The Charlottesville 29

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Albee Pedone, bar manager of Three Notch’d Brewing’s new brewpub. Yesterday, Three Notch’d released Big Dog Blonde Ale, a collaboration with the natural pet store Animal Connection. $1 of every pint sold goes to local pet rescues, and Animal Connection is making dog treats from the spent grain of the beer’s production. The beer will be available through Sunday, October 29, when Animal Connection is hosting Dog Fest and Howl-o-Ween at IX Art Park. Three Notch’d is also throwing an Oktoberfest Celebration today through Sunday, October 22. You can purchase your Oktoberfest stein now, for free beer. Pedone’s picks:

1) Espresso at MarieBette. “My morning doesn’t get going until I have some good espresso, and for that I head to MarieBette. Not only the best espresso in my opinion, but also the best pastries, and pretty much everything else they make. Whether I have time for a leisurely breakfast or I just need to stop in and grab something quick, I always love visiting my friends, Jason, Patrick, and Will and having some incredible treats to start the day, which definitely keeps me on track for long hours of work.”

2) Rotisserie Chicken at Al Carbon. “Their chicken is unbelievably moist and juicy, with a perfectly crispy skin – the only rotisserie chicken better than Al Carbon is in Tulum, Mexico as far as I’m concerned. And the spicy guacamole is delicious too. Always friendly and welcoming, this is a must have, on a weekly basis for me.”

3) Smoked Tri-Tip at Oakhart Social. “Now, when it comes to dinner, first on my list is Oakhart Social. Owners Ben Clore and Chef Tristan Wraight really know how to make a restaurant work. Add to that mix an incredibly talented staff like Bar Manager Brendan Cartin, whose cocktails are nothing short of inspired genius in a glass, and Sous Chef Todd Grieger, who brings the perfect blend of execution and creativity to your face hole, and you are in for a real treat. Chef Tristan is by far one of the best chefs I have been fortunate enough to enjoy a meal from. His wizardry makes me love things I would normally never eat (like Brussels sprouts), and makes things I love better than I thought they could be. In addition to the smoked tri-tip steak, some of my other favorite menu items currently are the shaved salad, grilled shrimp, and the pepperoni pizza. But really, anything that comes from that kitchen and bar are enough to make me happy. Everything about this place is perfection. And while the name rings of the social aspect of going out to eat, to me it’s family.”

4) Shishito Peppers at Parallel 38. “Next is a new-old-favorite. Parallel 38 has (thankfully) reopened, and the new digs are nothing short of enlightening. This place feels like it has been there forever, and any memories of previous establishments disappear as soon as you walk in. Kudos to Steve Pritchard, Justin Ross, Cara Ward, and Chef Johnny Garver for all their hard work making this new place even better than the original. I was simply floored by every dish that came out. My favorites there so far (and I didn’t exactly get through the entire menu, but I’m close) are the blistered shishitos (the best preparation of this kind I have ever had), sirloin (mouth watering and so tender it falls apart before the fork even hits it), and the octopus (which reminded me of Sunday dinner at my grandmother’s house). I couldn’t be happier to see these guys in action again, and I couldn’t be happier that I no longer have to drive to the other side of town to do so. Welcome back guys, it’s been too long.”

5) Marinara d.o.c. Pizza at Lampo. “Last, but most certainly not least, is Lampo – another place that makes me feel like I am walking into a family member’s house for dinner. Intimate, charming, and oh the smells. This place blows me away every time I go there, and seeing the smiling faces of Mitch Beerens, Andrew Cole, Loren Mendosa, and the rest of the staff, I know I’ve come home. These guys know good food, and being an Italian from Brooklyn I like to eat good food, especially pizza and this place helps me forget that I am hundreds of miles from my hometown every time I eat a pie from their oven. My favorite is the Marinara d.o.c. – the simplicity of this pizza is unlike anything I’ve had – garlic, marinara, oregano, salt and olive oil – it’s all the best parts and is absolutely amazing. Other favorites are The Hellboy pizza, roasted cauliflower, and if I’m lucky they have a cannoli or two left when I get there. Their slogan should read something like: Lampo, making Italian New Yorkers feel at home since 2014.”