The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Peter Chang’s

Homestyle

Chang

You don’t want to miss this one.  Nights like it don’t come around very often. Two of our area’s biggest food and drink talents are coming together for a homestyle feast.

Peter Chang has been called the best Szechuan chef in America.  He has won rave after rave, and his food has inspired critics and foodies to drive hundreds of miles just to taste it.  The cooking style of the former chef to the Chinese Embassy is known to be no-holds-barred, unadulterated to suit American tastes.  Yet, on September 3, he is doing something that even he doesn’t do very often – serving the homestyle food he remembers eating when growing up, like his grandmother used to make.

As Chang’s business partner Gen Lee explains, the authentic Szechuan food on the regular menu of Peter Chang’s restaurant, which is not at all like the Americanized food at your typical takeout joint, might appeal to just 10% of Chinese food fans in the U.S.  For this homestyle feast, though, Lee says that Chang’s food might appeal to just 1% of Chinese food fans. This is the real deal.

After an array of appetizers like 鬼椒薫鱼柳  (Smoked Fish w. Ghost Chili) and 葱煎牛肉饼  (Pan-fried Beef Cake), Chang will dish out a five-course menu of dishes like 𧐢汁焗藕饼 (Lotus Root w. Oyster Sauce) and 川式干蒸红鱼 (Red Snapper in Szechuan Style).

Better yet, each course will be paired with a beer from Champion Brewing Company, which has been called one of the fastest growing breweries in the country.  Champion’s founder and head brewer, Hunter Smith, will be on hand to make the pairings.

Chang’s food and Champion beer.  All for $45?  We’ll be there.

Five Finds on Friday: Justin Ross of Parallel 38

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On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Justin Ross, who soon will open the highly anticipated restaurant Parallel 38 at Stonefield.  Details here.  In addition to an impressive menu of mezze, Parallel 38 will feature 100 different wines, all available by the glass, and a special selection of trophy wines available by the 1 oz pour.  Look for an opening by the end of the year.  Ross’s picks:

1)  Cabrito Tacos Mexican Style at La Michoacana.  “Roasted habanero marinated goat.  Need I say more? Chicken tacos and a bottled coke is a very close second.”

2)  Beef with Mixed Peppers on Hot Iron Plate at Peter Chang’s China Grill.  “I rarely go a full week without this dish.  The beef is amazingly tender with the perfect amount of heat.  Peter Chang is a magician.”

3)  Martinis and Meatballs at the bar at Vivace.  “Their meatballs might be better than my mom’s, sorry mom!  Coming from an Italian family, good Italian is a must.  The only thing that makes this meal better is Paulie and his amazing Kettle One martinis.”

4)  Veal Sweetbreads at C&O.  “I’m not sure what’s better about our regular C&O date night, a much needed break with my lovely lady or the sweetbreads.”

5) Potter’s Farmhouse Cider and Will Richey’s House Smoked BBQ at The Whiskey Jar.  “The perfect end to a long day or the best start to a long night.”

Five Finds on Friday: Tracey Love

Tracey

On Fridays, we feature five foods finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Tracey Love, Event Coordinator at Blenheim Vineyards, Sales & Marketing Gal at Best of What’s Around, and founder of Hill & Holler, the host company of a series of fantastic roving farm dinners in the area.  Is there anything she doesn’t do?  Hill & Holler’s next dinner is Sunday, April 21, at the brand new Old Metropolitan Hall, featuring a menu prepared by Dean Maupin of C&O, as well as wines from Pollak Vineyards and cider from Potter’s Craft Cider.  Details and reservations here.

1)  Shredded Tofu Skin in Chili Sauce at Peter Chang’s China Grill.  “Nothing gets the mouth watering like cold, shredded, tofu skins with cilantro and a plethora of chili oil.”

2)  The Fat n’ Sassy at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie.  “Otherwise known as a four cheese pizza disguised as ‘cheesy bread,’ studded with roasted garlic, cut into squares, and served with house-made ranch dressing.  Broccoli optional.  Extra ranch not optional.”

3)  Bucatini All’Amatriciana at Tavola.  “So simple, so good, yet impossible to re-create at home. I could eat this everyday – and the fellas at Tavola can attest to that.”

4)  Tachos at Fardowners.  “Translation = tater tot nachos piled high with all the fixins.  Best shared with friends and pints of local beer.”

5)  The Riviera at Greenwood Gourmet Grocery.  “Hands down, the best tuna sandwich, period. Filled with quality tuna, olive oil, capers, red onion and magic. Served on crusty Goodwin Creek bread.  What’s not to love?”