The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Bluegrass Grill and Bakery

03/02/2018

Five Finds on Friday: Alex Bryant

Alex

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Alex Bryant, Project Manager & Food Coordinator of the Tom Tom Founders Festival, which has formed a panel of great culinary minds in search of Charlottesville’s signature dish, and they need your help. “From the time that our nation’s first epicurean feasted at Monticello, the Charlottesville area has been known for its food. But, among all that our region has to offer, what dish distinguishes us most?” Be sure to review the criteria here. And, then make your submission here. The deadline for submissions is March 7. Then, the panel will consider all of the input and its own research of culinary history before announcing Charlottesville’s signature dish in early April. Submit your ideas and stay tuned. Bryant’s picks:

1) The Big Bad Wolf at Bluegrass Grill & Bakery. “Nobody does bennys better than Bluegrass, and the Big Bad Wolf is always a winner. Bacon Jam cream cheese and chipotle hollandaise – it is so worth the wait!”

2) Pretzel Bites at Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery. “What better partner to a cold brew than a warm soft pretzel. Pro tip: slice that bad boy in half and slather on the warm gooey cheese and the spicy brown mustard!”

3) Fried & Raw Brussels Sprouts at Brasserie Saison. “An easy to overlook plate, the raw Brussels float wonderfully over the rich roasted notes of the fried ones, and just wait until you find the fresh tomato puree hiding at the bottom – a complete harmony of flavors!

4) Ceviche at The Bebedero. “Who doesn’t like fresh scallops and fish? The spice of the jalapenos and the tang of the lime are a perfect compliment to this already wonderful dish.”

5) Bora Bora Latte from Mudhouse. “My new go to for an after dinner coffee – the nutty hazelnut permeates every sip of this delightful blend of foam and rich espresso.”

02/23/2018

Five Finds on Friday: Justin Vesser

Vesser

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Justin Vesser of The Tennessean Steakhouse, a brand new series of dinner parties at Vesser’s home to raise money for charity. Vesser is a passionate home cook, and The Tennessean Steakhouse is his way to play restaurant chef by creating a “bistro” on his back patio, all for a good cause. Guests do not pay for their meals except for a recommended donation to the SHE Shelter. There is a different theme each month, and first up is Argentina via Earlysville, a “fire-roasted, chili-rubbed tour through South America, celebrating the cuisines of Argentina and Brazil .  .  .with some Virginia and Tennessee additions.” Menu below. Book your slots here, and for updates on future events, follow along on the Tennessean Steakhouse Facebook page. It’s clear from his picks that Vesser knows his food, so grab some friends, support a good cause, and try something a little different for a way to spend a Saturday night. Vesser’s picks:

1) Spicy Fried Calamari at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie. “The Fat & Sassy was our gateway food for Ho’s with that salty ranch dressing and those little garlic bombs, but the calamari is the sleeper hit, and my single favorite dish anywhere. The squid rings are great, but the little heady tentacle pieces, soaked up with all the spicy Thai sauce, are just a killer bite of food.”

2) Heaven on a Bun at The Barbeque Exchange. “The Heaven isn’t on the regular menu, but rather is taped to the glass along with the Hell and the Purgatory. I get mine with chopped brisket instead of pulled pork, and it is a total knockout punch with lettuce, tomato, a sunny egg, baconaise, two giant pieces of sticky love bacon, and the secret weapon, a single, house-made waffle cut potato chip. Add a few dabs of Poltergeist sauce and tell Saint Peter I said ‘Hello.'”

3) The Hungry Norman at Bluegrass Grill & Bakery. “The combination of English muffins with blackberry jam, spicy sausage links, goat cheese, perfect poached eggs and immaculate hollandaise sauce sounds totally crazy, but it is the definitive breakfast food for me. Plus, the place is very cool for families with little, crazy kids.”

4) Cavoletti Di Bruxelles at Lampo. “With all the stellar food and creativity at Lampo, it may sound odd to go with a vegetable. However, it’s the one thing we get every single time. Four-ish perfect forkfuls of crunchy, bitter shaved Brussels sprouts with a tangy dressing. It makes you feel better about attacking a meatball sandwich, to boot.”

5) Meat and Cheese Board from Feast! “The Feast crew obviously love their jobs, and enlisting their help in putting together the perfect charcuterie for a big crowd, or more likely for just one big guy, is always a blast. I have turned so many people on to my Feast discoveries like the Pig & Fig Pate, mole salami, and well-aged gouda, loaded with crunchy crystals.”

tsteakhouse menu

Beef 17

“Beef 17” – Timbercreek Farm rib-eye, strip, and short rib with 17 sauces and garnishes

elvis

“Elvis” – Amy Vesser’s banana bread, crisped in butter and bacon fat, with vanilla ice cream, peanut butter sauce, and lardons

01/13/2017

Five Finds on Friday: Alec Spidalieri

alec

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Alec Spidalieri, who will run the bar at the highly anticipated restaurant Junction, set to open soon in Belmont. Coming soon, a full preview. Meanwhile, Spidalieri’s picks:

1) Dea Marrone at Tavola Cicchetti Bar. “My work-neighbor Tavola has always been one of the very best places in Cville to dine. How could they have possibly gotten any better? Christian Johnston answered this question to the applause of many when he started the cicchetti bar program in the back space of the restaurant about a year and a half ago. Christian has since moved on to our nation’s capitol to further develop his skills as a drink-maker, but he’s left his baby in good hands with Steve Yang, who has continued to expand the program and done a fantastic job carrying on the integrity and quality of the bar. I don’t know if I can pick a single favorite, but it may be the ‘Dea Marrone, with brown butter-washed Bulleit Bourbon, Averna Amaro, brown sugar, sage, cider, and yellow Chartreuse. Rich but very well balanced.”

2) Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll at Now & Zen. “I don’t really want to know how many pounds of chef-owner Toshi’s sushi I’ve consumed over the last few years. It’s fresh, it’s fantastic, and it’s one of the very best values in town. Plus, the staff is extremely friendly. I will always point people Now & Zen’s way if they’re looking for great sushi.”

3) Big Bad Wolf at Bluegrass Grill and Bakery. “Probably my favorite breakfast dish of all time. There’s a reason these guys always have a line out the door! The Big Bad Wolf is basically a souped-up Eggs Benedict with ham, bacon jam, chipotle hollandaise, and spinach (to convince yourself that you’re being healthy perhaps?) Yes please!”

4) Platinum Rum from Vitae Spirits. “I love rum and I’m fond of using local products, so it’s a good thing that there are some killer rums coming right out of my hometown, courtesy of Ian Glomski’s Vitae Spirits. Vitae’s Platinum Rum is something I’ll reach for every chance I get, but their whole lineup is solid, and I hear they’re developing even more products. I can’t wait to try them all out. I plan on using their Golden Rum in my house-made Horchata during the colder months at Junction.”

5) Pulled Pork Sandwich at The Local Smokehouse. “The Local crew took over the old Belmont Barbecue space and opened up shop back in April. It seemed like a natural way to move into the lunch territory for us that would suit our style and play up our strengths well. Chef Matty was very scientific and methodical about his recipes at this spot; I don’t know how many times I went into work at The Local and was forced to ‘taste test’ different pork and brisket techniques (not that I’m complaining). All that work on his part paid off very nicely. It’s all quite edible, but a pulled pork sandwich slathered in beer mustard is the ticket for me.”