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To resurrect an old thread: I had an outstanding dinner at Staunton Grocery this Saturday .
For appetizers we had excellent mussels with chorizo, and a really delicious salad of crispy local Granny Smith apples, radishes, and aged cheddar. For mains, we had butternut squash gnocchi with chanterelle mushrooms (yum) and possibly the best pork tenderloin I've ever had. Really perfectly cooked, and accompanied with a surprisingly delicious pumpkin puree. But the best might have been the last: panna cotta with apple-parsley sorbet. Oh, wow.
Also, the flight of three half-glasses of Virginia wines was a good deal for $15; the Chardonnay was outstanding, the "Crozé" rosé pretty good, and the cabernet franc just meh. Sorry I can't remember the vineyards, but I think Barboursville and White Hall may have been represented.
I lived in Charlottesville for 10 years and ate at all the local restaurants; I now live in NC and have been to many others in the same genre (e.g. Chef and the Farmer, Magnolia Grille), and I do think that Staunton Grocery is at the top of my list for farm-to-table New Southern cooking. Good job, y'all!
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The Staunton Grocery
105 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401›1 Reply-
re: kagi
The Smoking Rooster for the BEST BBQ I have ever had in my entire life! Was really regretting not buying a gallon of the stuff and schlepping it all the way back to Baltimore. Staunton is my favorite destination/vacation spot. Wright's Dairy-Rite is also the most fun for your buck - try the raspberry milkshake and any one of their burgers. Kid's meal comes in a classic car carrier with a chip for a free ice cream - my granddaughter loves it. Try Mugshots for coffee/tea/bagels.
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krisrishere
Apr 19, 2010 10:44 AM
I stopped in Staunton at Wrights Dairy Rite and I was SO happy I did. It's an original 1950's drive in with the best onion rings I have ever tasted - ever. It's a great cheap place to go for lunch if you have the chance.
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re: krisrishere
marshmaven
Apr 29, 2010 09:37 AM
The family went to Wrights awhile ago. Very cute, and good food for great prices. The kids loved the kids meals that include a wooden coin you turn in for a mini ice cream cone. And the car service was totally fun!
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I see that the OP is almost five years old now, but I had one of the most surprisingly wonderful meals at Staunton Grocery. An absolutely incredible experience with delicious food expertly presented. I would easily drive a couple of hours for it again!!
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The Staunton Grocery
105 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401›1 Reply-
re: nyctripper
ktmoomau
Apr 14, 2010 02:37 PM
I had a really nice lunch at the Staunton Grocery a few months back. I definitely recommend it. Pulled pork sandwich was great, salads were nicely dressed, had a nice menu for lunch. Not huge, but well prepared.
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The Staunton Grocery
105 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401
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cuccubear
Oct 8, 2009 11:42 AM
The SO and I went to L’Calera on Saturday, it’s on South New St., downtown. They have only been open for two weeks and we had a pretty decent dinner. The owners (or at least the staff we talked to) are from Argentina and Uruguay, so the Fusion Cuisine they claim to serve probably comes from the natural fusion of Italian, Welsh and Spanish cultures that settled in Argentina over the years.
I ordered the Sirloin, but was served the T-bone smothered in a heavy cream and whole peppercorn sauce, very good, but a little heavy on the peppercorns. The creamy potato side dish was delicious and the asparagus was asparagus.
Only two complaints, and they are minor: The place lacks ambience - it was rather cold and stiff and didn’t reflect the vitality I would expect from Argentinean culture. The other thing was that there was a man hanging out near the service bar talking to the staff who kept looking at us. He could have been a manager, but he wasn’t dressed for the job. Like I said, these were small things, and I hope the place takes off because I want to sample more from the menu.
And I almost forgot! Our Mussels Provencal app was first rate! Served with steamed vegetables. We poured the Mussel "liquor" over them and they were stupendous!
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re: cuccubear
Been to L'Calera 4 times, only for lunch. Outstanding! Had Stromboli.. only order "small" and still take some home. Pizza has amazing crust.. and sauce is the best I ever ate.
No South American dishes left. Menu has been cut way down and they are having trouble getting customers, but not for poor food. It is some of the best Italian food ever. Mario Batali would be proud. Hurry and eat here before their lack of marketing does them in.
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ClaireyMary
Jun 30, 2009 07:38 AM
l'italia is by far the best in the valley. though it recently underwent a name change and is now "Emilio's Italian Restaurant," after the owner. Still the same menu, food, management etc. Yummy food and beautiful restaurant!!
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L'Italia is a nice Italian restaurant on Beverley St. in downtown Staunton. It has great food and a nice atmosphere. The Depot Grille and Mill Street Grill are both good bets if you are looking for more American fair---steaks, seafood, salads. Lots of folks recommend Rowe's Family Restaurant for the downhome cooking experience. It has fallen off in recent years and not worth visiting. For a quick sandwich or snack, try one of the sandwich shops downtown.
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I am heading there this weekend.
One place that I tried in the past and was very pleased with was the Edelweiss Restaurant, a German restaurant not far off of I-81. they have a wide variety of German specialties and are relatively inexpensive.
There was another place that is on my radar but I do not have my notes with me.
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I haven't had a chance to get there since I live in Buffalo but some time ago, there was a recommendation for Mill St. Grill on this board.
http://www.millstreetgrill.com/home.htm
Lee
