The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Pearl Island Catering and Cafe

05/30/2025

Five Finds on Friday: Nadirah Muhammad

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Nadirah Muhammad, the Batten School Marketing / Communications Project Manager who is so committed to community engagement that she is a finalist for Best Local Influencer in Best of C-VILLE 2025. You can vote for her here. Muhammad was also named one of Charlottesville’s Finest by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is raising money for its mission of curing cystic fibrosis. You can learn more and support the cause here. Finally, through her philanthropy and engagement, Nadirah earned a nomination for C-VILLE’s Best Activist/Humanitarian, and you can vote for her here. Muhammad’s picks:

1) Lomo Saltado at Inka Grill. “Book your reservation at Inka Grill immediately. This meal is so good that I was practically licking the bowl by the end. The rich umami flavor from the steak pairs perfectly with the acid and brightness of the tomato and cilantro, and it’s all rounded out by the crunch of the French fries and the balance of the white rice. Perfection. Everything is also plated so beautifully, which, for a person who is constantly posting on social media, is just icing on the cake.”

2) Montpelier Chicken Salad from Simeon Market. “Let me start by saying that I consider myself a chicken salad connoisseur. I grew up in Virginia Beach, and my absolute favorite local spot was Taste Unlimited—they make the best chicken salad sandwiches. However, when a former coworker suggested I try Simeon Market’s chicken salad, it felt like all was right in the world. I love all the elements of this chicken salad—the walnuts for some crunch, grapes for a sweet bite with a little burst. This chicken salad is the best of the best, and I always start craving it right around when summer is about to start—so, now!”

3) Sous Poulet Chicken with Pikliz Slaw from Pearl Island Café & Catering. “The only word I have for this meal is ‘wow.’ Every part of this platter is so well-balanced and full of flavor. It is perfectly savory, creamy from the gravy, and packs the best flavor punch you can get in town. I’m also just personally a huge fan of everything Pearl Island does for the community, and walking in there feels like being embraced in a warm hug. Literally thinking about placing an order now.”

4) Seaside Lime Cake from Cake Bloom. “I make it a priority to order my birthday cake from Cake Bloom every year because the Seaside Lime flavor comes out in June. I like to think of it as: I blew out the candles and instantly my wish came true because my dream cake is sitting in front of me. As someone who worked in bakeries for almost a decade, I tend to have high standards when it comes to pastries and desserts, and the lime curd mixed with the salted vanilla buttercream is the absolute perfect bite.”

5) Caramel Macchiato from Oakhurst Café (Bonus: Espresso Martini). “Walking into Oakhurst feels like stepping into a quaint and cozy neighborhood café that you just happened to stumble upon, and then you’re casually greeted with the best coffee you’ve ever had. The caramel macchiato is one of my favorite sips in Charlottesville, and I love that it’s brewed from locally roasted coffee beans and adorned with a stunning caramel drizzle pattern. If it’s late enough in the day and I’m feeling spicy, the espresso martini is also a personal favorite and always my drink of choice.”

03/11/2022

Five Finds on Friday: Casandra Rodriguez

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Casandra Rodriguez of Vegan Comforts Soul Food, which opens this Sunday March 13, and will be open every Sunday and Monday to follow. Rodriguez has formerly served her vegan soul food at markets and pop-ups, and now has a temporary home at Royalty Coffee Sandwiches and Pastries on Cherry Avenue. A permanent venue is coming soon. Follow along for updates on Instagram. At Vegan Comforts, she’s particularly fond of the Vish Tacos, made from fried hearts of palm, as well as the “Slow Poke Rodriguez,” with Field Roast chorizo, simply egg scrambled in homemade salsa, topped with feta cheeze on a homemade buttermilk biscuit. Elsewhere in town, Rodriguez’s all-Vegan picks:

1) Pho and Crispy Rolls at Vu Noodles. “I get the crispy rolls just so I can dip them in the pho, and both together are so comforting, savory, and refreshingly delicious. I literally go here once or twice a week. Highly recommend.”

2) Portobello Philly at Firefly. “When I’m craving a Philly cheesesteak and don’t feel like cooking this is my go-to spot for it. It is so yummy.”

3) Creole Beans Platter at Pearl Island. “Wooo chile, this whole meal is the perfect combo. The creole beans are perfectly seasoned and the tostones with the sauce are to die for. Don’t get me started on the rice with the garlic kale. So so good.”

4) Won Ton Nachos at Botanical. “Ryan got me hooked on these nachos. They are so delicious. The cashew cheese sauce could pass for real cheese, first of all, and the toppings were so fresh and had the perfect crisp light touch. Def will be back for more.”

5) General Tso’s Cauliflower and Coconut Rice at Bang!. “Bring back the chickpea roll things, haha, no but seriously. My favorite dish from here right now is the General Tso’s cauliflower and the coconut rice. So comforting and filling.”

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.”