Take it to go
The wait is over. Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie chef-owner Michael McCarthy is finally letting people into the newly-constructed space next to his North Garden cult favorite pizza joint, and it’s a completely different concept. Giddy’s Good Fortune Take Away, a counter-service spot serving up Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes, opened for business on Thursday, August 14.
According to a sneak peek review by the Charlottesville 29, classics like the Pad Thai and fresh shrimp summer rolls are spot on. Other menu items include rice bowls, chicken lettuce wraps, and, obviously, fortune cookies. Giddy’s is named after Gideon, the owner’s eldest son, and McCarthy was sure to include the word “takeaway” in the name to drive home the point that the little restaurant only has seating for about 35 people, and takeout is always a good option.
Giddy’s will be open Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30am-9pm.
Local champs team up
Speaking of Asian food, famed chef Peter Chang—who has been called one of the best Szechuan chefs in the country and unapologetically cooks in a style that doesn’t cater to Americanized tastes—is doing something he doesn’t do very often. The former chef to the Chinese Embassy is digging into his own past and preparing an elaborate meal reminiscent of the homestyle food his grandmother used to make while he was growing up. Not only that, but he’s teaming up with Champion Brewing Company owner Hunter Smith to host the event at Peter Chang’s China Grill in the North Wing of the Barracks Road Shopping Center.
On Wednesday, September 3*, Chang will serve up classic Chinese dishes like smoked fish with ghost chili, pan-fried beef cake, and lotus root with oyster sauce. Each course will be paired with one of Smith’s brews from Champion, including the popular Missile IPA. Tickets are $45 per person. For reservations call 244-9818.
Perfect pairings
Speaking of food and booze coming together, representatives from a favorite local winery and one of the most renowned local restaurants are joining forces for a wine dinner later this month. On Wednesday, August 27, Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards and Fossett’s Restaurant’s Aaron Cross are joining forces for a multi-course dinner. The menu will include a crawfish mousseline with crispy okra and melted leeks, halibut with tomato confit, crown roasted duck breast with pencil cob grits, and hibiscus plum sorbet. Each course will be paired with wines hand-picked by Luca. For reservations, call 979-3440.
Accolades all around
Seems that Charlottesville’s tastemakers, from chefs and winemakers to brewers and coffee house owners are constantly getting national attention. This week was no exception, as two local favorites were recognized by the national media.
Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters, with its three locations in town, was named by Men’s Journal as one of the 12 best coffee shops in the country. Southern Living, in similar list fashion, named Ian Boden’s Staunton restaurant The Shack one of the best new restaurants in the south, touting the crispy lamb shank as the tastiest dish on the menu.
We’re always keeping an eye out for the latest news on Charlottesville’s food and drink scene, so pick up a paper and check c-ville.com/living each week for the latest Small Bites. Have a scoop for Small Bites? E-mail us at bites@c-ville.com.
*The print version of this story incorrectly states that Peter Chang’s dinner with Champion is on September 6. The dinner is on September 3.
