You’ll almost always need a reservation although bar stools can be had on a first come first serve basis.
Dean Maupin is listed as both Chef and proprietor offering his guests an amazing selection of smaller plate starters and salads, luscious entrees and tasty desserts that will get those taste buds of yours doing a happy dance.
CLASSIC COCKTAILs
After being seated in the upstairs dining room, we naturally started with our go-to cocktail which is the classic martini; mine vodka and his gin (shaken not stirred). It doesn’t get much better if the bartender understands what dry means, picks the right glass, doesn’t mind that we don’t always want an olive and knows how to perfect a pretty lemon twist. This one got it all just right.
Classic martinis when done well
FIRST COURSE
The evening we visited it was hard to decide what to begin our dinner with. The pan roasted scallops with whipped cauliflower and raisin caper sauce looked delicious for $24 but I was in the mood for a good salad. While two different ones were offered at $13, we decided to try the beef carpaccio for $19 as that is always a sure-fire winner with the peppery taste of arugula on top.
Several starters can easily replace an entree
The dish was made even better with a potato rosti, truffle aioli and grated Manchego cheese on top giving it a more rustic flavor and texture. With fresh bread and butter, this was a great shared beginner but you probably wouldn’t have gone wrong with their version of steak tartare either.
Seafood eaters would enjoy the sauteed Maryland jumbo lump crab while the meatless folks could have opted for the pear and pecorino ravioli in cracked pepper butter sauce. Who wouldn’t love the brilliant pairing of pasta, fruit, cheese and butter?
Sirloin beef carpaccio was a lovely way to begin the dinner
SECOND COURSE
The chef offers different recipes utilizing his perfect pillows of gnocchi like braised beef short ribs for instance; a welcome dish for those cold Virginia winters. On this particular night, he opted to use duck confit instead and what a bit of magic that was.
Resting in a delicious thickened duck jus broth were light creamy spoons of ricotta cheese gnocchi, bites of butternut squash and soft arugula greens. Those light tasty pasta pockets and the cracklins of duck sprinkled around made for some heaven in a bowl.
My husband was pleasantly surprised to see the chef offering veal sweetbreads as well. He is fond of the dish rarely seen on American menus these days. Since many of these smaller plates were sharable we found the menu offered great value as well as variety.
Duck confit with ricotta gnocchi was magical
ENTREES
There were five entree suggestions priced from $39 to $52 that evening. A grilled yellow fin tuna looked divine as it went by on plate with eggplant caponata and lemon dressing. Seared wild halibut was another fresh option with lemon-caper beurre blanc.
Photos: Entrees from C&O Photos: Dean Maupin
Steak lovers would be pleased with two different cuts; a Chinoise using sliced tenderloin with a tamari-ginger cream sauce or a New York Strip served with a classic Marchand du Vin. Honey Thyme glazed duck breast with parsnip puree and orange sauce would have been my choice had I not already had a duck dish.
The chef changes things up for seasonality and availability as well. I like that about a restaurant you want to visit often. You just might get a nice meatless pasta dish with fresh tomatoes on a warm summer night or a tasty potato crusted salmon with wild mushrooms on a cool spring evening.
dessert
When in the South there are some desserts that must be on your menu even if you change them up your way; say coconut cake, bread pudding, custard and brulee just to name a few. Yep, they got ‘em all. A frozen custard with blood oranges and olive oil will knock your socks off. Want a little chocolate? Pick the bread pudding with salted caramel and fresh whipped cream or the coconut cake with bittersweet chocolate sauce. I know right? 😋
Melt in your mouth desserts-yes please!
AFTER DINNER
The atmosphere is so nice you won’t want to leave yet. Order a nice espresso and share a little brandy. You’ll have one of the best date night dinners you’ve had in a long time. C&O always delivers. Just ask the locals where to eat-they always know where to send you.
Espresso and brandy are the perfect end to a perfect dinner
Why so many love this college town in the mountains
CONCLUSION
I love Charlottesville with its mountain setting, great food, beautiful architecture and presidential history. There is so much to do and see in this college town just by starting with a tour of the campus into which Jefferson poured his love and good sense of design. Enjoy the video above for more reasons to visit.
If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Check out a post from my adventure guide and pal with the 411 on his latest group trip to the Azores under Guest Bloggers. Until next time…
Cheers!
ArtsyChowRoamer
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