FOOD- THE DISH- Beeriest: Mag chooses Beer Run as top shop

Imbibe Magazine recently named Belmont's Beer Run one of the top beer shops in the country.
PHOTO BY DAVE MCNAIR

Beer Run, we think it's safe to say, has had a pretty good run since opening in December.

In addition to becoming a popular Belmont hang out, mostly by serving up nearly everything– hand-crafted beers, wine, coffee, dinner, breakfast, brunch, lunch, gourmet grocery items, live music, outdoor dining, wine & beer tastings, a delivery service, and a welcoming bar to sit at– whew!– the Carlton Road establishment was recently selected as one of the 100 best places to drink beer in America by Imbibe Magazine, the Oregon-based glossy dedicated to covering the world of drink.

"In a college town where kegs of macrobrews may be the typical order of the day, Beer Run sells customers on an amazing lineup of bottled craft beers and serves some great draught ones on the shop's bar side," write the Imbibe editors in their September/October issue, not yet on newsstands. "The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and regular tastings inspire experimentation and learning."

"It was a complete surprise," says Beer Run's Josh Hunt of the honor. "I have no idea how they found out about us.

"It's exciting to be included," says Hunt, who opened Beer Run with his business partner, John Woodriff. "It makes us feel like all the hard work has been worthwhile."

So what's the secret to their success?

"We've been listening to people a lot," says Hunt. "I think it's important to know what people want."

New online Foodfinder at the Hook!

As you'll notice at the top of the Dish's blog (readthehook.com/dish/), we've created a new online Foodfinder. Unlike our old Foodfinder, this one is less ours than it is yours. 

In addition to searchable listings by name, cuisine, neighborhood, and price, there is also a section for comments and reviews if you login and register. 

Of course, it's a bit sparse right now, but we're hoping all you food lovers out there will change that. In fact, the comments you make will determine how our local restaurants are rated. It's also your chance to become a locally famous food reviewer, as the Top Foodies section will rate reviewers based on the number of reviews and the endorsements of other reviewers. 

And for all you restaurant owners and managers: you can now submit your own description of your place. Just email it to and we'll post it on your listing. 

  St. Maarten's Cafe turns 24

Radio host Coy Barefoot recently helped St. Maarten's Cafe owner Jim Roland celebrate his popular Corner district restaurant's 24th birthday, inviting him to tell the story of St. Maarten's on his WINA radio show "Charlottesville-Right Now!" It's a real window into the local restaurant world, and he even weighs on the recent drinking age debate. I mean, the man should know a thing or two about the drinking habits of college kids, don't ya think? Listen to the segment at the Charlottesville Podcasting Network at www.cvillepodcast.com.

Albemarle Square Steak-Out

Steak-Out Char-Broiled Delivery, the Alabama-based steak delivery franchise, just opened its first store in Virginia last week, and it happens to be in Albemarle Square. A rep for the chain says there are a few places to sit at the joint, but that it's mainly in business to deliver juicy steak dinners and lunches. The chain also offers online ordering, but unfortunately that's not available at the Charlottesville location yet. But you can check out the menu online at steakout.com or order yourself up a 16-ounce rib-eye and a baked potato by calling at 975-5100. 

Heritage Harvest Festival Taste-Off

Does local food taste better?  You be the judge at the Heritage Harvest Festival Taste-Off, this Saturday, September 6th at Monticello's Tufton Gardens. The festivities start with an "Old Timey Seed Swap" at the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants from 8am to 10am. There'll be children's activities presented by Master Gardeners, you'll be able to taste a variety of tomatoes, apples, garlic, and other fruits and vegetables, and national experts and local natural/organic growers will be on hand to answer your questions about sustainable agriculture. Produce, seeds, and plants will also be available for purchase. Admission is free.

All this food news was first reported online. Check it out at readthehook.com/food/

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