The Charlottesville 29

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

Tag: Peter Chang

05/21/2021

Five Finds on Friday: Rachel De Jong

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Rachel De Jong of Cou Cou Rachou, set to open soon on Preston Avenue in the onetime home of Outback Lodge. Those who have tried De Jong’s pastries at The Workshop know how talented the pastry chef is who has worked at acclaimed restaurants like The Inn at Little Washington and Petit Trois. Now, her breads and pastries will be available at her own bakery right here in Charlottesville. Cou Cou Rachou plans a June opening. Meanwhile, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. De Jong’s picks:

1) Huaraches from La Sabrosita in Waynesboro. “I know, it’s outside Charlottesville proper, but it’s my partner and I’s favorite day off lunch. It’s such a fun escape and the food is always wonderful.”

2) Patois Cider from Market Street Wine. “This is a double duty answer. I went to pastry school in Paris and, on a baker/student budget, crepes and cider were without a doubt one of my most frequent meals. Patrick’s cider is the best I’ve had this side of the Atlantic and I’m very excited about what he is creating and cultivating in the area – Virginia apples need this kind of love. Market Street Wine is definitely my happy place. Siân and Thad are wonderful humans who are also doing tremendous things for their industry and community, and I am very thankful to have a place I can go where I know the recommendations and knowledge of the product will be impeccable.”

3) Thai Tea Gelato and Honey, Goat Cheese, and Fig Gelato from Splendora’s. “PK is making such fun, wonderful, interesting things and I am so happy that we can still get her gelato in town. She’s one of the many reasons I’m delighted to be back in the Charlottesville food community.”

4) Korean Cabbage Kimchi from Sussex Farm. “In my fridge always. My favorite day-off breakfast and anytime addition to brighten up a meal.”

5) Hot and Numbing Shredded Tofu Skins from Peter Chang. “Ordered this so much throughout the quarantine takeout era. One of my go-to standbys, and I would eat it every day if that were a reasonable thing to do.”

10/16/2020

Five Finds on Friday: Kate Asquith

Todays Five Finds on Friday come from Kate Asquith of Appalachian Beekeeping Collective, a nonprofit organization that trains and supports people to become beekeepers in economically distressed areas of Virginia and West Virginia. Appalachian Beekeeping Collective then purchases honey from its beekeepers and sells it online, with all proceeds going back to the non-profit’s efforts to support beekeepers. This week Appalachian Beekeeping Collective launched its new online store, where you can buy delicious honey, while supporting their cause. Feel-good holiday gifts. Asquith’s picks:

1) Scallion Bubble Pancake from Peter Chang. “My whole family is in love with these, but my six-year-old especially. She will tell anyone who asks that it’s her favorite food. It’s the main thing keeping my hope alive that she’ll be an interesting eater.”

2) Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich from Market Street Market. “I think this is a perfect sandwich. I also don’t understand how they can make such good salads for less than $5. Of all the things I have missed during the pandemic, I think I miss the Market’s deli the most.”

3) Morning Melt Sandwich on Everything Croissant from Bowerbird Bakeshop. “My second favorite sandwich in Charlottesville right now, and especially when they had fresh tomatoes this summer. I like to meet a friend here and then bring a box of their gorgeous pastries home for my family. Also a big fan of their rosemary almond croissant.”

4) Triple Pickle Taco from Brazos Tacos. “Honestly, I just go down their menu and pick all the tacos with the mushrooms bruja. This is my favorite.”

5) La Familia from Al Carbon. “A full rotisserie chicken and several sides. This is my go-to takeout. My children are probably 15% pollo al carbon at this point, we get it so often. My favorite side is the platanos fritos with the delicious cinnamon cream sauce. The rest of my family practically lives off yucca fries and yellow rice.”

07/10/2020

Five Finds on Friday: Kate Lynn Nemett

kate lynn

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Kate Lynn Nemett of Potter’s Craft Cider, which has relaunched events like live music, food trucks, and more. With patio seating and plenty of space to spread out, Potter’s is ideal for pandemic-friendly relaxation. This evening, it’s Blue Ridge Pizza Co. plus live jazz by Adam Larrabee, Brian Caputo, and Randall Pharr. Follow along on Facebook for updates, or check the cidery’s events page. Potter’s is now also booking weddings and private events for the fall. Nemett’s picks: 

1) Kale Salad at Feast!. “I know kale salads were all the rage about five years ago, but I just can’t stop (won’t stop) eating them. The kale salad at Feast! is my idea of perfection: massaged kale, shaved parmesan, huge crusty croutons, and lemon tahini dressing. Adding a scoop of chicken salad makes it even more delightful.”

2) Dry-Fried Mushrooms at Peter Chang China Grill. “Eating at Peter Chang’s is always a complete revelation. It’s one of my favorite places to take out-of-towners because a) it blows your expectations for Chinese food out the window, and b) can you believe there’s mind-blowingly authentic Sichuan cooking in central Virginia? I have to order the dry-fried mushrooms every time I go. They’re so light and crispy – never greasy – but pack a huge flavor wallop from scallions, chili flakes, and numbing powder sprinkled on top.”

3) Dealer’s Choice at The Alley Light. “I’m an up-for-anything kind of drinker—when I’m in good hands. I’ve never had a cocktail at The Alley Light that hasn’t been delightful. Micah and his crew are at the top of their game. While I could pore over every drink description on the menu, I usually just go with the Dealer’s Choice and let the bartenders flex their mixology muscles. I’ll inevitably like it.”

4) Funghi Pizza at Lampo. “I imagine Lampo must top 90% of these lists. Everything that comes out of their kitchen is just so good. But this mushroom pizza is really impossible to pass up. The combination of wood-fired mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and sharp white cheeses is savory, creamy, and earthy all at once. It’s a really struggle to not eat the entire pie in one sitting, by myself.”

5) Chai Latte at Lone Light Coffee. “Some might think a chai latte is a chai latte—but not at Lone Light. Their in-house chai spice blend is aromatic, slightly spicy, and a million times fresher than the stuff that comes out of a box. Sitting down with a giant, steaming mug of this warming drink is one of my favorite indulgences, especially on a chilly or rainy morning. Or afternoon. Or really anytime. I’ve shared many a good conversation over this magical elixir.”

 

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