The Charlottesville 29

What is it about bakers and fitness in this town? Some might even call it a paradox. The latest to combine baking and exercise is Janey Gioiosa, the PVCC culinary school graduate who recently left MarieBette to focus on a fitness career at Purvelo while also launching her own baking business. Sweet Jane’s Pies sells beautiful pies by custom order and also at the Mineral Farmer’s Market. Gioiosa’s picks:

1) Pork Nachos w/ the Spice-a-Rita Margarita at Mono Loco. “Mono Loco has one of the best atmospheres here in town and you’re always bound to run into someone you know. I always get the Spice-a-Rita, and I am not ashamed of the joy that a large plate of corn chips topped with tender pork, cheese, jalapeños and beans brings me.”

2) Five Grain Bread from MarieBette Cafe & Bakery. “Just do yourself a favor and buy a loaf of this bread, get the mini one if you must, grab a libation of your choice and go sit and indulge. Do it.”

3) Green Machine Smoothie from Integral Yoga Natural Foods. “Simple, to the point, spot on every time. How they make blended fruit taste so good? I do not know.”

4) Chicken from Pearl Island. “Pearl Island just opened to the public when I was finishing up the Culinary Program at the Jefferson School. They also happened to open up when I was no longer taking classes that required cooking, so it worked out quite well. I would get a heaping plate of tender chicken, rice and beans, kale salad and twice fried plantains. Its one of those dishes where you can mash everything up together to create that perfect bite.”

5) Kettle Korn from Blue Ridge Kettle Korn. “Those who love me will tell you my obsession with this popcorn. I have been known to go on the hunt for it when its sold out at certain stores, which then prompts me to buy two very large bags of it.  What really sent my obsession into a tizzy is when I was able to get it warm at a festival. Never had a popcorn kernel so fluffy with that perfect sweet and salty combo. I shall now go buy some.”