The Charlottesville 29

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Annie Keller, the Orzo Director of Hospitality who has just released her debut album: Merry & Bright. Why a Christmas album for her debut? “Christmas is my favorite time of year,” said Keller, “encapsulating a spirit of giving and hope, eating sweets without guilt, watching movies with happy endings, and making memories with people we love.” With ten classic songs and a title derived from the 1954 film White Christmas, Merry & Bright eschews modern production to recall a simpler time of gathering around the piano singing, says Keller. Available on all streaming platforms, like Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube. Keller’s picks:

1) Orzo’s Hummus at Orzo Kitchen and Wine Bar. “I can no longer buy grocery store hummus because this hummus is leaps and bounds better than any in stores. Orzo’s hummus pairs a healthy kick of garlic and zest of lemon with a smooth, creamy consistency. It pairs beautifully with bread or veggies. Orzo’s rotating menu always has an abundance of delicious dishes, but thank goodness that the hummus is a permanent menu item.”

2) Roasted Cauliflower at Marigold. “This is one of the best plant-based dishes I have had in my life. The cauliflower is roasted and glazed in turmeric tahini and red zhug sauce, topped with crushed pistachios to give a nice crunch. I find myself going back again and again for this dish, and I even picked it to be my birthday dinner meal last year.”

3) Cranberry Gelato from Splendora’s Gelato. “Growing up in Charlottesville, the orange Splendora’s Gelato shop on the downtown mall was always a welcome sight, and I was devastated to see it close a few years back. But imagine my surprise when walking around the Stonefield shopping center, only to see a Splendora’s sign across from the Regal cinema. I had to wander inside, and I was elated to find out that this was indeed the same Splendora’s I grew up knowing. This gelato is the best in town by far, and they post weekly flavors on their social media, including traditional gelato and a wide variety of dairy-free options.”

4) Roots Bowl from Roots Natural Kitchen. “I’ve never had a bad Roots bowl, and I eat lunch there at least twice a week. The ingredients are always fresh and flavorful. I usually build my own bowl including kale, shaved Brussels sprouts, brown rice, garlic/lime tofu, avocado, cabbage, chickpeas, cilantro-lime vinaigrette, basil-balsamic vinaigrette, sriracha, and a squeeze of lime. I always use the Roots mobile app, making it super easy to place my order and pick up my lunch fifteen minutes later.”

5) Espresso at Tavola. “Usually people head to Tavola for housemade pasta, but it’s actually my favorite after-dinner spot for an espresso. They use the highest quality beans, and the espresso shot is always bitter, smooth, and piping hot. In my opinion, the Belmont neighborhood is also a quieter, more quaint spot for a night out. With lights strung outside and along the street and charming architecture, some of which dates back 100 years, find me unwinding after dinner with some friends – or with my English Cocker Spaniel, Wallace – and an espresso.”