PICK: Duck Demystified

Make way: Seems that if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, many of us are afraid to cook it. In Duck Demystified, chef Ian Rynecki addresses the uncertainties around preparing this often overlooked entrée. The hands-on demo ends with participants dining together on a whole, roasted duck […]

In brief: Sheffield resigns, Fellini’s closes, and more

In brief Fellini’s closing Yet another Charlottesville business has been shuttered by the coronavirus. Last week, the owners of downtown Italian restaurant and music venue Fellini’s announced that December 19 would be the spot’s final day. “We literally tried EVERYTHING,” reads a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page. The owners report that they asked the […]

Snacks, tracks, and acts to relax with

This week, our arts and living columnists share the culture that has helped them survive the pandemic. Something with soul  Music has always been cathartic for me—as a child, I’d entertain myself (and anyone who would listen) for hours, singing off-key versions of Fleetwood Mac and Janis Joplin classics into my sparkly purple hairbrush. In college, […]

Under pressure: Reflecting on the most stressful semester on record

By Caroline Challe Mountains of reading, devilish final exams, finding your way into adulthood—college can be stressful under the best of circumstances. This year, coronavirus turned UVA’s public spaces into ghost towns, and rendered many college students’ traditional methods of de-stressing impossible, or at least unwise. (Although it’s true that some students made their way […]

In brief: Kids defend skate park, Hudson announces campaign, and more

Grinding to a halt Last week, a final warning was issued to all skaters: If more than 25 people were seen gathered at the Charlottesville Skate Park—or other city parks and recreation areas—over the weekend, the city would consider shutting down all of its outdoor facilities until the declaration of emergency is lifted. Officials stopped […]

PICK: The Nutcracker

Sippin’ in slippers: Don’t let the coronavirus knock you off your feet this holiday season. But do feel free to stay home in your slippers to enjoy the beloved story of Clara’s Christmas journey in Charlottesville Ballet’s The Nutcracker: A Virtual Gala. The evening will be filled with special guests and local musicians, and the […]

PICK: Walking in a Winter WILDland!

Natural canvas: Art and nature collide for an evening of outdoor visuals and musical performances in Wild Virginia Film Festival’s Walking in a Winter WILDland! Films include Ephemeral by Steven David Johnson and Alex Wiles, Fire on the Mountain by ARTivism, and Hidden Rivers, a feature film exploration of rivers and streams in the southern […]

PICK: Storytime with Santa

Santa sanitized: Santa has an occupation that makes social distancing difficult. Lucky for our little ones, he’s taking precautions and offering his services virtually. Storytime with Santa is a chance to have an online chat with jolly ol’ St. Nick, no travel required. Parents can choose to personalize the experience with a handwritten note from […]

PICK: Messiah Sing-In

Hallelujah for us: Love to sing along but don’t care for an audience? It’s your time to shine as a party of one when the UVA Department of Music moves its Messiah Sing-In online. The annual tradition began at the university in 1968 and was among the first sing-ins in the nation. The inspiring music and […]