The Charlottesville 29

If there were just 29 restaurants in Charlottesville, what would be the ideal 29?

Tag: Beer Run

05/17/2022

#22: The Angry Bird – Kitchen(ette)

Photo by Do Me A Flavor.

The Chicken Sandwich
(Roasted or Grilled)

Charlottesville has not always been a great place for sandwiches. Over the last decade, though, the quality and quantity of sandwiches in Charlottesville have exploded, thanks to a cadre of chefs who have turned their passion for sandwiches into businesses.

Leading the way is a pair who love sandwiches almost as much as they love each other. After catering together for years, in 2017 Morgan Hurt and her husband Gabe Garcia Gomez decided to pursue their dream of running a sandwich shop. At Kitchen(ette), they make refined versions of classic sandwiches as well their own creations. You can’t go wrong, but one standout is their riff on a chicken sandwich. For the Angry Bird, they roast dry-rubbed chicken thighs and stack them on ciabatta with cheddar cheese, herb aioli, red onion, sliced tomato and greens. What makes it “angry” is the addition of fresh jalapeños, a nod to Gomez’s Mexico City roots, and indeed this is his favorite sandwich on the menu. A worthy choice.

#22: The Angry Bird – Kitchen(ette)
(GFA)
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches 

Others of Note: 90’s Club at Revolutionary Soup (GFA), Winner Winner at Ivy Provisions (GFA), Chicken Philly in a wrap at Beer Run, The Scott Norwood at ooey, gooey, crispy, The Grilled Clucker at Multiverse Kitchens, The Wilson at The Whiskey Jar, Fluvanna at MarieBette, El Paso at Foods of All Nations. Vegetarian Alternative: The Penny at Kitchen(ette)

05/14/2022

#25: Chicken Cheddar Fig Panini – Feast!

Photo by Do Me A Flavor.

The Sweet Sandwich

There are no dessert sandwiches in The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches. The rules forbid it. But sometimes a craving hits for a little sweetness in a savory sandwich. Not too much. It must be balanced.

The Chicken Cheddar Fig Panini at Feast! is just that. A smear of fig jam on Albemarle Baking Co. focaccia lends just enough sweetness to complement the rest of the ingredients on one of the most popular sandwiches at Charlottesville’s beloved gourmet shop: sliced chicken, Vermont cheddar, mayo, and mustard. A few minutes on the panini press yields a cracker-like crust and tender interior that make the sandwich even more addictive.

#25: Chicken Cheddar Fig Panini – Feast!
(GFA)
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: Jefferson at The Market (GFA), Turkey Trot on Whole Wheat, Pressed at Beer Run, Adam’s Apple at Revolutionary Soup (GFA), Jive Turkey at Kitchen(ette) (GFA), Berry Turkey at C’Ville Coffee & Wine, Prosciutto & Fig Panini at Tilman’s, New Italian Sandwich #5 at Foods of All Nations; Vegetarian Alternative: Wild Vine at Beer Run, Local Grilled Tofu at Revolutionary Soup (GFA)

04/02/2021

Five Finds on Friday: Todd DeSorbo

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from the Tony Bennett of college swimming, Todd DeSorbo. In just his fourth season at UVa, DeSorbo became the first coach ever to lead an ACC school to a swimming and diving national championship, when his women’s team took home the title last month. DeSorbo was subsequently named Women’s Team Coach of the Year. DeSorbo’s picks:

1) Burger with Bacon at Wayside Takeout & Catering. “This has become our staff’s go-to pre-Championship lucky lunch. The Monday prior to every ACC or NCAA Championship (including two weeks ago before our women won the National Title), we head to Wayside for a burger. If I had to pick a favorite food of mine, it’s for sure a burger, and Wayside does them right. Not to mention convenient to our place of work, the AFC pool.”

2) Piggie Smalls at Fry’s Spring Station. “If you’re sensing a theme in locations, it’s likely because when I first moved to Charlottesville I lived just behind Scott Stadium, and pretty much went from the house to the pool, and didn’t know much other than that there were several great food joints within walking distance. This turned out to be a family favorite and a staff favorite. We often have gathered here with all our swimming and diving staff and families to hang out. The pizza is phenomenal and the casual atmosphere is right up my alley.”

3) Black Coffee at Atlas Coffee. “Sorry to be sticking with the theme again here, but this was my go-to Thursday morning treat. It’s always been a goal of mine to be able to walk into a coffee shop (or bar) and be ‘regular’ enough that the barista knows what drink you want. I only went a few weeks in a row and they knew exactly what I wanted. I finally made it! Great coffee, great spot.”

4) Mother’s Day Roll at Tokyo Rose. “My family and I have eaten more sushi since the pandemic hit than probably in the previous five years. Likely because my 12 year-old son has decided he loves spicy tuna rolls, and Tokyo Rose’s are the best. Personally I love the Mother’s Day Roll. We haven’t been inside the restaurant in a year, but the takeout/delivery is just as good as dining in.”

5) Kimchi Pork Wrap at Beer Run. “This restaurant was introduced to us by the myth ‘The Charlottesville 29.’ This is a go-to for our family and friends. From family night out to champagne celebrations when our staff won our first ACC Title three years ago, Beer Run has been a staple in our eat out rotation. Great beer selection (almost too good), great food, and great casual environment. If you can’t tell, I like casual.”

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