VA - Amherst/Lynchburg Area Recs?

[MMRuth]

A bit late about this, but am heading down this way for my sister's birthday party on Saturday in Amherst. Flying to Raleigh in the a.m., then driving up. Would love some recs for dinner Thursday night and Friday lunch with my mother - all kinds of food, holes in the wall are fine, pricey places too!

Also, any ideas around Danville would be appreciated too.

Thanks!

[MMRuth]

Thanks for all of the suggestions - we only were able to make it to Thai Siam and it was amazing. Next to Sri in Queens, it's the best Thai food I've had in the States. Will post a full report when I get home.

[MMRuth]

Report here:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/532606

[sarahyla]

Thai Siam is the name of the place...apparently it's near some peach orchard that is selling their peaches for the first time this season this weekend, so you should check that out too if you can.

Isabella's is also a great place for dinner in L'burg, and Bull Branch too, though it's been years since i've been there. I agree that Danville doesn't have that much to offer...

[Cameraman]

If La Plaza Allegre is still open on 12th and Main they have incredible Ecuadoran and Guatamalan meals. I loved the Puerco Al Horno (sp?) which is braised pork and vegetables. I wonder if the Thai place is the one in a home off 29 near the Nelson County line on the Tye River road. For great local flavor try Irene's in the Lynchburg City Market. Incredible breakfast and meat loaf and macaroni and cheese that will make you smack your mama. The penultimate Hill City dive is the Texas Inn on Main and 5th. A cheesy western with onion and mustard relish is a local favorite at 1 am on Sunday Morning. Oh yeah, listen carefully because this is important, If you like East Carolina smoked pulled pork you'll be hard pressed to find any better than the Silver Pig on 29 in Madison Heights. We left Lynchburg a year ago and I haven't eaten pulled pork since. Everything else pales by comparison. If Jim is behind the counter tell him Dave and Mary in Nashville say hey.

[wellfedred]

I just heard Plaza Alegre has closed...sad

[wellfedred]

Meriwethers is great but I also love Isabella's Italian Trattoria...always great pastas and last time I had a fabulous fish dish as well. Bull Branch is a little half basement spot downtown that feels like an old speakeasy & has great food...think i remember having all apps last time including a delicious satay. Great little hispanic place downtown called La Plaza Alegre.
Not much in Danville....try to wait until Lynchburg til eat...though Mary's is a great old-fashioned Southern cafeteria...not much atmosphere other than the accents. Fried chicken, chicken livers, old-fashioned Southern veggies....Grandma's cooking if you grew up in the South.

[sarahyla]

I second the Merriweather's recommendation. Also, for lunch check out Magnolia Foods on Rivermont Ave. close to Randolph Macon Women's College (or whatever they changed the name to). (www.magnoliafoods.com)

There's also a TINY hole-in-the-wall Thai place in Amherst that is outstanding. I can't remember the name, but I'm pretty sure it's the only thai place in Amherst. My mom lives in the area and goes there frequently. I'll try to find out and get back to you.

[MMRuth]

Thanks to you both - that Thai place would be great for Thursday! Will look into Merriweather for Friday unless my sister puts us to work.

[NJcook]

Merriweather's in Lynchburg is fantastic. The shrimp and grits are great.