The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Tavola

05/24/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Jeff Bloem

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Jeff Bloem, founder of the area’s only local malt house, Murphy & Rude Malting Co., which makes specialty and base malts from grains harvested by small grain farmers across Virginia. Along with The Charlottesville 29, Murphy & Rude is the other collaborator on Reason Beer’s outstanding Collaboration 29, now available at Beer Run and Kardinal Hall, among locations. Murphy & Rude is also helping to fight Cystic Fibrosis with several upcoming fundraisers, where you can drink free beer, among other things. Details below. Bloem’s picks:

1) Pork Milanese at Tavola. “What makes this dish so list-worthy is that I don’t even think it’s because of the pork. Don’t get me wrong, the pork is incredible – locally sourced, perfectly seasoned, breaded, and sautéed – but it’s the balance of the background of Meyer lemon, capers, Roma tomatoes, and sautéed arugula that makes you ponder ordering another one. And so consistent.”

2) Grilled Radicchio Salad (add Salmon) with Allagash FV13 at Beer Run. “This one is my victory set — one of those quick and simple but arm twisting go-tos for good moods. The acidity of the Flanders-esque farmhouse ale is a delicious contrast to the bite and richness of the salad. No FV-13? Sub Collaboration 29. Collaboration 29 offseason? Grab a Belgian from the hallway to the back bar, middle shelf.  Remember, you did good.”

3) Four-egg white Greek omelet, no bread, home fries with black coffee at Tip Top. “Before I opened the malt house I worked from home for nearly seven years. I didn’t get out much. Kid drop-offs were my commute and I used this favorite to stretch it out a bit while I was ‘driving home.’ Nothing fancy, but man, hits the spot. Regardless of what you order, go big and leave a 40% tip. Those guys and gals are the hardest working staff in town.”

4) Fried Bologna Sandwich at Keevil & Keevil Grocery and Kitchen. “I grew up on these things and while Miracle Whip (don’t hate, I’m a Midwestern transplant) would take it up a notch, they nail it here. I’m not sure anything Harrison Keevil touches lacks a component of back-home authenticity, but this one really makes me smile as I inhale it in my car before even turning it on.”

5) Egg & Chorizo Burrito at Sunoco on 5th Street Extended. “The back half of the Sunoco gas station on 5th Street Extended (across from Fifth St. Station development, next to Burger King, soon to go back to a Shell station) has long been utilized as a commercial kitchen for a small, often unknown, pop-up restaurant. This occasion is no different. I have no idea what the name of the Mexican place is that currently holds it down but it’s a gem.  Authentic, homemade, and cooked-to-order. There is La Michoacana and then there is this place.”

Murphy & Rude Cystic Fibrosis Fundraisers

All Out Before You (Brewer’s) Ball Out!
Saturday, June 1 at 4 p.m.
Orangetheory Fitness Charlottesville

Get an incredible workout (and watch Jeff kill himself to keep up with his wife), raise funds to Cure CF, and refresh afterwards with free pours of Collaboration 29, a collaboration IPA between Murphy & Rude Malting Co., Charlottesville 29, and Reason Beer.

Class Reservations: $25. To book: Call OTF Charlottesville at (434) 483-5757 or text event organizer Kelly Bloem at 703-919-0972 .

Ax Throwing
Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery (IX Park)
Friday, June 7 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Join open play or team up for some friendly competition to throw axes to Cure CF! Hosted by Lynchburg-based PowerPlay, $5 buys you 5 throws and there will be free giveaways to keep you coming back for more. No advance reservations or RSVP needed.

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05/03/2019

Five Find on Friday: Melissa Stefaniak

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Melissa Stefaniak, founder of Single Baked Sweets, a new Charlottesville-based company making single-serve, bake-at-home dessert kits, like chocolate chip cookies and s’mores pie. All kits come with pre-measured dry ingredients in bakeware and simple instructions. Shop at www.singlebakedsweets.com. Stefaniak’s picks:

1) Cheeseburger at Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint. “The ultimate comfort food to me is a simple, delicious cheeseburger and Jack Brown’s does not disappoint. Soft bun, melty cheddar cheese and wagyu beef patty – nothing else needed. Add a side of their Jack Brown’s sauce and it becomes a new addiction. Pairs well with a draft beer and good company.”

2) Chocolate Almond Croissant at MarieBette. “I’m not even a huge almond fan, but this pastry is one of my favorites in the world. Classic flaky, buttery croissant with a surprisingly sweet almond paste and chocolate center, topped with powdered sugar. It’s divine, indulgent and oh so sophisticated.”

3) S’mores Bread Pudding at Oakhart Social. “Not even sure where to begin to describe my own surprise, delight and gleeful satisfaction with this dessert. Nothing like what you would expect and 100 times better than your wildest dream. It’s deconstructed bread pudding. Puffy, fried dough, meets chocolate, meets brûléed marshmallow peaks and puppy chow crunch. Don’t order one to share, you’ll regret it – order one just for you because it’s so worth it.”

4) Chicken Wings at Doma. “You can get them in a variety of yummy flavors, and I recommend you order at least 20 in a variety of sauces. All are delicious, crispy and crave-able. Stay also for their dolsot bibimbap – full of fresh flavors and crispy rice.”

5) Orange Wines at Tavola. “Great atmosphere and great food, but what I love is their wine selection. If you haven’t tried one of their orange wines, it’s a must. Not only is orange on brand with UVa (wahoowa), but it’s a unique take on classic varietals. Perfect for sipping and enjoying the local scene.”

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Chocolate Almond Croissants at MarieBette

04/12/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Laurel Bennett

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Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from someone without whom this week’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship by the University of Virginia would not have happened. In March 2009, when Washington State men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett picked up the phone to call Virginia and decline its offer to become its men’s basketball coach, his wife Laurel suggested he put down the phone and give the decision more time. The next day, Tony called to accept the Virginia job. And, the rest is history. Laurel’s picks:

1) Pappardelle Bolognese at Tavola. “If you haven’t had it, just go get it.”

2) Any Meal at Pico Wrap. “My most frequented restaurant. Any meal, make it your way. My vote for friendliest, too.”

3) Trout and ANY Two Sides at Maya. “Eat every bite. Makes me feel right at home with my southern roots.”

4) Grilled Sea Scallops at Duner’s. “They are always cooked to perfection. And there’s room for dessert.”

5) Brownie A La Mode at Continental Divide. “Confession: I often make a pit stop here just for dessert. Amen.”

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Laurel Bennett and family, April 1, 2009, at the press conference introducing Tony Bennett as UVa Men’s Basketball Coach