The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Ten Sushi

06/26/2015

Five Finds on Friday: John Shanesy

John

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities. Today’s picks come from John Shanesy, the new Chef de Cuisine at Charlottesville 29 inductee Parallel 38, which has just updated its menu with handmade pastas, flatbread pizzas, and more.  A former sous chef of The Blue Light Grill, Shanesy has also spent time at Paradox Pastry, as well as Charlottesville 29 inductees MAS Tapas and The BBQ Exchange. Shanesy’s picks:

1)  Pulled Pork Sandwich with Garlic Pickles, Hog Fire and Napalm Sauce at The BBQ Exchange.  “Craig’s passion for food and cooking is something very contagious and it’s obvious why his restaurant is such a hit.”

2)  Thai Beef Consommé at Pad Thai.  “Perfect mix of hot, comfort and clean flavors put together in one bowl by Mr. Ouypron!”

3)  Chorizo Tacos Traditional Style with Whiskey at Yearbook Taco.  “John’s cooking is wonderful, and he was a wonderful teacher of mine. I love his food and it’s especially good when Ross Schiller is putting bourbon in me.”

4)  Bellisima Pizza at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie.  “Best ingredients, best dough, best sauce, best atmosphere! What else can you say!”

5)  OH Toro at TEN.  “Pei Chang does no wrong at his incredible Japanese restaurant on the downtown mall. The decor is so inviting and the quality of staff and food is at the highest level that this town has to offer. Absolutely wonderful!”

03/20/2015

Five Finds on Friday: Kirk Smith

Kirk

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Kirk Smith, Chef of Commonwealth Restaurant & Skybar.  Tomorrow, from 11 am to 4 pm, Commonwealth is hosting Soupapalooza, where top area restaurants will go head-to-head in a battle of soups.  You can sample all of the outstanding entries and then enjoy a bowl of your favorite, all while supporting Habitat for Humanity.  Smith’s picks:

1)  Santa Fe Enchilada at Continental Divide.  “With some ‘Danger’ and ‘Wait a Minute’ hot sauces.”

2)  Spicy Chicken Burrito at Mono Loco.  “Often on the weekly specials list.  I love the jalapenos inside and the refreshing side salad to cool things off.”

3)  Conserva al Spada and then Margherita D.O.C. Pizze at Lampo.  “Delicious selections at this new favorite.”

4)  Omakase at TEN Sushi. “Please include a couple of pieces of Hawaiian Walu!”

5)  Seafood Charcuterie Board at The Alley Light.  “Please.”

01/16/2015

Five Finds on Friday: Rachel Pennington

Photo by Justin Ide.

Photo by Justin Ide.

On Fridays we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Rachel Pennington,  the much touted pastry chef of The Whiskey Jar, who will be making pies for The Pie Chest, an extension of The Whiskey Jar baking program opening soon on the Downtown mall.  “Simple, rustic, classically Southern, seasonal, fresh, from scratch. Those are my values for it,” said Pennington.  More details soon. Pennington’s picks:

1)  The Para Papa at Al Carbon Chicken. “This perfectly-roasted, juicy, charcoal chicken is one reason why vegetarianism would be a near-impossible personal life choice. Half a chicken with fried plantains and yellow rice, salsas, friendly and personable service, just simply delicious. Also doesn’t hurt that Kohr Bros. is within a very doable post-meal walking-distance.”

2)  Spinach Salad and The Fat & Sassy with Artichokes at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie.  “I still fondly remember my first meal at this place. Now it’s the go-to for game days, True Detective binge-watching sessions, and New Year’s Eve tradition. Savory in the most satisfying way. Also doesn’t hurt that right next door is the Crossroad Store with killer Peanut Butter Cup cookies.”

3)  Lobster Tempura at TEN.  “Easily one of the best bites of food I’ve ever eaten. Literally melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.”

4)  Tomato Sandwich at The Whiskey Jar.  “I can’t help it – I tried to resist the urge to include this due to a bit of a conflict-of-interest, but this sandwich…oh, this sandwich. Starts with butter-toasted Goodwin Creek bread, a generous double-slather of Duke’s mayo, a little seasoning, and thick slices of fresh, beautiful, delicious Red Row Farm tomatoes. I literally eat one every single day during the summer. Sometimes two.”

5)  Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls at Feast!  “A good friend bought me one of these before heading to the Paramount to watch the World Cup match against Germany. As soon as the game ended, I walked to Feast! and bought an amount of which I care not to admit. I also care not to admit how many of these I can consume in one sitting. Perfect with a Cortado from Milli Joe.”