The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Category: Five Finds on Friday

12/13/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Walter Slawski

Walter

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Walter Slawski of The Shebeen and The Catering Outfit.  Slawski’s picks:

1)  “Newest addiction.”  Notorious P.I.G. at Ivy Provisions.  “A charcuterie-lover’s dream in some of the best baguette outside of Paris. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to write a sandwich menu.  It’s HARD!  PK Kamath at Ivy Provisions has crushed it with inventive deli sandwiches and a killer beer and wine selection.”

2)  “Classic.” Escargot at Petit Pois.  “Anything at Petit Pois!  I have found myself on a gorgeous fall day, three bottles of wine deep (not alone), ordering a third and fourth plate.  Restaurant folk don’t often get out for dinner.  Petit Pois’ super affordable, perfectly executed bistro offerings are about as good as a daytime meal gets.”

3) “Afghan.”   Lamb Curry at Afghan Grand Market.  “WOW.  A couple of months ago I ran into the Grand Market International to buy chick pea flour and za’atar.  They have a kitchen in the back complete with a ceramic flatbread oven and kebab range.  OK, I obviously don’t know the correct names for these pieces of equipment, but WOW.  The lamb curry is phenomenal as well as the mixed grill and all the sides.  I know because one of the sons ensured I tried eveything my first time in!”

4)  “Joe.”  Kenyan AA from Shenandoah Joe.  “It’s as close to the first cup of coffee I ever had as I can get.  Not to mention I just feel good every time I walk in to the Preston Avenue store.  Ask for yours with a side of Dave Fafara.  It’s well worth it.”

5)  “Beer.”  Trader Saison at Three Notch’d Brewing Company.  “First of all, so much gratitude to Devils Backbone for pioneering the Central Virginia beer scene.  The boys at Three Notch’d are making you proud.  The Trader Saison is out of this world.  Even unconditioned.  Even uncarbonated right out of the steel.  Derek and Co. keep it up!”

12/06/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Jason Oliver

Jason

Photo by Heidi Crandall ©, Devils Backbone Brewing Company.

On Fridays, we feature five food finds from local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Jason Oliver, Brewmaster at Devils Backbone Brewing Company, which was named Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival.  Next week be on the lookout for the latest batch of Dark Abby, their limited release Belgian Dubbel.  Also, on December 17 Devils Backbone is hosting a Mystery Dinner Theatre, where the entire pub dining area will serve as the “stage.”  Oliver’s picks:

1)  Lasagna at Beer Run.  “It doesn’t matter if it’s meat or vegetarian.  Every lasagna I’ve had at Beer Run is delicious, served smothered in bubbling cheese that’s hotter than the surface of the sun.  Let it cool for a few minutes and you’ll have some great comfort food, plus an awesome beer selection.”

2)  Shishito Peppers at Citizen Burger Bar.  “They are simple, straightforward, and delicious.  Flash fried peppers with an Asian inspired sauce that’s semi-sweet and salty.  Most of the time the peppers are mild but it’s a little like roulette because you may land on a hot one which can light you up.”

3)  Durban Spiced Chicken at The Shebeen.  “The Shebeen has a great relaxed feel to it and is unique for it’s South African inspired foods and atmosphere.  Durban Spiced Chicken is a peri-peri spiced chicken breast served with the South African staple mealie pap (think savory grits) and a sauce called “Voodoo” which is spicy and awesome.  I usually ask for additional side of Voodoo sauce.”

4) Mediterranean Salad with Wood-Roasted Salmon at Brixx Pizza. “Sometimes I want a cool refreshing dinner-sized salad and I have found few better.  The salad bowl is chilled, the lettuce crisp, the portion ample, with the blackened salmon hot, well seasoned, and straight from the wood fired oven.  Simple and pure.  A perfect salad when you want a light meal.”

5)  Cheeseburgers at Riverside Lunch.  “I was turned on to Riverside just a few months ago and they are really that good.  Riverside also has one of the best prices on local bottled craft beer in Charlottesville which makes the combination of awesome old school burgers and affordable beer a no brainer.”

11/22/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Justin Ross of Parallel 38

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On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Justin Ross, who soon will open the highly anticipated restaurant Parallel 38 at Stonefield.  Details here.  In addition to an impressive menu of mezze, Parallel 38 will feature 100 different wines, all available by the glass, and a special selection of trophy wines available by the 1 oz pour.  Look for an opening by the end of the year.  Ross’s picks:

1)  Cabrito Tacos Mexican Style at La Michoacana.  “Roasted habanero marinated goat.  Need I say more? Chicken tacos and a bottled coke is a very close second.”

2)  Beef with Mixed Peppers on Hot Iron Plate at Peter Chang’s China Grill.  “I rarely go a full week without this dish.  The beef is amazingly tender with the perfect amount of heat.  Peter Chang is a magician.”

3)  Martinis and Meatballs at the bar at Vivace.  “Their meatballs might be better than my mom’s, sorry mom!  Coming from an Italian family, good Italian is a must.  The only thing that makes this meal better is Paulie and his amazing Kettle One martinis.”

4)  Veal Sweetbreads at C&O.  “I’m not sure what’s better about our regular C&O date night, a much needed break with my lovely lady or the sweetbreads.”

5) Potter’s Farmhouse Cider and Will Richey’s House Smoked BBQ at The Whiskey Jar.  “The perfect end to a long day or the best start to a long night.”