Great food in a shack on the Rappahanock River - Topping Virginia - Middle Peninsula

[shtinky]

The place has 8 barstools and 2 small tables, picnic tables outside and a porch. Situated in Topping Virginia at the junction of the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay at Locklies Marina. Worth a trip from anywhere. There is nary a vegetable in sight but what is on offer is sooo delectable. Good beers, well chosen, interesting wines. This restaurant is owned by the Rappahanock Oyster Company who grow the bivalve in three different places - upriver for an unsalty version, middle salinity version and ocean salty version. The name of the restaurant is a play on the french terroir and the word for sea - mer.

We started with a dozen raw oysters to get the taste of the three types and what a difference there was. There were four dipping sauces but I tasted them nude first. The menu had both seafood and meat. Crab cake has to top my list in my quest for the best. A North Carolina BBQ shank was to DIE for with a vinegary, spicy broth. Angels on horseback were oysters grilled outside with proscuitto on the half shell. Lamb and clam stew. Grilled rockfish is the best fish I've ever had. There were several other choices which I will go back to try. Most are small tapas style plates so you can taste several. A great, out of the way find. Don't tell anybody else.

[betsykk]

While up that way but with a few more vegetables, is Sandpiper Reef, right on the shores of the Piankatank.. Grilled and fried local seafood, amazing oysters rockefeller and a great place to grab a drink on their covered porch. www.sandpiperreef.net
A little out of the way but perfect for a lazy day in a land that is set back in time.

[glebe]

Sandpiper Reef is in Mathews County,Va. I live in Mathews we call it "God's Country".The Sandpiper does have delicious food.I eat there often,best to make reservations.

[meatn3]

So glad you posted - I never would have been aware of the place otherwise.

I went several weeks ago and it was wonderful! What a gem, perfection in food and location. Well worth a drive!

[carolinadawg]

Whats the name of it? Thanks!

[shtinky]

it's called Merroir

[PenskeFan]

Wow sounds great. Will have to check it out.

[meatn3]

Here's the facebook page with directions:

http://www.facebook.com/Merroir?sk=info

Wish I lived closer - I'd be there weekly!

[glebe]

Thanks for that info.I live within 40miles of the area and will have to check it out.By the way it sounds I won't be disappointed.Do you know the hours and days they are opened?

[shtinky]

It's open from noon to 8PM Wednesday and Thursday - Noon to 9PM Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 on sunday. Hope you enjoy it1

[glebe]

THANKS! shtinky Looking forward in trying it out.