City of Charlottesville

I've added the city's website to my hometown links because there is some really useful information on there. For example, even the history of my present neighborhood is included. The search function was helpful in unearthing this important history. The manner in which the Wertenbaker house is often honored (by the detritus of parties and college life flowing down its front steps) is not mentioned in the city's historical notes.

UVA construction

Any current survey of the UVA hospital and the neighborhoods around it reveals a surfeit of construction sites. Just off W. Main Street a parking garage has sprouted within the last month. Made of prefabricated concrete slabs, it is still in the process of expanding. A stroll down 11th Street SW makes it clear how much farther this parking garage has to grow.



At the corner of Crispell and Monroe a luxury apartment is nearing completion.

The South Lawn project has created a muddy slope and pedestrian walkways through yards.

Rev Soup Revisited

A recent visit to Corner Rev Soup (as opposed to Downtown Rev Soup) prompted an update to an older post. The lunch crowd today, with a large representation of undergraduates, has grown from that of just a month before. If today was any indication, once school arrives, this place will be packed.

There are a couple gazpachos currently available. Opting for the Jamaican gazpacho will not lead to regret. An assorted mixture of summer vegetables, bits of mango (i think), all chilled to perfection taste especially right on a hot summer day.

There is a daily on-line menu - awesome!

Orzo

Located in the Main Street Market building, Orzo has been cooking up Mediterranean food since February. This place hides in plain sight. A narrow restaurant, once entered, it opens up considerably. The bar, kitchen, and racks of wine make up the west wall. Tables line the east side. An overhead loft holds tables in the back. An outdoor patio is planned to open in a couple weeks.

The 150 wines are organized under helpful headings. They have an ample amount available by the glass. Wine can be purchased here at any time and the staff is very helpful. At least tonight, their special soup was a gazpacho, chilled, delicious. With the "soft and layered" tempranillo, it went very well. Homemade sausage with penne was hard to pass up. The generous portion contributed to lunch the next day. Perfect describes the salmon, served on a bed of lentil-mint-cucumber salad. Having left room for dessert, the semi-sweet chocolate pot de creme provided the perfect end to a filling meal. On this week night, the rest of the clientele were older, mostly gray haired, and there was no one sitting at the bar. Unlike the newly minted Maya, and Blue Light and Zocalo that came before it, this hasn't become a natural singles hang-out. With time and some more exposure, it could easily enter this niche. Then again, maybe Orzo is looking for people who consistently eat large meals and tip well. Dinner for two: $85

One interesting offering is Siesta and Wifi from 2-4 Tuesday to Saturday, in which a simplified menu is available, all the wines, and, of course, free Wifi. It beats sitting on the curb trying to catch a signal.

416 W Main St
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 975-6796

Brokeback 10th Street

UVA bus getting towed at intersection of 10th and W. Main with hospital in background.

Shebeen

Nestled in the shopping strip behind Staples downtown, Shebeen has been serving up South African fare for years. Founded by a South African with a menu developed by a South African chef, one would expect the food to be authentic. Since I have never been to South Africa, they have to be trusted. Seating is available inside or outside on the wooden, tent-covered verandah. It's a good place to enjoy a pre-dinner Guinness.

Their fish and chips is excellent and I'm not the only one who thinks so. (Check out Commentor #1's A+.) Recently feeling more adventerous, I tried the Potjie, which comes in its own three-pronged pot. This is a flavor sensation. The menu only hints at the experience, mentioning "aromatic herbs"; one of them seems to be nutmeg. The grilled salmon with mango salsa, side vegetables, and french fries was a safer bet. It was good, but with more novel flavorful dishes, it will either please the picky eater or disappoint the adventurer. Sosatie and Peri-peri shrimp skewers were heartily enjoyed.

Check out their well-designed website.

247 Ridge Mcintire Rd
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 296-3185

Woops!