The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Clifton Inn

02/15/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Hunter Smith

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On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Hunter Smith, owner and brewer at Champion Brewing Company, the newest brewery on the Charlottesville scene.  This Sunday, from 1-4 p.m., Champion is hosting an oyster and stout event, featuring freshly shucked oysters from Rappahannock River Oysters paired with Champion’s new oyster stout, made from those same oysters.  If you’ve never had oysters and stout together, Sunday’s event is a great chance to try this classic pairing.  Also, on March 14 at 6 p.m., Smith will be appearing at The Artisan Series, Blenheim Vineyards’ series of  lectures and demonstrations featuring experts in the art and science of fermentation.  Smith’s picks:

1)  Tres Colores Fish and Chips at Beer Run.  “I don’t know what it is, but this fresh twist on a pub favorite really nails it for me.  Moderate spicy heat, and really fresh pico on top of crunchy catfish is perfect with an IPA for me.”

2)  Carne Asada at Mas.  “I could order at Mas by using the menu as a dartboard and always be happy, but I particularly love the melt-in-your-mouth eyelid-squeeze-inducing carne asada.  A showcase of amazing beef that seems to just barely touch the grill.  Carnivore indulgence.”

3.  Baltimore-Style Pit Beef Sandwich at Ace Biscuit & BBQ.  “Brian catered our soft opening party and it was love at first bite. (Forgive the cliché.)  Everything I’ve had there is fantastic . . . . We rarely have time to do lunch outside of the brewery because of hectic brewdays, so when we can, we plop down at Ace and I love the tender, juicy Baltimore-style pit beef with a smooth kick from the horseradish sauce.  Can’t skip the side of fried green tomatoes.  Always motivated to work out after a trip to fat kid heaven.”

4)  Tacos de Lengua at La Michoacana.  “We have been the fortunate offsite venue of choice for La Michoacana to set up their truck and by god is their food every bit as amazing from the truck as it is at the restaurant.  Nothing off of the list is less than great, but I love the chewy and flavorful tongue, prepared ‘Mexican’ style, with their green hot sauce.  3 of these plus a Missile IPA = so bangin’.”

5)  Duck Confit at The Clifton Inn.  “I recently attended a beer dinner at Clifton Inn, and as usual Tucker, Tyler, and Collin were swinging for the fences. The highlight for me was duck confit with roasted endive, cocoa nib nougatine, and cherry fruit leather.  Seriously?  Seriously.”

12/14/2012

Five Finds on Friday: Angelo Vangelopoulos

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On Fridays, we feature five finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Angelo Vangelopoulos, chef/owner of Ivy Inn.  Vangelopoulos’ picks:

1)  Nachos at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie.  “It’s the first thing that comes to mind when I decide to make the trip to North Garden.  I love the Jack London pizza, but the nachos make me come back over and over.”

2)  Moroccan Wrap or Chicken Shawarma Wrap at Aromas Cafe.  “It’s a toss up: the Moroccan wrap with the world’s tastiest eggplant or the shawarma.  Hassan and his staff make the experience memorable — great place for a lunch date.”

3)  The Chef’s Counter at Clifton Inn.  “It’s like eating in your own kitchen if it was staffed with five great chefs and a great service staff.  The snacks and courses seem to be endless.”

4)  Chorizo Potatoes with a side of Homemade Tomatillo-Avocado Sauce at Cafe Cubano.   “It’s so good I’ll eat yours too.”

5)  Goat Vin D’Alho and Naan at Milan Indian Cuisine.  “Ask for extra napkins and order another beer.  It’s succulent, spicy and soul warming.  Don’t even try to eat without using your hands.”

11/09/2012

Five Finds on Friday: Tyler Teass

Tyler Teass, standing, with Chef Tucker Yoder.

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Tyler Teass, sous chef at Clifton Inn.  On Monday, November 12, Clifton Inn will host a four-course wine dinner with pairings from Blenheim Vineyards.  Teass’ picks:

1)  Nugget’s Raw Kombucha at City Market.   I love all fermented foods, and all of their flavors of kombucha are really tasty.

2)  Cocktails at 9 1/2 Speakeasy.  It’s got great cocktails, and they keep it quiet.  It’s a great place for after work drinks or dates.

3)  Vegetable Soup with Bread and Butter on the late night menu at C&O.  Delicious and hits the spot especially now since the weather’s gotten colder.  Plus, they play great music.

4)  Duet of Lamb “Greek Style” at Ivy Inn.  Angelo is the nicest guy ever and makes awesome food.  His gyros are worth the trip to Ivy alone. 

5)  Larb at Thai Siam.  It’s one of a kind and I constantly crave their food.