The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Vivace

09/05/2014

Five Finds on Friday: Alfredo Malinis, Jr.

Alfredo

On Fridays, we feature five food finds from local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Parallel 38 chef Alfredo Malinis, Jr., who is fresh off an appearance at the James Beard House and whose cooking Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema recently compared to what’s found at some of D.C.’s best restaurants.  On Tuesday, September 9 at Parallel 38, you can enjoy the special menu that Malinis prepared at the James Beard House. $120. One night only. Reservations required. Call (434) 923-3838.

1) Triple Cheeseburger at Riverside Lunch.  “I love everything about this place.  The staff, the food, and the ‘hometown secret’ feel. Triple cheeseburger is a must.”

2) Risotto at Vivace.  “The risotto is the best I’ve had in a long time.”

3) Crispy Shredded Beef at Kyoto.  “Incredible.  If I could eat this every day, I would.  My fiance won’t let me!”

4) Pancit at Little Manila.  “Little Manila and Got Dumplings are must stops at the Saturday morning market.  If the farmer’s market was open every day, I would still go just for those two stands. The pancit is just like my father makes!”

5) BBQ at Pasture. “Three letters. BBQ.”

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.”

08/10/2012

Five Finds on Friday: Vu Nguyen

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Vu Nguyen, owner of Zinc and the newly opened Moto Pho Co.  Nguyen’s five picks:

1)  Sausage, Egg and Cheesse,  Coffee, and a Chocolate Glazed Donut at Spudnuts.  Really doesn’t need an explanation.

2)  Veggie on Rye with House Dressing, add Watercress and a Side of House Dressing, 1/2 pint Exotic Grains, and Rte 66 Dill Pickle Chips at Take It Away.  I’m not a vegetarian.

3)  Bamee Moo Dang at Pad Thai.  Wonton Noodle Soup is what they call it on the menu, which is weird because the literal translation is Ramen Red Pork.

4)  The bar and the man who makes it, Paulie, at Vivace.

5)  Four C’s on a Sugar Cone at Chaps.  This is a recent revelation for me, thanks to my better half, Laura, replacing Arch’s Swirl with M&M’s as indulgence #1 (besides Talisker).