They’re back!

The Virginia Film Festival announced a full return to in-person movie viewing for its 34th annual fest, which will be held October 27-31. Jody Kielbasa, UVA’s vice provost for the arts and director of the festival, says the VAFF will offer more than 85 films and host an extensive lineup of live discussions. Special guests […]

Side by side

Sometimes it’s a side dish that makes a place special. That’s the case with Otto Turkish Street Food’s rosemary fries. The menu is loaded with good stuff, but it’s the long slim cut of yellow potato, fried to a crispy gold exterior and dusted with a palate-pleasing mixture of salt and minced fresh rosemary, that […]

Bagels on a roll

With long lines out the door most days before noon, Bodo’s Bagels was already a popular, fast, and convenient way to cure a hangover or grab lunch to go. As COVID necessitated social distancing, the shops on Emmet and Preston streets were uniquely qualified to make adjustments: Both stores were already equipped with drive-thru windows; […]

Porch sittin’

Several art projects helped us cope during 2020’s stay-at-home months. We searched for original works in windows along a mapped route, downloaded coloring pages by local artists, attended distanced concerts and plays, and amped up our holiday light displays, letting them glow well past the season. We also embraced the porch photography trend that swept the […]

Rollin’ up

When you’re short on time, or keeping close to home, these services on wheels are super convenient. Good Waffles & Co.  Good Waffles & Co. is committed to discovering every possible way to ingest waffles, from chicken ’n’ waffles, to ice cream cones, to waffle pudding. goodwafflesco.com sliced. Cake Bar  This family-run food truck is […]

Opening eyes

Late afternoon light pours into The Ridley’s stylish dining room through tall street-facing glass walls, warming a dark-wood interior accented by copper features and splashes of UVA orange. Sitting in a booth, chef Robert Anglin is shy, and calm, even though service starts in just two hours. The upscale restaurant opened its doors on April […]

Consummate host

The Charlottesville food scene lost a bright and passionate figure when Justin Ross passed away unexpectedly on March 26, at the age of 40. Those who knew the talented restaurateur and wine connoisseur remember him for his beaming smile and commitment to hospitality. Ross moved to Charlottesville in 2013 to launch modern Mediterranean restaurant Parallel […]

PICK: Labryrinth

Birthday Bowie: In the mid-’80s, a Jim Henson and George Lucas film collaboration was guaranteed to generate big buzz—tack on the casting of rock star/actor David Bowie, and the anticipation was palpable. The musical fantasy Labyrinth follows the journey of a teenage girl through a maze to rescue her baby brother. Other than Bowie and […]

PICK: The Earlysville Bluegrass Boys

Band of brothers: With a sound beyond their years, you’d never guess that the Heetderks brothers are all under age 17. Picking out traditional bluegrass and gospel as The Earlysville Bluegrass Boys, David (banjo, dobro), John (mandolin, fiddle), and Daniel (guitar, bass) have made a name for themselves by charming audiences at church picnics and […]

PICK: Wildrock’s Winter Wonderland Trail

Get out together: Some of the best aspects of the season are on display during a tour of Wildrock’s Winter Wonderland Trail. Track animals and learn their survival habits, get an up-close look at snowflake patterns, and play a woodland game to match gnome mittens. Small groups can make a reservation to enjoy this family-friendly, […]