Nestled between two mountain ranges and framed by forests, Nellysford, Virginia is located about 70 miles west of Richmond and 110 miles southwest of Washington, DC. Among the rolling hills of the Rockfish Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this laid back town is also home to one of the state’s hidden gems, Basic Necessities, a captivating restaurant that blends traditional Southern hospitality with French style. For me, these are without a doubt, basic necessities.
Just this last weekend, my group of nine friends who met at the University of Richmond as freshmen and have nurtured our friendship for decades, gathered at a beautiful, spacious home at Wintergreen Resort. After wine tasting, playing board games, completing puzzles, making s’mores at the firepit, noshing what seemed to be an unlimited amount of delicious food, laughing incessantly and enjoying never-ending conversations, we spent our last evening dining at Basic Necessities, about a 25-minute drive.
Photo Credit: Basic Necessities
The small, unassuming exterior of Basic Necessities belies the charm and French flair that were inside. The cooler at the entry boasts a surprising array of imported cheeses from around the globe. Local honey, jams, preserves, books, gifts, breads, and more line the shelves and tables of the quaint anteroom. As we walked to our table, I glanced at the small but fascinating wine room that offers a myriad of choices from all regions of France as well as those, in lesser quantities, from other countries. Handwritten notes about the wines or regions are taped to the shelves in order to offer guests more insight into their choices. Like magic, I felt at home.
Our group sat in the last room, a cozy spot with fewer than 10 tables. Vintage furniture, antique prints, Provence style window coverings and chandeliers set the stage for French inspired tablescapes with fresh flowers, bistro cutlery and cloth napkins. Basic Necessities appears to have been plucked out of Paris’ 4th arrondissement and placed in Nellysford, Virginia!
How did Basic Necessities begin? When owner Kay Pfaltz returned from Virginia after spending 10 years in Paris, she settled in Nellysford. As she explains, there was no “good bread, wine, cheese or chocolate, the basic necessities of life” in this small town. Now, Kay Pfaltz has shared her knowledge of French wines and cheeses with co-owners Sallie Justice, Mae Collins Tyree, and chefs Angela Faris and Vera Miller. The result is Basic Necessities, a peaceful and relaxing spot for gathering with friends or family and indulging in outstanding food and wine.
Basic Necessities celebrates the European mentality which places value on thoughtful food preparation, conversation and relaxation. “La table” in French signifies so much more than just “the table,” or dinner table. It means a place where family and friends can eat, drink, talk and just be together for hours over a simple and fresh meal.
In many ways we subscribe to the philosophy of the “Slow Food Movement” since we opened in June of 1997. We strive to use local, seasonal and pesticide-free farm products, sourcing seasonal produce from local farms such as Blue Heron Farm, Little Hat Creek Farm, Whisper Hill Farm and Edible Landscaping. Basic Necessities is also committed to serving free-range, humanely-treated meat, sourced from careful farmers at places such as River Oak Farm and Double H Farm.
We believe in meals made from scratch. Our dinners take a bit longer, but sit back, relax, and breath deeply a few times. You’ll feel yourself slowing down and be grateful. Have some wine and bread, and we’ll present you with beautifully prepared food. We don’t turn tables so we won’t kick you out. Unless it’s past our bedtimes, and in that case, we might hand you the keys. Basic Necessities
Photo Credit: Basic Necessities
When we found our table, co-owner Sallie Justice greeted the group. It seems that she and one of our friends in the group knew each other from high school in Franklin, Virginia! Sallie also knew the husband of another of our group from Greensboro, North Carolina. With small-world Southern hospitality suddenly on stage, we were inspired to check out the menu.
Our dinner was one to remember. For four of us, Wester Ross Salmon (organic from Scotland) with Honey Dijon had our name on it. Others had the Pan-Seared Pork Chops (pasture raised on Double H Farm) with Bourbon Cream Sauce or Butternut and Sausage Baked Pasta with local organic kale. The flavorful salmon was tender and cooked to my liking, accolades were heard about the mouthwatering pork chops with sauce, and by all accounts, the pasta dish was savory and textured.
Of course, the wines kept flowing throughout the meal. 2022 Thevenet & Fils Saint-Veran Clos de L’Ermitage – Saint Claude Vielles Vignes was aged in tank – no oak. Only 1000 cases were produced of this notable wine of Chardonnay from Bourgogne. With depth and breadth in every sip, I loved the balanced mouthfeel, notes of fruit and white florals and its crisp finish with mineral notes. 2023 Jean Reverdy et Fils La Reine Blanche Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre) revealed subtle yet vibrant acidity, white fruit and florals leading to a lingering finish – delicious. 2020 Rubus Reserve Pinot Noir from California was savory with mint and toffee aromas. On the palate, flavors of cherries and herbs were framed with moderate tannins and acidity. Sips were a lush complement to both salmon, pork and pasta dishes. Each wine was well priced and yes, we asked for more than one bottle!
If you think I’m waxing poetic about Basic Necessities, you’re right. And those in our group felt the same. One friend remarked, “The European ambiance was casual, warm and welcoming. The food and wine were curated with a mindful eye for farm to table simplicity and taste. Sallie and team…bravo!” Another shared, “To my delight, it was exactly what I had hoped for with my dearest college friends. Wonderful food and wine with an approach to dining while enjoying your party with no hurry enhanced the simple pleasures of eating and drinking together. We could not have asked for a more genuine experience.”
If you’re on your way to Wintergreen Resort, you live in the Charlottesville metro area, or you’re just passing through the region, make a stop at Basic Necessities for a luscious meal and extraordinary wines. What’s not to love about Southern hospitality and French flair? They’re basic necessities!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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