The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Charlottesville best restaurants

04/26/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Jonathan Wheeler

Jonathan Wheeler Pic

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Jonathan Wheeler, Sparkling Winemaker at Trump Winery.  Next weekend, May 4 and 5, Trump Winery will be celebrating its 2012 Vintage Release with samples of the new 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Rosé.  Wheeler’s picks:

1)  Oysters on the Half Shell at Blue Light Grill and Raw Bar.  “Super fresh, tastes just like the ocean should.”

2)  Ginger Braised Pork Tamale with Mole Sauce at Commonwealth Restaurant.  “Goes great with their En Fuego cocktail.”

3)  Hudson Valley Duck breast with Navy Bean Cassoulet at L’Etoile.   “Great savory flavors.”

4)  Steak au Poivre at the Downtown Grill.  “Anytime I want perfectly cooked steak I go here.”

5)  Umali Brûlée at Savour Restaurant.  “A puff pastry with pudding, candied pecans, and coconut that is a great way to end the meal.”

04/19/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Mike Ketola

Ketola

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Mike Ketola, who cooks at not one but two restaurants that have been inducted into The Charlottesville 29.  Ketola is the longtime sous chef of Mas, and also cooks at Barbecue Exchange.  Ketola’s picks:

1)  Glazed Blueberry Cake Donut at Spudnuts.  “Is there anything they can’t do?”

2)  Tequila-lime Chocolate at Gearharts.  “The aged anejo tequila-lime fondant is the perfect complement to the intensely rich and sweet white chocolate casing.”

3)  Seared Jumbo lump Crab and Corn Cake at Three Notch’d Grill.  “Lightly textured, virtually exploding with flavor- the velvety lemon beurre blanc and refreshingly crisp jicama slaw really take it to the next level.”

4)  Pappardelle Ragu at Tavola.  “Rich and meaty pork ragu, supple ribbons of housemade pasta: comfort food turned up to 11!”

5)  Chicken Shawarma at Aromas Cafe.  “I always get it with extra habiba sauce, which is really out of this world tasty!”

04/12/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Tracey Love

Tracey

On Fridays, we feature five foods finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Tracey Love, Event Coordinator at Blenheim Vineyards, Sales & Marketing Gal at Best of What’s Around, and founder of Hill & Holler, the host company of a series of fantastic roving farm dinners in the area.  Is there anything she doesn’t do?  Hill & Holler’s next dinner is Sunday, April 21, at the brand new Old Metropolitan Hall, featuring a menu prepared by Dean Maupin of C&O, as well as wines from Pollak Vineyards and cider from Potter’s Craft Cider.  Details and reservations here.

1)  Shredded Tofu Skin in Chili Sauce at Peter Chang’s China Grill.  “Nothing gets the mouth watering like cold, shredded, tofu skins with cilantro and a plethora of chili oil.”

2)  The Fat n’ Sassy at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie.  “Otherwise known as a four cheese pizza disguised as ‘cheesy bread,’ studded with roasted garlic, cut into squares, and served with house-made ranch dressing.  Broccoli optional.  Extra ranch not optional.”

3)  Bucatini All’Amatriciana at Tavola.  “So simple, so good, yet impossible to re-create at home. I could eat this everyday – and the fellas at Tavola can attest to that.”

4)  Tachos at Fardowners.  “Translation = tater tot nachos piled high with all the fixins.  Best shared with friends and pints of local beer.”

5)  The Riviera at Greenwood Gourmet Grocery.  “Hands down, the best tuna sandwich, period. Filled with quality tuna, olive oil, capers, red onion and magic. Served on crusty Goodwin Creek bread.  What’s not to love?”