The Charlottesville 29

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Jim Winecoff, chef-owner of Mona Lisa Pasta, Charlottesville’s favorite source of handmade pasta and sauces since 2002. The deli also offers pizza, sandwiches, salads, meats, cheeses, and more. And now, just in time for Easter, Mona Lisa has grass-fed lamb straight from Winecoff’s own Rolling Rock Farm. Details here. Winecoff’s picks:

1) Dry Fried Eggplant at Peter Chang’s. “This is the reason I go to Peter Chang’s, but I always find delicious food there. The crispy eggplant fries are creamy in the middle with just the right amount of spice – the perfect prelude to bang bang shrimp or eggplant in spicy garlic sauce.”

2) Fresh Oysters, French Fries and Sauvignon Blanc at Public Fish & Oyster. “It is so nice to sit at the bar and let them shuck oysters from around Virginia for me while enjoying hot salty fries and a cold citrusy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.”

3) Pate de Campagne at JM Stock Provisions. “Alex’s pate is the best! Crackers or crispy toasted baguette rounds spread with pate and perhaps a few cornichons and a glass of Barbera di Alba is all I need for a beautiful spring dinner. Matt, James and the boys at JM Stock make all kinds of excellent charcuterie and really know how to cut meat. It’s all local and delicious, and you gotta try the smoked pork chops!”

4) Financiers at MarieBette Café and Bakery. “These little almond ‘muffins’ are so good and perfect with my morning latte from Shenandoah Joe’s Dark Horse Espresso Blend. They are not too sweet, chewy with a sprinkle of fruit. All of their pastries are excellent and the breads too. I can’t seem to get past the counter and have never sat down for breakfast, at least yet.”

5) Fat & Sassy at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie. “I love this pizza/flatbread with roasted garlic, a sprinkle of cheese, and olive oil. It’s light and delicious. I make and eat pizza every day and still have to get my Fat & Sassy fix when too lazy to cook at home.”