Dining Out: Charlottesville, VA

Analise Gregory April 3, 2019

“Going to a restaurant is one of my keenest pleasures. Meeting someplace with old and new friends, ordering wine, eating food, surrounded by strangers, I think is the core of what it means to live a civilised life.” - Adam Gopnik

During G & I’s recent wedding anniversary getaway to Charlottesville, VA, we made it our mission to eat at really good restaurants. Charlottesville was my home for 4 years, during my undergraduate years at the University of Virginia. It was so nice going back to enjoy the city, and indulging in my favorite and brand new restaurants.

Today I’m sharing my spots for each meal of the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast

MarieBette Café & Bakery

Recently, I read Virginia Foodie’s recent blog post, a full list of must-try restaurants in my home state. MarieBette was at the top of the list for Charlottesville. I absolutely could not wait to try it out. Carbs are my guilty pleasure, and I’ve been really wanting to indulge in some delicious pastries. The bakery is quaint and super packed, it was the hot spot on a quiet Sunday morning. We were in awe of all the fresh baked goods on display and the staff was so kind to us. We ordered several pastries to try out, and all of them were delicious. Also, we purchased a loaf of sourdough to take back home with us, and G and I are so glad we did.

Dining Out: Land & Sea Edition

Analise Gregory February 27, 2019

“A great restaurant is one that just makes you feel like you're not sure whether you went out or you came home and confuses you. If it can do both of those things at the same time, you're hooked.” - Danny Meyer

Enjoying a delicious meal at a wonderful restaurant is something that I really love. Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite dishes at a couple of great places that I frequent in my hometown.

Le Yaca

A lovely and exquisite restaurant that specializes in French cuisine.

When In Rome, Part I

Analise Gregory January 30, 2019

“When I'm traveling, I won't miss an opportunity to try great pasta.” - Meghan Markle

In Part I of my trip to Rome, Italy, I’m dishing on all of the food G and I ate. One of the most common questions I received upon returning from my trip was, “How was the food?”

The food in Italy was amazing, and we really indulged during our week long trip. Not only were our dining experiences out of this world, but we were able to have private cooking lessons at Rimessa Roscioli in their kitchen - you’ll be able to see our experience below as well!

What We Ate

*The creamiest and super delicious pasta carbonara not too far from the Spanish Steps.*

*The yummiest cheese plate during a wine pairing at Rimessa Roscioli.*

*Meatball appetizer at Rimessa Roscioli.*

*Grilled lamb chops, salad, and roasted potatoes.*

*Ravioli filled with spinach and cheese, sitting in a creamy, mild tomato sauce.*

*A Black Angus burger at the best burger spot in Italy, Burger Bistrot.*

*The juciest roasted chicken and potatoes, garnished with a side salad.*

*A warm dark chocolate cake, that paired perfectly with fresh berries and cream.*

Private Cooking Class & Wine Pairing

Rimessa Roscioli

Prior to our trip, I researched long and hard to find a shop that not only had amazing wines, but could ship some back to our home in Virginia. Rimessa was able to completely fulfill the request for us. Also, they offered cooking classes on-site in their kitchen, and I absolutely could not pass up on that offer. Our instructor, Alice, who is the head pastry chef at Rimessa was nothing short of amazing. She allowed us to try their fresh ingredients, and explained everything so perfectly. We were able to have a true hands on experience, and made four dishes - three pasta entrees, and a dessert. Learning how to roll fresh pasta, and make homemade tiramisu in an Italian restaurant, is an experience I will never forget. Also, Mattia, the manager paired wine for each of dish we made, his attention to detail and wonderful palette guided us through this class successfully.

*The quaint wine shop and restaurant tucked on the side streets of Rome.*

*Our amazing chef for the day, Alice. We spent four hours in the restaurant learning all about pasta making and trying amazing foods.*

*Mattia, our wine guide during our cooking class, created the perfect pairing menu for our day at Rimessa.*

*G cutting his fresh pasta for our Cacio e Pepe.*

Slicing pork cheek for our ravioli and mezze maniche with amatriciana sauce.

*The fresh pasta right before it was cooked.*

Dish one: Fresh ravioli, stuffed with cheese and garnished with pork cheek. — ***Dish one:*** *Fresh ravioli, stuffed with cheese and garnished with pork cheek.*

Dish two: Cacio e Pepe with a black peppercorn garnish. — ***Dish two:*** *Cacio e Pepe with a black peppercorn garnish.*

Dish three: Mezze maniche with amatriciana sauce garnished with pork cheek. — ***Dish three:*** *Mezze maniche with amatriciana sauce garnished with pork cheek.*

Dish four: Classic homemade tiramisu. — ***Dish four:*** *Classic homemade tiramisu.*

*Cheers to a successful cooking class with my favorite person.*

Our trip to Rome was so wonderful and a memory we will cherish for years to come. Stay tuned to Part II where I’ll be sharing all of the activities we did, and the places we visited in this wonderful city.

XO, Analise

Dining Out: Alkaline

Analise Gregory January 6, 2019

“You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.” - Anthony Bourdain

G and I were pleasantly surprised when we discovered Alkaline at COVA’s Best of Party last summer. Not only was the staff incredibly kind, but their food was nothing short of amazing. This Asian Fusion restaurant was out of this world, and had some of the most fantastic flavor combinations I’ve had in awhile while dining out. We loved the laid back atmosphere the spot had to offer, as well as the old school hip-hop playing in the background. This place is a true treat, and we can’t wait to go back again soon - for one particular reason, I will be sharing below.

Today I am sharing the three items we ordered, and my ratings for each. Check out the restaurant below!

Dining Out: Eating Local, Part 2

Analise Gregory October 28, 2018

"Food, to me, is always about cooking and eating with those you love and care for." - David Chang

You guys know I am always on the hunt for a delicious meal and an amazing dining experience. I’m sharing a few of my favorite meals at some really cool restaurants in my home state of Virginia. I’ve featured a couple of these places before, but introducing some new spots that are totally amazing and worth visiting in the near future!

Lobster Hushpuppies - Charles City, VA (outside of Richmond, VA) at Upper Shirley Vineyards

Fried oysters and french fries - Downtown Norfolk, VA at The Saltine

The prettiest and most delicious charcuterie board - Virginia Beach, VA at Tinto Wine and Cheese Hilltop

Charcoal Limeade - Downtown Norfolk at Fruitive

Pepperoni and Bacon Pizza - Newport News, VA at Mellow Mushroom

BLT Sandwich with a side of parmesan tater tots - Virginia Beach, VA at Bay Local - Laskin

What are some of the yummiest dishes you have had in your home state lately? Share below!

XO, Analise