The Charlottesville 29

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Jeff Bloem, founder of the area’s only local malt house, Murphy & Rude Malting Co., which makes specialty and base malts from grains harvested by small grain farmers across Virginia. Along with The Charlottesville 29, Murphy & Rude is the other collaborator on Reason Beer’s outstanding Collaboration 29, now available at Beer Run and Kardinal Hall, among locations. Murphy & Rude is also helping to fight Cystic Fibrosis with several upcoming fundraisers, where you can drink free beer, among other things. Details below. Bloem’s picks:

1) Pork Milanese at Tavola. “What makes this dish so list-worthy is that I don’t even think it’s because of the pork. Don’t get me wrong, the pork is incredible – locally sourced, perfectly seasoned, breaded, and sautéed – but it’s the balance of the background of Meyer lemon, capers, Roma tomatoes, and sautéed arugula that makes you ponder ordering another one. And so consistent.”

2) Grilled Radicchio Salad (add Salmon) with Allagash FV13 at Beer Run. “This one is my victory set — one of those quick and simple but arm twisting go-tos for good moods. The acidity of the Flanders-esque farmhouse ale is a delicious contrast to the bite and richness of the salad. No FV-13? Sub Collaboration 29. Collaboration 29 offseason? Grab a Belgian from the hallway to the back bar, middle shelf.  Remember, you did good.”

3) Four-egg white Greek omelet, no bread, home fries with black coffee at Tip Top. “Before I opened the malt house I worked from home for nearly seven years. I didn’t get out much. Kid drop-offs were my commute and I used this favorite to stretch it out a bit while I was ‘driving home.’ Nothing fancy, but man, hits the spot. Regardless of what you order, go big and leave a 40% tip. Those guys and gals are the hardest working staff in town.”

4) Fried Bologna Sandwich at Keevil & Keevil Grocery and Kitchen. “I grew up on these things and while Miracle Whip (don’t hate, I’m a Midwestern transplant) would take it up a notch, they nail it here. I’m not sure anything Harrison Keevil touches lacks a component of back-home authenticity, but this one really makes me smile as I inhale it in my car before even turning it on.”

5) Egg & Chorizo Burrito at Sunoco on 5th Street Extended. “The back half of the Sunoco gas station on 5th Street Extended (across from Fifth St. Station development, next to Burger King, soon to go back to a Shell station) has long been utilized as a commercial kitchen for a small, often unknown, pop-up restaurant. This occasion is no different. I have no idea what the name of the Mexican place is that currently holds it down but it’s a gem.  Authentic, homemade, and cooked-to-order. There is La Michoacana and then there is this place.”

Murphy & Rude Cystic Fibrosis Fundraisers

All Out Before You (Brewer’s) Ball Out!
Saturday, June 1 at 4 p.m.
Orangetheory Fitness Charlottesville

Get an incredible workout (and watch Jeff kill himself to keep up with his wife), raise funds to Cure CF, and refresh afterwards with free pours of Collaboration 29, a collaboration IPA between Murphy & Rude Malting Co., Charlottesville 29, and Reason Beer.

Class Reservations: $25. To book: Call OTF Charlottesville at (434) 483-5757 or text event organizer Kelly Bloem at 703-919-0972 .

Ax Throwing
Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery (IX Park)
Friday, June 7 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Join open play or team up for some friendly competition to throw axes to Cure CF! Hosted by Lynchburg-based PowerPlay, $5 buys you 5 throws and there will be free giveaways to keep you coming back for more. No advance reservations or RSVP needed.