Obrigado is Portuguese for 'Thank You'. It is also a lovely little restaurant in Louisa, VA (Obrigado). My husband, a detective for the Louisa County Sheriff's office is a frequent patron and has said great things about their food, particularly the fresh homemade potato chips which are usually still warm from the fryer when they arrive at your table.
Sufficed to say there aren't too many decent places to eat in Louisa. Which is why I am very surprised that this past Saturday evening Obrigado wasn't more crowded. We had made reservations because there were seven of us and even though we got there fairly early (6:30 pm) I was expecting more of the tables to be occupied. I would put this lovely little place in a category far above "decent". The owner's name is Jade and she is also the chef. She cooks with fresh, local food whenever possible. The wine selection also highlights VA wineries which I truly believe are under-represented at most of the Richmond area restaurants. What I would give to see a Horton Vineyard Cab Franc or better yet a Norton on more local wine lists.
Well the seven of us arrived right on time for our reservation and commandeered a large round table in the corner. The atmosphere is a little rustic in that the floors are worn hardwood and the furnishings have an antique yet artistic flair. The art is provided by local artists which is in keeping with Jade's desire to support the local community. There is a full bar which is probably the most inviting spot in the place.
On this particular evening the service was adequate and almost amusing (more on that later). We ordered drinks; a few soda's, one glass of house white and a bottle of the house red. A basket of bread arrived. There was I admit, a bit of a wait for the bread but it was warm and fantastic. Homemade, I am certain and served with both olive oil and butter.
We decided to skip appetizers and go straight for the main course. Now, since there were seven of us there is a lot of food to cover here so I will just hit the highlights. Our youngest son got chicken fingers off the kids menu (yes this place is a rare breed in its ability to mix upscale dining with a kid friendly atmosphere. That right there brings it up a notch in my book). The french fries were french fries but the chicken fingers, I must say were some of the best I have had. They were real white meat chicken that looked like it was just carved off the bird. The breading was light and they weren't the least bit greasy. When I took a bite (much to my son's chagrin) I tasted....wait for it......CHICKEN and not breading and oil which is often so prevalent in chicken tenders ordered off the kids menu.
I, having been on a diet was craving a burger. So I ordered the 8 oz. Bistro Burger featuring all natural Angus beef, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and garlic mayo. I ordered the burger medium rare and it was cooked perfectly. The flavor of the beef was amazing and I'd be willing to bet the cheese was local. It was however really thick and I found myself wishing they offered a 4 oz. version at dinner like they apparently to at lunch. I substituted the fresh chips for the fries (at my husband's suggestion) and was SO happy that I did. They were still warm and really do put anything you can buy in a bag to absolute shame. I may have developed a new addiction.
Hubby ordered the Portuguese Style Shrimp which are sauteed with chorizo, red peppers, smoked paprika, white wine, cream and herbs and served over pasta. It was amazingly flavorful (I stole a taste) and very filling. We brought at least a lunch serving home. The shrimp was cooked well and the sauce is a great marriage of the pasta and chirzo. Everything is always served piping hot and this particular dish is a welcome standard on the menu and great choice even considering the enticing specials.
Speaking of Specials, my sister-in-law ordered the Spanish Paella. The presentation was beautiful with an abundance of mussels, clams, oysters and shrimp on a bed of saffron rice. Being from Maryland I am not sure she was stopped in her tracks by this dish but she appeared to enjoy it and it certainly smelled wonderful.
My husband and I shared vanilla creme brulee for dessert. It was a little on the thick side but very tasty.
Now, I mentioned earlier in this little diatribe that I would have more regarding the service. Well, as I said the service we received that night was fair. Even if the bread was late and the waitress did almost serve us food that was meant for the table of two next to us. I think we lucked out that the place wasn't more crowded because rumor has it you play a sort of waiter roulette when you visit Obrigado. Most of the staff is fantastic. There is one waitress however who is not. This is the waitress we were 'lucky' to have that evening. Although very sweet she quite flighty and would forget her own head if it wasn't attached. If you get her on your first visit please don't let it stop you from coming back. Just pray you spin a different color on our next trip to the wheel.
Overall this is a gem tucked away in a little out-of-the-way town. So the next time you are on your way to the Shenandoah valley for the weekend, stop in for lunch. And make sure to order the chips.
Hi Cyn. I will pass on to my wife who is Louisa for work several times a week.
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