The Charlottesville 29

Photo by Will May

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Siân Richards, co-owner of Market Street Wine. When Market Street Wineshop closed in February after the owner retired, long-time employees Richards and Thadd McQuade came to the rescue and are resurrecting the shop as Market Street Wine. “We hope that as things are changing so much in Charlottesville, we will be able to continue an institution that the community has loved while also giving it a bit of new life,” says Richards. Tomorrow, April 21, Market Street Wine officially opens its doors, with an Open House from 1-4 pm. Richards’ picks:

1) Egg, Cheddar and Salsa Hand Pie at The Pie Chest. “I love going into The Pie Chest. I love the space and the smell of chai, and I love looking at all the beautiful pies laid out for sale. My real Pie Chest addiction is the vegetarian breakfast hand pie. I have eaten way more of those than is probably advisable in these last weeks while we have been getting the shop ready to open. They are beautifully made, delicious and filling. Stopping to pick one up feels more like a special treat than a meal to go.”

2) Tofu Vegetable Pho at Thai Cuisine and Noodle House. “The tofu pho at Thai Cuisine was a really pleasant surprise. I am always on the lookout for a super tasty bowl of noodles without meat and I was thrilled to find that theirs was fragrant and savory and really good.”

3) Sauteed Escarole and Margherita Pizza at Lampo. “I love going to Lampo. I am really impressed that they are able to balance offering a meal that is carefully prepared, in a comfortable atmosphere, and at a very reasonable price. I always feel like I have had a nice meal out without a scene or a big bill. Their small wine selection is equally balanced.”

4) Grilled Cheese To-Go Wrapped in Wax Paper from Timberlake’s. “A grilled cheese and a bag of chips from Timberlake’s has some kind of sensory/memory mojo for me. The smell, the gooey cheese and the feel of the wax paper. Perfect.”

5) Asparagus from Crazy Farm at City Market. “I am not a morning person but 7 am City Market grocery shopping is where it’s at. Before the crowds. I always feel so rich walking home with my bags bursting.”