The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville
11/17/2015

Emilia-Romagna Dinner at Lampo

Lampo

Here’s a rare opportunity for serious food-lovers.  You’ve almost certainly tried Parmigiano Reggiano, the King of Cheeses.  You may even have had the pleasure of one made by a small, artisan producer and aged for more than 24 months. But, have you ever tried one the minute a wheel is cracked open?  Nadjeeb Chouaf, one of the nation’s top cheesemongers, considers this a special treat that usually only cheesemongers and cheese makers are lucky enough to enjoy.  But, on November 29 at Lampo, Chouaf will have a 24+ month Parmigiano Reggiano for guests to sample as soon as it is cracked.  “The very heart of the wheel,” said Chouaf, “has a special flavor that begins to dissipate within even 15 minutes of being exposed to air.”

This will be just the start of a multi-course wine dinner celebrating Emilia-Romagna.  Upon arrival, guests will enjoy the freshly cracked cheese, along with Prosciutto di Parma and Lambrusco.  They then will sit down to a four course meal showcasing Lampo’s take on traditional Emilia-Romagnan dishes paired with wines from the region.  Each course will incorporate as an ingredient the freshly cracked Parmigiano Reggiano.

Seats are very limited, and likely to sell out fast.  $80 per person, not including tax and gratuity.  Book yours at Lampo@lampopizza.com.  UPDATE: This dinner is SOLD OUT.  But, you still have a chance to attend via an auction for two additional tickets, with all proceeds to feed the area’s hungry.  Auctions details here.

11/13/2015

Five Finds on Friday: Michael Davis

MDavis

On Fridays, we feature five food and drink finds from local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Michael Davis, owner of The Wine Guild of Charlottesville. The wine-buying club’s next wine tasting and pop-up restaurant night is Wednesday, November 18, starting at 5:30 pm, at Kitchen Catering & Events, at 606 Rivanna Ave.  Open to the public, “A Night in South Africa” will feature seven staff-selected wines from South Africa, with food available for purchase by Kitchen Catering & Events and cheese plates by Nadjeeb Chouaf of Flora Artisanal Cheese. Davis’ picks:

1) Fried Chicken And Collard Greens at The Whiskey Jar.  “As a wine geek, I always think about ‘pairings,’ which is why I love to eat at The Whiskey Jar on Wednesday nights when the Rick Olivarez Trio is playing. There is something magical about the combination of that room with Rick’s flawless Gypsy Jazz. It takes you back in time and makes this California transplant feel truly southern.”

2) Horse’s Neck at The Livery Stable. “I like to take local winemakers to this subterranean watering hole and hear stories of how they give mother nature the middle finger year after year. Jake Busching, winemaker at Michael Shaps Wineworks gets his mail at this place, so grab the stool next to him and enjoy the ride . . . and the Horse’s Neck.”

3) Erin Scala at Fleurie.  “Ok, so Erin is not a food, she’s an experience. I love to sit at the bar with one of my wine geek buddies, usually Kevin Sidders from VinConnect, and have sommelier Erin just pour us wines she’s excited about. Ask her to pair them with some of Chef Brian’s outstanding food and you’ll see why I get so excited about food and wine pairings.”

4) Liver and Onions at Mel’s Café.  “While I’d like to spend more nights at Tavola, Mas, and Lampo, as a father of four I spend a lot more time at places like this. Mel and his wife define southern hospitality and their food is so soul-soothingly delicious that my pregnant wife opted to go here on her birthday. My kids love the ribs and cheeseburgers while my wife tries something different every time we go . . . which is often.”

5) Canelés De Bordeaux from MarieBette Cafe & Bakery.  “The Alley Light chef José De Brito turned me on to these when he served them at a party at his home. They were the only thing on the table that he didn’t make. One bite showed me why. The dark caramelized crust hides a tender golden center that causes you to eat a lot more of them than you thought possible. My advice? Buy twice as many as you think you’ll need.”

11/12/2015

Edwards Dry Cured Lamb is Stunning

Lamb

This is one of those very rare occasions where I was almost tempted not to write about a food because I want it all for myself.   Edwards Virginia Smokehouse has just released Dry Cured Lamb, and it is extraordinary.  Heavy on the smoke, loaded with umami, and a finish for days.

But, it’s the texture that is so stunning.  Close my eyes and I’d almost believe it’s smoked tuna, or even mojama. I bought a crusty roll to go with it from Albemarle Baking Co., but quickly decided that it was best to alternate between bites of bread and lamb.  Eating them together prevented full appreciation of the lamb’s silky mouthfeel.  Alternating bites, meanwhile, broke up the lamb’s richness and enhanced enjoyment of the next bite.

A delicacy of colonial America and reportedly a favorite of Thomas Jefferson, “lamb ham” is experiencing a revival thanks to the teamwork of two great Virginians: curemaster Sam Edwards and shepherd Craig Rogers of Border Springs Farm.

At more than $40 per pound, it may sound expensive, but a little goes a long way.  The quarter pound I bought was just $10, and more than enough for lunch.  No wonder the guy who sliced it for me at Feast! said: “this is my favorite thing in the world right now.” OK, but please save some for me.