The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Mas Tapas

11/06/2026

Five Finds on Friday: Abby Duck

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from former Pres des Pres chef Abby Duck, who is now Executive Sous Chef of Birdwood Mansion, which next week hosts Brother Luck as part of its series of Guest Residence Chefs. Serving breakfast, brunch, dinner, and afternoon tea, Birdwood Mansion is a historic stucture, more than 200 years old, that this year was restored and converted into an inn, restaurant, and event site. Duck’s picks:

1) Beignets at Guajiros. “I gasped when I bit into one the first time. They use what I assume is a laminated dough with guava and it creates this beautifully crunchy but still pillowy and sticky end – or beginning – to brunch.”

2) Szechuan Eggplant at Taste of China. “I heard about Taste of China from a coworker and I immediately went and ordered everything that could fit on our table. Eggplant is like a sponge and the sauce they use is perfectly concentrated with flavor to make this the perfect side dish. And as leftovers, it reheats just as well.”

3) Ham Biscuit at Stock Provisions. “If this hasn’t already made the list before, I’d be shocked. The ham on their incredibly tender biscuit with hot honey, come on.”

4) Olives at Mas Tapas. “There’s something about these olives that’s so delicious. Each variety is so different than the next. Ranging from bitter to fruity like you’re biting into a ripe plum. They’re olives like I’ve never had before and beautiful next to one of their delicious cocktails.”

5) Mango Sticky Rice at Monsoon Siam. “I actually had Chef Kitty’s mango sticky rice when she did a guest chef event with us and I was immediately obsessed. During her event, she expanded the definition of the dish and added butterfly pea flower ice cream and tapioca pearls and that was incredible but the simple Monsoon version with warm coconut sauce, sticky rice and perfectly ripe mango rivals none.”

01/19/2024

Five Finds on Friday: Chris Collins

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from ACAC trainer Chris Collins. As the New Year brings new fitness goals, few are better to help meet them than Collins. If you’ve ever been at ACAC and noticed a buzz of energy near the exercise class room, chances are Collins is the source. His training is so inspiring that he has earned a following of Collin-istas. If you could use a fitness boost, and would like to learn why so many swear by Collins and ACAC, you can reach him at Chrisco@acac.com.

Collins also has a passion for food. Collins’ picks:

“Might not be the healthiest picks, but I usually order steak when I go out, especially during colder months when I cannot grill it outside at home. I cook a lot at home, where I keep things basic and try to stick to single ingredient foods. I am spoiled too because I get a loaf of homemade sourdough each week from my mom.  My vices other than my mom’s bread are popcorn and avocado-oil lime tortilla chips.”

1) Carne Asada at MAS Tapas. “Racion portion, because there’s never enough to go around. I can eat this as an entree, but it is meant to be shared. In a group of four or more, if this dish comes too early while dining, you might order it again for dessert.”

2) Prime NY Strip with the Golden Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts and Broccolini at Black Cow Chop House. “Go with a small group and come hungry.”

3) Two orders of the Polpettine Panuozzo at Lampo. “Cut each in half – four halves. When I’m with another person, I eat three halves in house and share the remaining half or take it home. I am sensitive to lactose, but this sandwich is that good and worth it.”

4) Hanger Steak and a Orange Spice Hot Toddy at Oakhart Social. “On a cold winter evening, after dry January that is. Or, order the cocktail virgin.”

5) Coliflor at Conmole. “One of the tastiest small dishes in town. Pan seared cauliflower and farm eggs in mole verde.”

05/23/2022

#15: Bocadillo – Mas Tapas

Photo by Do Me A Flavor.

The Ham Sandwich

It may be the most popular sandwich of the Western world. #1 in the USA, #1 in the U.K., and in France some even claim it accounts for 70% of sandwiches eaten in the country.

While many cultures have their own takes on a ham sandwich, Charlottesville’s peak form is the Spanish rendition at Mas Tapas. Chef Mike Ketola has been doing it the same way for nearly two decades, starting with a crusty roll, baked fresh every day in-house. Atop that Ketola slathers Mas’ famous garlic alioli, made by a slow, patient process. And, then there’s just ham and cheese. As with everything at Mas, though, sourcing is key. The jamon Serrano and queso Manchego are world class. As is the sandwich.

#15: Bocadillo – Mas Tapas
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: The Oliver at Paradox Pastry, Knoxville at Petite MarieBette, Jambon Beurre at Belle, Ham & Brie at Revolutionary Soup (GFA), Prosciutto & Mozzarella at Feast!, Smoked Ham, Bacon, Cheddar Melt at Tubby’s. Vegetarian Alternatives: K.I.S.S. at Ivy Provisions (GFA), La Giaconda at Mona Lisa, Caprese at Feast!, Caprese Panini at Tilman’s