The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Oakhart Social

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.”

Five Finds on Friday: Jen Pease

It’s a Thanksgiving tradition for a reader selected at random to participate in Five Finds on Friday, and this year’s winner is UVa Associate Professor Jen Pease. Pease’s picks:

1) Miso Chocolate Chip Cookie from Cou Cou Rachou. “My platonic ideal of a cookie: the perfect balance of crispy/chewy and salty/sweet. We are so lucky to live in a town with several amazing bakeries, and Cou Cou Rachou is a fabulous addition. (My kids also wanted me to mention their favorite treats: the Prezzant and the Stuffed Chocolate Shortbread, both from MarieBette.)”

2) Migas Taco from Brazos. “I first tried migas tacos while visiting Austin a few years ago, and I was thrilled to find them on the menu at Brazos. Egg, veggies, cheese, and tortilla chips? On a taco? Yes, please. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.”

3) Raspberry Triangle from Atlas Coffee. “Atlas is the epitome of the neighborhood coffee shop: the type of place where you always see familiar faces and the baristas start your order when you walk in the door. A latte and a raspberry triangle is my favorite way to start a workday.”

4) Beets from Oakhart Social. “My husband and I frequently have a hard time deciding which of the many great veggie dishes to order at Oakhart, but this one always makes the cut.”

5) Seabass Normandy from Café Frank. “One of the best dishes I have eaten this year. We love the atmosphere at Café Frank – another great addition to the Charlottesville dining scene.”

Five Finds on Friday: Mary Bridget Kane

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from reader Mary Bridget Kane. In celebration of the Culture of Takeout, Five Finds on Friday has been featuring readers selected at random in weekly drawings. Also part of the prize is a $100 restaurant gift certificate, like Kane’s certificate to Conmole. Kane’s picks:

1) Ham Biscuits from JM Stock Provisions. “Absolute perfection and my favorite way to start a weekend morning. Also everyone who works there is just fantastic.” 

2) Wessex from Greenwood Gourmet Grocery. “One of my favorite things about the Charlottesville area is that there are at least a half dozen truly fantastic sandwich places. After years of taste tests and an extensive Google Doc ranking system, I’ve concluded that Greenwood Grocery tops the list. It’s tough to choose just one from their menu but I keep coming back to the Wessex.” 

3) Turkey and Swiss on Sourdough from Take it Away. “Couldn’t pick just one Cville sandwich. My go to is turkey and Swiss on their homemade sourdough with arugula, pickles, roasted tomatoes and of course extra house dressing.” 

4) Shaved Salad at Oakhart Social. “Perfect combination of sweet, savory, crunchy. I think it’s the dates that make it.”

5) Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup from C&O. “Best served with a dirty martini and some late night gossip. Makes me feel like I’ve traveled back in time.”