The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: The Whiskey Jar

03/21/2014

Five Finds on Friday: Chris Arseneault

Chris

On Fridays we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Chris Arseneault, owner of Charlottesville’s favorite seafood source: Seafood @ West Main, which for years has served the area’s best restaurants.  Chris’s picks:

1)  Kim-chee Fried Rice at The Korean House.  “There is great, authentic Korean food in C’ville but it is served in a most unpretentious manner. Relax and enjoy.”

2)  Fried Calamari at Pizza Bella.  “With the house marinara (no cheese please), it is a meal by itself.”

3)  Lunch Buffet at Royal Indian.  “Fresh naan delivered to your table at a lunch buffet? Yes!  I typically go on Friday after a long week of serving my precious customers . . . love you all!”

4)  Blackened Catfish Sandwich at The Whiskey Jar.  “This will make a southern boy speechless.”

5)  My favorite fish…Hamachi (seriola quinqueradiata).  “Sashimi is the quintessential manner to consume this beautiful fish.”

01/30/2014

Introducing Belle Meade Bourbon

Belle Meade

Photo by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Belle Meade Bourbon, now available in Charlottesville, arrives with a good story behind it.  Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson are reviving a once-dominant Tennessee distillery, Nelson’s Green Brier, that their great-great-great grandfather made popular before prohibition brought it to an end nearly 100 years ago.  Learn more about their story here.

But, as much as we enjoy a good story, our main interest is what’s in the glass.  And, in this case, it’s good stuff.  Until their distillery is up and running, the Nelsons are using a hand-selected blend of whiskeys distilled by Master Distiller Greg Metze, of MGP, who has also made whiskeys for critics’ darlings like High West and Bulleit.  Belle Meade is an approachable, high-rye bourbon with notes of sweet, spicy caramel, and stone fruit.  And, it makes a great Manhattan.  Look for it soon at Beer Run, The Whiskey Jar, and Commonwealth, among others.

 

 

11/22/2013

Five Finds on Friday: Justin Ross of Parallel 38

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On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Justin Ross, who soon will open the highly anticipated restaurant Parallel 38 at Stonefield.  Details here.  In addition to an impressive menu of mezze, Parallel 38 will feature 100 different wines, all available by the glass, and a special selection of trophy wines available by the 1 oz pour.  Look for an opening by the end of the year.  Ross’s picks:

1)  Cabrito Tacos Mexican Style at La Michoacana.  “Roasted habanero marinated goat.  Need I say more? Chicken tacos and a bottled coke is a very close second.”

2)  Beef with Mixed Peppers on Hot Iron Plate at Peter Chang’s China Grill.  “I rarely go a full week without this dish.  The beef is amazingly tender with the perfect amount of heat.  Peter Chang is a magician.”

3)  Martinis and Meatballs at the bar at Vivace.  “Their meatballs might be better than my mom’s, sorry mom!  Coming from an Italian family, good Italian is a must.  The only thing that makes this meal better is Paulie and his amazing Kettle One martinis.”

4)  Veal Sweetbreads at C&O.  “I’m not sure what’s better about our regular C&O date night, a much needed break with my lovely lady or the sweetbreads.”

5) Potter’s Farmhouse Cider and Will Richey’s House Smoked BBQ at The Whiskey Jar.  “The perfect end to a long day or the best start to a long night.”