The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Now & Zen

09/28/2012

Five Finds on Friday: Amalia Scatena

On Fridays we feature five finds selected by local chefs or personalities.  Today’s picks come from Amalia Scatena, Executive Chef at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, and former Chef de Cuisine of Fossett’s.  On select Thursdays this fall, Pippin Hill will stay open late, from 5 pm to 8 pm, for wood-fired pizzas, wine and sunsets.  The next sunset Thursday is October 4.   Scatena’s picks:

1)  Pollo Tacos with Salsa Verde at La Michoacana.

2)  Avocado Tempura at TEN.

3)  Capesante ai Ferri, at Tavola.  Pan-roasted sea scallops, leek-beet risotto, white truffle oil.

4)  Jowl Bacon with Fried Eggs at Maya (brunch).

5)  Gyoza Dumplings at Now and Zen.

06/08/2012

Five Finds on Friday: Kate Collier and Eric Gertner

Every Friday, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs, personalities, or readers.  This week’s picks come from Kate Collier and Eric Gertner, the happy couple that runs Feast!, Charlottesville’s favorite gourmet food shop and cheesemonger.   Below are their picks from  five favorite restaurants.  Also below is a dining out tip from Kate and Eric, which we wholeheartedly endorse.

1.  Now & Zen:  Yellowtail sashimi appetizer, Chirashi entree, and Cowboy cookies.

2.  Zinc:  The Palmer cocktail, Fois Gras Torchon appetizer, and the daily recommendation of chef Justin Hershey for an entree.

3.  La Guadalupana:  Crispy Pork Carnitas (weekends only) and Modelo Especial.

4.  Brookville:  Virginia Ham Fritters, and Chef Harrison Keevil’s special recommendation of the evening.

5.  The Whiskey Jar:   Hush Puppies, Sweet Potato Biscuits with Apple Sorghum Butter, and a Sazerac to drink.  “This is a perfect food & whiskey pairing!”

Kate and Eric’s Dining Out Tip:  “If you go to a place where you know the Chef is good, don’t be afraid to ask the Chef (or ask your server to ask the Chef) what they recommend. The result is often a fabulous meal that you wouldn’t have experienced without their advice.“