The Charlottesville 29

If there were just 29 restaurants in Charlottesville, what would be the ideal 29?
04/19/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Lee Welch

Lee

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Lee Welch, FOH Manager of Revolutionary Soup, which has just introduced sandwiches stuffed in piadina – a traditional Italian flatbread cooked on a griddle, originating in Romagna. The Spicy Italian, for example, is capicola ham, Genoa salami, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, pepper relish, and red wine vinaigrette. And, the Mozzarella Pesto is fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, basil pesto, and arugula. Welch’s picks: 

1) Quad Shot Iced Mocha made with Old World Espresso from Shenandoah Joe. “If I want to have the most productive day possible, it starts here. The coffee is always delicious, consistent, and highly effective. Wonderful and inviting staff in a cozy setting.”

2) Burrito del Dia at The Bebedero. “Always a different burrito and always amazing food complemented with inventive cocktails. The team behind the artistic collaboration that is The Bebedero strives to make each guest experience as beautiful as the atmosphere.”

3) Rib-Eye Steak & Cheese at Miller’s. “Some of my best memories are set on the patio of this ‘Oh-So-Charlottesville’ establishment with great friends, awesome food, and straightforward drinks. They shave the steak in house and serve it with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and jalapeños on an authentic Amoroso roll with melty white American cheese.”

4) Biscuits & Gravy at Barefoot Country Store. “Scottsville’s best kept secret is this quaint gem where you can enjoy a bottomless cup of coffee with the best biscuits and sausage gravy I’ve ever had. They locally source their ingredients, offer vegan/vegetarian options, and manage an inventory of antiquated toys, old fashioned candies, and even ammunition in their nostalgic shop.”

5) Apple Cider Donuts at Carter Mountain Orchard. ‘These mouth-watering donuts are as quintessentially Charlottesville as Marco & Luca’s and Bodo’s. It’s one of those things you miss dearly when you leave town and can’t get enough of when you come home.”

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Piadina at Revolutionary Soup

04/12/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Laurel Bennett

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from someone without whom this week’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship by the University of Virginia would not have happened. In March 2009, when Washington State men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett picked up the phone to call Virginia and decline its offer to become its men’s basketball coach, his wife Laurel suggested he put down the phone and give the decision more time. The next day, Tony called to accept the Virginia job. And, the rest is history. Laurel’s picks:

1) Pappardelle Bolognese at Tavola. “If you haven’t had it, just go get it.”

2) Any Meal at Pico Wrap. “My most frequented restaurant. Any meal, make it your way. My vote for friendliest, too.”

3) Trout and ANY Two Sides at Maya. “Eat every bite. Makes me feel right at home with my southern roots.”

4) Grilled Sea Scallops at Duner’s. “They are always cooked to perfection. And there’s room for dessert.”

5) Brownie A La Mode at Continental Divide. “Confession: I often make a pit stop here just for dessert. Amen.”

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Laurel Bennett and family, April 1, 2009, at the press conference introducing Tony Bennett as UVa Men’s Basketball Coach

 

03/29/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Nikki Fayolle

Nikki

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Nikki Fayolle, part of the husband-and-wife team that runs Blue Ridge Pizza Co. and soon will open No Limits Smokehouse in Belmont. As if that’s not enough, Fayolle also owns Glo-Out Gamour Bar. Stay tuned for details about the Fayolle’s new smokehouse. Fayolle’s picks:

1) Tofu Soup at Monsoon Siam. “Monsoon is a must for me. The tofu soup and pad Thai are my faves. I honestly probably eat there too much, but I can’t help myself. The staff is always welcoming also.”

2) Dealer’s Choice at The Alley Light. “The Alley Light is a no brainer for that slamming cocktail list of theirs. My go-to is the Dealer’s Choice. I enjoy the surprise and delight element I get when I order it. It’s always on point and absolutely amazing.”

3) Honey Gelato from Splendora’s. “Splendora’s hits my sweet tooth every time, especially when she runs the honey flavor. I seriously wait until the season hits so I can stuff my face full of that gelato. If people wouldn’t judge, I’d probably rub it all over my face. Yeah, it’s THAT good.”

4) Red Hot Blues at Continental Divide. “Continental Divide is my numero uno for margaritas and the Red Hot Blues. You can never just have one of those margs, like EVER. I also love that the girls there always know that I love the goat cheese and forever ask for extra. (Love you P-nut and Margie).”

5) Sotol at The Bebedero. “The Bebedero is creeping up on my new fave list also. They carry this liquor called Sotol. We had it when we went to Austin in January and let me tell you, the stuff is awesome. They carry all sorts of it, and the bartenders there are incredibly knowledgeable.”

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