Five Finds on Friday: Ben Jordan
by Charlottesville29
On Fridays, we feature five food finds from local chefs and personalities. This week’s picks come from Ben Jordan, winemaker and general manager of Michael Shaps Wineworks, which has just launched a brand new tasting room and also introduced wine growlers, a great new way to buy wine. Jordan also has his own side project in aromatised wines and bitters, and has bottled the cult-favorite War & Rust. Jordan’s picks:
1) Grandpa’s Favorite at Pad Thai. “Fried catfish, fried rice, and an omelette was a new combination for me, but now I have to work not to order it every time.”
2) Dealer’s Choice at The Alley Light. “The option of drinking-off-menu taps into the creative energy behind the bar, always a fun way to drink.”
3) Sunday Lunch and Brunch at The Shack. “I grew up in Augusta County, and it’s great to be able to stop in for the biscuits and gravy or the fried quail on the way to visit family. And, the drive to Staunton is shorter than some brunch lines.”
4) Dry-Aged Burger Grind at JM Stock Provisions. “We make thin patties with this, and there is so much flavor that they work as simple burgers, without much need for adornment.”
5) First Three Cheese Suggestions at Flora Artisanal Cheese. “My strategy is to walk in, say something vague about what I want, taste what Nadjeeb offers, find it delicious, and then buy it.”