Real Food in Orange, VA has a simple retro vibe with mid-century tables and chairs, a few bookcases with small artwork, vintage fans, and a few posters against a backwash of white walls and ecru floor tiles. Their menu changes weekly, served on an easel front and center upon entering, with options falling into four sections: soups, salads, sandwiches, and dessert. The counter is just to the left and two personable owners are ready to make the magic happen behind counter.

On my first visit while scouting new roads, I ordered their sesame chicken and rice soup, a tortilla wrap filled with roasted zucchini, red pepper, eggplant, spicy feta, and tomato, two cookies – coconut lime and chocolate chip – and an ice tea.

Everything was ready in very short order in simple recyclable vessels or wrapped in deli paper. Beginning with the soup, there were immediate aromas of sesame and onion followed by tender chunks of chicken swirling in a broth of white rice. Gently seasoned with salt, pepper, and a bit of parsley, the soup was an excellent example of high quality ingredients combined simply with skill and confidence. The tortilla wrap was another strong performance with bursts of fresh zucchini and eggplant – no watered versions here – melding with firm feta squares and some juicy tomatoes. Tasting like a fresh summer garden – despite being December – the sandwich was light yet substantial.

The standout cookie was the lime coconut for its zesty lime fragrance, near perfect chewiness, and bright coconut flavors. The chocolate chip cookie was chewy and made with the same care, but didn’t hit as many high notes.

On my second visit, while reviewing the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, I started with their clam chowder of white cream, chunks of chopped russet potatoes, a bit of celery, and a good dose of clams. As a native New Englander, with firm views on how clam “chowda” should be made, Real Food’s rendition is very solid with integrated flavors, correctly cooked ingredients, and some gentle seasoning.

My main dish was a green salad with soppressata, fingerling potatoes, olive croutons and a red wine vinaigrette. Torn pieces of romaine were fresh and crunchy and the nicely balanced homemade vinaigrette reduction, not too acidic or overwhelmed by its seasonings, clung to the greens’ nooks and crannies well, a reflection of a light hand with the oil emulsion. The croutons were crisp and flavorful, and the fingerling potatoes soft throughout, but still holding their shape. The soppressata was a standout for its deep pork flavors and firm texture. Darker pink in color rather than deep red, reflecting a bit less red pepper seasoning I suspect, the soppressata had classic marks of fat and the meat was an excellent counterpoint to the red wine vinaigrette. In a world of indifferent salads, this simple medley is not one of them.

For dessert, I ordered a holiday gingerbread person and a chocolate and raspberry cookie. Firmer on the outside while tender inside, the soft ginger flavors let the molasses and cinnamon speak more clearly. Cookie number two had a very soft spongy center of raspberry and chocolate with a traditional dark brown outer ring holding everything together. For someone in need of a dark chocolate experience with a surprising center of fruit and softness, this confection is for you. I ordered a spare for an afternoon snack.

Real Food is an easy place to miss heading south on the way out of Orange, VA as the sign is tiny and the building nondescript.  But bypassing this gem would be a mistake. Real Food is a reminder of the ongoing force of New American food culture in small communities across Virginia.

During both visits there were no shortage of regulars, greeted by name, who were returning for one of their rotating favorites on the menu and a brief chat. Should you find yourself in and around Orange, VA on weekdays, Real Food is certainly worth a visit and I look forward to stopping by again.

Real Food
12267 Old Gordonsville Road
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 661-7261
www.realfoodva.com

Notes:
-Parking is very good w/level paved lots on either side of the restaurant.
-They are only open for lunch from 11am to 2pm Monday through Friday.