C&O Restaurant Continues to Wow Charlottesville
Downtown Charlottesville has many restaurants that you can choose from, but don’t miss the inconspicuous red brick building with a heavy door at the end of the mall, C&O Restaurant. It’s been around since the late ’70’s, but the building was part of the C&O Railway company and has been in Charlottesville much longer.
In the evening, the entryway glows from the gas flames in the hanging lamps. The glow of the flames is reminiscent of walking back in time. As the door opens, the warmth of the floor to ceiling furnace made from local soapstone can be felt.. Knowledgeable and friendly staff greet guests as they enter the door.
Because of the historical nature of the building, there are four different dining areas, each with their own special feel. The main dining area is narrow but comfy and sits adjacent to a private space upstairs, perfect for groups. An outdoor courtyard that is shaded by trees and a pergola makes it a perfect summer location. The last, in my opinion, is the best for winter months, located in the basement. You walk down a tight staircase, and turn a corner, to be greeted by a wall of liquor which is the bar and a few tightly placed tables. The intimate setting is a perfect venue for the amazing food that you are about to experience.
Much of the menu is sourced locally, so the items change with the seasons. On this particular evening, it was restaurant week in Charlottesville, so we had a fixed menu. Our first course started with short rib french onion soup, Rag Mountain smoked trout, and butternut squash tortellini, with each having a delicious and distinct flavor.
Our second course was steak chinoise, duck, and seared scallops. The steak is served over finely mashed potatoes with a sauce of tamari, scallions and fresh ginger melts in your mouth. The duck is served with foie gras, which according to my companion, has a pleasant buttery taste. The scallops are served over a bed of pureed cauliflower and scallions.
The final course includes toffee pudding, chocolate mousse, and Albemarle apples with ginger cake. The toffee is sweet but not too sweet and doesn’t stick to your teeth. The ginger cake is the perfect companion to the apples. The chocolate mousse is whipped to perfection. All are delicious ways to end our meal.
This is a restaurant that doesn’t get old the menu changes so you can try new things while still getting their classic dishes. They offer several vegetarian options such as the shaved brussel sprouts or artichoke hearts, and of course, the classic C&O vegetable soup.
C&O is open everyday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. The menu changes after 10:30 p.m. to a bar menu which includes delicious grilled cheese and tomato soup. Items are moderately priced.
I highly recommend this restaurant to townies and tourists. The staff makes you feel at home, the food is amazing, and the ambience is intimate and cozy.
