The Charlottesville 29

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

Tag: Junction

03/01/2018

2018 Best New Restaurant Finalists

Charlotesville29_Logo_2018

After the final entry tomorrow, The 2018 Charlottesville 29 will be complete, answering: if there were just 29 restaurants in Charlottesville, what would be the ideal 29? To be eligible for this year’s 29, a restaurant must have been open continuously since January 1, 2017. This allows restaurants time to get their footing and prove themselves before being considered. But, many restaurants that opened in 2017 are still worthy of recognition. And, they are in the running for Best New Restaurant.

The 2018 Charlottesville 29 Best New Restaurant will be announced this Monday, March 5. The finalists are:

09/01/2017

Five Finds on Friday: Tres Pittard

tres

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Tres Pittard, the former chef of Charley’s Waterfront Kitchen in Farmville who is now sous chef of Commonwealth Restaurant & Skybar. This Monday, Commonwealth relaunches with a new menu of Modern Virginian Cuisine, in collaboraton with restaurateur Will Richey and chef Harrison Keevil. A preview of the new-and-improved Commonwealth. Pittard’s picks:

1) Orecchiette, House Sausage, Broccoli Rabe from Vivace. “First of all, I really like the outdoor seating here. The pasta and the atmosphere definitely tie in together, and all in all it is a very comforting experience.” 

2) Ham Biscuit from JM Stock Provisions. “How did I not know about these sooner? I enjoy everything about these and always contemplate if I’ve gotten enough of them on the walk to the car.”

3) Mexican Street Corn from Junction. “This was ridiculously good and I actually had to order another round to come out with the meal.”

4) Spinach, Goat cheese, Egg and Honey Pie from The Pie Chest. “Another thing I was recently introduced to but can’t seem to stop thinking about. And, the thought of these being available Saturday mornings at Draft for soccer is starting to blow my mind a little. Just that good.” 

5) Chicken Francaise from Bella’s. “Athough Bella’s serves family style, I could definitely have this one to myself. The entirety of the dish was on point, and I can see why this one usually sells out.”

05/12/2017

Five Finds on Friday: Anna Gardner

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Gardner, right, with Melissa Close-Hart

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Anna Gardner, cook at Junction, which is poised to release a new menu in the next few weeks. Keep an eye out for items like a pupusa of Sharondale Farm mushrooms and Caromont Farm goat cheese or, Gardner’s favorite, a chimichanga of duck confit. Garnder’s picks:

1) Radish Top Kimchi from Sussex Farm. “There’s nothing like that bite to wake me up on a Saturday morning at the City Market. Not to mention, Jenny is a sweetheart.”

2) Elvis Ice Cream Sandwich at Blue Moon Diner. “Banana pudding ice cream. Chocolate peanut butter cookie. Don’t lie to yourself, you want the full portion.”

3) Fried Chicken at GoCo on Cherry Ave. “There’s nothing quite like the terroir of a heat lamp. Don’t talk to me about Wayside, GoCo is where it is.”

4) Capellini Frutti di Mare “Fra Diavolo” at Tavola.  “Simple, classic, delicious. Best I’ve ever had.”

5) Brioche Feuilletée with pastry cream from MarieBette. “Say pastry cream and I’m there. Stuff pastry cream inside of bread that’s more butter than flour and I’m in love.”