The Charlottesville 29

When the pandemic cancelled the epic party Mas Tapas throws for its birthday each year, the restaurant sought another way to commemorate the occasion that would be no less special. They seem to have found it. From January 26-30, celebrate at home while helping those in need with Chef Ketola’s M18 Anniversary Package: Celebrating 18 Years of Tapas, Wine, & Community.

The exclusive package is full of goodies, including the first time Mas has ever offered the 2020 Dish of the Year: a shrimp salad sandwich made from Mas’s gambas al parilla and alioli on Albemarle Baking Company bread. Emblematic of the Culture of Takeout, the 2020 Dish of the Year brings together for the first time two of Charlottesville’s most iconic foods — gambas from Mas and bread from Albemarle Baking Company — neither of which the pandemic could stop.

“Mas anniversaries have always been a celebration of our community,” said chef Michael Ketola. “As I thought about how we could celebrate this year, my mind drifted to the Christmas video we participated in, and that inspired me to reach out to The Charlottesville 29 and Albemarle Baking Company to set up a package that could be celebratory for our customers, inclusive of our colleagues, and give back to the community we hold so dear.”

The one-time-only package includes a limited edition “M18” anniversary t-shirt, with the words “Somos Mas Fuertos Juntos.” Thanks to the generosity of Mas, Albemarle Baking Company, and Blue Ridge Graphics, $29 from each package will go the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. While COVID-19 has inconvenienced everyone, the hardships have been particularly acute for the less fortunate, as the number of people needing food assistance has spiked during the pandemic.

“We are all together in our hearts and stronger together as a force for positivity in our community, even if we can’t celebrate physically together right now,” said Ketola. “That’s why the shirts say ‘we are stronger together.’ It reaffirms our commitment to loving and caring for each other.”

How to Order

Packages are available January 26-30.  A limited number will be available each day, so early same day ordering is encouraged. Order packages, as well as extra t-shirts for pick-up, at: mastapas.hrpos.heartland.us/menu

For t-shirts to be shipped, order through Blue Ridge Graphics, where 100% of proceeds will benefit the food bank:
https://stores.brgtshirts.com/mas_tapas/shop/home

Chef Ketola’s M18 Anniversary Package:
Celebrating 18 Years of Tapas, Wine, & Community
$100

Gambas Bocato (first time ever offered) (Two of The Charlottesville 29’s “2020 Dish of the Year” in collaboration with Albemarle Baking Company. This sandwich incorporates the eponymous garlic alioli, with gambas al parilla, served chilled on artisan Albemarle Baking Co. brioche.)

Olivos Mezclado  (beautiful blend of Spanish Castelvetrano, Lucque, Alfonso, and Empeltre Olives with garlic, thyme, and lemon)

Albondigas (spherical tidbits of beef, lamb & pork suspended in a sassy, smoky Romesco sauce with queso Manchego)

Datil con Tocino (organic Medjool dates wrapped in Applewood-smoked bacon, oven-roasted crispy)

Boquerones (vinegar-cured Cantabrian white anchovies with organic garlic, lemon, herbs, Arbequina olive oil)

Hummus (tapas of classic, lightly spicy spread of chickpeas, tahini, lemon and garlic with bread)

Mas Anniversary T-shirt (Mas will call for a size and confirm a pick-up time)