Virginia Feeds Travelers' Passion for Flavor

Virginia recently was named one of the top food and wine destinations in the country.

>10 Culinary Revolution Hot Spots

Virginia is in the midst of a culinary revolution, and chefs such as Alex Montiel and passionate foodies like him are leading the charge. Montiel and his colleagues embody the heart of culinary travel in Virginia—small locally owned treasures with a reverence for authentic cuisine and a love of local ingredients. Their Southern flare for flavor is feeding travelers’ passion for great food in Virginia.

Montiel’s quest for culinary creations has taken him around the globe. He studied under some of the world’s best chefs before opening La Cocina del Sol, an authentic Mexican restaurant in the small town of Crozet, near Charlottesville. Fusing Mexican and Southwestern traditions with hip, eclectic charm, his menu of crab cake bruschetta, calamari fritos, red snapper tacos and caramel flan excites guests with an explosion of tastes. Montiel’s success has led to a second restaurant, Brasserie Montiel & Coffee House in Charlottesville, where college kids and neighborhood friends dig into some of the best dishes around.

Virginia recently was named one of the top food and wine destinations in the country, and it’s easy to see why. Each region of Virginia has its own unique flavor and style to tempt travelers’ taste buds. From traditional Southern comfort food to seafood delicacies straight out of the Chesapeake Bay, dedicated chefs are embracing Virginia’s culinary heritage like never before.

With more than 2,000 restaurants featuring tantalizing local specialties from Chincoteague oysters to peanut soup to Brunswick stew, Virginia is full of culinary adventures. Local legends include the shrimp and grits at Croaker’s Spot in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Indulge in the famous baked potato soup at Allison’s in charming Abingdon in southwest Virginia.

Enjoy crab cakes stuffed with Smithfield Ham at Smithfield Station Photo by VTC

For upscale Southern flavor, order the skillet-seared backfin crab cakes at the award-winning Bistro 1888 in South Boston. Take a walk on the wild side with the game entrees at Flamenco Restaurant in Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

Enjoy sweet potato encrusted rockfish stuffed with Smithfield Ham at Smithfield Station. Satisfy sweet cravings with giant, homemade marshmallows at Dairy Godmothers in Alexandria. Or dig into the award-winning barbecue and bluegrass at the Galax Smokehouse along The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.

Combine all this great flavor with outstanding wine from one of Virginia’s 130 wineries for a glimpse of culinary nirvana. Each culinary destination is surrounded by rich history, surprising small towns and beautiful accommodations—from mountaintop resorts to quaint seaside cottages—making Virginia a destination of distinction.

For people who base their travel decisions on their taste buds—now is the time to feed that passion for great food in Virginia.

The Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville conducts cooking classes. Photo by Boar's Head Inn VTC

10 Culinary Revolution Hot Spots

For people whose travel decisions are based solely on their taste buds, now is the time to feed that passion for great food in Virginia. Check out these 10 getaways to taste Virginia’s culinary revolution.

1. Chincoteague Oysters—Chincoteague Island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is surrounded by natural and cultivated oyster bars and reefs, and is known for quality oysters. Delight in fresh, savory local oyster dishes prepared a multitude of ways in Chincoteague before heading out to see the famous wild ponies.
2.  Capital Flavor—Richmond’s historic neighborhoods are alive with flavors. From the Southern soul food of Jackson Ward to the eclectic menus of The Fan to the legendary pizza of Shockoe Bottom and nearly 50 annual food festivals, Virginia’s capital city is a hot spot for great food finds.
3. Cook Like a Pro—Learn the secrets of Virginia’s culinary masters. Enlist in Food & Wine camp at Lansdowne Resort. Go natural at culinary workshop weekends at Shenandoah National Park. Or learn to make the perfect biscuits, breads and cakes at Wade’s Mill in Raphine, a 1750s working grist mill.
4. Cone Claims—Abe Doumar created America’s first ice cream cone at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. He purchased a waffle from a nearby vendor, rolled it into a cone and topped it with ice cream. Today, the ice cream at Doumar’s in Norfolk is still handmade, and ice cream lovers expound upon its creamy perfection.
5. Hams, History and Hospitality—That’s the motto of Smithfield, Virginia, home of the world-famous ham. Visit the charming main street and shop for antiques, art and homemade candies before heading to Smithfield Station for fresh crab cakes, made with Virginia ham, of course. Stop at the original Smithfield Ham Shoppe for an authentic taste of Virginia.
6. Valley of Taste—Enjoy the great eats of downtown Roanoke, home to Virginia’s oldest and largest year-round growers market, where chefs built their establishments based on the proximity to fresh, local ingredients available at market. Anchored by the beauty of historic Hotel Roanoke, it’s a fresh foodie destination.
7. Puppy Cuisine—An array of restaurants meets every taste in Old Town Alexandria, including those of the furry, four-legged set. Alexandria is a dog-friendly town, and many of its restaurants serve cuisine and refreshments geared for pups and pooches, as well as their owners.
8. Leesburg Legends—Leesburg in Northern Virginia is as full of taste as it is history and culture. From the casual elegance and 21 taps at Tuscarora Mill to the piano bar sophistication of Lightfoot, visitors will get their fill.
9. Catch of the Day—Reel in the excitement of catching your own meal at Waterman’s in Virginia Beach. Year-round anglers are hooking the mightiest tuna, wahoo, marlin, striped bass and flounder with nearby restaurants that will cook up the fresh catch for hungry fishermen and women.
10. Little Washington, Big Taste—Dine at The Inn at Little Washington, one of America’s finest restaurants and country inns. Enjoy the gourmet tastes and luxurious surroundings at this inn that continues to top World’s Best lists for dining and accommodations. Legendary Chef Patrick O’Connell’s inspired American cuisine has been described by food critics as “so good it makes you cry,” and draws admirers from around the world.
    

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