Baggby's

Considering Charlie and I both love sandwiches, we have been meaning to check out Baggby's on the downtown mall for a while. We went tonight before enjoying the music of Fridays After Five. I had a Remarkable, with avocado, turkey, bacon, cream cheese, sprouts, all kinds of good junk. Felipe had a Sundown and said it was delicious. Charlie enjoyed his classic Italian style sub called the Grinder. All were a big hit and well received picnic-like food for our Fridays After Five outing. They are a little high priced but I feel like they are comparable to Take it Away and The Market - so a new stop on the sandwich train.

Arch's

So, if you move to Charlottesville, I'm almost positive someone along the way has mentioned Arch's delicious frozen yogurt. I crave this stuff regularly - especially the Vanilla Bean with ooey Gooey Brownies on top (don't worry - no salmonella). The Vanilla Bean is key. I had No-Frill Vanilla this time and it just wasn't the same. We decided to check out their regular food menu at the Emmet Street location for dinner tonight. Charlie and I walked out totally stuffed and wondering how Arch's would fit into our long list of sandwich favorites. Let me tell you, they are up there and have definitely earned bonus points for the frozen yogurt option post sandwich. We both picked sandwiches served on sub rolls which were then grilled - really a cool twist that I haven't seen before. The grilling wasn't a typical Quizno's type of grilling. It was almost panini style without the grease. The ingredients seemed very fresh and the place was packed. It did take a little while to get the food but it was worth it. The salads looked awesome too. Also - Monday night special - free chips and a drink when you order a sandwich - perk #2! I think Tuesday's special is similar but with a salad order.

Little John's

This place is great. I have been here for lunch many times, and I have had many of their sandwiches (it is mainly a sandwich joint). For the price, it is probably the best place for lunch on the corner. Everything I have had there is good, and I have had a lot. My favorite is the "Five Easy." They heat their sandwiches in a very hot oven right behind the counter. The sandwiches are delicious, and not pretentious like some of the other sandwich places in town. The staff is very friendly, and very good at what they do. They move a lot of people through the line very quickly during lunch. Also, I am not sure if they make them on-site, but their muffins may be the best I have ever had. Little Johns is on the corner, right in the middle of all the shops and restaurants on University Avenue. I highly recommend this place, even if you are not on a graduate student budget. Also, it is open 24 hours, and apparently their breakfast is good too.

feast!

So, we live right behind the Main Street Market (which is fabulous) and recently discovered Feast! - a gourmet deli and grocery store. Their prosciutto mozzarella sandwich is now my new favorite lunch item. While the deli closes at 3:00pm, there are fresh pre-made sandwiches available. The sandwich I had had proscuitto, fresh mozz. slices, a roasted tomato spread and fresh basil on an ABC baguette. It was surprisingly light and fulfilling. The fresh limeade is also delish.

Charlie had been there before and bought an italian sandwich. He says it was "mmmm delicious".

While the sandwiches are a big hit in our house, the groceries are somewhat pricey. We bought a chunk of cheddar that is quite good, but cost more than a comparable cheddar at the traditional grocery store. Charlie bought a last minute carton of eggs one evening, and while organic and from a farm nearby, they were double the price of organic eggs at the grocery store.

Check out the sandwiches (around $8 each) and enjoy the cute and fresh atmosphere.

South Street Brewery

After a movie on the Downtown Mall, Charlie and I went to South Street Brewery with some of his classmates. The brewery makes their own beer (that has won several awards) and has some good menu options. I had a cider and a bite of their pizza - delish. One of our friends got a chicken pita that looked awesome and everyone enjoyed their drinks. The food is a little bit pricey ($10-$20) unfortunately so it won't be our go-to spot but it will be fun to go back. The brewery is right near Bang! one block west of the Mall. Supposedly, there is live jazz on Monday and Wednesday nights, so I'm sure we'll be back (Charlie is a big live jazz fan). I'm going for the food!

Sandwich shops

Take it Away - behind the Corner on Elliewood (near some fun bars) is a small sandwich shop. While the menu only lists simple deli meat options, what makes the sandwich is the awesome house dressing - don't get a sandwich without it and if you do, at least get it on the side. The shop offers sprouts, cucs, and watercress as your sandwich toppings (no traditional tomato, lettuce, onions) and you do have the option to add cheese. Don't forget to pick a fun bread option! With toppings a sandwich will run you about $6. Probably my favorite sandwich shop in a while. There are some seats inside and you have the option to bring your lunch to the grounds right across the street.

The Market at Exxon - Up 29 is an Exxon gas station (prices for gas aren't too bad either) with a little white shop that sells wonderful sandwiches. You can get the Thomas Jefferson that has a great herbed mayo, cranberry sauce and turkey. There is also The Birdwood that has turkey, avocado and chipotle mayo. The combos sound a little funny bute every sandwich I have had there so far has been great! Sandwiches run about $6.50 and don't forget to get a frequent buyer card that allows you a free sandwich after purchasing 5. There are even seats inside so you can enjoy your "pit-stop". There is another "The Market" on Ivy Rd. on the right as you head west out of Charlottesville towards Crozet.