The Charlottesville 29

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

Tag: Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint

Five Finds on Friday: John McMahon

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from John McMahon of Schuyler Greens. You’ve either never had McMahon’s greens, or you love them. While most local produce suffers the whims of Mother Nature, hydroponically grown Schuyler Greens have great flavor and texture all year round. In addition to area restaurants, find them at Foods of All Nations, Feast!, Timbercreek Market, Crozet Great Valu, Reid’s, and Market Street Market. McMahon’s picks:

1) Ponch Burger at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint. “After a long week on the farm, nothing beats a cold beer and a Ponch Burger (or two) at Jack Brown’s, which is only available on Fridays.”

2) The Bellissima at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie. “When you combine country ham, arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan on a pizza, what is not to love? Pro tip: Wash down with a Three Notch’d Pomegranate Gose (when seasonally available).”

3) Enchiladas Rancheras at La Michoacana. “It is borderline stressful to order only one dish at La Michoacana. The food is that good.”

4) Cheesy Bacon Potatoes at Smoked Kitchen and Tap. “Although known for excellent BBQ and home to the biggest burger I’ve ever eaten (#thanks Charlottesville29), make sure to order a side of the cheesy bacon potatoes. It might be the best ‘hash’ I’ve ever had.”

5) The Dude Abides at Fry’s Spring Station. Great food across the board but the Dude Abides = comfort food in pizza form. They also have a huge craft beer menu that constantly changes, so it pays to visit often.

Five Finds on Friday: Ysabel Devitt

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Ysabel Devitt, sous chef of Lampo. Devitt’s picks:

1) Pork Belly Banh Mi at Three Notch’d Kitchen and Brewery. “Always love a good Banh Mi. For me the key is the right balance between the salty and savory of the meat and the bright acidity of the pickled vegetables and the fresh flavor of the cilantro. This one is also excellent with the tofu instead of pork belly and I always love seeing good vegetarian options.”

2) Torta Michoacana at La Michoacana. “Despite not being able to pick up this sandwich-as-large-as-my-face, I found that I didn’t care and devoured every bite.”

3) Jalapeño Popper Burger at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint. “When I’m looking for late night snacks, this is often my go to. If I’m looking for a little extra kick I’ll add fresh habeñeros making it a little more like The Shocker, another favorite of mine (though not for the weak of heart, or those with sensitive palates).”

4) Fried Bologna Sandwich at 1221 Market Street (formerly Holly’s). “Thick cut Bologna, Havarti, fried egg, Dijon, Duke’s, and crispy onions on grilled bread. Hits the spot (especially when paired with happy hour specials)!”

5) Chicken Shack at Ivy Provisions. “I’m a sucker for pimento cheese. Put it on a baguette with fried chicken, bacon, and pickles and I’m completely sold. Though, when I do go to IvP I make sure to look over the specials board and their rotating ‘secret menu.'”

Five Finds on Friday: Cesar Perez

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Photo by Tom McGovern.

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Cesar Perez, chef of The Bebedero, Will Richey’s Mexican restaurant due to open next month.  Details here.  Perez also cooked at The Alley Light and was sous chef of The Whiskey Jar.  Perez says he really likes the pork chop at The Whiskey Jar, in addition to his five picks:

1) Grilled Salmon at ZoCaLo. “Every time I come in to this place, I crave the delicious salmon. I love the fact the it is always perfect and consistent as the time before.”

2) Cemita de Carne Asada at Al Carbon.  “I come from Puebla, where these sandwiches are created, and I just love the fact that we finally have these cemitas in Charlottesville. When I first saw them on the menu I was I little skeptical, but they really won me over.  They are as good as I remember!”

3) Danny Laruso Burger at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint.  “I love this burger. I love how the cream cheese and jalapeño jelly infuse with the burger. It’s like a party in my mouth!”

4)  Lamb or Goat Masala at Royal Indian.  “I love all the flavors found in this dish – you get creamy, spicy and sweet at the same time, along with a million more flavors infusing in your mouth!”

5)  Honey Fire Sirloin Tips Pasta at Timberwood Grill.  “I really like this pasta.  It’s nice and creamy, hot and sweet, and the sirloin tips are cooked to perfection. It’s an amazing pasta overall!”