Favorite places to eat in Charlottesville-Staunton area.

Upscale:
C&O Restaurant, Charlottesville,
http://www.candorestaurant.com/about.htm
Charming, French Provincial cuisine. Located on Water Street in the downtown mall.
Food served elegantly in modest proportions, but you won't go hungry.
Vegetable soup was the best we ever had (Sharon & Rich).
Rack of lamb highly recommended (Rich).
Wine Spectator award of excellence. Huge wine list with prices from $20 to $400.
Sommelier Elaine Futhey doesn't push the high priced wines, but her best wines at value prices. We had a 2000 Cervoles (Spain), a blend of tempranillo and cabernet for $40 that was wonderful with the lamb.

Casual but Excellent:
Mill Street Grill, Staunton
http://www.millstreetgrill.com/home.htm
Sharon's & Rich's favorite restaurant in Staunton. It is the nearest equivalent of Arties (our favorite moderate priced American-style restaurant in Fairfax) we have found. Specialty is barbecue ribs (many different kinds), prime rib and steaks, but also have some fresh seafood. Everything here is very good. Wine is small, mostly California, but adequate. However, Rich prefers the Starr Hill Amber Draft beer made in Charlottesville, and sharon loves the fresh lemonade.
They also have a Sunday brunch.

Casual but Casual:
Blue Ridge Pig, Nellysford
Jim's favorite restaurant in Nellysford on Rt 151.
Good "Virginia style" BBQ. Chicken, pork, beef; plates or sandwiches. Sides OK.
Only iced tea, lemonade, soft drinks on premises, but you can bring in your own beer if you don't ask.
Probably best for takeout.
Closes early.