The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Riverside Lunch

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.”

12/07/2012

Five Finds on Friday: Josh Hunt

Food 192

Josh Hunt, right, with step-brother and Beer Run co-owner John Woodriff

On Fridays, we feature five finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today, on the fifth anniversary of the first beer sale at Beer Run, the picks are from Beer Run co-owner Josh Hunt.  Hunt’s five picks:

1)  Cheeseburger “All the Way” and a Coke in the Bottle at Riverside Lunch off High St.  “As someone who grew up on the east side of Charlottesville, the Riverside has been an institution since long before I started going in the 80’s with my brothers and step-dad, to the old location on Long St., where the CVS is now.  I’ve been all over this country and I haven’t found a better or more classic cheeseburger.  Plus, the service is probably the fastest in town.”

2)  Boquerones Con Ajo at Mas.  (Plump white Cantabrian anchovy filets in an olive oil, garlic, lemon marinade).  “Man, these anchovies are a thing of beauty — briny, fresh and plump, resting perfectly in olive oil.  I think Tomas has some in-depth secret process that makes these so amazing.  Excellent with a crisp white wine or a glass of Duvel Belgian golden ale.”

3)  Baltimore-style Pit Beef Sandwich With Creamy Horseradish Sauce and a Cheerwine at Ace Biscuit & Barebecue.  “When I go to Ace, I  just let Brian & Gabby in the kitchen tell me what to order.  I’ve yet to leave disappointed . . . or hungry.”

4)  Lunch Buffet at Milan Indian Cuisine.  “A close friend turned me on to Milan, and its fantastic buffet, with a selection of delicious curries, rice, veggies, meats, chutneys, salads, naan and sauces.  It also happens to be a great spot to meet my mom, who is a vegetarian and loves it.”

5)  Fried Lotus Root at Peter Chang’s China Grill.  “Holy Toledo, these things are like the best shoestring fries you’ve ever had, but better and flavored with spicy Szechuan peppers and spices.  The are only available in season and fantastic with beer (like most things).  Tip: Always order at least one item off of the hand-written page on the back of the menu.  There are great authentic and seasonal dishes on that page.”