Camino is the brainchild of three local minds, Sean Thomas, Salvatore Defino, & Drew Hart. The trio sat down in March of this year, when the previous owner of Il Cane Pazzo was preparing to sell, and started brainstorming possibilities for the Market Street space. “We knew it would be of a Mediterranean theme, right from the beginning,” said Sal, “and we never veered from that idea.” The concept of Camino, typically translated as the way, road, or journey, has its specific roots for the new restaurant in the tradition of travelers from various regions of France and Spain conducting a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, the eventual resting place of St. James.As travelers spend many days on foot or horseback during their journey, they are greeted with numerous offerings of local dishes, the best of which are to be found on the menu, and many are prepared using our very own local ingredients. Items such as the Country Pâté (pork, chicken, foie gras, croustades, & house condiments) and the Wood Roasted Hen (prosciutto, poached blonde figs, rosemary honey, risotto al forno), provide a distinct look into the food culture of a region we westerners can’t get enough of. As opposed to tapas style portions, Camino will be providing a tiered dining experience, with a more standard take on courses. “We are looking to create food for conversation,” says Sean, “and combine that with our passion for local foods and green production.”
Opening a restaurant in this economic climate does run its risks, but Sal believes that’s “why you create an intimate Mediterranean artisanal dining space, and serve something exceptional”. At 40 seats, and with dinner for two from $35-75, we don’t think they will have much issue. I’ve personally had the opportunity to try a few appatizers in that vein at the after party for the film Fresh!, which was hosted in the space on July 29th. The pairing couldn’t have gone better, as the film & food focused on the production of sustainable local offerings with health in mind. The group is bringing in Matthew Turner as head chef, the previous chef & proprietor of Jarman’s Gap Restaurant, which joined the Capshaw empire as Three Notch’d Grill. The wine selection is handled by Drew, and the twenty bottles will cover select French, Italian, and Spanish varietals, with small country producers as their primary suppliers. “Rustic, old world wines are what we are looking for,” he states.
There have been a few updates to the space itself, with a new color palette chosen for its earth tones and natural hues, along with new flooring and refinished woodwork. Expect various jazz and world beat music to work alongside the bartenders with a selection of spirits, and classic cocktails. The new owners (at least one of whom has been a long time commenter right here) will be honoring gift certificates purchased through the previous establishment, and they say reservations are highly recommended after the doors open in 10 days. Their main number is (434) 293-2323. Stay tuned for further updates, and opening coverage.
Related posts:
- Camino Gets Messy, Brings Food Fight To Town
- Camino Invites You In For A Bay Dinner & Discussion
- Charlottesville Indian Restaurants in War of Words?
i never made it to Il Canne Pazzo, but i’m looking forward to this.
I was glad to have tried Il Canne Pazzo (Best gnocchi I’ve ever tasted) but a savvy cVillain knows not to get too attached to restaurants in this town.
The space is kind of weird to work with and I remember it being reminiscent of the early 90s (maybe it’s the glass bricks?). Also we were freezing in the tables directly behind the bar. Please remedy that going forward.
Looking forward to trying pilgrim food.
Yum- can’t wait to check it out!! I also appreciate their take on “local foods and green production”.
So Three Notch’d Grill is def a Coran Capshaw restaurant?
My understanding, which of course could be horribly flawed, is that Coran was always a silent money bag in Jarman’s Chasm. I believe the switch to Tres Nachos (the working name for what was going to be a mexican joint before the Kitchen of the Sun, which was originally going to be named Crozet Olé, scooped the south of the border idea – but I digress…). I do believe the former operating partners merely sold their portion of control, which would leave a silent pile of loot acting as an invisible hand, doing what invisible hands do. Could be that the hubby and wife team of three notches completely bought out the rich Coran-thian leather, but who are we kidding, nobody in this shanty town ever completely buys out the kingpin. In Davemathewsberg, there is no such thing as a Capshawshank redemption. Enjoying your Blue Merle CD yet?
So the answer to your question is: Damn I need some coffee.
I almost spit MY coffee all over the monitor at the Blue Merle reference.
/I hear the Box is opening soon.
I don’t think Coran owns anything out there anymore since he dumped Musictoday.
It is, the original Jarman’s gap was converted into Three Notch’d. I’m not quite sure of the time line, and it’s the only one I haven’t eaten at. Perhaps a review is in order?
i appreciate that they’re not doing tapas portions. there is only one restaurant that should be doing that, & it’s not cassis.
oh man, if you’d hung with sean t. more, you could totally being scoring some free food right now