The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville
11/16/2012

Five Finds on Friday: Luther Fedora

On Fridays we feature five finds selected by local chefs or personalities.  Today’s picks come from Luther Fedora, chef/owner of Horse & Hound Gastropub.  Horse & Hound is offering Thanksgiving “Pick-up Menus,” so you can enjoy a gourmet Thanksgiving feast at home without all of the work, prepared by a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.  Details here.  Fedora’s picks:

1)  Singapore Mi Fung at Red Lantern.  These noodles are my favorite when ordering takeout!

2)  Virginia Prosciutto & Mozzarella Sandwich at Feast!.  This is a great lunch option when I am on the go.  It is fresh, local and delicious.

3)  Potato Rosemary Bread at Albemarle Baking Company.  This is one of the Saturday specials and it is one of my favorites.

4)  Royalty Parties Sushi Platter at Tokyo Rose.  This is a Monday night tradition at my house and it is my son’s favorite meal.

5)  Rack of Lamb with Potato & Swiss Chard Gratin at Fleurie.

11/15/2012

Beer Run

156 Carlton Rd. Suite 203 . Charlottesville, VA . (434) 984-2337
http://www.beerrun.com/

Why Beer Run?

Beer Run — a bar, beer and wine shop, and eatery– is Charlottesville’s quintessential family restaurant. It is run by family, feels like family, and hosts families of all kinds every day. With an ever-changing menu of well-chosen draft beers, and good food that pairs well with the beer, it has that je ne sais quoi that makes for an irresistibly comfortable place to be. The already strong kitchen became even stronger in 2024 when longtime chef Hernan Franco was joined by Laura Fonner. In Beer Run, Josh Hunt and his brother John Woodriff have created Charlottesville’s most difficult restaurant to leave. It is at home on The Charlottesville 29.

What to Order

A few tips. First, sandwiches are best on whole wheat bread or as a wrap, rather than house bread. The house bread — a focaccia-style made from beer —  is very good. But, for Beer Run’s delicious sandwiches, less bulky vehicles are a tortilla wrap or whole wheat bread.

Second,  soups are excellent. Beer Run serves two each day. They stand up to the best in town.

Third, desserts are hidden gems, listed on a chalkboard above the bar. Most of them are made by talented pastry chef Elicia Hernandez, who is Chef Hernan Franco’s sister.

Beyond that, here are our specific recommendations, the owners’ and chef’s picks, and appearances in Five Finds on Friday, where chefs and personalities have named a Beer Run dish one of the best in town.

Our Picks

  • Breakfast Tacos (Saturday morning)
  • Beer Run Nachos
  • Chicken Philly on a Wrap
  • Turkey Trot on Whole Wheat, Pressed
  • Veggie Quesadilla
  • Dubliner Sandwich (March special we wait for all year)
  • The Davidson

Owner Picks

  • The Cowboy (Breakfast Taco Menu)
  • El Bombero (Breakfast Taco Menu)
  • Roadrunner Sandwich
  • Shrimp & Grits
  • Catfish Po’ Boy
  • Fiery Chile Wings
  • Fish Tacos (Brunch)

Chef’s Picks

  • Chicken Philly 
  • Local 8 oz Burger
  • Salmon Risotto

Five Finds on Friday Picks

nachos

11/09/2012

Five Finds on Friday: Tyler Teass

Tyler Teass, standing, with Chef Tucker Yoder.

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Tyler Teass, sous chef at Clifton Inn.  On Monday, November 12, Clifton Inn will host a four-course wine dinner with pairings from Blenheim Vineyards.  Teass’ picks:

1)  Nugget’s Raw Kombucha at City Market.   I love all fermented foods, and all of their flavors of kombucha are really tasty.

2)  Cocktails at 9 1/2 Speakeasy.  It’s got great cocktails, and they keep it quiet.  It’s a great place for after work drinks or dates.

3)  Vegetable Soup with Bread and Butter on the late night menu at C&O.  Delicious and hits the spot especially now since the weather’s gotten colder.  Plus, they play great music.

4)  Duet of Lamb “Greek Style” at Ivy Inn.  Angelo is the nicest guy ever and makes awesome food.  His gyros are worth the trip to Ivy alone. 

5)  Larb at Thai Siam.  It’s one of a kind and I constantly crave their food.