The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Belle

06/02/2022

#5: Fried Chicken Sandwich – The Fitzroy

 

The Fried Chicken Sandwich

When a panel of chefs, historians, and others once convened to determine Charlottesville’s signature dish, the fried chicken sandwich received strong consideration. Fried chicken has a long history in the region, and sandwiches of it are all over Charlottesville. It’s one of the deepest sandwich categories in town.

Among a stellar lot, the most crave-inducing comes from the The Fitzroy. The difference is in the details. First, boneless chicken thighs receive a soak in a honey-dill brine. Rinse and drain thoroughly before another soak, this time in buttermilk. Next comes a dredging in flour and spices and then, finally, they are fried and placed atop a brioche bun with sliced pickles. The twist is the addition of lemon to the cayenne-spiked aioli that gets smeared on the bun. The touch of acid may be the difference-maker that has turned this into an industry favorite, drawing those who discover it back to The Fitzroy just to get their fix.

#5: Fried Chicken Sandwich – The Fitzroy
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: Fried Chicken Sandwich at Bizou, Birdwich at The Wich Lab, Chik’n Sandwich at Diilishus. Vegetarian Alternatives: Crispy Artichoke Sandwich at Belle,

05/31/2022

#7: Notorious P.I.G. – Ivy Provisions

Photo by Do Me A Flavor.

The Italian

For many sandwich lovers, it is the ultimate — like the chef who launched a sandwich podcast and devoted an entire episode to what she called “everyone’s favorite sandwich.” At its best, The Italian harmonizes elements as well as any other: salt, sugar, fat, umami, creaminess, richness, crunch, acid, and more. One bite makes you want several more.

In recognition of the sandwich’s notoriety, Ivy Provisions chose The Italian as its starting point when it opened in 2013. With a team as committed to sandwich excellence as Ivy Provisions, there was purpose in every part of their shop’s signature, which they named the Notorious P.I.G.. Sure, the elements are typical: Italian cold cuts like salami, prosciutto, and capicola, along with provolone, pickled peppers, onion, lettuce, and a house Italian dressing. But careful sourcing, portioning, and assembly make it the most irresistible Italian sub in town. Grab it by two fists, chomp, and enjoy.

#7: Notorious P.I.G. – Ivy Provisions
(GFA)
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: My Italian at Belle, Fugheddaboudit at The Wich Lab, The Pelosi at Rapture, Italian Stallion at Hunt Country Market, Da Vinci at Mona Lisa, Italian Sub at Tubby’s, Belmont at The Market at Bellair (GFA), Authentic Italian at Foods of All Nations. Vegetarian Alternatives: Vegeletta at Belle, Roasted Vegetable Sandwich at Mona Lisa, The Local at Feast! (GFA), Roasted Vegetable Sandwich at Market Street Market (GFA)

05/30/2022

#8: Cheesesteak – Belle

The Cheesesteak 

Usually you have to choose. Do you want an original cheesesteak? Or do you want a riff by a great chef? As delicious as the original rendition is, it doesn’t exactly require a culinary degree. And so, when a great chef takes a stab at a cheesesteak, the experience can differ from the sandwich made famous by former hot dog stand owners in Philadelphia.

Belle chef John Shanesy somehow does both. The cheffy tweaks he makes to one of America’s favorite sandwiches manage to enhance it while also staying faithful to the original. No, he doesn’t use Amoroso rolls. He has access to hoagie rolls baked fresh every day by a world-class baker: his brother Scott, with whom he co-owns Belle. As for the cheese sauce, Shanesy makes an upgraded version of “whiz” by combining Tillamook cheddar and American cheese, which he steeps at 180 degrees in Mt Crawford milk and heavy cream with dried chilies and herbs, fresh thyme, black pepper, and salt. For the sandwich, he griddles sliced steak, mushroom duxelles, bell pepper, and white onion, and chops them all together.  For assembly, he smears mayo on the top bun and adds iceberg lettuce. On the bottom bun, he adds the steak mixture and cheese sauce. The result is a classic made even better.

#8: Cheesesteak – Belle
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: Beef Cheesesteak at Farmacy, Cheesesteak at Fabio’s, The Whiz at Lucky’s Cheesesteak and Sub Shop, Rib-Eye Steak & Cheese at Miller’s, Cheesesteak Hoagie at Revolutionary Soup, Philly Cheesesteak at Timberwood Grill. Vegetarian Alternatives: The Godfather with Shrooms at Lucky’s Cheesesteak and Sub Shop