“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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
Sake is believed to have originated in Japan approximately 2,000 years ago. As with many alcoholic beverages, it was refined as part of religious ceremonies, and commercial brewing of the rice-based beverage began in the 14th century. Although recent advances have allowed for automation and large-volume production, high-quality sake is still mostly made by hand, […]
Arrivederci, stay tuned There’s little that disappoints us more than a well-loved, local restaurant that’s gone before its time. Mangione’s on Main, known for an inviting ambiance as well as the quality of its hearty Italian cuisine, closed its doors just shy of the restaurant’s third anniversary. “Our lease was ending, and we knew that […]
Do you find yourself stuck in a loop at cocktail hour? When it’s five o’clock somewhere and Miller time has arrived, many people reach for the same beverages again and again. Lucky for us central Virginians, it’s easy to find exciting, locally made products to vary our drink of choice. Here are a few that […]
By Chris Martin One of Charlottesville’s most buzzed-about restaurants in recent years, Guajiros Miami Eatery, arrived on West Main Street through a leap of faith, a series of coincidences, and, most importantly, a love of a mother’s recipes. “We have been dreaming of hospitality,” says the family-run business’ patriarch Harvey Mayorga Sr. “I have always […]
Shannon Horton had a dream: “I wanted to make a white wine that would go with a steak.” As a member of the family dynasty that runs Horton Vineyards in Gordonsville, she had a good shot at achieving that goal. And last fall, her wine—Suil (pronounced sue-ELL)—became the first sparkling viognier and only the second […]
Nacho mama’s taco joint Can’t get enough of Brazos uniquely composed tacos? (We’re looking at you chimichurri steak and potatoes taco.) The hip Austin-style spot announced that a new location is coming to the Barracks Road Shopping Center this spring. The second shop will include all Brazos’ favorites alongside a full dinner and bar menu. […]
By James Keith Ford “Before social media, finding other spooky folks wasn’t easy,” recalls Bill Hunt. Then he discovered the goth scene at Charlottesville sushi spot Tokyo Rose. “Descending into that dark basement, I was amazed to see dozens of strangers clad all in black. It was the first time in my life that I […]
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Charlottesville has lost more than 20 restaurants. And while we mourn the losses, there’s plenty to be excited about, too. The year has seen 30 new restaurants and a bustling food court open. As we tally things up at the end of another tumultuous year, all signs point to […]