Maya Revives Authentic Flavors with a Taste of Home

I recently found myself fighting off the Sunday scaries and craving a nice meal, so I decided to treat myself to dinner at Maya, a cozy spot on Roosevelt Brown Boulevard. They describe their food as “elevated Southern comfort” using seasonal ingredients, so I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype.

Maya is tucked away across from the Charlottesville Amtrak station, next to other local favorites like Public Fish & Oyster. It’s open daily for dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with later bar hours on Thursday through Saturday. They even have an early bird special from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations are recommended, but you can walk in as well. There are also pick-up and delivery options.

Opened in 2006 by local chef Christian Kelly and restaurateur Peter Castiglione, Maya pays homage to family and community—Kelly named it after his daughter. The warm vibes hit you as soon as you walk in, with families enjoying the covered outdoor seating. Inside, the decor reminded me of an art studio, with colorful pieces adorning the walls.

As I settled in, I glanced at the menu. The main attraction here is a protein paired with two sides. The atmosphere buzzed with the sounds of clattering dishes and friendly chatter, bringing to mind hints of the show The Bear.

I started with the Pimento Cheese Fritters ($15) and ordered the Local Chicken Breast with macaroni and cheese and cornbread ($28). The fritters arrived quickly and were a delightful surprise. They were crispy on the outside and soft inside, drizzled with homemade pepper jelly that provided a unique sweetness to the sharp cheese. The chive sour cream perfectly balanced the flavors.

Next, my entrée hit the table all at once. The macaroni and cheese was warm and creamy, topped with fresh herbs. The cornbread had a crisp crust, yet it was light and airy when I took a bite. Finally, the chicken was tender and flavorful, seasoned just right.

For dessert, I couldn’t resist the Chocolate Torte ($10). It was rich and indulgent, paired with a pistachio lacey cookie and a drizzle of hazelnut espresso-infused local honey. It was the perfect sweet ending to my meal.

Maya has a charm that’s hard to ignore, from the inviting atmosphere to the friendly service. Though the price point is on the higher side, the food and experience make it worth it for special occasions like date nights or family gatherings.

Interestingly, reports show that interest in local and farm-to-table dining has surged in recent years. According to a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, 74% of consumers are willing to pay more for a meal made from fresh, local ingredients. This aligns perfectly with what Maya offers.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delightful dining experience packed with flavor and a cozy vibe, Maya truly delivers.

Source link