The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Category: Five Finds on Friday

08/23/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Justin van der Linde

photo(8)

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Justin van der Linde, who runs the hugely popular food truck Smoked BBQ Co.  Van der Linde’s picks:

1)  Chili Broth Steamed Mussels at Zocalo.  “The smokey, spicy broth is awesome along with the grilled tortillas.  Never been there without ordering the mussels!”

2)  The Whole Menu at Kabuto.  “Super fresh, super friendly, and fairly priced,  This place is my new go-to!”

3)  Smoked Turkey Croissant at The Blue Ridge Pig.  “Yes, I do get extra dill sauce.  Don’t judge me!  Worth the ride every time.”

4)  Blueberry Spudnut at Spudnuts.  “I’m not sure how you make donuts better, but Spudnuts sure does.  If you haven’t been . . . Go!”

5)  Burger at Riverside Lunch.  “‘Flat Out’ still the best!  Crispy, cheesy and so delicious!”

08/16/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Jarad Adams

Jarad

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Jarad Adams, sous chef of Clifton Inn, which is offering a great deal throughout August.  Sunday through Thursday, guests can enjoy the amazing tasting menu for just $75, which is half the normal price.  Perfect for August birthdays and anniversaries.  Adams’ picks:

1) Tacos de Lengua and Sopes con Longaniza at El Tepayac.  “This Mexican/Salvadoran restaurant is dishing out some of the tastiest (and least expensive) food in town.  Definitely wash it all down with an ice cold Michelada.”

2)  Pork Belly with Leeks at Taste of China.  “Skip the American menu and head straight for the pork belly with leeks.  My wife loves the crispy fish scented with cumin and green onions.  We stumbled in looking for some Chinese food close to home, and I don’t think we have been to anyone else in town since then.”

3) Octopus at Orzo.  “Chef Tommy and his crew make some rock solid food.  Seriously, I don’t get in there enough.  A great meal accompanied by a glass of wine and an after dinner stroll downtown for people watching makes for a really nice date night.”

4)  Annie Oakley pizza at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie.  (Spicy buffalo chicken breast, pineapple, pickled jalapeno peppers, mozzarella, and cheddar.)  “After a long hike on a day off, nothing beats a pie and a cold beer from these guys!”

5)  Meals at Home with my wife Nikki.  “We work opposite schedules so when we are both home we often just turn on some music, make a mess, laugh and create something together. The antithesis to a crazy week at work!”

08/02/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Matt Boisvert

photo(6)

On Fridays, we feature five finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Matt Boisvert, who is leaving his acting sous chef position at Tavola to re-unite with chef/owner Dean Maupin at C&O.  Years ago, Boisvert worked under Maupin for four years at Clifton Inn.  Boisvert’s picks:

1)  Falafel at Blue Ridge Country Store.  “They make it daily and it is shaped like a cookie, usually by the salad bar.  It’s the best in town, and usually my number one choice for lunch downtown.”

2)  Shrimp Tempura at Kabuto.  “It’s always very well prepared and different from regular tempura because they dredge the shrimp in tiny flakes so its extra crispy.  I always get a side of Japanese mayo.”

3)  Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup at C&O.  “I’ve been eating this tomato soup in one form or another for years, and nothing beats this and a Makers and ginger after a long day.”

4)  Pastry Basket for brunch at Hamiltons’.  “Curtis and his team are killing it lately and sometimes they fry Cronuts (croissant donuts) for the pastry basket.  Enough said.”

5)  Heaven Sandwich at BBQ Exchange.  “This sandwich is the real deal, and you can’t find better people than Craig, his wife, and his team to support.  Worth the drive!”