The Charlottesville 29

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Ludi Avagyan of Double H Farm. As the United States celebrates its freedom this week, Ludi and her parents became citizens. When the Avagyans arrived from Armenia sixteen years ago, Ludi spoke no English. She went on to finish near the top of her class in high school and now attends the University of Virginia. Ludi credits her perseverance to the example of her parents, who arrived with almost nothing and now own one of the most beloved farms in our food community. Read the story of the Avagyans’ amazing path to citizenship. Ludi’s picks: 

1) Lemon Meringue Pie from Albemarle Baking Company. “You can’t beat this perfect combination of sweet and tarty goodness. The lemony flavor is just right with a hint of sweet meringue on top. It’s the perfect treat.”

2) Iced Vanilla Latte from Petite MarieBette. “Every time I’m downtown, I find myself grabbing a latte from MarieBette. It might just be my favorite iced vanilla latte in town, and that’s saying a lot because lattes are my choice of drink at any coffee shop. I usually grab a plain baguette on my way out too.”

3) Don Juan Pizza at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie. “They have the best pies, a must try for all pizza lovers. Topped with oven roasted tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, and three varieties of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, and feta) this makes for the perfect pizza. I also love to add pepperonis for an extra kick of flavor.”

4) Kale and Walnut Salad from Greenwood Gourmet Grocery. “A great vegetarian option and a healthy treat. This refreshing kale salad also includes strong flavors of dried cranberries, feta, with walnut balsamic vinaigrette.”

5) Local Chicken Salad Sandwich Melt from Feast!. “I love a good chicken salad, and Feast! has perfected it with gouda cheese and crunchy romaine lettuce on ciabatta bread I’d suggest adding bacon on top and grabbing a fruit salad as a side.”