Five Finds on Friday: Rachel Pennington
by Charlottesville29
Photo by Justin Ide.
On Fridays we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities. Today’s picks come from Rachel Pennington, the much touted pastry chef of The Whiskey Jar, who will be making pies for The Pie Chest, an extension of The Whiskey Jar baking program opening soon on the Downtown mall. “Simple, rustic, classically Southern, seasonal, fresh, from scratch. Those are my values for it,” said Pennington. More details soon. Pennington’s picks:
1) The Para Papa at Al Carbon Chicken. “This perfectly-roasted, juicy, charcoal chicken is one reason why vegetarianism would be a near-impossible personal life choice. Half a chicken with fried plantains and yellow rice, salsas, friendly and personable service, just simply delicious. Also doesn’t hurt that Kohr Bros. is within a very doable post-meal walking-distance.”
2) Spinach Salad and The Fat & Sassy with Artichokes at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie. “I still fondly remember my first meal at this place. Now it’s the go-to for game days, True Detective binge-watching sessions, and New Year’s Eve tradition. Savory in the most satisfying way. Also doesn’t hurt that right next door is the Crossroad Store with killer Peanut Butter Cup cookies.”
3) Lobster Tempura at TEN. “Easily one of the best bites of food I’ve ever eaten. Literally melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.”
4) Tomato Sandwich at The Whiskey Jar. “I can’t help it – I tried to resist the urge to include this due to a bit of a conflict-of-interest, but this sandwich…oh, this sandwich. Starts with butter-toasted Goodwin Creek bread, a generous double-slather of Duke’s mayo, a little seasoning, and thick slices of fresh, beautiful, delicious Red Row Farm tomatoes. I literally eat one every single day during the summer. Sometimes two.”
5) Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls at Feast! “A good friend bought me one of these before heading to the Paramount to watch the World Cup match against Germany. As soon as the game ended, I walked to Feast! and bought an amount of which I care not to admit. I also care not to admit how many of these I can consume in one sitting. Perfect with a Cortado from Milli Joe.”