The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Orzo

04/01/2016

Five Finds on Friday: Ben Clore

Clore

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Ben Clore, co-owner of Oakhart Social.  On Sunday April 24, Oakhart Social’s chef and co-owner Tristan Wraight will join Matt Greene of JM Stock Provisions at Blenheim Vineyards for a special guest chef dinner as part of  the vineyard’s The Library Series.  Under the tented event space of Blenheim Farm, guests will enjoy a five course family-style meal paired with library wines from Blenheim’s cellar.  Tickets and info here.  Clore’s picks:

1) Pork Spring Rolls at Bang!  “Crispy, fried, salty bites of porky deliciousness with a great vinegary dipping sauce that counterbalances the fat and salt perfectly. (Pro tip- Bang is a great place to take kids.  Food comes out fast and if junior doesn’t like one thing just keep ordering!)”

2) Shrimp and Grits at Maya.  “Local stone ground grits and an amazing smoked tomato gravy make me so happy every time I order them.”

3) Aspen Ridge Farm Hamburger at Orzo.  (Lunch only.)  “House pickles and the rosemary aioli are a great compliment to some really flavorful farm-raised beef.”

4) Finocchio Arrosto con Aranci (roasted fennel, oranges and basil) at Tavola. “I think this has been on their menu from the start and it’s clear why.  Super simple flavors and great execution make it a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts.”

5) Guay Tiew Ruea (Boat Noodle Soup) at Thai Cuisine and Noodle House.  “I’m a sucker for anything broth and noodle based.  This a ton of umami and is almost impossible to stop eating until it’s gone.  I can be so full I’m in pain and I still can’t stop.  I get the small to minimize inevitable later self-loathing.”

 

 

 

09/12/2014

Five Finds on Friday: Micah LeMon

Micah

On Fridays, we feature five food finds from local chefs and personalities. This week’s picks come from Micah LeMon, our area’s most devoted mixologist, who expertly oversees the bar at The Alley Light. LeMon also writes about booze for C-VILLE, and his cocktails have won notice from publications like The Local Palate. He’s so skilled that when we go to The Alley Light we just let him make whatever he wants.  LeMon’s picks:

1)  Pastrami and Provolone on an Everything with lettuce, mayo, and tomato at Bodo’s.  “Consistently the best sandwich I’ve ever had for around 5 bucks.”

2)  Seared Greek Halloumi Cheese with ouzo and tomatoes at Orzo.  “I love this dish so much.  It tastes like delicious pizza for grown ups.  That and and a bottle of Albarino and it’s going to be a good night.”

3)  Anything with Garlic Alioli at MAS. “It is the most rich, delicious dippy sauce. It also promises hours of garlic burps for the immediate future, which I like.”

4)  Wings and Beer at McGrady’s.  “Good wings, good beer, and good times.  Everyone needs a pub in their neighborhood, and McGrady’s is great one in mine.  I try to go once a week to catch up with friends over trivia.”

5)  Drinks, especially in the winter, at C&O.  “When the cold weather comes, I love catching a drink in the cozy, gnarled, bar downstairs.  It’s the kind of place where you want to go to sit, drink, and have hours-long conversation.”

 

 

 

 

08/16/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Jarad Adams

Jarad

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Jarad Adams, sous chef of Clifton Inn, which is offering a great deal throughout August.  Sunday through Thursday, guests can enjoy the amazing tasting menu for just $75, which is half the normal price.  Perfect for August birthdays and anniversaries.  Adams’ picks:

1) Tacos de Lengua and Sopes con Longaniza at El Tepayac.  “This Mexican/Salvadoran restaurant is dishing out some of the tastiest (and least expensive) food in town.  Definitely wash it all down with an ice cold Michelada.”

2)  Pork Belly with Leeks at Taste of China.  “Skip the American menu and head straight for the pork belly with leeks.  My wife loves the crispy fish scented with cumin and green onions.  We stumbled in looking for some Chinese food close to home, and I don’t think we have been to anyone else in town since then.”

3) Octopus at Orzo.  “Chef Tommy and his crew make some rock solid food.  Seriously, I don’t get in there enough.  A great meal accompanied by a glass of wine and an after dinner stroll downtown for people watching makes for a really nice date night.”

4)  Annie Oakley pizza at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie.  (Spicy buffalo chicken breast, pineapple, pickled jalapeno peppers, mozzarella, and cheddar.)  “After a long hike on a day off, nothing beats a pie and a cold beer from these guys!”

5)  Meals at Home with my wife Nikki.  “We work opposite schedules so when we are both home we often just turn on some music, make a mess, laugh and create something together. The antithesis to a crazy week at work!”