The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Category: Five Finds on Friday

11/15/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Stuart Madany

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On Fridays, we feature five foods finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  To mark the first day of Virginia’s Cider Week, today’s picks come from Stuart Madany, cidermaker at Castle Hill Cider.  On Saturday November 23, Castle Hill Cider will host Cider Fest 2013, from 11 am to 5 pm, featuring cider tastings, food by area chefs, and music by Love Canon.  Madany’s picks:

1)  Apple Kraut from Farmstead Ferments. “Naturally fermented red and green cabbage, apples and a spice blend including allspice and juniper.  Crunch, tang, and aromatics.  Surprisingly addictive.”

2)  Esmontonian from Caromont Farm.  “An aged raw goat’s milk tomme cheese. Wonderfully nutty and complex.  Artisanal comfort food.”

3)  Red Curry at Lime Leaf. “I find Thai food to pair wonderfully with cider, and this is one of my local favorites.”

4)  Homemade Salad with Roasted Beets and Arugula from Bellair Farm and vinaigrette made with cider vinegar from Virginia Vinegar Works.

5) Elderflower Sunrise kombucha from Barefoot Bucha.  “Great balance, delicious, sustainable.”

11/08/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Chuck Shelton

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On Fridays, we feature five foods selected by local chefs and personalities.  In anticipation of Cider Week, today’s picks come from Chuck Shelton, cider maker at Albemarle Ciderworks.  On Sunday, November 17, Albemarle Ciderworks will join several other top area cideries for a Hill & Holler party at Meriwether Springs Vineyard featuring small plates of food prepared by Amalia Scatena of Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard.  Shelton’s picks:

1) Kolsch 151 and Vienna Lager at Blue Mountain Brewery and Devil’s Backbone.  “It takes a lot of beer to make a good cider and these are two of my favorites.”

2) Caramel Apples by Rachel Willis.  “Rachel can usually be found baking for her ‘Cakes by Rachel’ label or selling homemade caramel apples at local markets and festivals.  Anything she makes is delicious.  I just finished a caramel apple with pecans and cranberries before writing this.  Yum.”

3) Belmont at Bellair Market.  “Bellair Market is a classic staple for Charlottesville residents.  I’ve never had anything from the market that I didn’t like.  My favorite would have to be the Belmont.”

4) Meat in Charlottesville.  “This sounds very generic but the local meat products in the Charlottesville region are fantastic.  I go for bratwurst, sausages, and beef from The Rock Barn, Croftburn Market, and Gryffon’s Aerie, among others.  And, of course, all are very complementary to cider!”

5) Red Row from Caromont Farm.  “When I am in the mood for cheese, any of Gail’s cheeses satisfy but the Red Row is my favorite.”

11/01/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Bill Justus

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On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Bill Justus, Executive Chef of The Boar’s Head Inn, which this weekend is hosting the Charlottesville Men’s Pro Tennis Challenger, with Somdev Devvarman and several other Virginia tennis stars, among other pros.  Justus’ picks:

1) Linzer Cookie at Foods of All Nations.  “Beautifully decorative sandwich cookies.  Great store with an extensive selection of choices, and knowledgeable, helpful, and courteous staff.  A Charlottesville institution for more than 50 years.”

2)  Spicy Chicken Wings at Fardowners.  “The essence of pub fare.  Good vibe . . . comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.  Friendly, attentive service.  The beer doesn’t get much more local than at Fardowners.”

3)  Burger at West Main.  “Unfailing.  Burgers are always hardy and flavorful.”

4)  Enchiladas Camino at Baja Bean Co.  “The shredded meats and the perfectly melted queso blanco sprinkled with fresh cilantro.  Good place for a quick lunch.  Always fresh and consistent.”

5)  Pizza at Fabio’s.  “Pizza is always on the mark.  Again, a great place for a quick meal.  Lots of parking, casual dining with indoor and outdoor seating.”