Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — Food lovers in Charlottesville have something new to savor as acclaimed chef Ryan Collins, with a prestigious background under the renowned José Andrés, now heads two new restaurants at the Forum Hotel. Collins shared his enthusiasm with Charlottesville 29’s Simon Davidson, highlighting his vision for Birch & Bloom, an upscale New American restaurant, and The Good Sport, a relaxed sports bar. Davidson, appearing on Cville Right Now Live, provided the latest scoop on Collins’s exciting ventures and the elevated dining experience he brings to Charlottesville.

Davidson described Collins as “one of the real talents in town,” praising his perfectionist approach to both fine dining and comfort food. At Birch & Bloom, Collins showcases elevated dishes, including a standout seared duck breast served with cherry and beet duck jus and a rich pickled black walnut puree. Over at The Good Sport, he delivers refined yet approachable sandwiches and apps, which Davidson calls “some of the better sandwiches I had in my life.”

With Thanksgiving around the corner, the restaurant is also preparing a holiday buffet for those craving a festive meal. Backed by front-of-house expert Daniel Beadle, known for his wine expertise, the team at the Forum Hotel is creating an inviting, polished experience for the Charlottesville dining scene.

Listen here for the full conversation: