The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Category: Five Finds on Friday

09/13/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Jason Alley

Alley
On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks comes from Jason Alley, the Richmond chef behind Pasture, one of the most anticipated restaurants to open in Charlottesville in years.  Featuring small plates of Southern food, Pasture is now open in Stonefield, directly across from the movie theater.  Alley’s picks:

1)  Cheeseburger and Chili Dog at Riverside Lunch.  “This place is so rad, really old school and comforting for me.  We used to go to the old location years ago when my band would come to town to play shows.  It fit our budgets well, and was always exactly what we needed after a late night.  I love that they do small burgers, so you can also cram in a hot dog.  It’s also on the way to the new restaurant when we are driving in from RVA.”

2)  Yucca Frita Con Chicharron at El Tepeyac.  “We are still exploring town, trying to find our way to the next delicious spot.  What a joy to come across this truly authentic Salvadoran/Mexican joint so close to Pasture.  I’ve eaten the whole menu (in only three visits) already, but always have the yucca.  The starch is perfectly cooked, and the crispy pork is as intensely porky as anything I have ever eaten.”

3)  Everything at Mas Tapas.  “Tomas has been a dear friend for years, and every time we have supper there I am reminded of what a talented cook he is (as are all of his chefs), and what it means to be a gracious host.  Any fresh vegetable in season is a must, and of course those crazy good shrimp.”

4)  Beverage Program at The Whiskey Jar.  “This place reminds me so much of home.  The Southern food is always great, but it is also the perfect place to enjoy a great local beer or cider, and a glass of well curated American whiskey.  Also, the folks here are really great.”

5)  Tasting Menu at The Clifton Inn.  “To say that Tucker at Clifton is talented is a bit of an understatement.  Every time I eat here I gain a new appreciation for the abundance that central Virginia has to offer.  The techniques that he employs always work to highlight the ingredients being used.  Smart stuff here.”

09/06/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Brooke Fedora

On Fridays, we feature five food finds from local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Brooke Fedora, the Culinary Institute of America graduate who runs Horse & Hound Gastropub with her husband Luther.  Every year, Horse & Hound is one of the best places in Charlottesville to celebrate Oktoberfest.  This year’s party will last from September 14 through October 31, and will include Oktoberfest beer specials, prizes, live entertainment, and, best of all, a menu of German specialties like Kartoffelpuffer, Wurst, Jager-Schnitzel, and Linzer Torte.  Details here.  Fedora’s picks:

1)  Bun Thit Nuong (Pork Vermicelli) at Moto Pho Co.  “This dish is light, healthy, and delicious.  I could eat it everyday. ”

2)  Pulled Pork BBQ Platter at Buttz BBQ.  “Chris does a great job with all of his sauces, meats and sides.”

3)  Pan Fried Dumplings at Kyoto.  “My 5 year old son is obsessed with dumplings and these are his and my favorite in town.”

4)  Pistachio Cupcake at SweetHaus.  “These cupcakes are fresh daily and perfect for celebrations or a sweet snack.”

5)  Vella Jack Cheese Fritters at Zocalo.  “These hit all the flavor points on your tongue and leave you wanting more.”

08/30/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Aaron Cross

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On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Aaron Cross, executive chef of Fossett’s at Keswick Hall.  On September 12, Keswick will host Dinner in the Vineyard, where guests will dine by torchlight in Keswick’s own Courtside Vineyard on a feast prepared by Cross.  Cross’s picks:

1)  Vegetable Lo Mein at Made in Asia.  “For those who don’t live near Zion Crossroads, it has saved me on many a random night around 9:00 pm in need of grub.  I’m glad it’s there because nothing else is . . . for miles.  I stick to the take-out classics.”

2)  Sandwiches at Stonefire Station Kitchen.  “Fresh, creative, and super tasty.  Great pit stop on a long bike ride.  Famished or not, any of their selections will satisfy.  Grilled eggplant is a big winner.”

3)  “Fuzzy Thing” at Dragon Lady.  “Sometimes you find yourself at the bar of the Dragon Lady drinking something called a ‘fuzzy thing’ after dinner.  Don’t judge me.  The owner told me I needed to have the dan-dan noodles but I was too full to oblige.  Maybe it was Ninja Warrior on the bar television that made this such a uniquely satisfying experience. . . guess you’ll have to cast your own vote.”

4)  All You Can Eat Snow Crab Tuesday at Rhett’s River Grill.  “It does not get any better before Kegler’s for pitchers of 8 point IPA and an ugly shoe fashion show.  The dude abides.”

5)  Sweetbreads at MAS Tapas.  “I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to eating at Mas more than most native Charlottesvillians have, and I’ve only been here a little over a year.  It’s my Friday night after work spot.  It is the only place slinging serious food after 11:00.  Their aioli and cocktails sate all end of day aches . . . or a couple tips on the porron.”