The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: La Michoacana

03/23/2018

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.

03/09/2018

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.'”

01/05/2018

Five Finds on Friday: Derek Mansfield

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Derek Mansfield of Tilman’s, the new spot that some are saying is just what the Downtown Mall needed, with eat-in or takeout sandwiches, cheese, wine, beer, and gourmet items. Mansfield’s favorite way to enjoy it is “sitting at the bar with The Big Board (our best cheese and charcuterie of the moment) and a glass of our Scaia Corvina in front of me.” Mansfield’s picks:

1)  Tacos de Lengua, Mexican Style at La Michoacana. “The most authentic taco place in town, and truly the only place I’ve had good lengua anywhere in the area. The whole menu is fantastic, but I have to say I go for three tacos (always one lengua) more often than anything else.”

2) A Dozen Oysters and a Glass of Chablis at Public Fish & Oyster. “Delicious, fresh shucked, interesting oysters that rotate regularly enough to keep the interest piqued. All this provided by an extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff in a San Francisco wharf-like atmosphere.  Unique and fantastic!”

3) Manhattan followed by the BBQ Platter at The Whiskey Jar. “Come for the bourbon, stay for the great local food, and stay longer for the entertainment. All in a warm welcoming environment. I bring the family, go with out of town guests, or just stop by for a drink and a chat with the awesome team there.”

4) Anything Savory at The Pie Chest. “Thank goodness for Rachel and The Pie Chest!  They have brought a great new concept to Charlottesville, and I love finding out what’s in the case. Pro tip: go early enough to not miss out because when it’s gone, it’s gone.”

5) Steak Bavette at Bizou. “Classic French bistro meal in a classy bistro setting. Great room, great buzz, phenomenal wine list, and a friendly team that’s happy to hang for a second at your table and have a chat about what’s happening in C’Ville.”