The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Continental Divide

04/11/2025

Five Finds on Friday: Lauren Guerra

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Lauren Guerra, Events Coordinator at Potter’s Craft Cider, which this weekend hosts one of the events of the year, and you can attend. Saturday April 12 from 12pm – 10pm, the Harambee for Makindu pulls together food by The Catering Outfit, cider by Potter’s Craft Cider, activities, games, and music by The Near Passerines, Jay Pun and Friends, Betty Jo’s Boogie Band, The Pollocks, Dropping Julia, and Mighty Joshua. The celebration is all to benefit The Makindu Children’s Program, which provides critical resources to orphaned and vulnerable children in Kenya. Info here. Guerra’s picks:

1) Breakfast Tacos and Farmhouse Dry at Beer Run. “These tacos are what dreams are made of. I’m a sucker for a really good handmade corn tortilla. Plus, I love that they support Innisfree Village by sourcing their eggs from the farm there. My go-to is always The Gardener with a tall glass of Potter’s Farmhouse Dry. Pro tip: ask them to add a splash of OJ or their delicious Bloody Mary mix to your Farmhouse for an extra brunchy treat. And don’t forget the tomatillo salsa.”

2) Saltati Scarola at Lampo. “It’s honestly impossible to pick just one thing from Lampo. Everything they make is incredibly good, and this restaurant holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. Whenever we go, my wife and I always get the escarole. It’s sautéed in all that garlicky goodness and doubles as the perfect dipping oil for your pizza crust. Who doesn’t love a two-for-one dish? Better yet: grab some of their house-made bread, soak it up, and top it off with the Mozzarella di Bufala. You’ll thank me later. P.S. Need an after-dinner drink? Go next door to Bar Baleno and ask for a Sweet Oil. P.P.S Like to run? Lampo has a pretty awesome all-levels run club that meets on Thursdays at 6 pm. There are raffles for Lampo swag, drink specials, and good ol’ fashioned fun. See you there.”

3) 5-Slice Sampler at Cake Bloom. “Because why stop at one slice? These cakes are seriously good. Hands down, their Rainbow Carrot is the best carrot cake I’ve ever had. It’s sometimes two slices on my sampler. The house-made salted caramel brings out all the warm spices in all the right ways. Best part? No nuts or raisins (thank you, Susan!). Definitely pair it with some prosecco—this cake is worth celebrating.”

4) Nachos at Continental Divide. “Continental is always worth the wait. The nachos and a special margarita (or two) hit the spot every time. They’re layered to perfection, so you get a fully loaded bite with every chip. Man, I wish I had some right now.”

5) House-Smoked Jerk Wings at Potter’s Craft Cider. “If you know me, you know how much I like chicken—and how much I really love chicken wings. These jerk wings are insanely good. You can definitely taste the love that goes into the whole four-day process to make them. They’ve got just enough heat to put a pep in your step and have you heading back to the bar for more. Highly recommend enjoying them out on the patio with a glass of Hopped Session.”

04/12/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Laurel Bennett

ladies

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from someone without whom this week’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship by the University of Virginia would not have happened. In March 2009, when Washington State men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett picked up the phone to call Virginia and decline its offer to become its men’s basketball coach, his wife Laurel suggested he put down the phone and give the decision more time. The next day, Tony called to accept the Virginia job. And, the rest is history. Laurel’s picks:

1) Pappardelle Bolognese at Tavola. “If you haven’t had it, just go get it.”

2) Any Meal at Pico Wrap. “My most frequented restaurant. Any meal, make it your way. My vote for friendliest, too.”

3) Trout and ANY Two Sides at Maya. “Eat every bite. Makes me feel right at home with my southern roots.”

4) Grilled Sea Scallops at Duner’s. “They are always cooked to perfection. And there’s room for dessert.”

5) Brownie A La Mode at Continental Divide. “Confession: I often make a pit stop here just for dessert. Amen.”

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Laurel Bennett and family, April 1, 2009, at the press conference introducing Tony Bennett as UVa Men’s Basketball Coach

 

03/29/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Nikki Fayolle

Nikki

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Nikki Fayolle, part of the husband-and-wife team that runs Blue Ridge Pizza Co. and soon will open No Limits Smokehouse in Belmont. As if that’s not enough, Fayolle also owns Glo-Out Gamour Bar. Stay tuned for details about the Fayolle’s new smokehouse. Fayolle’s picks:

1) Tofu Soup at Monsoon Siam. “Monsoon is a must for me. The tofu soup and pad Thai are my faves. I honestly probably eat there too much, but I can’t help myself. The staff is always welcoming also.”

2) Dealer’s Choice at The Alley Light. “The Alley Light is a no brainer for that slamming cocktail list of theirs. My go-to is the Dealer’s Choice. I enjoy the surprise and delight element I get when I order it. It’s always on point and absolutely amazing.”

3) Honey Gelato from Splendora’s. “Splendora’s hits my sweet tooth every time, especially when she runs the honey flavor. I seriously wait until the season hits so I can stuff my face full of that gelato. If people wouldn’t judge, I’d probably rub it all over my face. Yeah, it’s THAT good.”

4) Red Hot Blues at Continental Divide. “Continental Divide is my numero uno for margaritas and the Red Hot Blues. You can never just have one of those margs, like EVER. I also love that the girls there always know that I love the goat cheese and forever ask for extra. (Love you P-nut and Margie).”

5) Sotol at The Bebedero. “The Bebedero is creeping up on my new fave list also. They carry this liquor called Sotol. We had it when we went to Austin in January and let me tell you, the stuff is awesome. They carry all sorts of it, and the bartenders there are incredibly knowledgeable.”

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