The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Riverside Lunch

09/13/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Jason Alley

Alley
On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks comes from Jason Alley, the Richmond chef behind Pasture, one of the most anticipated restaurants to open in Charlottesville in years.  Featuring small plates of Southern food, Pasture is now open in Stonefield, directly across from the movie theater.  Alley’s picks:

1)  Cheeseburger and Chili Dog at Riverside Lunch.  “This place is so rad, really old school and comforting for me.  We used to go to the old location years ago when my band would come to town to play shows.  It fit our budgets well, and was always exactly what we needed after a late night.  I love that they do small burgers, so you can also cram in a hot dog.  It’s also on the way to the new restaurant when we are driving in from RVA.”

2)  Yucca Frita Con Chicharron at El Tepeyac.  “We are still exploring town, trying to find our way to the next delicious spot.  What a joy to come across this truly authentic Salvadoran/Mexican joint so close to Pasture.  I’ve eaten the whole menu (in only three visits) already, but always have the yucca.  The starch is perfectly cooked, and the crispy pork is as intensely porky as anything I have ever eaten.”

3)  Everything at Mas Tapas.  “Tomas has been a dear friend for years, and every time we have supper there I am reminded of what a talented cook he is (as are all of his chefs), and what it means to be a gracious host.  Any fresh vegetable in season is a must, and of course those crazy good shrimp.”

4)  Beverage Program at The Whiskey Jar.  “This place reminds me so much of home.  The Southern food is always great, but it is also the perfect place to enjoy a great local beer or cider, and a glass of well curated American whiskey.  Also, the folks here are really great.”

5)  Tasting Menu at The Clifton Inn.  “To say that Tucker at Clifton is talented is a bit of an understatement.  Every time I eat here I gain a new appreciation for the abundance that central Virginia has to offer.  The techniques that he employs always work to highlight the ingredients being used.  Smart stuff here.”

08/23/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Justin van der Linde

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On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Justin van der Linde, who runs the hugely popular food truck Smoked BBQ Co.  Van der Linde’s picks:

1)  Chili Broth Steamed Mussels at Zocalo.  “The smokey, spicy broth is awesome along with the grilled tortillas.  Never been there without ordering the mussels!”

2)  The Whole Menu at Kabuto.  “Super fresh, super friendly, and fairly priced,  This place is my new go-to!”

3)  Smoked Turkey Croissant at The Blue Ridge Pig.  “Yes, I do get extra dill sauce.  Don’t judge me!  Worth the ride every time.”

4)  Blueberry Spudnut at Spudnuts.  “I’m not sure how you make donuts better, but Spudnuts sure does.  If you haven’t been . . . Go!”

5)  Burger at Riverside Lunch.  “‘Flat Out’ still the best!  Crispy, cheesy and so delicious!”

03/01/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Gerry Newman

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Gerry Newman, Master Baker at Albemarle Baking Company, which he owns with his wife, Millie.  For the Easter season, Newman says Albemarle Baking Company will offer Hot Cross Buns and an Italian Easter treat called Colomba de Pasqua, which is like Panettone.  Newman’s five picks:

1)  BBQ Lovers 3 Meat Platter at BBQ Exchange.  “Worth the drive!  My family loves to head over on a Sunday afternoon when the weather is warmer and squeeze in one of the front porch picnic tables.  My son and I share a 3 Meat Platter of brisket, pulled chicken, and pork belly.  We’re always trying different sides and Chef Craig never disappoints.”

2)   St. Brendan Omelet and Caesar Salad at Bodo’s.  “Millie and I have been Bodo’s fans for over 23 years.  We used to drive over from Covington, Va before we moved to Charlottesville and would always get a dozen bagels to have back in our rural post.  Now, my youngest and I like to share the St. Brendan omelet and a Caesar salad.   Good food and the price is right.  Though, as my daughter points out, you need to be mindful of social engagements after the garlic-y Caesar.”

3)  Upstairs Window Table at C&O.  “Every meal at C&O is a winner.  I love the Berkshire Pork Saltimbocca while Millie prefers the Cuban Ribeye Steak.  Our favorite table is upstairs by the center window, but it doesn’t really matter where we sit because when Dean is in the kitchen, we know we are in for a stellar dining experience.”

4)  Cheeseburger at Riverside Lunch.  “I first ate at Riverside years ago when it was at the west end of Free Bridge (now home to CVS).  It was small, crowded, loud and you entered close enough to the grill that you could lend a hand with the lunch rush, if need be.  Today, when the five of us go to to Riverside for lunch we make sure to order a basket of fries first to share while we wait for our sandwiches.  I always get the cheeseburger all-the-way and I always leave happy.”

5)  Pimento Cheese Fritters with Pepper Jelly at Maya.  “My mom visits from Portland, Oregon every winter and loves going to Maya while she is here.  If you have five or six people in your party, get a double order of these babies.  Crispy on the outside, slightly melted on the inside, and full of flavor with the pepper jelly.  Go on Tuesdays when they have the Chicken Fried Chicken and entrees are twelve bucks.  Christian also makes a creamed cabbage that is out of this world.”