The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville

Tag: Zocalo

07/24/2015

Five Finds on Friday: Tyler Thomas

Tyler

On Fridays, we feature five food finds from local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Tyler Thomas, the JM Stock Provisions butcher who recently re-joined ZoCaLo as sous chef.  Thomas’ picks:

1)  Missile IPA at Champion Brewing Company.  “Few things rival drinking Missile IPA sitting outside at Champion. The vibes of the brewery combined with this flawlessly executed American IPA rub me the right way.”

2)  CVille Hot Chicken at Oakhart Social.  “Spicy dry-rubbed wings on white bread with JM Stock Provisions pickles. ‘Nuff said.”

3)  Pork from Autumn Olive Farms.  “The hogs these fine folks are raising are second to none in the area.”

4)  Super Tacos at La Michoacana Deli.  “Your choice of meat on fresh, hand-made tortillas. House salsas and spicy pickled veg. Authentic flavors from authentic people. Bring cash.”

5)  The California with Jalapeño from Baggby’s.  “Because you gotta eat your veggies if you want puddin, or in this case a complimentary cookie. Always reliable,always personable service.”

02/06/2015

Five Finds on Friday: Michael Lewis

Lewis, left, with Rufus.

Lewis, left, with Rufus.

On Fridays, we feature five foods finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Michael Lewis, chef-owner of Mono Loco.  On Sunday, February 22, Mono Loco is doing yet another of its hugely popular pop-up brunches, from 12-4.  There’s great stuff on those pop-up brunch menus, so mark your calendars. Lewis’ picks:

1)  Double Espresso at Greenwood Gourmet Grocery. “This is how I start most mornings: a double espresso with David and Nina the owners, and joining in on the colorful conversations.  It’s a gourmand’s Mom & Pop!  In the afternoons, try an amazing chicken sope with fresh pineapple pico, hope Claude Thibaut is doing a wine tasting, and say hello to Rufus the dog.”

2)  Smoked Jalapeno Meatloaf Sandwich from South Fork food truck. “Phil used to work with us at Mono, so its awesome to watch his continued success. I never imagined I could derive so much joy from a meatloaf sandwich, but his is savory and rich with a hint of spice, and he won’t judge you if you order two!”

3)  Carne Asada at MAS Tapas.  “My happy place.  Tomas and crew are my go to spot for the Charlottesville uninitiated.  It’s crowded, brash, loud and unapologetic, and I love that.  Plus, the carne asada is always spot on.”

4)  Crabcake at Three Notch’d Grill.  “Out in Crozet, Haden and Cathy just run a solid, chill place.  Sit at the bar, have a Titos’s martini and my favorite crabcake in town.  They’re filled with crab, not filler, and the jicama slaw and lemon beurre-blanc just balance the dish beautifully.”

5)  Spicy Tuna Tartar at Zocalo.  “Some people complain that it’s the same menu, so what!!  It’s consistently good food, year in and year out, which is incredibly difficult to do.  And, the tuna tartar is the best app in town.”

09/19/2014

Five Finds on Friday: Andrew Cole

Cole

On Fridays, we feature five food or drink finds from local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Andrew Cole, the longtime sommelier of Tavola, who recently left to join three chefs in opening the much-anticipated restaurant Lampo, which will specialize in Neopolitan pizza.  “Since I’ve partnered up with three great chefs to open Lampo,” said Cole, “I figured it’d be appropriate to leave the food to the experts and focus on something I’m a little more familiar with.”  So, here is the first ever liquid Five Finds on Friday.  Cole’s picks:

1)  Parliament at ZoCaLo.  “Be it by choice or reputation, I can’t go to Zocalo without having at least one. Citrusy, balanced, and refreshing, this mojito/margarita riff with basil and Hendricks gin is as consistently delicious as the restaurant where you can find one.”

2) “Cherry Choke” at The Alley Light.  “The team at The Alley Light is astounding. I love the depth of the wine list, the food is as creative and exciting as it is delicious, but it’s the cherry choke that keeps me sidled up to the bar. Admittedly, I am a sucker for Amaro, but Micah’s use of Cynar in this cocktail is particularly brilliant.”

3)  Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet with Skillet Roasted Mussels at Tavola.  “I would admit to a bit of bias on this one, but a glass of the Pepiere Muscadet with the skillet roasted mussels at Tavola is truly tough to beat. I know shellfish and muscadet is a bit cliché at this point, but in this case it’s a perfect foil for one of the best dishes in town.”

4)  Jalapeño Margarita at Mono Loco.  “A classic margarita with a healthy dose of jalapeño peppers, but don’t be intimidated because this drink really works. It’s spicy as hell, but that’s only fitting of brunch at Mono Loco, and you can balance it out with a shot of passion fruit if you don’t like the heat.”

5)  Greyhound at C&O.  “I’ve always appreciated the classics, and C&O defines the term. It’s a simple drink, but you can’t make it much better than they do at C&O. The whole bar program deserves applause, they’ve got a great whiskey collection, and an extensive list of interesting and obscure amaro.”