The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Continental Divide

10/26/2018

Five Finds on Friday: Francesca Black

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Francesca Black, chef of Continental Divide, which has been closed for two weeks after water damage related to Hurricane Michael, but is poised to re-open next week. Black’s picks:

1) Late Night Burger with a Salty Dog at C & O. “I usually get fixated on one aspect or one ingredient of a dish so, for me, an exceptional food experience happens when that fixation isn’t easy to discern — a temporary whirlwind sets in because it is that good. C&O late night does that for me. I am rarely free during regular dinner hours, so after work we sometimes head over for that divine burger. The crispy bun, the crunchy lettuce, that perfect first bite. It all becomes complete with their salty dog, the delicious classic with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and a salted rim. It’s a great way to end a long work day.”

2) Masala Dosa from Desi Dosa with Turmeric Lassi from Planet Earth Diversified at the City Market. “If I can make it Saturday morning, the City Market rules. I love the Southern Indian vendor Desi Dosa. They focus on letting the intensity of their spices speak for themselves in simple dishes like the masala dosa, a thin stuffed pancake. Speaking of bold spice, the turmeric lassi from Planet Earth Diversified really wakes you up and goes great with spicy the food.”

3) Octopus Tempura and Hot Sake at Now & Zen. “Although hard to choose food favorites, octopus is absolutely up there, and when tempura fried, it’s a whole different level! I could eat Now & Zen’s octopus tempura everyday — it’s perfectly fried, salted and served with spicy mayo. Then with some hot sake — enough said.”

4) Half Chicken and Green Rice with Aji Sauce at Al Carbon. “I was definitely late to the game to visit Al Carbon on 29 but a friend got some take out one night, let me taste it, and I was instantly hooked. The flavors, especially in the homemade sauces, are unbelievable. I like to get the half chicken, break it up into the green rice and cover it in aji sauce, their medium, garlicky wonder.”

5) Fried Chicken and/or Meta’s Burger with Crushed Ice Soda at Mel’s Cafe. “Of all the delicious restaurants in Charlottesville, I think Mel’s might take the cake. Mel’s cures a bad day and makes a good day that much better. I can never choose between the chicken or Meta’s burger, both of which instantly fuel a tingling sensation even at the thought. Continental is so close, too –we are very proud and lucky to have them as our neighbors!”

10/19/2018

Five Finds on Friday: Lisa Reeder

lisa reeder

Lisa Reeder, January 13, 1974 – October 14, 2018

The Charlottesville food community lost a pillar this week. The Local Food Hub’s Lisa Reeder was a tireless advocate for our local food community, overseeing programs like Fresh Farmacy, Farm to Workplace, Harvest of the Month and more. In celebration of Reeder’s life and passion for Charlottesville food, today’s Five Finds on Friday are Reeder favorites remembered by her friends, husband, and son.

1) Rosso from Gabriele Rausse Winery. “Lisa loved and championed many things, but supporting local producers, celebrating outstanding craftsmanship, and enjoying a good red wine with a meal were all very high on her list. A perfect synthesis of these loves can be found in the wines of her friend, Gabriele Rausse. At a table with Lisa, a bottle of Cab Franc or Red blend was often accompanied by anecdotes of the friendship and meals shared with the Rausse family over the years.” – Chelsea Hoyt

2) Red Hot Blues at Continental Divide. “Lisa and I started working at the Divide in college but our love affair with the ‘careful top plate is hot’ delicacy and a side of ‘wait a minute’ continues. Lisa always ordered fresh tomatoes on top and you can’t go to the Divide without a margarita on the rocks with salt. It feels like home in those booths, ordering from the tequila list that will forever be Lisa’s chalkboard to me.” – Marlena Simon

3) Pierogie and Mettwurst and Jägerschnitzel Dinner at Augustiner Hall and Garden. “Lisa loved all things German, with food being near the top of that list. She and I had these pierogies twice in the past month. The first was to-go while dancing to her favorite local band, We Are Star Children, at the Pavilion. But two weeks ago, we had a proper meal at the restaurant. She split the pierogies and the jägerschnitzel dinner with my husband, and raved about them both. Plans were quickly made to try her own hand at schnitzel with my daughter Francesca, her often sous-chef. We’re going to keep that promise and continue Lisa’s legacy of food exploration and experimentation.” – Jen Oppenheimer

4) Heritage Apples from Vintage Virginia Apple. “Lisa loved all things apple. She taught classes about apples. She coordinated apple festivals. She looked forward to the fall harvest every year. Her favorite apple event was helping to hand out apples at schools for Farm to School Week through the Local Food Hub. She truly believed: An Apple A Day Keeps the Doctor Away.” – Geoff Shaw, Lisa’s husband

5) Nachos at Beer Run. “I am Lincoln, Lisa’s nine-year-old son. My mom and I would always walk to Beer Run and have date nights sharing nachos that my Dad couldn’t eat because he can’t have dairy. We did this a lot and always enjoyed it.” – Lincoln Shaw

While Reeder’s passing leaves a gaping hole in our food community, no one will miss her more than her son and husband. Geoff:

Lisa had battled melanoma since 2012, and it was only after she died that we found out she had a tumor in her brain that had grown really fast. Not only was it unexpected (we had no idea), but it was very quick as well. We feel blessed that she didn’t suffer.

We had an amazing day Saturday with friends in West Virginia. Lisa did everything she wanted. We went hiking and wine tasting, and she was surrounded by some of her close friends. She made dinner for nine people with spaghetti squash from Whisper Hill, beef from Free Union Grass Farm, and lettuce from Radical Roots. It’s exactly those moments that make her the happiest. She went to bed feeling fine, but left us in the night.

To carry forward Reeder’s legacy, you can help her husband and son as they embark upon this next chapter of their lives. Help Here.

09/21/2018

Five Finds on Friday: Ashley Williams

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Ashley Williams, new owner of Tavern & Grocery. Williams’ picks:

1) Charred Carrots at Oakhart Social. “I can’t get enough of these. Something about them just hits all the right chords. They are still crispy, and charred, and richly seasoned, all at the same time. Bold, balanced, perfect.”

2) Skillet Roasted Mussels at Tavola. “Whenever I go to Tavola, I have to order the mussels. Skillet roasted with just some garlic, they are indulgent and just plain FAB. Throw in a good crisp Italian white wine, and I’m good.”

3) Santa Fe Enchiladas at Continental Divide. “I can’t even think about going to Continental Divide without ordering the Santa Fe Enchiladas. I mean, as many times as I try to order something else, I just can’t do it. And with the pumpkin muffins on there, just doesn’t get better. (Not to date myself, but I’ve been ordering this for close to 20 years, and they are perfect every time.)”

4) Turkey on an Everything Bagel at Bodo’s. “A simple turkey sandwich on an everything bagel at Bodo’s is beyond a must. Lettuce, tomato, onion, light mayo, and you’ve done it. I lived in NYC for ten years and there was that deli that always just got it ‘right.’ Bodo’s gets this right, on another level. And how it’s less than $5 and you get it in less than 5 minutes . . it’s a simple miracle and gets me through a tough morning every time.”

5) Tuna Tartare at Now & Zen. “I don’t know how Toshi puts out food as good as he does in such a tiny spot, but he does. Now & Zen delivers with the tuna tartare. Fresh, seasoned perfectly, and beautiful. Any time I think of sushi, this is the dish I want.”