Five Finds on Friday: Patrick Carruthers
by Charlottesville29
Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Patrick Carruthers, the new sous chef of Junction, which has just released a new menu. A preview:
Pistachio Crusted Lamb Rack | Spice Roasted Parsnips, Herbed Cous Cous, Mint-Cilantro-Pistachio Chimichurri
Cowgirl Spiced Duck Breast | Sweet Potato-Duck Confit Hash, Shaved Cumin Dusted Brussels Sprouts, Dried Fig, Hatch Pepper Duck Demi-Glace
Chili Rubbed Grilled Atlantic Salmon | Jumbo Lump Crab-Avocado Salad, Coconut-Cilantro Rice, Roasted Chayote Squash, Lime Buerre Blanc
Carruthers’ picks:
1) Burger at Riverside Lunch. “There is a lot of great food in Charlottesville but you can’t beat a fresh burger with bacon, lettuce, and mayo between two buns, especially when it comes with a basket of shoestring fries covered in Lawry’s seasoned salt.”
2) Ricotta Gnocchi with Duck Confit at C & O. “Served with duck cracklins, it is the perfect amount of savory and sweet. Just eating it will make you feel rich.”
3) Anything in a Crepe at The Alley Light. “Coming from someone who has personally rolled out more of theses crepes than I can count, I have never lost appreciation for how amazing each and every combination comes together from pigs head with mushrooms and sherry vinegar to guinea hen with salsify and parmesan cheese.”
4) Happy Hour at RockSalt. “$1 oysters with a shot of bourbon and a cider at their outdoor bar is a go-to for me and Nicole when we aren’t in the kitchen at Junction.”
5) Biscuits and Red-Eye Gravy at The Pigeon Hole. “When The Corner clears out for summertime, The Pigeon Hole is a great brunch spot to grab a bloody mary, a patio seat, and some fluffy biscuits smothered in gravy. Plus, there is a handsome bartender who works there with a phenomenal head of hair who I am lucky to call one of my close friends.”