Five Finds on Friday: Chuck Shelton
On Fridays, we feature five foods selected by local chefs and personalities. In anticipation of Cider Week, today’s picks come from Chuck Shelton, cider maker at Albemarle Ciderworks. On Sunday, November 17, Albemarle Ciderworks will join several other top area cideries for a Hill & Holler party at Meriwether Springs Vineyard featuring small plates of food prepared by Amalia Scatena of Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard. Shelton’s picks:
1) Kolsch 151 and Vienna Lager at Blue Mountain Brewery and Devil’s Backbone. “It takes a lot of beer to make a good cider and these are two of my favorites.”
2) Caramel Apples by Rachel Willis. “Rachel can usually be found baking for her ‘Cakes by Rachel’ label or selling homemade caramel apples at local markets and festivals. Anything she makes is delicious. I just finished a caramel apple with pecans and cranberries before writing this. Yum.”
3) Belmont at Bellair Market. “Bellair Market is a classic staple for Charlottesville residents. I’ve never had anything from the market that I didn’t like. My favorite would have to be the Belmont.”
4) Meat in Charlottesville. “This sounds very generic but the local meat products in the Charlottesville region are fantastic. I go for bratwurst, sausages, and beef from The Rock Barn, Croftburn Market, and Gryffon’s Aerie, among others. And, of course, all are very complementary to cider!”
5) Red Row from Caromont Farm. “When I am in the mood for cheese, any of Gail’s cheeses satisfy but the Red Row is my favorite.”