The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Greenwood Gourmet Grocery

02/06/2015

Five Finds on Friday: Michael Lewis

Lewis, left, with Rufus.

Lewis, left, with Rufus.

On Fridays, we feature five foods finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Michael Lewis, chef-owner of Mono Loco.  On Sunday, February 22, Mono Loco is doing yet another of its hugely popular pop-up brunches, from 12-4.  There’s great stuff on those pop-up brunch menus, so mark your calendars. Lewis’ picks:

1)  Double Espresso at Greenwood Gourmet Grocery. “This is how I start most mornings: a double espresso with David and Nina the owners, and joining in on the colorful conversations.  It’s a gourmand’s Mom & Pop!  In the afternoons, try an amazing chicken sope with fresh pineapple pico, hope Claude Thibaut is doing a wine tasting, and say hello to Rufus the dog.”

2)  Smoked Jalapeno Meatloaf Sandwich from South Fork food truck. “Phil used to work with us at Mono, so its awesome to watch his continued success. I never imagined I could derive so much joy from a meatloaf sandwich, but his is savory and rich with a hint of spice, and he won’t judge you if you order two!”

3)  Carne Asada at MAS Tapas.  “My happy place.  Tomas and crew are my go to spot for the Charlottesville uninitiated.  It’s crowded, brash, loud and unapologetic, and I love that.  Plus, the carne asada is always spot on.”

4)  Crabcake at Three Notch’d Grill.  “Out in Crozet, Haden and Cathy just run a solid, chill place.  Sit at the bar, have a Titos’s martini and my favorite crabcake in town.  They’re filled with crab, not filler, and the jicama slaw and lemon beurre-blanc just balance the dish beautifully.”

5)  Spicy Tuna Tartar at Zocalo.  “Some people complain that it’s the same menu, so what!!  It’s consistently good food, year in and year out, which is incredibly difficult to do.  And, the tuna tartar is the best app in town.”

11/21/2014

Five Finds on Friday: Kristen Suokko

Kristen Suokko

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  As we head into Thanksgiving week, today’s picks come from Kristen Suokko, Executive Director of Local Food Hub, the nonprofit devoted to our local food system that works with seventy small farms to distribute fresh produce and meats to schools, hospitals, retailers, restaurants, food banks, and more.  Suokko’s picks:

1)  Salad Bar at Blue Ridge Country Store.  “In fact, anything fresh and quick will do. Their salad bar and soups are the perfect grab-and-go lunch option, and I often stop by mid-afternoon to pick up fresh produce to cook for dinner that evening.”

2)  Prosciutto Panini Special at Feast!. S. Wallace Edwards prosciutto, pickled red onions, local apples, and Caromont Farm goat cheese on focaccia.  “Their specials change daily based on what is available from local farmers, and they never cease to have something spectacular.  My kids love The Elvis, made with Virginia peanut butter, candied bacon, and bananas on oatmeal crunch bread.”

3)  Double H Farm Pork Chop with Local Apple Cider Glaze and Delicata Squash at Hamiltons’ at First and Main.  “Chef Curtis Shaver is able to bring out the best flavors of every season, and does an excellent job at using the best of what is available in our area.”

4)  Winter Quiche at Greenwood Gourmet Grocery, with local bacon, eggs, and vegetables.  “Whenever I’m hiking in western Albemarle, or visiting some of our many vineyards or breweries, I always stop by Greenwood Gourmet Grocery in Crozet for a bite. All of their café food is prepared in-house daily. Their offerings are complex yet always remain true to the flavors of our region, like a fresh summer slaw made with cabbage, carrots, peppers, and onions, or the warm winter quiche. And, I never skip on dessert here, especially their homemade pies!”

5)  Winesap Apples from Dickie Brothers Orchard. “Local Food Hub works with a handful of orchardists in our area, all of whom have introduced us to unique and rare varieties over the years, like the tart Gold Rush, the sweet Pink Lady, the firm red-skinned Jonathan, and more.  Just last night, at our food awards and 5th birthday celebration, Dickie Brothers Orchard won our award for 2014 Partner Producer of the Year, Fruit.  You can pick up a local apple just about anywhere: Integral Yoga, Rebecca’s Natural Foods, paired with a hearty soup from Revolutionary Soup, or fresh from the Charlottesville City Market, just to name a few.”