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My initial assumptions regarding the food in Williamsburg, Virginia, are wrong. I imagine Williamsburg to be crammed with touristy eateries, without a single ounce of creativity. By the conclusion of our trip, I view Williamsburg, as an underrated, food appreciation, destination.
The Bake Shop
Though we will on occasion, we are not fans of ingesting a mass quantity of food, early in the morning. That’s what makes The Bake Shop, a delightful, little, spot, to grab breakfast. There’s a lovely selection of scones, croissants, and biscuits. I opt for a toasted bagel with cream cheese.
The bagels are that perfect balance of crispy-chewy outside, and fluffy, inside. The iced coffee is a perfect, pre-Colonial-learning-pick-me-up.
Sitting outside, watching morning activities, this is a great option for a satisfying, quick, breakfast. Thanks to Jim for the recommendation.
Food for Thought
When I asked fellow travelers, their favorite Williamsburg restaurant, Food for Thought, got the most votes.
We drive by on our way to Williamsburg activities, and my Philadelphia heart, is drawn to their sign’s Ben Franklin.
Our server, Thomas, makes us instantly feel at home.
Since we order straight up comfort food for our main meal, starting with a salad seems responsible.
It’s the largest Caprese Salad we’ve ever seen. The slices of tomatoes and cheese are massive.
For my main meal, I order the Family Reunion. I appreciate when restaurants understand the plight of the indecisive eater. The Family Reunion comes with a tasting of meatloaf, and pot roast. I select mashed potatoes and creamed spinach as my sides.
Food for Thought’s meatloaf is tasty, but my taste buds are dazzled by the pot roast. I want to climb onto my plate and wrap myself in it like a comforting, pot roast, blanket. The sides are equally snuggle worthy. The portions are huge, and there is no room for dessert, but they look scrumptious. There are healthy choices, along with the stick-to-your-ribs food, so if you need a place where there is something for everyone, Food for Thought in Williamsburg is top choice.
The Cheese Shop
If you don’t want to eat (or in our case discover the eateries are closed) in Colonial Williamsburg, The Cheese Shop, is only a quick walk away.
Cheese being one of my favorite foods, I must visit on name alone.
The Cheese Shop is popular, very, very, popular. We arrive at lunch and it is packed. The line makes us feel like we are at a theme park, waiting in line for a ride.
People love cheese.
Though the popular thing to do, is to order a cheese board, and purchase a bottle of wine, we’re in a sandwich mood.
Despite the indoor crowd, there are plenty of, unoccupied, outdoor tables. Lunchtime is spent munching fresh, well-crafted, sandwiches.
If you don’t mind the throng of fellow dairy enthusiasts, and want an enjoyable lunch, close to the main attractions, take a jaunt to The Cheese Shop.
Fat Canary
Located next to, and run by, the same people as The Cheese Shop, Fat Canary is an establishment to visit, if you want to get fancy (but khakis fancy, not have to wear stockings and a slip fancy).
Once settled, Shannon is presented with a menu signed by tonight’s restaurant staff.
It’s his birthday, and it’s a neat, unique way, for a restaurant to say “happy birthday.” I wonder if the restaurant staff understand that introverts don’t cherish being serenaded, or if it’s just a staff of bad singers?
Shannon got the pan-seared scallops,
which would have won the prize for best entrée, if I didn’t get the halibut special. The juicy, flaky, fish, was served with chive butter, over a bed of shrimp, chorizo, tomatoes, and potatoes.
I still ponder this dish. I dream about this dish. Halibut will never be the same. The couple next to us started up a chat. They were deciding what to get. I implored them to order the halibut.
The desserts were good, and they added the it’s-your-birthday-so-here’s-a-candle to Shannon’s dessert (single candlelight makes fun shadows).
As much as I loved my sweet treat…that halibut though….
Since we dine casually for the majority of this trip, Fat Canary is a gratifying, upscale, change of pace.
If you need more Williamsburg Food Recommendations check out
Eating in Williamsburg, Virginia Part 2…
Great places to Stay when Eating in Williamsburg
