Seeing reds: White wine isn’t the only option for warmer weather

Seasonal associations are unavoidable with any food or drink: Warmer weather seemingly demands lighter fare, brighter wines, and, overall, a refreshing gastric experience. And, not coincidentally, just as our seasons change, the new, fresh white and rosé wines seem to pour into shops and restaurants. Cold, crisp wine just works when it’s nice outside. Now, […]

Two chefs, one dinner, and more local restaurant news

Two for one Mark your calendar for Friday, May 3, as two acclaimed Virginia chefs, both nominated for the James Beard Award of Excellence, come together to create a dinner to remember. Lee Gregory is the chef and owner of The Roosevelt restaurant in Richmond’s historic Church Hill neighborhood and has been featured in magazines […]

Five Finds on Friday: Mike Ketola of Mas

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Mike Ketola, who cooks at not one but two restaurants that have been inducted into The Charlottesville 29.  Ketola is the longtime sous chef of Mas, and also cooks at Barbecue Exchange.  Ketola’s picks: 1)  Glazed Blueberry Cake […]

Straight up: Getting frank about how to make the best martini

Spring has finally sprung, and with the change in the weather comes a change in many folks’ drinking habits. In particular, the increased orders of the king of all drinks—the martini. This time of year, we bartenders see a rise in sales in the clear spirits categories like vodka and gin. Now I’m not saying, […]

Living off the land: A Free Union garden yields produce all year long

The gardens around the home of Ryan Williamson and Laurel Woodworth are a bit different than your average backyard setup—food can be found almost any month of the year. Greens are grown in mini-greenhouses, called low-tunnels, in the wintertime; fruit trees, shrubs, and vines are abundant in the landscape; bees pollinate many of the crops. […]

Keys to the city: The 23 coolest places in Charlottesville right now

FOLLOW THE CROWD While some dining establishments in town are known to have a specific clientele, The Box is known for its eclectic—and sometimes surprising—array of patrons. The small, Asian-inspired restaurant and bar sits at 109 Second St. off the Downtown Mall, and owner Chas Webster said he loves the variety of customers. On weekdays, […]

Five Finds on Friday: Tracey Love

On Fridays, we feature five foods finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Tracey Love, Event Coordinator at Blenheim Vineyards, Sales & Marketing Gal at Best of What’s Around, and founder of Hill & Holler, the host company of a series of fantastic roving farm dinners in the area.  Is there […]