On Fridays, we feature five food finds from local chefs and personalities. Today’s picks come from Brian Jones, chef of Petit Pois. On May 13, Petit Pois is hosting the Charlottesville stop of Wines of Germany’s second annual Riesling Road Trip. Paul Grieco (of NYC’s Hearth and Terroir), who in 2012 won the James Beard Award for nation’s best wine and spirits professional, is traveling up and down the east coast with wine writer Stuart Pigott in a wine bar on wheels. On May 13, Grieco and Pigott will be at Petit Pois for a multi-course dinner with eight different German wines. $52, all inclusive. To reserve, call 434-979-7647. Jones’ picks:
1) Pepperoni Pizza and Grape Soda at Vinny’s Pizza & Pasta in Ruckersville. “Just like the local pizzeria in my town where I grew up. While I can’t put down the grape soda like I used to as a kid, this combination makes me feel like I’m 14 again.”
2) Original Tart Yogurt with Oreo Cookie Crumbs at Sweet Frog. “With my six and seven year old girls, these Sweet Frog dates are always sweet times.”
3) Olive Thyme Levain at Albemarle Baking Company. “Toast a slice for breakfast to go with your coffee.”
4) Spicy Tuna Tartar at ZoCaLo. “Super clean flavors with a little bit of spice. A great way to replenish some calories after a hard night’s work. Probably the most consistent restaurant in town. They’re always on point.”
5) Mussels from Seafood @ West Main. The place to grab a bag of mussels before your next party, or any seafood for that matter. Petit Pois Restaurant sources all of their seafood through Seafood @ West Main. Everything is always super fresh. Pristine quality fish.”
