Small bites

Let’s all Thai together We’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’s been as innovative as Chimm Thai Restaurant co-owner Jay Pun in finding ways to serve people during the ongoing pandemic. While Chimm St. at Dairy Market remains open, Chimm’s 5th Street Station location is still closed for indoor dining, relying on takeout, delivery, patio […]

Best pressed

Beginning in 2021, the annual Virginia Governor’s Cup competition, which traditionally recognizes the best wines in the state, included a separate category for cider. In 2022, the competition awarded 10 gold medals to ciders and Albemarle CiderWorks’ 2019 Hewes Crab won Best in Show. Opened by the Shelton family in 2009, Albemarle CiderWorks is Virginia’s […]

Wine wonder

By Matt Dhillon There might be notes of butterscotch and baked goods, a bite of sour green apple, even a touch of goat cheese, or something earthier with floral aromas and a chocolaty finish. There is the terroir to consider, the climate, the living yeast, sugar content, temperature, phenolic compounds, tannins, malic acid, lactic acid, […]

Tall orders

It’s been more than 40 years since Ralph Sampson led the University of Virginia Cavaliers to a run of basketball glory that included an NIT title in 1980, an NCAA Final Four appearance in 1981, and a trip to the NCAA Elite Eight in 1983. The 7-foot, 4-inch Harrisonburg native was one of the most […]

Rooted wisdom

If Kat Maier were a plant, you could say she has released her seeds all around Charlottesville. She’s been here since 2005, teaching and practicing herbalism, so at this point she has many former students and clients in and around town. Her Belmont home, also the site of her apothecary, classroom, and garden, is a […]

Thoughtful pairings

When it comes to wine, it can be easy to focus on education and use facts, legality, and tradition in your approach. What does a particular grape variety taste like, or what should it taste like? What laws govern wine of a certain style or from a certain place? What defines “quality” in a wine? […]

Sandwiched in

“It was the Hot Wet Beef that started it all,” says Morgan Hurt.  Kitchenette, the lunchtime sandwich shop Hurt co-founded with her partner, Gabriel Garcia, boasts 22 different subs, hoagies, and rolls. But the Hot Wet Beef, a juicy roast beef hoagie with eggplant and pepper spread, is the OG. The inspiration came after a […]

Plant yourself

By Chris Martin In recent years, fine-dining establishments in big cities have made headlines with their vegan menu transitions. That sea change gave way to a rise in popularity of plant-based restaurant concepts, which means new options for Charlottesville herbivores are popping up faster than spring pea shoots. Vegetarians and vegans who have been devoted […]

Pizza pi

“Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil—that is the perfect pizza!”  Giovanni Sestito, owner of Vita Nova Pizza and Pasta Bar, sings the praises of the Caprese’s toppings. “When you look at it, it’s lively, it’s inviting. It’s flavorful, but it’s simple,” he says. Thanks to that compelling combo, the Caprese has remained a staple on Sestito’s […]

Small bites

Leaving the country Spring has sprung, and as the season turns, so does the Charlottesville foodscape. The Blue Ridge Country Store, an old-timey convenience store known for its extensive salad bar and homemade hot lunch offerings, is changing owners after more than 25 years. Dan and Patty Pribus say they are currently fielding offers, and […]