The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Petit Pois

05/25/2016

Brian Jones Era Ending at Petit Pois

Pois

A change of guard is coming to a post at the heart of Charlottesville dining. For eleven years, Brian Jones has overseen the kitchen of Petit Pois, one of Charlottesville’s most dependably excellent restaurants. Nowhere in town more closely resembles a classic French bistro, which is no wonder given that, before coming to Charlottesville, Jones had worked with some of the nation’s best French chefs, including Daniel Boulud, Eric Ripert and Jean Georges Vongerichten.

At the end of June, Jones is leaving to prepare to take over the kitchen of Timberwood Tap House, set to open this fall in the 5th Street Extended shopping center housing Wegman’s. Petit Pois owner Brian Helleberg, who also owns Fleurie, knows how much Jones will be missed. “As good as he is as a chef and leader,” says Helleberg, “he is an even better person, and I will truly miss interacting with him day to day.” Anyone who has come to rely on Petit Pois’s spot-on renditions of steak frites, chicken liver mousse, and French onion soup knows that Jones’ successor has big shoes to fill.

That task belongs to John Shanesy, of Parallel 38, who says leaving was difficult. “I am sad to be leaving Parallel 38 and most importantly [co-owner] Justin [Ross],” says Shanesy. “He has changed everything for me and I can never thank him enough.” But, Shanesy is fully focused on the future and the responsibility of overseeing a Charlottesville fixture like Petit Pois. “I am very honored that I was chosen,” says Shanesy, “and am going to do everything in my power to maintain the great respect and solid name that Petit Pois has established in our community.”

In today’s era, it is rare for a chef to stay at any one restaurant for long. Thank you, Brian, for eleven superb years at Petit Pois. Helleberg says it best, calling Jones a “special person” with a “unique impact”:

Brian has had a unique impact on myself, his coworkers and our customers by bringing positive energy and professionalism to work every day. That is rare in the restaurant business, but Brian showed us all how it’s done.  He really cares about people and his relationships with them, whether it be a new dishwasher, the wine delivery man or the upstairs neighbor. It’s not all that complicated but to make it look so effortless for 11 years takes a really special person. I’m really proud to have had Chef Brian set the standard at Petit Pois and happy for his new opportunity.

– Brian Helleberg

02/04/2015

Petit Pois

Pois201 Main Street . Charlottesville, VA . (434) 979-7647
http://www.petitpoisrestaurant.com/

Why Petit Pois?

Many Charlottesville restaurants have seasonal menus. In a city so committed to local sourcing, Mother Nature demands it. But, few restaurants transform themselves with the seasons as much as Petit Pois, the more casual sibling of Fleurie. It’s like several restaurants in one. In winter, it’s the closest thing in Charlottesville to a French bistro, serving hearty French classics, faithfully prepared, in a cozy 25-seat dining room. In warmer months, a 65-seat patio at the center of the downtown mall draws crowds for optimal people-watching, epic lunches, and breezy dinners of lighter takes on locally-sourced French fare. Any time of year, there are few spots as reliable for a great meal as Petit Pois, a necessity in The Charlottesville 29.

What to Order

Though the menu changes seasonally, some dishes are year-round fixtures. Below are our favorites, the chef’s picks, and appearances in Five Finds on Friday, where a chef or personality has named a Petit Pois dish one of the best in town.

Our Picks

  • French Onion Soup
  • Chicken Liver Mousse
  • Skate Wing
  • Steak Frites
  • Moules Marinieres
  • Bouillabaisse
  • Pomme Puree

Chef’s Picks

  • French Onion Soup
  • Beet Salad
  • Moules Marinieres
  • House Burger
  • Crab Cake
  • Bourride
  • Profiteroles

Five Finds on Friday Picks

petit pois soup

 

12/19/2014

Five Finds on Friday: Robin McDaniel

Robin

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Robin McDaniel, sous chef of The Alley Light.  McDaniel’s picks.

1)  Tom Yum Soup at Monsoon Siam.  “Kitty and Pooh make you feel like family when you enter the unique space; and the food conveys that sense of hospitality and warmth. It’s a hearty and home-style soup. I always order a large!”

2)  Any Wine sommelier Erin Scala recommends at Fleurie.  “Her knowledge and passion for wine is remarkable.  Not only does she pair wine well with food; more importantly, she finds the right wine for the right person.”

3)  Vongole Oreganato al Forno at Tavola.  “A town favorite that consistently delivers a quality experience. Food has a bright acidity, wine list is unique, and service is spot on.”

4)  Focaccia and Poached Eggs at Petit Pois. “The most consistent and best brunch in town. It is a perfect way to start a Sunday . . . huge patio in the summer, cozy in the winter.”

5)  Herb-roasted Turkey Sandwich at Market Street Market. “My favorite sandwich in town. Great deli selections on a central location off the mall. I always ask for extra watercress. Throw in some lamb curry from Revolutionary Soup and you’ve got lunch covered.”