Five Finds on Friday: Lauren Strachan
Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Lauren Strachan, who, with her husband, has just launched Harvest Moon Lodge and Retreat, a stunning four-bedroom rental property on nine acres in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram. Strachan’s picks:
1) Tinga de Pollo Tacos at La Michoacana. “I love tacos. Being in the travel and tourism business, I have spent quite a lot of time in Mexico eating authentic tacos and Mexican food. La Michoacana’s tacos and all of their food are as authentic and good as they get. With everything scratch made from the tortillas to the salsa, the tinga de pollo tacos are simply perfect. I also love how unassuming this taqueria is. No frills, great food.”
2) Porchetta Panuozzo at Lampo. “I lived in New York City for 15 years. I have eaten my share of amazing Italian food and incredible pizza. This Charlottesville spot rivals them all. It was very hard to choose a favorite here because everything is great but my weakness is the porchetta sandwich. It’s created with their house-made porchetta, garlic aioli, broccoli rabe, calabrian chili, fior di latte and provolone. I mean, it doesn’t really get much better than this.”
3) Roasted Scallops at C&O. “I can’t get enough of the vibe inside this restaurant. When I want a more upscale meal, I go here. The appetizer dish of roasted scallops with whipped cauliflower and a golden raisin caper butter sauce is literally making me salivate as I write this. Also, I love nothing more than a drink at a cozy bar in just the right ambiance. Have a drink at the downstairs bar- you won’t regret it, unless you have one too many!”
4) Bocadillo at Mas. “My husband is half Spanish so we love going out for tapas. Bocadillo is freshly shaved jamon serrano on a sandwich with garlic aioli and manchego cheese. Let me just tell you, it is divine. The gambas is grilled shrimp in the shell with garlic aioli and is also incredible. Mas is the best place to have drinks and enjoy the evening as your tapas come out one or two at a time. The sangria and the margaritas are excellent.”
5) Ednam at The Market. “On our way to Harvest Moon Lodge and Retreat, our entire family loves stopping here at the Mill Creek location just off 64. The Ednam is made with maple turkey, bacon, havarti, avocado, lettuce, tomato and an herb mayonnaise on French bread. A Charlottesville staple, these sandwiches are made with quality ingredients and are delicious. Nuff said.”
