Five Finds on Friday: Gregg Dionne
by Charlottesville29
Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Gregg Dionne, newly promoted Executive Chef of Public Fish & Oyster. Dionne replaces Donnie Glass, who left to open Banyan Day Provisions at Timbercreek Market. Glass says Dionne was the best sous chef he ever could have asked for at Public. “He’s more than capable of continuing to push Public from the realm of good to great, and I look forward to tasting his food and watching him grow,” says Glass. Dionne’s picks:
1) Cozze ai Ferri (skillet roasted mussels) at Tavola. “Simple, plump, and perfectly cooked. I appreciate a well-executed shellfish.”
2) Chocolate Bread Pudding at C&O. “Decadent and soft. Bread pudding tends to be a ‘quick and easy after thought’ dessert, only on the menu to use scraps of bread. C&O doesn’t follow that tendency and executes it superbly. Either after dinner or just with drinks, it’s the perfect end to a night out.”
3) Wood Fired Oysters at Oakhart Social. “Jealous of our neighbor’s awesome wood fire oven. For oyster fans looking for one more way to eat an oyster, the wood fire oven offers a unique style and flavor I can’t offer at Public. Come to Public for some raw, broiled, fried, and stewed oysters, then head next door afterward and try their wood fired variety.”
4) Polpettine at Lampo. “Too often are meatballs carelessly executed and poorly seasoned. Lampo uses the right ground meat and seasons it properly. Best appetizer for the money in town.”
5) La Familia at Al Carbon. “Best bargain in town. A whole rotisserie chicken meal with three sides. I then add another half chicken, four tacos, and six churros, which feeds five adults and costs less than $50. Perfect, quick, easy, and most importantly, delicious, group lunch.”