The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Blue Moon Diner

12/29/2023

Five Finds on Friday: Rachel Gendreau

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Rachel Gendreau, of Crush Pad, Luce, and Bizou. A Certified Sommelier, Gendreau these days is most often at Crush Pad, where if you walk in and ask her to choose a glass, a bottle, or even a case, you will walk out happy. “I am blessed to eat and drink exceptionally well in my line of work with Vincent & Co., and so this was a major challenge,” said Gendreau. “I went with the dishes I returned to most often this past year, the things that make my heart happy and were always enjoyed in beloved company.” Gendreau’s picks:

1) Skip Burger at Blue Moon Diner. “Somehow both tragically hip yet endlessly welcoming, everything about the Blue Moon vibe is immaculate, and Laura is truly the coolest. I’ve been coming religiously for the Skip Burger since I was in college, a slightly runny egg, perfectly medium rare patty, crisp LTO, bacon, melty cheddar, side of fries (dipped in mayo, because I’m a monster), and invariably accompanied by a bottle of the house bubbles to share. THE breakfast burger to cure anything that ails ya.”

2) Boat Noodles at Thai Cuisine & Noodle House. “Thai Cuisine is my go-to Thai spot for sure, and while Jay and his crew always deliver exceptional pho and curries, I’m a Boat Noodle girl for life. Something about that dark, rich broth and the chew of the noodles, tons of cilantro and scallions, bulked up with an extra portion of Gai Lai. Oh baby.”

3) Celery Salad at Birdhouse. “I am lucky to live in a killer food neighborhood, and having this gem within walking distance is a beautiful and dangerous thing. Liz’s expertly curated low-intervention wine list is a major draw, as is the achingly perfect chicken and sides the kitchen turns out, but nothing has my heart quite like the celery salad – a light, refreshing, texturally perfect foil to all of the schmaltzy goodness on the table.”

4) French Onion Croissant at Cou Cou Rachou. “Another neighborhood delight, and one with which I share a name. My daughters and I allow ourselves carte blanche and always leave much poorer, but with a box full of sweet and savory masterpieces. We are fond of the quiche-lets, the caneles, the sourdough, the giant cookies, and whatever mousse is in the fridge upon arrival, but the French Onion Croissant rocks our world every single time. Get two, trust us.”

5) Lobster Roll and Oysters at Public Fish & Oyster. “Nobody does happy hour quite like Public – snag a couple of early barstools, and let John make you a pristine Negroni. Order a dozen dealer’s choice bivalves, always expertly shucked, and work your way through them while waiting for a generously portioned lobster roll (Maine-style or bust, fight me). Add a glass of sharp, saline Muscadet, and you’ll probably hear me purring from West Main Street.”

05/11/2022

#28: BLT – Blue Moon Diner

Photo by Do Me A Flavor.

The BLT

What some call the king of sandwiches, the BLT can be two different things depending on the time of year. In August, it is largely a vehicle for enjoying thick slices of ripe, local tomatoes. The rest of the year, when tomatoes are out of season, they recede into the ensemble – and the sandwich becomes one whose sum is often greater than its parts.

At Blue Moon Diner, the BLT is delicious all year round. With a classic sandwich, the food-lovers who run the diner have the good sense to leave well enough alone, and don’t mess with tweaks or adornments. As a result, it’s the type of BLT that can transport you to childhood moments of first discovering the sandwich’s magic. No ingredient steals center stage. Instead, the toast, Duke’s mayo, lettuce, tomato, and bacon seem to meld into the very harmony that BLT cravings covet.

#28: BLT – Blue Moon Diner
(GFA)
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: Texas BLT at Taste Shack (GFA), BLT at Revolutionary Soup (GFA), BLT at Timberlake’s Soda Fountain. Vegan Alternatives: Shroom B.L.T. at Botanical Fare (GFA)

04/24/2020

Five Finds on Friday: Shantell Bingham

Shantell

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Shantell Bingham, Program Director of Food Justice Network, which this week joined forces with City Schoolyard Garden and Urban Agricultural Collective to become Cultivate Charlottesville – an integrated approach to creating and sustaining a healthy and just food system in Charlottesville. “Before COVID-19, about one in six Charlottesville residents struggled with food insecurity, and we’re now seeing that number expand,” said Bingham. To learn more about the mission of Cultivate Charlottesville — and how you can help —  join their Zoom webinar Tuesday April 30 at 11:00 am. Bingham’s picks: 

1) Creole Beans from Pearl Island. “I’m a North Carolinian to my soul. And while I didn’t grow up with Caribbean cuisine, tasting Pearl Island ignited something in my spirit. Their bean stew is a savory heaven anyone can enjoy. Paired with tostones and a dash of garlic sauce, it hits the belly like a hug from home.”

2) Chocolate Chip Beignets from Blue Moon Diner. “It feels good to live in the Blue Moon neighborhood. But even if I didn’t, their chocolate chip beignets, lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with a side of warm chocolate sauce — if you dare to dip — is pure bliss.”

3) Beef Noodle Soup from Café 88. “I’ll be honest. I would be a full blown pescatarian if it weren’t for their beef noodle soup. I’ll cheat for it every time, especially during the cold months.”

4) Mac & Cheese from Soul Food Joint. “I’m not sure many people realize how delicious mac & cheese tastes when it’s baked. It’s as though that extra step is the piece of the process that infuses the heart into the dish, and Soul Food Joint does this to a science. Their baked mac & cheese is done just enough so the top is a little crispy but the inside cheesy and sharp.”

5) Red Snapper with Cherry Tomatoes at The Whiskey Jar. “This is one of those places with seasonal treats worth waiting for. Their red snapper with cherry tomatoes is my weekend celebration. And when the red snapper season ends, the bourbon bread pudding is more than enough to guarantee my visit year-round.”

 

snapper