Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville food writer Simon Davidson joined Cville Right Now Live to highlight a rare culinary milestone: 13 of the original restaurants featured on The Charlottesville 29 list have remained on it since its launch in 2012. The list, which curates the area’s essential dining experiences, includes legacy spots like Ivy Inn (1973) and C&O (1976), both considered cornerstones of the local food scene.

Davidson and host Adam shared personal favorites, including Bizou, Revolutionary Soup, and Beer Run, praising their consistency and distinctive offerings. “Bizou, a very special place in my heart,” said Adam, citing its chicken pot pie and Parisian charm. Davidson added that longevity in Charlottesville dining often comes down to authenticity: “If you’re passionate about it, if you’re doing it out of love, that’s going to show through, and that’s timeless.”

The full list, along with Davidson’s tribute to the 13 enduring establishments—dubbed “legends” by Adam—is available at Charlottesville29.com. As the local food scene continues to evolve, these institutions remain pillars of culinary excellence and community tradition.

Listen to the full conversation here: