The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Taste of China

02/28/2014

Five Finds on Friday: Josh Lowry

Josh

Photo courtesy of Josh Lowry.

On Fridays, we feature five food finds from local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Josh Lowry, sous chef of Zocalo (and earlier this week Zy.De.Co.)  Lowry’s picks:

1)  Thai Beef Consomme Noodle Bowl at Pad Thai.  “Rich, brothy, crunchy, sweet, sour, savory. It’s everything in a bowl . . . the best!”

2)  Pastrami and Swiss on an Onion Bagel with mustard at Bodo’s.  “We are extremely lucky to have a place like this in Charlottesville.  Let’s not take it for granted.”

3)  The Classic #1 at Chick-fil-A.  “My alltime favorite restaurant.  When I was a kid they always had sweet old ladies out front with free chicken samples.  I always walked by a second time for another free taste . . . they almost always let me.”

4)  Dan Dan Noodles at Taste of China.  “I know most folks have gone over to Peter Chang’s new spot but this is my go-to.  Again, Charlottesville is lucky to have a place like this.”

5. Burrata at Tavola.  “If you haven’t been . . . go!”

01/17/2014

Five Finds on Friday: Bill Scatena

Bill

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Bill Scatena, sous chef at Pippin Hill Farm Table & Wine Bar.  Tonight, Scatena will be preparing a Tuscan-inspired menu for Pippin Hill’s first annual Winemaker’s Dinner. Scatena’s picks:

1) Crispy Yucca with Salsa Verde at El Tepeyac.  “Authentic, Salvadoran cuisine done up in an approachable way. The yucca is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted.”

2) Bloody Mary and Eggs Benedict at The Pigeon Hole.  “A hidden, local spot on the UVA corner.  Cross your fingers when trying to get in for Sunday morning brunch, but well worth the wait – especially for a spicy bloody mary. You can never go wrong with a bloody mary, especially when it’s in a mason jar – it’s always good.”

3) Kale Salad at Tavola.  “Everything about Tavola’s kale salad is memorable.  I’m not a huge salad guy, but the combination of sweet and salty flavors gets me every time.”

4) The Hell Sandwich at BBQ Exchange.  “I love spicy food. I love BBQ. It’s made by Brooks Tanner…enough said.”

5) Dried Fried Eggplant at Taste of China.  “Favorite dish in town, hands down. It gets better every time I eat it. It takes a lot of skill to make this dish with a crispy, flaky texture on the outside, yet light and airy on the inside. You have to try it.”

08/16/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Jarad Adams

Jarad

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Jarad Adams, sous chef of Clifton Inn, which is offering a great deal throughout August.  Sunday through Thursday, guests can enjoy the amazing tasting menu for just $75, which is half the normal price.  Perfect for August birthdays and anniversaries.  Adams’ picks:

1) Tacos de Lengua and Sopes con Longaniza at El Tepayac.  “This Mexican/Salvadoran restaurant is dishing out some of the tastiest (and least expensive) food in town.  Definitely wash it all down with an ice cold Michelada.”

2)  Pork Belly with Leeks at Taste of China.  “Skip the American menu and head straight for the pork belly with leeks.  My wife loves the crispy fish scented with cumin and green onions.  We stumbled in looking for some Chinese food close to home, and I don’t think we have been to anyone else in town since then.”

3) Octopus at Orzo.  “Chef Tommy and his crew make some rock solid food.  Seriously, I don’t get in there enough.  A great meal accompanied by a glass of wine and an after dinner stroll downtown for people watching makes for a really nice date night.”

4)  Annie Oakley pizza at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie.  (Spicy buffalo chicken breast, pineapple, pickled jalapeno peppers, mozzarella, and cheddar.)  “After a long hike on a day off, nothing beats a pie and a cold beer from these guys!”

5)  Meals at Home with my wife Nikki.  “We work opposite schedules so when we are both home we often just turn on some music, make a mess, laugh and create something together. The antithesis to a crazy week at work!”