The Charlottesville 29

If there were just 29 restaurants in Charlottesville, what would be the ideal 29?

Tag: Patrick Carruthers

12/17/2021

Five Finds on Friday: Liz Broyles

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Liz Broyles of Birdhouse, open now at 711 Henry Avenue, in the former home of Ace Biscuit & Barbecue and Dottie’s Cafe. While Broyles has spent much of her career in the front of the house, she is now in the kitchen with a new restaurant focusing on “supporting regional farmers and delivering quality food to our community.” Birdhouse serves rotisserie chickens from area farms, with a selection of locally sourced, vegetable-driven sides. “We are lucky to live in a place with so many folks committed to growing and producing quality food,” said Broyles. “We hope Birdhouse will grow into a place that connects farmers and producers with our community.” There are stellar wines, too, as Broyles previously worked for a wine distributor and oversaw wines at C&O. Broyles’ picks:

1) English Muffin from Cou Cou Rachou. “Best English muffin I’ve ever had. If you haven’t checked out Rachel De Jong’s baked goods yet, you gotta do it.”

2) Falafel Bowl from Otto. “This bowl is a treat. Falafel sits on top of roasted beets, white bean salad, red cabbage salad, sumac onions, Coban salad, fried eggplant and greens.

3) Bricolage from Patois Cider. “These amazing ciders made by Patrick Collins are really special, crafted with intention and care at each stage. Patrick scouts for apple trees in the mountains and harvests these ol’ timey varieties with the help of his partner Danielle LeCompte. Ciders are made without modification or added yeasts and are unrefined and unfiltered. Delicious.”

4) Marinara D.O.C. Pizza from Lampo. “San Marzano tomato, garlic, wild oregano, sea salt, olive oil. Nuff said.”

5) Cauliflower Sous Shu from Pearl Island. “The food at Pearl Island is full of flavor, healthy and fresh. Make sure you get an extra side of Pikliz.”

09/08/2017

Five Finds on Friday: Patrick Carruthers

carruthers

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Patrick Carruthers, the new sous chef of Junction, which has just released a new menu. A preview:

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Rack | Spice Roasted Parsnips, Herbed Cous Cous, Mint-Cilantro-Pistachio Chimichurri

Cowgirl Spiced Duck Breast | Sweet Potato-Duck Confit Hash, Shaved Cumin Dusted Brussels Sprouts, Dried Fig, Hatch Pepper Duck Demi-Glace

Chili Rubbed Grilled Atlantic Salmon | Jumbo Lump Crab-Avocado Salad, Coconut-Cilantro Rice, Roasted Chayote Squash,  Lime Buerre Blanc

Carruthers’ picks:

1) Burger at Riverside Lunch. “There is a lot of great food in Charlottesville but you can’t beat a fresh burger with bacon, lettuce, and mayo between two buns, especially when it comes with a basket of shoestring fries covered in Lawry’s seasoned salt.”

2) Ricotta Gnocchi with Duck Confit at C & O. “Served with duck cracklins, it is the perfect amount of savory and sweet. Just eating it will make you feel rich.”

3) Anything in a Crepe at The Alley Light. “Coming from someone who has personally rolled out more of theses crepes than I can count, I have never lost appreciation for how amazing each and every combination comes together from pigs head with mushrooms and sherry vinegar to guinea hen with salsify and parmesan cheese.”

4) Happy Hour at RockSalt. “$1 oysters with a shot of bourbon and a cider at their outdoor bar is a go-to for me and Nicole when we aren’t in the kitchen at Junction.”

5) Biscuits and Red-Eye Gravy at The Pigeon Hole. “When The Corner clears out for summertime, The Pigeon Hole is a great brunch spot to grab a bloody mary, a patio seat, and some fluffy biscuits smothered in gravy. Plus, there is a handsome bartender who works there with a phenomenal head of hair who I am lucky to call one of my close friends.”