The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: South Street Brewery

05/20/2022

#19: Reuben – Holly’s Diner

The Reuben

While the origin of a dish is unsettled, few would dispute that the Reuben was born in the USA. Some say it was created by a grocer in Omaha in the early 20th century who would request a specific corned beef sandwich during his weekly poker game at the Blackstone Hotel. Others credit a delicatessen owner in Manhattan. Whatever its roots, the sandwich has come to dominate menus at delis and casual restaurants across the country.

Here in Charlottesville, many restaurants make riffs on a Reuben, some substituting pastrami, turkey, smoked brisket, or even tofu. Among those that still use the original corned beef is Holly’s Diner. Every community needs a place like Holly’s, a come-as-you-are joint where everyone feels welcome and the kitchen staff actually care about the food they make. The care with which Holly’s kitchen prepares its Reuben has earned the sandwich a devout following. House-made Thousand Island Dressing coats warm thin sliced corned beef, sauerkraut and a slice of Swiss cheese on soft marble rye.

#19: Reuben – Holly’s Diner
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: House Corned Beef at Market Street Market, Reuben at The Villa Diner

03/19/2021

Five Finds on Friday: Brittany Miller

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Brittany Miller of Cakes by Rachel and Shenandoah Imagery. There are lots of great cake bakers in the area, but only one who was once head chef of Clifton Inn, Rachel Willis. Miller runs the office for Cakes by Rachel and also has her own food photography business, Shenandoah Imagery. As a classically trained chef, Willis still loves a challenge, like our request for a Manhattan-inspired cake to help us celebrate this weekend. White cake baked with a splash of whiskey and bitters, brushed with a whiskey cherry syrup, filled with homemade brandied cherries and triple whipped cream, and iced with a “Manhattan” buttercream: vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream accented with whiskey, vermouth, bitters and Fiori di Sicilia. Miller’s picks:

1) Vegan “Crab” Cake Sandwich at Firefly. “You can’t tell it’s not real crab. And this is coming from someone who orders crab cakes whenever I see them on a menu. I would recommend Firefly to any vegetarian or vegan looking for delicious eats.”

2) Southern Fried Chicken at South Street Brewery. “A huge piece of perfectly seasoned chicken is complemented by pillows of mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s comfort food at its finest. Better than Grandma’s.”

3) Chocolate Sour Cream Cake from Cakes by Rachel. “Everyone who’s had Rachel’s baked goods can attest to them being the best in the area, but Rachel’s chocolate cake reigns supreme, and I’m not historically a huge fan of chocolate cake. Pro tip: order yours with the chocolate buttercream. Absolute heaven. Everyone wishes they were her official cake taster, but that’s actually part of my job. I’m very lucky to work there.”

4) Sigara Börek at Sultan Kebab. “Hot phyllo rolls filled with Turkish white cheese and parsley should tell you all you need to know. They’re like mozzarella sticks, but better. Having shot their whole menu, I can certify that the owners are really great people who are passionate about their food and you can tell. Every bite amazes.”

5) Chicken Paffle from Iron Paffles. “What exactly is a paffle? I’m not really sure. I just know those paffle sandwiches taste really freaking good. I recommend the chicken with the macaroni and cheese and sriracha. The chicken is tender and the paffles are perfectly flaky. Mac and cheese just rounds it out to make it a perfect sandwich. I can’t wait to go back.”

 

08/18/2017

Five Finds on Friday: Julia Minnerly

Minnerly

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Julia Minnerly, Space Lab Commander at Snowing in Space, which last week tapped their outstanding nitro coffee WhiSKEE Ball, aged in a whiskey barrels from Virginia Distillery Co. Tomorrow, Snowing in Space will host a pop-up brunch by the recently closed Blue Moon Diner. Devotees of Blue Moon Diner who can’t wait until it re-opens next year can get their fix tomorrow, August 19, from 10 am until 2 pm, with a menu of pancakces, biscuits and gravy, or a Cajun grit bowl. Details here. Minnerly’s picks:

1) Ham Biscuits from JM Stock Provisions. “I struggle not to get a biscuit from here every day of the week. Thinly sliced, high quality ham with honey and hot sauce on biscuits made fresh everyday, so delicious!”

2) Cheesecake Berry Swirl Ice Cream Sandwich from Wonderment​ Bakeshop and Creamery​​. “Stephanie makes incredible baked goods and ice cream, in a plethora of flavors. Put them together into a jam-packed homemade ice cream sandwich? Unbelievably tasty!”

3) Chicken Lunch Box from Doma​. “Such a great go-to lunch for me. Quick service, great ingredients, and a healthy portion of Korean-style veggies and meat, it’s always amazing!”

4) The Hangover Burger from South Street Brewery. “This burger is an undertaking to be sure, with bacon and a fried egg on top, but it is a must try. Definitely the best of it’s kind in the area and consistently cooked perfectly!​”

5) California Turkey Sandwich from Green House Coffee. “Love the avocado mayo on this sandwich, with sprouts, bacon and roasted turkey. For sure a yummy favorite!”

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