The Charlottesville 29

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

Tag: Iron Paffles & Coffee

02/11/2022

Five Finds on Friday: Dani Landi

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Dani Landi of Kaas and Cure Board Co., a trailer which pops up at various locations like vineyards and cideries to offer custom-made cheese and charcuterie boards. She’s also available for private workshops and events. Follow along on Facebook or Instagram for her latest whereabouts. Landi’s picks:

1) The Hodgepodge from Public Fish & Oyster. “When my husband and I get a kid-free date night, we love to make reservations at Public Fish & Oyster. Last time we ate there I ordered a refreshing French 75 cocktail with The Hodgepodge. It includes all my favorite seafood. Virginia clams, mussels, oysters, shrimp, tomato, haricot verts, rice, lobster “Nantua” sauce. My husband is allergic to shrimp, so we never cook it at home. When I see shrimp on a menu, I order it.”

2) Filet Mignon with Chimichurri Sauce from South and Central. “It is nearly impossible for me to pick a favorite from South and Central in the Dairy Market. Every single time I have dined there my meal has been amazing. I love how the platillos (small plates) change often. They had these amazing tacos on the small plate menu once, and I secretly hope they are back on the menu every time we go. If you are reading this South and Central, please bring back those tacos.”

3) The Savory Custom from Iron Paffles & Coffee. “What’s better than a Paffle? Being able to customize your own. I am allergic to eggs, so it’s not often that I get to indulge in anything sweet and savory. Their puff pastry waffle sandwiches are available in vegan (egg free) and gluten free. I go all out, when I order. The more toppings the better. If you aren’t already following them on Instagram, you need to. Trust me.”

4) The Cowboy from Jack Brown’s. “One of my favorite places to go after attending a concert downtown is Jack Brown’s. My go-to order is always an IPA Dry-Hopped cider from Bold Rock and The Cowboy. The Cowboy is a Burger topped with BBQ sauce, Applewood Smoked Bacon and American cheese with a side of sweet potato fries.”

5) Grilled Pork Steak and Charred Carrots from Oakhart Social. “Dining at Oakhart Social is meant to be a shared experience, but I find it so hard to share. One time I went with a big group of friends, and we ordered almost every dish on the menu. I always end my meal there with a delicious after dinner drink.”

02/21/2020

Five Finds on Friday: Robin Fetter

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Robin Fetter, author of The Real Vegan Housewife, whose Instagram and Facebook pages cover all things Charlottesville and vegan. The Instagram page is planning a giveaway if it reaches 1,000 followers this month. You can follow along here to enter. Fetter’s all-vegan picks: 

1) Veggie Iron at Iron Paffles & Coffee. “You can catch me eating here at least once a week. If I am not trying out their weekly vegan specials at lunch, I am usually ordering the Veggie Iron for breakfast because when it’s served with their equally amazing Cafe Americano, it really sets my morning off right.”

2) Pineapple Jerk Cauliflower Wings at Champion Grill. “This place has won me over in the short amount of time it has been open, and these wings have the perfect sweet and spicy balance that goes well with their incredible beers. I personally suggest pairing this with their True Love Mexican Style Lager.”

3) Vegan Wonton Nachos at Firefly. “This place has become quite the vegan staple over the years, and they are always adding something new on their menu for the plant based patrons, but these nachos will always call my name. Besides, who can say no to a plate of fully loaded fried wontons?”

4) Tofu Bibimbap (without egg) at Doma Korean Kitchen. “I promise you that you will not miss the egg. This dish is so full of flavor, and still has a lot of the elements of a traditional bibimbap.”

5) Tomates Asados (Smoked Roma Tomatoes) at MAS Tapas. “MAS Tapas is surprisingly more vegan friendly than one might think, and this dish in particular may not sound like much when you see it on the menu but I gotta warn you, it’s addictive. I could seriously eat these tomatoes by the bucketful, but if you order these with their hummus which also comes with their amazing house made cold fermented bread, guaranteed – you’ll thank me later.”

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01/17/2020

Five Finds on Friday: Whitney Matthews

Whitney

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Whitney Matthews of SpiceSea Gourmet, three time finalist for Best Food Truck in Charlottesville. To find her stellar po boys, lobster/shrimp rolls, and more around town, check the monthly calendar on her website and follow along on her Facebook page. Matthews’ picks:

1) Garlicky Greens Kraut from Farmstead Ferments. “I (and my mother) love this kraut. It goes with everything – eggs in the morning, sandwiches for lunch, or straight out of the jar. It’s always crisp and full of flavor. There is always a jar in my refrigerator.”

2) Canelés from MarieBette. “This is my extra special treat. Canelés are not a typical pastry to find, but MarieBette always has them and they are always delicious. Biting through the thick caramelized crust into the custard center is my favorite part.”

3) Cabernet Franc Reserve from Montifalco Vineyard. “This wine is wonderful. Not too heavy, lovely mouth feel, and pairs great with a steak. One of my favorite wines from the region. Also, the atmosphere at Montifalco is perect – welcoming, calming, small, and charming. The owners take special care to make sure each guest has an exceptional experience. They also bring in wines from around the world to add to their tasting flights. A great, small batch winery.”

4) Classic Tomato Sauce from Nona’s Italian Cucina. “Such a versatile sauce. I’ve used it for classic pasta dishes, baked with zucchini and mozzarella, and as a dip for baguettes. I always imagine a little Italian nona standing over a stove stirring her pot when I open a bottle. I love that you can taste the garlic and parsley shining through the tomato. The wife and husband team are frequently at the City Market and they take the time to give samples and talk about the sauce.”

5) Fried Chicken Paffle from Iron Paffles & Coffee. “First, all the sandwiches from Iron are amazing, but there’s something about the crunch of the chicken that keeps me coming back. You can build your own chicken paffle to fit what you desire – pepper jack cheese, aioli, and arugula for me. Also, their Instagram page is great. All those beautiful pictures of specials and desserts. It’s mouthwatering.”

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