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Michael's Bistro and Taphouse

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zabelle
zabelle
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
6
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Editor Pick

Michael's Bistro

  • December 16, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by zabelle from Portland, Connecticut
Michael's Bistro

Located at the Corner you can’t find a restaurant better situated to the University of Virginia. Look for Little John’s Deli, go right past it and you will find the door to Michael’s right around the corner. Located on the second floor they have what is purporting to be the best view of the Rotunda of any restaurant. I can’t verify this since I wasn’t aware of it nor did I sit outside when I was there.

Be prepared to be dazzled by their beer menu. I was and I am no neophyte. I was so impressed that I had to order a sampler. This allows you to pick four of their draught beers in a five-ounce size. I tried the La Rulles Tripel (Belgian); Guinness Stout (Irish);Fuller’s London Pride Pale Ale (English); and a Jever Pilsner (German). All very interesting and only $4.75. Now if I didn’t want a sampler your choice is far wider, Hoegaarden, Leffe Blonde, Chimay Blue Label, Duvel and Kasteel Bacchus, to just give you an idea of some of the ever-changing variety. The US isn’t forgotten either with Rogue Hazelnut brown Ale and Ace pear cider to just name two. Al had a Bud light so there really is something for everyone.

Now even if they didn’t serve food the beer would be good enough to get you here. But the food is better than good, it’s great I had an appetizer, the baked brie. It was a wheel of brie drizzled with clover honey and covered with slivered granny smith apples, sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries and toasted almonds. Served with a baguette it is one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten. The combination of sweet and tart and molten cheese with crispy fruit, this is a combination I plan to duplicate when I get home.

Al had the pork tenderloin, marinated in blueberry-rum; it was served with wild rice and broccolini and topped with Maine blueberry salsa fresca which combined blueberries and red onions. It was perfect. He insisted on giving me a piece even though I was perfectly content with my brie. Needless to say after one bite I relished my slice.

Our waiter Mikie (not Mike or Michael) was perfect. He was always checking to make sure we were all right. He even took the time to discuss my different beer choices with me. He was always there when we needed him but he never was intrusive. We asked for the dessert selection and it was chocolate mousse and crème brûlée. Tempting but not tempting enough for me to try to fit it into my bulging stomach.

From journal Captivating Charlottesville

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