Belmont in review: Mas Tapas, Bel Rio, The Local and others

Belmont, once described to me as "the middle of nowhere," is anything but. The three of us have tried all the options: Mas Tapas, Bel Rio, The Local, Belmont BBQ, and La Taza (we regret that we never made it to Crush before it closed...). Here is a short review of all-

Mas Tapas- We love all the classics and can't say that we have branched out more adventurously. The artichoke and goat cheese spread has the perfect amount of chunky artichoke and is served with plenty of warm bread. I would be happy if that was the only thing they served at Mas....
but the last time we were there we finally caved and ordered the bacon wrapped dates. I think it's impossible to inform someone you ate at Mas without the immediate question "did you order the bacon wrapped dates!!?" After saying "no" one too many times, we finally ordered a small portion. Of course they were fabulous and worth the constant raving. As for drinks, the sangria is a great cheap option, and the mojitos are good as well. Many times we go just for drinks, but the warm bread with olive oil provides just enough sustenance. That bread is SOOO good............

Bel Rio- We first went to Bel Rio a couple months ago. We really enjoyed our entrees (the pecan-encrusted trout, the vegetarian enchilada, and a pasta dish) and the desserts. The waitstaff is really friendly. The bar scene on the weekends is a little bit of an older crowd...we prefer Mas for drinks.

The Local- while I have not had the food myself other than dessert (the brownie sundae is a fun treat to split), I have heard from the other Rachel that the food is not exceptional. There is a lack of vegetarian dishes, which surprised and disappointed us. Maybe come spring and summer when there are more local veggies to use? That's my hope. The bar is awkward to sit at; the stools aren't tall enough, although we heard they are getting new ones really soon....

La Taza- sitting outside on a warm spring morning sipping coffee and anticipating great breakfast food.....can't get any better. However, don't be in a rush, because La Taza always takes a while. I haven't actually been this calendar year, but I'm assuming nothing has gotten exceptionally better or worse there.

Belmont BBQ- great barbeque and sadly one of the only places in Cville that even offers it. The slop bucket........yum.

If you can't tell, we don't really think Belmont is the middle of nowhere................... and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Tavola, the newest addition to Belmont's restaurant scene.