Five Finds on Friday: Gerry Newman

by Charlottesville29

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Gerry Newman, Master Baker at Albemarle Baking Company, which he owns with his wife, Millie.  For the Easter season, Newman says Albemarle Baking Company will offer Hot Cross Buns and an Italian Easter treat called Colomba de Pasqua, which is like Panettone.  Newman’s five picks:

1)  BBQ Lovers 3 Meat Platter at BBQ Exchange.  “Worth the drive!  My family loves to head over on a Sunday afternoon when the weather is warmer and squeeze in one of the front porch picnic tables.  My son and I share a 3 Meat Platter of brisket, pulled chicken, and pork belly.  We’re always trying different sides and Chef Craig never disappoints.”

2)   St. Brendan Omelet and Caesar Salad at Bodo’s.  “Millie and I have been Bodo’s fans for over 23 years.  We used to drive over from Covington, Va before we moved to Charlottesville and would always get a dozen bagels to have back in our rural post.  Now, my youngest and I like to share the St. Brendan omelet and a Caesar salad.   Good food and the price is right.  Though, as my daughter points out, you need to be mindful of social engagements after the garlic-y Caesar.”

3)  Upstairs Window Table at C&O.  “Every meal at C&O is a winner.  I love the Berkshire Pork Saltimbocca while Millie prefers the Cuban Ribeye Steak.  Our favorite table is upstairs by the center window, but it doesn’t really matter where we sit because when Dean is in the kitchen, we know we are in for a stellar dining experience.”

4)  Cheeseburger at Riverside Lunch.  “I first ate at Riverside years ago when it was at the west end of Free Bridge (now home to CVS).  It was small, crowded, loud and you entered close enough to the grill that you could lend a hand with the lunch rush, if need be.  Today, when the five of us go to to Riverside for lunch we make sure to order a basket of fries first to share while we wait for our sandwiches.  I always get the cheeseburger all-the-way and I always leave happy.”

5)  Pimento Cheese Fritters with Pepper Jelly at Maya.  “My mom visits from Portland, Oregon every winter and loves going to Maya while she is here.  If you have five or six people in your party, get a double order of these babies.  Crispy on the outside, slightly melted on the inside, and full of flavor with the pepper jelly.  Go on Tuesdays when they have the Chicken Fried Chicken and entrees are twelve bucks.  Christian also makes a creamed cabbage that is out of this world.”