Edacious - Food Talk For Gluttons

Whether you call them small plates, tapas, or mezze, these treats for sharing have been a part of the American restaurant scene for at least 20 years. So why are some folks still reluctant to embrace this European concept? That's our topic for Episode 17. Meet Chef Justin Ross of Parallel 38, one of the most unique restaurants in Charlottesville. Its concept revolves around cuisines from countries lying along the 38th parallel. Countries like Greece, Turkey, Spain, Lebanon, the Napa Valley, and of course, Charlottesville. Parallel specializes in mezze or Eastern Mediterranean small plates which include ingredients like eggplant, goat, octopus, Zatar spice, and delicious labneh, a cheese made with Greek yogurt. Justin is somewhat of a prodigy - pastry chef by 17 and running a wine program by 25. He eventually worked under José Andrés and Mike Isabella at Zaytinya during the time when José was just beginning his world domination of the culinary food world. His stories of Mom's bartending days at The Kennedy Cen