The Charlottesville 29

If there were just 29 restaurants in Charlottesville, what would be the ideal 29?

Tag: Petite MarieBette

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

05/21/2022

#18: Ednam – The Market at Bellair

Photo by Do Me A Flavor.

The Turkey Sandwich

There is something distinctly American about our love of turkey. And, it’s not just Thanksgiving. Nowhere in the world does turkey dominate lunch boxes, sandwich boards, and refrigerator drawers the way it does here. It is the most popular deli meat in the country.

When it comes to turkey sandwiches, though, some purists insist on turkey that is freshly roasted. Others have come to prefer the processed turkey products more common at deli counters, supermarkets, and sandwich shops. In fact, it is this latter style of turkey meat that inspired the career of the most famous sandwich maker Charlottesville has ever produced. Mason Hereford founded the first sandwich shop to be named Best New Restaurant in the Country, Turkey and the Wolf. But long before he graced magazine covers and award lists for his New Orleans restaurant, Hereford grew up in Charlottesville, and credits his love affair for sandwiches to a place he’d go twice a week: The Market at Bellair.

Founded in 1991 by former caterers, The Market has since expanded from its Ivy gas station location to become such an institution that almost everyone has their go-to order from its menu of elaborate sandwiches, many with local names like Afton, Farmington, and Keswick. While all are delicious, the Ednam is hardest to resist. Boar’s Head maple turkey joins bacon, Havarti, lettuce, tomato, and avocado, on freshly baked bread. The kicker is the market’s own herb mayonnaise, an ingredient so habit-forming that some people go twice a week.

#18: Ednam – The Market at Bellair
(GFA)
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: Gobbfather at Ivy Provisions (GFA), Country Gentleman at Taste Shack (GFA), Herb Oven Roasted Turkey at Market Street Market, After the Hunt at Hunt Country Market & Deli, The Smokin’ at The Market at Bellair (GFA), The Drum Fill From In the Air Tonight at Chickadee, Turkey Muffaletta at Mona Lisa, Turkey Jack at Kitchen(ette) (GFA), Fifeville at Petite MarieBette, Hot Sicilian at Dürty Nelly’s, Farmington at The Market at Bellair (GFA), Turkey Bacon Club at Revolutionary Soup, Birdwood at The Market at Bellair (GFA); Vegetarian Alternatives: Yogaville at The Market at Bellair (GFA), Sly Fox at Hunt Country Market & Deli

05/10/2022

#29: PMB Grilled Cheese – Petite MarieBette

The Grilled Cheese

It might seem odd to go somewhere specifically for a grilled cheese, but the royal treatment that Petit MarieBette gives the humble staple of pool snack bars and children’s menus makes it destination-worthy. Will Darsie’s attention to detail elevates the sandwich with Pennsylvania cheddar and Alpine gruyere on the bakery’s own sourdough.  A thin layer of Duke’s mayo on the outside of the bread before grilling seals the deal with color, crispness, and flavor. When a grilled cheese craving creeps, the PMB Grilled cheese satisfies like none other in town.

#29: PMB Grilled Cheese – Petite MarieBette
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches 

Others of Note: Seasonal Grilled Cheese at Feast! (GFA), Grilled Cheese at Revolutionary Soup (American on sourdough)

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