Charlottesville-Dining Comments

Ivy Inn - Comment

Charlottesville-Dining.com — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:09:04 -0500

Great for special occassions. Read reviews and called ahead stating it was an anniversary--they made specialized menus, gave a free amuse-bouche, and set aside a special area. Food was amazing, particularly the steak.

Miyako - Comment

Charlottesville-Dining.com — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:07:17 -0500

Food was delicious, but service was poor. Granted we arrived later in the evening, but only other guests was a large party of 10 or so leaving as we entered. The server did not even come to take a drink order until we\'d been there 10 minutes. I have no qualms with waiting for food to be prepared if it will be fresh, but to even put in the order took another 15 minutes after we asked for drinks. Everything was very fresh and delicate, but expensive for the ambience/service it came with.

Bashir's Taverna - Comment

Charlottesville-Dining.com — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:04:50 -0500

I showed up on Valentine\'s Day without reservations; server was extremely nice about seating and continued to be attentive throughout. Menu was a little different because of the holiday, but everything was amazing! Dishes I normally don\'t enjoy--potatoes au grautin--were some of my favorite parts of the meal. Drinks were good, but little difference between flavors, eg. passion fruit vs. guava. All-in-all a very unique flavor and great ambience.

Taste of China - Comment

Charlottesville-Dining.com — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:57:49 -0500

This place was written up in the New Yorker; the chef is renowned all over the country and world for his innovative cuisine, as well as for his unconventionally successful marketing campaigns to drive business into his restaurants. If you want to eat here, just be prepared to wait awhile, or else go to a worse restaurant with more empty tables. My husband and I went on Saturday morning at about 11 am, and that turned out to be a great time--we were seated right away, but by 11:45, there was a long line out the door.

The food is simply spectacular, and every other "Chinese" restaurant in town pales in comparison. The flavors are complex, unexpected and layered. We tried a fish/cilantro appetizer that was bright and delightful. Our main courses were both chef specials: eggplant and fish w/ cumin. Both rank among the best Chinese food we've ever tasted anywhere, including Philly, NYC, DC and San Francisco.

Taste of China - Comment

Charlottesville-Dining.com — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:34:11 -0500

I heard this place was great so I thought I would give it a shot. I went on a Thursday night around 7pm. I arrived to find a poorly written note on the door saying closed... yet the place was clearly open and had customers. I asked one guy(a customer because no staff would even look up at me) if it was a private party and he said no they were just closing for the night. Fine, I went elsewhere. Friday I figured I would give it another try... after all what restaurant would advertise they are open till 10pm and then close at 7:30 on a FRIDAY? Taste of china would be that restaurant. I arrived to find the same sloppy hand written sign on the door, and went in to ask what was going on. As polite as I could be I asked what was going on with the door sign because they seemed open to me. The lady looked at me like I was an idiot for thinking a business would honor its hours posted on the door, and replied "Peter Chang is tired." I think its safe to say ill be giving Mr. Chang lots of rest time as I will never again waste my gas to drive all the way up 29n to find a closed door at 730pm on a Friday. Dont waste your time with this place. PS: Peter Chang you owe me 8$ in gas money for you "being tired"

The Shebeen - Comment

Charlottesville-Dining.com — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:48:06 -0500

I went back on a Monday night and the service was fabulous and the food was just as good last time. The lamb and beef samosas had a really nice crunch and came hot out of the pan. Mango chutney was just the right sweetness. I was slightly concerned when the server asked me how well I wanted my salmon cooked but I let it slip since the kitchen staff ended up making my dish correctly.

Balkan Bakery Cafe - Comment

Charlottesville-Dining.com — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:27:36 -0500

nice place nice people but nothing to rave about and their baklava is nothing compared to others. good work.

Kyoto - Comment

Charlottesville-Dining.com — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:26:05 -0500

my wife and i had dinner at kyoto and it was good as usual. the place was empty so we got total attention ,the crispy beef was excellent but the lo mein was different i noticed the regular chinese chef who assists David the owner and chef but it was good.another succesfull dinner.

Bashir's Taverna - Comment

Charlottesville-Dining.com — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:17:34 -0500

went back to listen to Beleza Brasil . it was so much fun . Bashir\'s was understaffed i could tell but the waiters/tress worked their --- off. to keep everybody happy . what a staff. the food as usual was great especially the scalloped potato and the baklava. Nobody beats his Baklava . Kathy and Bashir keep up the good work .

Taste of China - Comment

Charlottesville-Dining.com — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:56:07 -0500

After reading about Taste of China in the New Yorker, I knew I had to check it out. I went with a large group on Friday night and I must say it was fantastic. I can especially reccomend the roast fish with scallions and the fried eggplant. Definitely the best Chinese food I have ever had.