It may sound like an oxymoron, but there is such a thing as a gourmet gas station, and there is one right here in Charlottesville. I stopped by The Market at Bellair on my way back to a summer class on Grounds at the suggestion of a friend, and I will admit that I was a bit skeptical when I pulled into the parking lot past the gas pumps. But as soon as I stepped inside, I could immediately tell this place offered a lot more than just gasoline and beef jerky — it is the type of place that turns an unsuspecting sandwich into a new lunchtime favorite.
Generally, location is one of the keys to any successful restaurant. Over two miles away from central Grounds, The Market proves to be an exception to the rule. The Market opened its flagship location in 1991, secluded on Ivy Road over by the Boar’s Head Resort. It’s too far to walk from Grounds — and the same goes for their locations on 5th Street or Preston. However, it is well worth the 10-minute drive.
These sandwiches are the perfect option for when the Corner’s lunch offerings grow repetitive. Due to its distance from Grounds, The Market might not make for a grab-and-go spot, but it is a delicious oasis for any weekend morning…