The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: El Puerto

04/12/2024

Five Finds on Friday: Lorena Aparicio

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Lorena Aparicio, who this week celebrates her tenth anniversary of work at Sultan Kebab. Originally from Puebla, Mexico, Aparicio has been a key reason for Sultan Kebab’s decade of excellence and success. In addition to her picks, below are words of appreciation from Sultan Kebab’s owners. Aparicio’s picks:

1) Carnitas at El Puerto. “I like the carnitas because they are made with the flavor of my country.”

2) Enchiladas Verdes at El Comalito. “The sauce is delicious.”

3) Sopa de Gallina at El Ciruelo.”It is good quality chicken from Honduras, and has a unique flavor.”

4) Tacos de Carne Asada at Tacos Gómez. “I like their carne asada tacos because the tortillas are freshly made.”

5) Pupusas at Mi Casita. “I like their pupusas because they are soft with well-melted cheese.”

Sultan Kebab’s tribute to Aparicio:

We celebrate a remarkable milestone at Sultan Kebab restaurant – 10 incredible years with our dedicated team member, Lorena!

Lorena, your hard work and unwavering loyalty have been instrumental in our journey to becoming the thriving restaurant we are today.

We are forever grateful for your dedication, expertise, and kindness. Your presence has been a cornerstone of our success, and we cannot imagine Sultan Kebab without you.

As we mark this decade-long journey together, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for all that you do. You are more than just a team member – you are family.

Here’s to many more years of delicious food, warm smiles, and unforgettable experiences together! Cheers, Lorena, and thank you for being an integral part of our Sultan Kebab family!

11/06/2020

Five Finds on Friday: Christina Fessler

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from reader Christina Fessler. In celebration of the Culture of Takeout, all autumn long Five Finds on Friday features readers selected at random in weekly drawings. Also part of the prize is a $100 restaurant gift certificate, like Fessler’s to MarieBette. Check back Monday November 9 to enter next week’s drawing, which includes a $100 gift certificate to Zocalo. Fessler’s favorites from the Culture of Takeout:

1) Brisket from Ace Biscuit & Barbecue. “This was one of the first dishes I had after first moving into Charlottesville. The brisket was very juicy and full of flavor and the different sauces that Ace Biscuit & Barbecue had to offer further accentuated the rich spices and love that went into this dish.” 

2) Chicken Nachos from El Puerto. “So simple but yet so satisfying. This dish has the right amount of queso to make anyone happy. This place is truly a hidden gem.”

3) Shrimp and Grits from Ivy Inn. “My only gripe about this dish is that there is not an unlimited supply of it on hand. The shrimp is always cooked perfectly, and the grits have the right amount of butter and cheesy goodness that you crave in your grits. I always want seconds after this and never do I want to share.”

4) The Balboa (AKA “The Italian Philly”) from Basil. “This is a dish that you need to share. Do not sleep on Basil’s sandwiches. Not only is the portion size fit for two grown adults, it is a heck of a value! But beware this sandwich can get messy.”

5) Fried Green Tomato BLT from Croby’s. “Not only is the food good at Croby’s, so are the people. The staff here genuinely love their job and it shows in their food. The fried green tomato BLT is something I crave on the daily. It comes with not one tomato, but two. Did I also mention the very generous bacon portions?”

07/13/2012

Five Finds on Friday: George Cohen

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs, personalities, or readers.  This week we take a break from chefs to bring you the picks of George Cohen, Chair of the UVa Faculty Senate, who recently led the faculty’s effort to secure the reinstatement of UVa President Theresa Sullivan.  Cohen’s five picks:

1.  Lox and Vegetable Cream Cheese on an Everything Bagel at  Bodo’s.  Great soul food that takes me back to my Jewish New Jersey roots.  Now if we could only get some good herring in sour cream and onions!

2.  Black & White Cookies at Chandler’s.  Another childhood favorite.  I also love their chocolate cakes.

3.  Hot and Sour Soup at Szechuan.  We have known the Yu family for years and this is my personal favorite dish there.

4.  Pesto Wrap at Zazus Fresh Grille.   Zazus is a big favorite of my law professor colleagues and I just love the pesto wrap.

5.  Fajita Burrito at El Puerto.  This is another of my lunch favorites.  Delicious, though I usually am in a stupor for several hours afterwards.