Tapas is Tops: Two Downtown area restaurants make one special list

Okay, now here is one of those "lists" that really matter. While doing the research to write their book Food Lovers’ Guide to Virginia, Lorraine Eaton and Jim Haag of The Virginian-Pilot came up with a list of 30 Places To Eat In Virginia Before You Die. Way to go MAS Tapas and Bang Tapas! (and shouts out to Crozet Pizza and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, also in Crozet. )

MAS Tapas: "U.Va. students crowd this industrial-looking tapas bar on Friday and Saturday nights, when even the outdoor patio fills up if the weather’s nice. The restaurant’s moniker is a play on the first name of chef-owner Tomas Rahal, who showcases local ingredients. Try the Brussels sprouts and parsnips, which have a sweet, carmelized sear that contrasts nicely with the garlic and pine nuts. Or the gambas al’ parilla, jumbo shrimp grilled in the shell and set off with garlic aioli and gray salt. Finish with the chocolate torte – a true one, no flour here – flavored by dark bittersweet Guanaja cacao."

BANG Tapas…