The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville
09/25/2013

James Beard Local Dish: Brookville’s Slow Roasted Pork Belly

Brookville Pork

Today is another article in our series on James Beard Foundation’s Taste America Local Dish, where six Charlottesville area restaurants are joining other top spots around the country in creating a dish for their September and October menus that conveys their local cuisine.  One dollar from the sale of each local dish will go towards the educational efforts of the James Beard Foundation.  Next up is Brookville, owned by chef Harrison Keevil and his wife, Jennifer.

Keevil’s Local Dish is Slow Roasted Pork Belly with apple compote, cilantro, jalapeno, and peanuts ($25).  The pork belly is from Timbercreek Organics, the apple and jalapeno are from the Local Food Hub, and the cilantro is from Manakintowne Specialty Growers.  So, what makes this dish convey our local cuisine?  In Keevil’s own words:

What is more Virginian then a Majestic Heritage Breed Pig?  That is why I decided to use pork, and chose belly because it is my favorite cut. I added peanuts because back in the day pigs were used to go through the peanut fields, after harvesting, and till the land for the next crop in the rotation. Also, going to my grandaddies’ farm when I was a child we were surrounded by peanut fields, so this ingredient holds a important place in my heart.  I added apples because we are getting into fall, which is apple season here in Virginia.  When I was a child growing up in Virginia, one my favorite dishes that my mother cooked was pork chops and apple sauce — so again another food memory close to my heart. I included cilantro and jalapeño, which might not scream Virginia, but were cultivated in its soil so thus have a place in this dish.  Also, they help cut the richness of the belly.

09/24/2013

Two for Tuesday: Splendora’s, Just Curry and Mouth Wide Open

Food 260

1)  Honey, Goat Cheese, and Fig Gelato from Splendora’s with Plantains from Just Curry.  Few things make us happier than discovering new combinations of the wonderful foods of Charlottesville.  We can’t take credit for the latest, which we found in a Facebook post by Splendora’s, and is apparently the brainchild of the Charlottesville Derby Dames:  a side of plantains from Just Curry topped with gelato made of honey, goat cheese, and fig.  Wow.  We also tried the plantains with Spendora’s Chinese Five Spice gelato.  Both combinations were superb.

Food 259

2)  Short Ribs Slider from Mouth Wide Open.  At the bottom of this popular food truck’s new fall menu, released this week, appear the words “Yes, I [Heart] Onions.”  So do we.  Onions abound on the fall menu, appearing on four of the sliders.  You could always ask for them left off, but why would you want to do something like that?  A standout is the slider of braised tender short ribs topped with caramelized onions and cheese.  Fall food at its best.

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.”