Best of Local Chefs
June 4, 2024 Food & Drink
Culpeper is bursting with culinary talent both homegrown and transplanted. With an abundance of local farms, our restaurant scene is filled with family flavors and creative approaches to classic dishes.
Prohibition America Made Modern
At Flavor on Main, Executive Chef, Fabrizio, creates beautifully plated classic American dishes with a twist. From pan seared scallops with a side of saffron and parmigiana risotto to their homemade gnocchi served with caramelized onions in a black truffle creamy fontina sauce each menu offering serves up indulgence, taste and visual appeal. Some dishes bring in an Italian element or an Asian flair, but all feel modern and cohesive.
Specialty cocktails inspired by the Prohibition era like the Gin Rickey and Bee’s Knees enhance the art deco surroundings. Flavor on Main can also accommodate large groups in two private dining rooms for parties, receptions and business events, making it as versatile as it is decadent.
Family Fine Dining, European Style
In 1995, John Yarnell relocated to Culpeper from Philadelphia, bringing his It’s About Thyme restaurant with him. Over time, his two oldest daughters Joclyn and Jodi, who grew up in the restaurant business, joined him in making It’s About Thyme before branching out on their own to run their own kitchen at Green Ribbon at Old House Vineyards.
It’s About Thyme has thrived in Culpeper, offering broad European fare from bruschetta to Greek salad to palazzo pot roast. With two executive suites available for rent upstairs, patrons can enjoy a full European culinary experience without leaving the block.
Gourmet Farm-to-Table
Despite its relaxed vibe, the kitchen at Grass Rootes is turning out some seriously upscale food. Grass Rootes serves farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on classic dishes and a killer wine and cocktail list. There’s often live music playing by the bar and the feeling is of a neighborhood pub—that just happens to serve the best crispy brussels sprouts or duck a l’orange you’ve ever tasted. You can start with a cheese board or antipasto at both lunch or dinner, before diving into an entrée like mushroom ravioli with shrimp or pan-seared salmon in a Champagne cream sauce. Or, if you want something classic, you can always order the bacon cheeseburger. You truly can’t go wrong at Grass Rootes.
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