Five Finds on Friday: Our Local Commons

Commons

Sarah Cramer Shields, left, and Andrea Hubbell.

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Sarah Cramer Shields and Andrea Hubbell, founders of the Charlottesville food website Our Local Commons, and creators of the books of the same name. Volume 2 of Our Local Commons has just been published, and tomorrow, October 11, there is a celebration at JM Stock Provisions called Meet Your Makers.  Meet folks whose stories are told in Our Local Commons and enjoy free samples of their products, including Flora Artisanal Cheese, Potter’s Craft Cider, Three Notch’d Brewing Co., Freestone Pies, Virginia Vinegar Works, and Whisper Hill Farm.  Sarah and Andrea’s picks:

1)  Garganelli with Butternut Squash, Kale, Caramelized Onions and Sage at Tavola.  “Seeing it on the menu each year marks the beginning of the fall season and we just can’t get enough of it.”

2)  Fried Oysters at the Cardinal Point Oyster Roast. “The Rappahannock River Oyster guys whip up an amazingly light and crispy batter that we crave all year. Mark your calendars for November 15-16.  Great music, wine and OYSTERS!”

3)  Bulk Spicy Sausage from Babes in the Woods.  “We use it in pasta dishes and soups all year long, but especially love it this time of year paired with squash and kale. It is a staple in both of our homes! You can get it at the farmer’s market or at Relay Foods.”

4)  Takeout from Pad Thai.  “It’s so important to have good takeout options while trying to wrangle one-year-olds during the witching hour.  Our favorites are the Tom Yum Noodle Bowl, the Green Papaya Salad, and the Garlic and Black Pepper Crispy Pork, which the Ouypron family made for us during our interview for the website. It’s not on the menu, but if you ask Jay nicely they will make it for you!”

5)  Cupcakes and Shenandoah Joe Coffee at Sweethaus.  “Our go-to afternoon meeting spot for a caffeine and sugar pick-me-up.  We love the almond cupcakes!  And, they just made their cookie dough frosting available by the tub!  Enough said.”