The Charlottesville 29

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

Tag: Foods of All Nations

05/31/2022

#7: Notorious P.I.G. – Ivy Provisions

Photo by Do Me A Flavor.

The Italian

For many sandwich lovers, it is the ultimate sandwich. When a chef launched a podcast to dive deep into what makes a great sandwich, she devoted an entire episode to The Italian, which she called “everyone’s favorite sandwich.” At its best, it harmonizes elements as well as any other: salt, sweetness, fat, umami, creaminess, richness, crunch, acid, and more. It’s a sandwich where one bite just makes you want several more.

In recognition of the sandwich’s notoriety, when sandwich masters Ivy Provisions opened in 2013, they chose The Italian as their starting point, giving theirs the name Notorious P.I.G. With a team as committed to sandwich excellence as Ivy Provisions, there was purpose behind every decision that went into creating the anchor of their menu. Sure, the elements are typical: Italian cold cuts like salami, prosciutto, and capicola, along with provolone, pickled peppers, onion, lettuce, and a house Italian dressing. But, it is Ivy Provisions’ careful sourcing, portioning, and assembly that makes this the most irresistible Italian sub in town. Grab it by two fists, chomp, and enjoy.

#7: Notorious P.I.G. – Ivy Provisions
(GFA)
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: My Italian at Belle, Fugheddaboudit at The Wich Lab, Italian Job at Kitchen(ette), The Pelosi at Rapture, Italian Stallion at Hunt Country Market, AJ Soprano at Chickadee, Da Vinci at Mona Lisa, Italian Sub at Tubby’s, Belmont at The Market at Bellair (GFA), Authentic Italian at Foods of All Nations. Vegetarian Alternatives: Vegeletta at Belle, Roasted Vegetable Sandwich at Mona Lisa, The Local at Feast! (GFA), Roasted Vegetable Sandwich at Market Street Market (GFA)

05/17/2022

#22: The Angry Bird – Kitchen(ette)

Photo by Do Me A Flavor.

The Chicken Sandwich
(Roasted or Grilled)

Charlottesville has not always been a great place for sandwiches. Over the last decade, though, the quality and quantity of sandwiches in Charlottesville have exploded, thanks to a cadre of chefs who have turned their passion for sandwiches into businesses.

Leading the way is a pair who love sandwiches almost as much as they love each other. After catering together for years, in 2017 Morgan Hurt and her husband Gabe Garcia Gomez decided to pursue their dream of running a sandwich shop. At Kitchen(ette), they make refined versions of classic sandwiches as well their own creations. You can’t go wrong, but one standout is their riff on a chicken sandwich. For the Angry Bird, they roast dry-rubbed chicken thighs and stack them on ciabatta with cheddar cheese, herb aioli, red onion, sliced tomato and greens. What makes it “angry” is the addition of fresh jalapeños, a nod to Gomez’s Mexico City roots, and indeed this is his favorite sandwich on the menu. A worthy choice.

#22: The Angry Bird – Kitchen(ette)
(GFA)
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches 

Others of Note: 90’s Club at Revolutionary Soup (GFA), Winner Winner at Ivy Provisions (GFA), Chicken Philly in a wrap at Beer Run, The Scott Norwood at ooey, gooey, crispy, The Grilled Clucker at Multiverse Kitchens, The Wilson at The Whiskey Jar, Fluvanna at MarieBette, El Paso at Foods of All Nations. Vegetarian Alternative: The Penny at Kitchen(ette)

05/14/2022

#25: Chicken Cheddar Fig Panini – Feast!

Photo by Do Me A Flavor.

The Sweet Sandwich

There are no dessert sandwiches in The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches. The rules forbid it. But sometimes a craving hits for a little sweetness in a savory sandwich. Not too much. It must be balanced.

The Chicken Cheddar Fig Panini at Feast! is just that. A smear of fig jam on Albemarle Baking Co. focaccia lends just enough sweetness to complement the rest of the ingredients on one of the most popular sandwiches at Charlottesville’s beloved gourmet shop: sliced chicken, Vermont cheddar, mayo, and mustard. A few minutes on the panini press yields a cracker-like crust and tender interior that make the sandwich even more addictive.

#25: Chicken Cheddar Fig Panini – Feast!
(GFA)
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: Jefferson at The Market (GFA), Turkey Trot on Whole Wheat, Pressed at Beer Run, Adam’s Apple at Revolutionary Soup (GFA), Jive Turkey at Kitchen(ette) (GFA), Berry Turkey at C’Ville Coffee & Wine, Prosciutto & Fig Panini at Tilman’s, New Italian Sandwich #5 at Foods of All Nations; Vegetarian Alternative: Wild Vine at Beer Run, Local Grilled Tofu at Revolutionary Soup (GFA)

%d bloggers like this: