On Fridays, we feature five foods selected by local chefs and personalities. Today’s picks come from Richard Ridge, chef of Restoration, at Old Trail Golf Club in Crozet. Ridge’s picks:
1) Country Ham and Apple Chutney Sandwich at Greenwood Gourmet. “It’s been on the specials board for as long as I can remember and I hope David and Nina never take it off. This sandwich is perfect. Fresh bread from Goodwin Creek Farm & Bakery and a balance of salt and sweetness from the country ham and chutney.”
2) Smoked Jalapeño Meatloaf Sandwich at SouthFork Food Truck. “Phil has a great selection of comfort food that is uniquely him. It’s based in Southern food but he draws from so many other influences. Whenever I see his truck I stop and buy this sandwich. The tartness of the green tomato salsa and the perfect toast on his sourdough bread make this a sandwich that you pick up once and don’t put down until its gone.”
3) Bellissima Pizza at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie. “A heaping pile of arugula dressed in a lemon vinaigrette on top of a country ham and fresh mozzarella pie. I love the feeling of the place and the staff too.”
4) Profiteroles at Petit Pois. “House made vanilla ice cream fills up cream puff pastries and is topped by warm ganache. Every element is done so well and they come together perfectly.”
5) El Te Caldo de Res Con Arroz at El Tepeyac. “This soup is a full meal with short rib, yucca, and potatoes with rice, onions, and cilantro served on the side. It’s warm and comforting, just like the owners and staff. This place used to be a counter in the back of a general store. Now they’ve built it out into a full restaurant. A lot of times when places expand something gets lost in translation. They’ve avoided that pitfall completely and I love having this restaurant as an option in Charlottesville.”
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 onFacebook and Twitter.
