The Charlottesville 29

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

Tag: Brasserie Saison

04/17/2020

Five Finds on Friday: Susan Sweeney

Cake Bloom_Susan Sweeney

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Susan Sweeney, of Cake Bloom, which is brightening lives of seclusion with cake delivery. Have a beautiful cake delivered to your door, and, while you’re at it, the door of a friend — like the cake below going out to a Charlottesville business celebrating a third birthday today. Sweeney’s picks:

1) Tarta de Santiago at Quality Pie. “Rich, flavorful and unfussy, with just a dusting of powdered sugar, this is one of those stellar cakes that always satisfies. A slice with coffee is a perfect breakfast in my book, but I wouldn’t turn down a midday or late night sliver either.”

2) Food and Wine Pairing at Gabrielle Rausse. “Having recently moved from Sonoma, California, I’ve done a fair bit of wine tasting in my life, and this one was a standout. I think it was a combination of that brilliant light pouring onto the bar through the trees on a crisp winter day, the crusty loaves of house-made bread coming out of the oven, and the comforting tiny plates of stewed chickpeas that won me over. The fire pit and wine only added to the experience.”

3) Chocolate Ice Cream at Brasserie Saison. “This isn’t the kind of thing I’d normally order or go out of my way to seek out, but my sister brought me to the bar one night just for this chocolaty treat. I believe it’s listed as ice cream on the menu, but it has the richness and density of a gelato. Order it for the perfect finale to a yummy dinner of moules frites, or do as we did: just go straight for dessert.”

4) Sloppy Jose at Ivy Provisions. “If you had a little too much fun the night before, the Sloppy Jose is all you need to set you straight. Chorizo, egg, english muffin. Need I say more?”

5) English Muffins at Belle. “I’m a big fan of English muffins, and great ones are hard to find. That is, unless you go to Belle. Just the right combination of chewy nooks and crannys, plus a crisp, perfect crust. The generous size makes them perfect for sharing.”

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10/11/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Becca Lesnoff

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Becca Lesnoff of Brasserie Saison. Lesnoff is a Board Member of Red Shoe Cville, the fundraising branch of Ronald McDonald House, which is hosting the Battle of the BBQ, Saturday, October 26 at Champion Brewing Company to determine which of our area’s top barbecue joints makes the best barbecue. For details and tickets, go here. Lesnoff’s picks:

1) That’s My Yam or The Solid on corn tortillas at Brazos. “It is one of my favorite taco shops in one of my favorite areas of town. I feel like I am back in Asheville when I sit down outside of Brazos surrounded by art at IX. It’s a first choice to meet friends for lunch and bring my pup.”

2) Honey, Sausage, Goat Cheese and Egg Hand pies at The Pie Chest. “These breakfast/anytime meals are perfect when I am running around and need something hot, delicious and totally unique. I am often sent on a Pie Chest run from the staff at Brasserie, as it is something we all agree that we love.”

3) Frijoles Pupusas at Super Amanecer. “This place is truly a secret that I stumbled upon while looking for pasilia chillies for my partner, Jacob, to make homemade tamales. This has become a favorite after playing disc golf in Charlottesville.”

4) Crispy Scallops at Brasserie Saison. “I know it sounds like a cop-out to go with a dish from a restaurant I work at, but I feel like it should actually speak so much louder. This is the original dish that we opened the restaurant with that comes with the most delicate celery root puree, rice flour seared scallops, julienne celery root and benne seeds. It just came back onto the menu and I know that I am not the only person who is stoked.”

5) The Heavy Hand at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie. “This is one perfectly greasy pie layered with sopressata, capicola, italian sausage, onions, mushrooms, basil, and three cheeses. Their signature Dr. Ho’s ranch and a cold beer are the only things necessary to complete this indulgence. Another disc golf tradition after Jacob and I play a round at Walnut Creek.”

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08/30/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Rachel Snogles

Rachel

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Rachel Snogles, GM of Kama, the new Japanese restaurant at Violet Crown, whose Grand Opening is this weekend. A preview of Kama is here. Snogles’ picks:

1) Linguine Alla Carbonara at Tavola. “The quality of the pasta and attention to flavors in each dish are impeccable. Every pasta I’ve had has been fantastic, but a particular favorite is the linguine alla carbonara. Takes me back to Italy with every bite.”

2) Seven Hills Beef Tartare in The Coat Room at Brasserie Saison. “Whenever my family and I want a special night where we don’t have to think about making decisions, we always go to The Coat Room. They take it out of our hands and send food and drinks that suit our mood, though we always get the steak tartare with grilled oyster aioli when it is on the menu.”

3) Croque Madame at brunch at Commonwealth Restaurant. “I love brunch and rarely get to go, so when I do I want somewhere that does more than just bacon and eggs. At Commonwealth they nail it from classics like Eggs Benedict with Surryano ham to something more unique like the Dutch pancake with citrus chive marscapone with macerated berries. A personal favorite is the croque madame with the runny egg and delicious bechamel. It’s perfect for when I cannot decide between lunch and dinner.”

4) Margherita Pizza at Lampo.  “When it comes to wanting more than just a slice of pizza, Lampo is an obvious choice. A perfect crust makes the margherita pizza a treat every time. Save space for their cheese selection too.”

5) Pastry from MarieBette.  “Whether I am craving a canele, a chocolate almond croissant or simply want some good bread, MarieBette never disappoints.  It takes all my self control to not be there daily.”

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