Five Finds on Friday: James King
by Charlottesville29
On Fridays, we feature five finds from area chefs and personalities. October is Virginia Wine Month, and today’s picks come from James King of King Family Vineyards. This Wednesday, the vineyard is hosting another First Wednesday, from 5 pm until 8:00 pm, with food by Smoked BBQ Co. and Blue Ridge Pizza Co., and music by Jenifer Jackson. King’s picks:
1) The Perfect Sandwich at Restoration. “While I often opt for their signature burger, ‘The Royale,’ The Perfect Sandwich has become a recent favorite. Bacon, arugula, and a fried egg on Goodwin Creek Bread. You can often find me here on Sunday taking in their amazing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains while sipping on a local beer. Kids eat free on Sundays . . . enough said.”
2) Steak Chinoise at C & O. “Went here for date night and was seated in their outdoor patio. The food, service and atmosphere were all very nice. Served with Gruyere-thyme potatoes and comes in a tamari-ginger pan sauce.”
3) Anything at The Alley Light. “I can’t say enough good things about this place. I don’t make it into Charlottesville that much with work and kids, but when I can I want to go here. The food is excellent, the cocktails are delicious, the atmosphere is perfect and the service is superb. Ask for ‘Katie.'”
4) Pork Belly at Parallel 38. “Small plates made to share allow you to try several different things throughout the course of the evening and ensure you don’t leave hungry. Served with cipollini onions, roasted garlic sumac and a pork jus reduction. A great place to eat if you’re planning on catching a movie afterwards.”
5) Red Row from Caromont Farm. “While I love all of their cheeses, this is my favorite by far. It’s a semi-soft cow’s milk cheese and the rind is washed in local hard cider from Albemarle Ciderworks. Simply delicious.”