Taste of Virginia Food Tours

Debbie Hoal was a very gracious and informative host, leading us through each taste experience and giving us wonderful details about Charlottesville, The Durban Spiced Chicken at Shabeen was delicious, flavored with African spice and grits that complemented the dish. Every stop on the tour was interesting and we were warmly welcomed at every location. The biggest surprise, however, was the Blue Moon Diner where we were to sample golden beets… I was not looking forward to that because I dislike beets. It turned out to be an outstanding dish and the only dish that I devoured during the tour. All in all, I would easily take this tour again.

Easily the best food tour I have ever taken!
I received this food tour as a birthday present. Our tour guide Deborah was extremely nice and accommodating as she squired me and my girlfriend around town to the various restaurants in the Midtown area of Charlottesvile. In all we hit up seven restaurants, which included:
1. Shebeen Pub & Braai (Durban Spiced Chicken) — The chicken was delicious, with flavorful South African grits served with sweet Mango Chutney and Voodoo sauce.
2. West Main Restaurant (Philly Egg Rolls) — The best cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia. No seriously. Delicious.
3. Feast! (Tasting of local cheese and salami) — A foodie paradise, you can have your own mini food tour with the free samples alone. Did I mention how delicious everything is? Because it rocks here.
4. The Organic Butcher (Beef Jerky) — You’ll leave convinced of the art form that is slicing meat and a large sample of some of the best beef jerky you’ve ever had.
5. Blue Moon Diner (Golden Beet Salad) — For any vegetarians or vegans in the group, you’re in for a treat. I don’t even like beets but left here satisfied. Very tasty.
6. Pearl’s Cupcake Shoppe (Cupcake) — We each got to choose one cupcake apiece, which was one of the most difficult decisions of my life since everything looked so good. The cupcakes here are top-​notch.
7. Gearhart’s Fine Chocolates (assorted chocolate) — We got to choose two pieces to try. The chocolate here is high-​end and high-​quality. The perfect way to end the tour.
In between eating, Deborah pointed out historic landmarks and took a ton of pictures (we felt like celebrities). We moved along quickly but never felt rushed, even finishing the tour an hour earlier than expected. We were the only two in the group, so the whole tour felt very personal and unencumbered by slow eaters. It was a wonderful experience and I plan on recommending it to everyone I know.