The Charlottesville 29

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

Tag: Potter’s Craft Cider

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.”

 

02/15/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Megan Kiernan

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Megan Kiernan, Product Development Chef of Feast! and founder of the roaming dinner series Forage. The next Forage event is Cocktails with the Kennedys, March 10 and 16 at Estouteville, the “Camelot of Albemarle County.” Details and tickets here. And, to receive updates about future events, register here. Kiernan’s picks:

1) Funghi Pizza at Lampo. “I’m a sucker for all things mushroom. As a forager, mushrooms are by far my most prized discovery out in the woods. Lampo’s pizza is the perfect combination of cheesy mushroom goodness on that irresistible Lampo crust.  I love many items on their menu, but the Funghi Pizza is the one item I order every single time I go.”

2) Salmon and Avocado Rolls at Tokyo Rose. “While there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles with these rolls, they are endlessly satisfying and delicious. The sushi chefs  do a wonderful job of balancing the rice quantity to the salmon and avocado, and the quality of the fish is always great. As a native of Charlottesville, I’ve been a longtime fan of Tokyo Rose, although I was never cool enough to go to the punk shows in the basement when I was growing up.”

3) King Trumpets, Blue Oysters and so many more mushrooms from Mush Luv. “I first met Charlie as a teacher in a mushroom foraging class at Living Earth School. He and Nina forage and grow mushrooms, and they seek out local species to clone, so the mushrooms that you buy from them are incredibly special. They’ve introduced me to many delicious mushroom species, and they’ve inspired me to dig deeper in my own mushroom foraging.”

4) Greek Goddess Dressing from Feast!. “When I started at Feast eight years ago, this was already an item they made in house. It’s one of the most versatile dressings I know.  I dilute it with water and rice wine vinegar and use it as a salad dressing, I toss farro or rice in it and serve under chicken or fish, and it’s a great dip for vegetables or tortilla chips. The ways to use it are infinite. Eight years in, and I still go back for seconds every time we sample it.”

5) Pelure de Pomme, Hewes Crab and Farmhouse Dry Potter’s Craft Cider from The Cider Garden at the Bridge. “Potter’s Craft Cider has been a long time favorite of mine.  Full disclosure, I did marry one of the owners, Tim Edmond, but I was a big fan of his products long before we were dating. Tim and Dan started their business right around the time I returned to Charlottesville, and I was an uber fan of their super dry, refreshing ciders straight out of the gates. That I know have a lifetime supply of cider at my fingertips is an enormous perk of the marriage!”

Mush

Mush Luv mushrooms

09/14/2018

Five Finds on Friday: Shelly Robb

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Photo by Signe Clayton.

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Shelly Robb, partner and GM of the soon-to-open Prime 109. As GM, Robb will oversee events in Prime 109’s private rooms, which, given the anticipation for the restaurant, may be in high demand as the holiday season approaches. You can start planning yours already by emailing:  primeevents@109steak.com.

In the background Robb provided about herself, such as her time at Bizou and Tavola, Robb included a detail more touching than any Five Finds participant ever has. “Side note: I have extremely supportive parents who never once made me feel guilty or not good enough for doing what I loved. When you choose to do something completely different from your education, and they are still proud of you and supportive: Priceless.” Robb’s picks:

1) Marinara D.O.C. at Lampo. “The light char, San Marzano, garlic, and oregano lend to a perfectly balanced pizza. I love spicy, so I often add a side of Calabrian chili. It is so simple and addicting.”

2) Hop Cider from Potter’s Craft Cider. “I remember the first time I tried their cider. I was the general manager at Bizou and Tim brought by a sample of their Farmhouse Dry. I’ve since been hooked on pretty much everything they make.”

3) Pinot Noir from Ankida Ridge. “One of the first Virginia wines I fell in love with. I am so excited to try their Brut Sparkling as well.”

4) Palak Paneer or Vegetable Vin D’Alho at Milan. “Indian hot with a side of garlic naan. A once a week must.”

5) Dry Aged Steaks at Prime 109. “Ian has done an amazing job with our dry aging program. It is honestly the best steak I’ve ever had.”

 

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