John LeMasney
Google
Quality Pie on Avon in Charlottesville is a delicious experience, and I had long heard of it as a 'must-visit'. It's true. I was not sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a lot more than pie.
Tomas Rahal, who created Quality Pie, was on the premises during my visit, and just happens to be good friends with my lunchmates. I got to hear him talk a bit about grapes and yeast and sample some delicious wine ahead of the meal. The two wines we sampled were from the same grape, but the two versions were worlds apart, one like an imperial russian stout, quite dark and viscous, and the other like a bright chardonnay, yellow with a solid tang. He told us the only difference between the two was time. The rich coffee was a beautiful contrast.
While we waited, I visited the beautiful art, small sculptural displays, and inviting atmosphere of the interior. We sat outside, and Avon provided a lively show.
Tomas invited us to try the fresh chanterelle frittata, but I had my hopes set on the chorizo, egg, pepper and polenta, which was divine, a spanish morning on a plate. Each bite revealed texture and flavor in good balance. The chorizo is from a local charcuterie, bright with spice and taut, with a snap in the casing. It reminded me of kielbasa. The egg was perfectly cooked and seasoned, with the yolk still velvety in a cooked pocket, and salt in good measure. The polenta was crisp with a soft center, and the pepper was sweet and cooked to a still-firm bite.
Perhaps the most beautiful moment was giving Tomas a hug after we ate, he's a buddha who walks amongst us, and it was a kind gesture to exchange thanks for the delicious meal and conversation. Service was kind and quick, the food was quality defined, and the atmosphere is a quiet contrast to the bustle of the city. You should go.