If the sandwich I had at Stonefire Kitchen recently is any indication of the rest of the food offered, then Stonefire Kitchen in Barboursville, Virginia, is on the verge of greatness.
Barely open a month, Stonefire Kitchen has some front-of-the-house things still to work out like running out of menus, staff knowledge of menu items, contact phone number on the receipt. Small things really but noticeable because with the food, every detail has been addressed.
Let’s get back to my sandwich…
Stonefire Kitchen offers 11 signature sandwiches, or a Build-Your-Own option. I decided on a #4- Turkey Breast, Bacon, Avocado, Sliced Cucumber, Red Onion, Mayo, and Watercress, on Multi-Grain Bread. When you put together a sandwich that despite the number of ingredients is pretty simple, it’s important that every ingredient is perfect. In this case, everything was. WOW! The bacon was crisp, the avocado perfectly ripe, the cucumber crunchy, watercress spicy, and the bread…chewy and nutty. If you read my articles as the Charlottesville Cooking Examiner, then you know my philosophy of simple food done simply right. Stonefire Kitchen exemplifies this to the utmost.
I loved the fact that my pickle was wrapped in a small bag before being placed in the white paper wrap with my sandwich. And I absolutely loved the packaging of the sandwich, including the sticker that sealed it. I have to admit, I had to call and ask what the graphic meant. It’s actually the location of the restaurant, at the corner of Routes 33 & 20. The building is marked with the star. Brilliant design.
And it’s no wonder that all the kitchen details have been addressed with Chef Jeremy Butterfield heading the kitchen. Butterfield has done kitchen duty at local Charlottesville restaurants such as Hamiltons’ and was most recently sous chef at Palladio for the past few years. He was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to speak with me and his excitement and passion about his new restaurant was quite evident.
Stonefire Kitchen practically screams “PICNIC”. Besides the sandwich offerings, there are side salads, cheeses and meats, beer and wine. I am sure as tourist season begins, Chef Butterfield will have his hands full with those wanting to take-away his wonderful culinary creations for an easy summer al fresco dining; even if it is just to the beautiful patio in front of the restaurant.
Also, Stonefire Kitchen will be the exclusive caterer for Stonefire Station, the event facility located next door. A beautiful place from the outside, and now the inclusion of Chef Butterfield’s menus and food, should make this a premier destination for local wedding and events.
Come to think of it, I do have a birthday coming up….
Stonefire Kitchen
5361 Spottswood Trail
Barboursville, VA 22923
Phone: 540.832.3330
Open Wednesday thru Sunday, 11am to 7pm
Comments
As an English Cocker Spaniel, I can tell you I am not much amused by my bachelor dad's wasting of quality outdoor time, by preparing his own roast chicken when he comes home at the end of the day. That is why I was so psyched when he discovered Stonefire Kitchen. Now we can take off for a decent run the moment he comes home, instead of loitering with the unpacking, thawing, sorting and hassling of groceries I don't even get to eat in any case. Later, if he wants to kick back with a half-chicken warmed in light vermouth in his marmite with luscious asparagus couscous, and a glass of classic Langhe Arneis from the same shop, who could care? I've made my inspection tour of our terrain, and sorted out the odd, impertinent blue jay, or two, and have my own strip of rawhide to address. No, I'd say that if a guy intends to dine well and still uphold his responsibilities to his dog, it's about time there is a Stonefire Kitchen on Rte 33 in Barboursville, or neither of us would be very happy.
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