The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Parallel 38

05/18/2016

Parallel 38 to Host Sexual Chocolate Creator

Slow Down

One of the most interesting characters in American wine will be in Charlottesville tomorrow!  Brandon Allen of SLO Down Wines will be at Parallel 38, beginning at 4pm, Thursday May 19.  Slo DOWN Wines is known for an unstuffy and unconventional approach to wine.  Their slogan is: “Goes Great With Pretty Much Anything – We say pretty much because to say ‘goes great with anything’ makes us sound like total marketing d’bags.” Despite (because of ?) the irreverent approach, the wines are stellar.

Allen is most famous for his Sexual Chocolate, an intense, award-winning blend of Syrah, Zinfandel. and Petit Sirah.  I gave my wife two bottles of it for Valentine’s Day, but then drank one myself. (Sorry honey.) They also make a Chardonnay called Broken Dreams and a red blend called Stand Out, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and “MAGIC”.  All three wines will be available at Happy Hour prices all night, and Allen will be on hand to chat and have fun with guests.  More on Allen here.

10/02/2015

Five Finds on Friday: James King

James

On Fridays, we feature five finds from area chefs and personalities.  October is Virginia Wine Month, and today’s picks come from James King of King Family Vineyards.  This Wednesday, the vineyard is hosting another First Wednesday, from 5 pm until 8:00 pm, with food by Smoked BBQ Co. and Blue Ridge Pizza Co., and music by Jenifer Jackson.  King’s picks:

1)  The Perfect Sandwich at Restoration.  “While I often opt for their signature burger, ‘The Royale,’ The Perfect Sandwich has become a recent favorite. Bacon, arugula, and a fried egg on Goodwin Creek Bread. You can often find me here on Sunday taking in their amazing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains while sipping on a local beer. Kids eat free on Sundays . . . enough said.”

2)  Steak Chinoise at C & O.  “Went here for date night and was seated in their outdoor patio.  The food, service and atmosphere were all very nice. Served with Gruyere-thyme potatoes and comes in a tamari-ginger pan sauce.”

3)  Anything at The Alley Light.  “I can’t say enough good things about this place.  I don’t make it into Charlottesville that much with work and kids, but when I can I want to go here.  The food is excellent, the cocktails are delicious, the atmosphere is perfect and the service is superb. Ask for ‘Katie.'”

4)  Pork Belly at Parallel 38. “Small plates made to share allow you to try several different things throughout the course of the evening and ensure you don’t leave hungry. Served with cipollini onions, roasted garlic sumac and a pork jus reduction. A great place to eat if you’re planning on catching a movie afterwards.”

5)  Red Row from Caromont Farm. “While I love all of their cheeses, this is my favorite by far.  It’s a semi-soft cow’s milk cheese and the rind is washed in local hard cider from Albemarle Ciderworks.  Simply delicious.”

 

06/26/2015

Five Finds on Friday: John Shanesy

John

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities. Today’s picks come from John Shanesy, the new Chef de Cuisine at Charlottesville 29 inductee Parallel 38, which has just updated its menu with handmade pastas, flatbread pizzas, and more.  A former sous chef of The Blue Light Grill, Shanesy has also spent time at Paradox Pastry, as well as Charlottesville 29 inductees MAS Tapas and The BBQ Exchange. Shanesy’s picks:

1)  Pulled Pork Sandwich with Garlic Pickles, Hog Fire and Napalm Sauce at The BBQ Exchange.  “Craig’s passion for food and cooking is something very contagious and it’s obvious why his restaurant is such a hit.”

2)  Thai Beef Consommé at Pad Thai.  “Perfect mix of hot, comfort and clean flavors put together in one bowl by Mr. Ouypron!”

3)  Chorizo Tacos Traditional Style with Whiskey at Yearbook Taco.  “John’s cooking is wonderful, and he was a wonderful teacher of mine. I love his food and it’s especially good when Ross Schiller is putting bourbon in me.”

4)  Bellisima Pizza at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie.  “Best ingredients, best dough, best sauce, best atmosphere! What else can you say!”

5)  OH Toro at TEN.  “Pei Chang does no wrong at his incredible Japanese restaurant on the downtown mall. The decor is so inviting and the quality of staff and food is at the highest level that this town has to offer. Absolutely wonderful!”