Feast! is by far one of my favorite places to eat in C'ville! Located on the way to the downtown mall, it's the perfect stop for lunch or a quick gourmet grocery run. Opened in 2002, Feast has continued to grow in size and food offerings. Today, the store is almost 5,000 square feet and offers gourmet cheeses, olive oils, meats, fruits, and veggies.
Originally the heart of the store was an open cheese case, filled with a little over 40 different artisan cheeses and 10 hams and salamis. Today, Feast! has expanded and they now offer over 70 cheese types and 60 cured and deli meats!
Feast! is owner-operated and they strongly promote and encourage their mission : " To offer Feast! customers the best in service and quality. To be a vital and responsible business — independently owned and operated — that is a viable alternative to huge, corporate groceries and that develops the unique character and economic advantages that independently owned businesses offer to the community."
The owners of Feast! work to connect with local farmers and encourage the sale of locally made foods. The store promotes family-owned food businesses and wishes to sustain local farmland around the Charlottesville area. Food offerings are seasonal as well as year-round products such as olives, hard candies, and jams.
I love the fresh vegetables and fruits. From locally grown Pippin Apples ( my personal favorite) to pears and tomatoes they seem to have it all, right there under your eyes... and it's all fresh and ready to eat!
There is even a Feast! brand. The website states, " When you eat a product that has a feast label you know you are eating something good for your community and, above all, something delicious". From gourmet salts to dried fruits, the Feast! brand was chosen from the best of the best. The Feast! grocery offers a wide selection of specialty items for ones kitchen. The owners have hand selected what is being sold, often taking into account customer recommendations.
My friends and I venture to Feast! to buy a homemade lunch on the weekends. The cafe has become a neighborhood favorite for locals around C'ville as well as a destination for visitors. While the sandwiches are famous, they also sell wonderful salads and soups and have great sides (white bean salad and fruit salad) ! Ingredients are found locally as well as internationally.
The sandwiches are made on Albemarle Baking Company and are served with a choice of a side. My favorite is the Tuna Melt: Spanish Bonito tuna, sharp cheddar cheese, roasted tomato spread, focaccia, grilled...too bad Feast! is closed on Sunday or I would be there right now. As well as specialty sandwiches there are gourmet salads and soups as well as a small childrens menus.. including grilled cheese and PB&J. Don't forget to ask about the seasonal specials as well as daily specials! Be sure to check out the drink refrigerator for some Feast! brand lemonaid, limeaid, and sweet tea.
Have a Splendid Sunday...and check back soon!
