The Charlottesville 29

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

Tag: Commonwealth Restaurant & Skybar

03/15/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Cheley Napoli

cheley

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Cheley Napoli of The Bebedero, which is among the participants in this weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day Downtown. During Saturday’s Shamrock Crawl, a green wristband earns you discounts and specials throughout the day at downtown restaurants and shops, including The Bebedero. Free with a suggested donation to PB&J Fund, wristbands are available at Citizen Burger Bar, Spring Street Boutique, and The Hip Joint. For Sunday’s Paint the Town Green, there will be more specials and discounts, decked out shops and restaurants, and children’s fun like balloons, chalk, and activity stations. Event details here. Napoli’s picks:

1) Wasabi Roll at TEN. “I love seafood, especially when it comes to sushi. The wasabi roll is always my go-to because I love tuna and spicy/hot foods. It’s the perfect amount of heat, especially when you pair it with a great cocktail to cool you off. This is one of my favorite places to visit regularly as the staff, ambiance, and food are always great.”

2) Pepper and Garlic Shrimp at Peter Chang’s. “Is my absolute favorite! The steamed snow peas, hot peppers, leeks, red bell peppers, and asparagus make it spicy, light, and earthy. I always feel good after that particular dish. I love the Nigori Cold Sake with it. Perfect combination.”

3) Vegetarian Omelette at Commonwealth Restaurant and Skybar. “Commonwealth is one of the best places to go to brunch. I love Chef Shanesy’s new brunch menu. The vegetarian omelette (with a side of bacon) is one of my favorite brunch dishes. I like vegetables, but I am by no means a vegetarian, so it’s a great balance. Pair that with a Bloody Mary and you have a well-balanced meal.”

4) Smoked Chicken Wings at The Whiskey Jar. “I love The Whiskey Jar because I am a hard-core bourbon fan. I love trying the different varieties and being able to get flights. They also just started barreling their own bourbons with Elijah Craig, which is super cool. Their wings are the best wings in Charlottesville hands down. It’s great place to just chill and feel comfort.”

5) Braised Lamb Shank at The Bebedero. “I am not trying to be biased but The Bebedero is the most beautiful, and passionately driven restaurant I have ever been a part of. From River’s art, incredible bartending, and beautifully crafted cocktails, to Chef Kelvino’s gorgeous and delicious plates it is a place unlike any other. My favorite things from here are the mezcals, one of my favorites being the Del Maguey Pechuga, and chef’s Lamb Shank. I love lamb, and he knocks it out of the park. So tender, it falls right off the bone. Yum. I also enjoy a scorpion shot every now and then. Feels like vacation whenever I am there.”

special1

Special2

paint green

St. Paddy's Day

06/06/2018

Cville Ham Biscuits

Cville Ham Biscuits are all over Charlottesville: from humble dives to fine dining restaurants, and everywhere in between. We find them in country stores, gas stations, butchers, farms, church suppers, picnics, cookouts, weddings, funerals, coat pockets, and car seats. We eat them to celebrate, to mourn, and for no particular reason at all. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the Cville Ham Biscuit knows no boundaries – not race, creed, nor color. And, among the many great ham biscuits around town, no two are the same. Here is where to find some of the best.

Batesville Market
Shaved Kite’s Country Ham with local Elysium honey
batesvillebicuit

Exchange Café
Cheddar chive biscuit with applewood smoked ham and house made bacon fig jam
exchangecafebiscut

Feast!
Jane’s Sweet Potato Biscuit w/ Edwards Country Ham and Va. Chutney Co. Plum Chutney
kristenfinn_feast_catering_lowres_022

Hunt Country Market
Country Ham with house made honey mustard
huntcountry

Ivy Inn
Kite’s Country Ham with hickory syrup mustard
biscuits

JM Stock Provisions
House-made Tasso ham with hot sauce and honey
biscuit

Paradox Pastry
Kite’s Country Ham with Dijon mustard
(Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday)
paradox

The Whiskey Jar
Kite’s Country Ham
WhiskeyJarBiscuitB

09/01/2017

Five Finds on Friday: Tres Pittard

tres

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Tres Pittard, the former chef of Charley’s Waterfront Kitchen in Farmville who is now sous chef of Commonwealth Restaurant & Skybar. This Monday, Commonwealth relaunches with a new menu of Modern Virginian Cuisine, in collaboraton with restaurateur Will Richey and chef Harrison Keevil. A preview of the new-and-improved Commonwealth. Pittard’s picks:

1) Orecchiette, House Sausage, Broccoli Rabe from Vivace. “First of all, I really like the outdoor seating here. The pasta and the atmosphere definitely tie in together, and all in all it is a very comforting experience.” 

2) Ham Biscuit from JM Stock Provisions. “How did I not know about these sooner? I enjoy everything about these and always contemplate if I’ve gotten enough of them on the walk to the car.”

3) Mexican Street Corn from Junction. “This was ridiculously good and I actually had to order another round to come out with the meal.”

4) Spinach, Goat cheese, Egg and Honey Pie from The Pie Chest. “Another thing I was recently introduced to but can’t seem to stop thinking about. And, the thought of these being available Saturday mornings at Draft for soccer is starting to blow my mind a little. Just that good.” 

5) Chicken Francaise from Bella’s. “Athough Bella’s serves family style, I could definitely have this one to myself. The entirety of the dish was on point, and I can see why this one usually sells out.”