On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities. This week’s picks come from Tim Gearhart, the Culinary Institute of America graduate behind the world class offerings at Gearharts Chocolates. For Valentine’s Day this year, Gearharts has put together an ideal package – a 16-piece assortment of chocolates, a handmade chocolate heart, and a 4-piece box of toffee – all for just $30. Gearhart’s picks:
1) Fried Oysters with Chipotle Aioli at Duner’s Restaurant. “An absolute staple.”
2) Beef Short Rib at Zinc. “This is one of the most memorable meals I have had in Charlottesville in quite a while. Grits, roasted cauliflower . . . ridiculous.”
3) Beef Jerky at The Organic Butcher. “I have a serious addiction to beef jerky. Don’t judge me.”
4) A perfectly poured Duvel beer on tap at Mas. “Maybe enjoyed with a few raw oysters and I am not sure it gets better.”
5) Chocolate Praline Crunch Cake Dome at Albermarle Baking Co.. “Even after being around a whole bunch of chocolate all day, I can still do some damage on one of these.”
The Charlottesville 29 is a publication that asks: if there were just 29 restaurants in Charlottesville, what would be the ideal 29? Follow along with regular updates on Facebook and Twitter.
