Brunello di Montalcino’s under the Tuscan shadow

Americans have a love affair with Tuscany and few grapes are as quintessentially Italian as the cherished region’s workhorse, Sangiovese. Chianti Classico may be where it’s best known, but it’s in Brunello di Montalcino (where the grape’s grosso clone accounts for 100 percent of the wine) that it’s the most revered. That’s not saying a […]

Tropical treat: A beginner’s guide to growing orchids

Fascinated with orchids? So is anyone with eyes, at this time of year when the world outside tends toward browns and grays. Orchids can bring a splash of tropical color and a certain joie de vivre to your indoor environment. Aren’t they hard to care for, though? Not necessarily, says Stephen Shifflett, co-owner of Floradise […]

Order up! Who’s got the best burger in Charlottesville?

I used to plot burgers on the national map like I was tracking a serial killer. The Rusty Nail, Canton, Michigan. Casino El Camino, Sixth Street, Austin. Some Irish bar, west side of Clark Street, far north side Chicago. Pink’s, La Brea, Los Angeles. They all had their own thing about them. I took a […]

Five Finds on Friday: Dan Potter of Potter’s Craft Cider

On Fridays, we feature five food finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Dan Potter, co-owner of Potter’s Craft Cider, which recently released their second varietal, the Oak Barrel Reserve.  Aged in apple brandy barrels for 4-6 months, the Reserve develops vanilla, caramel and toasted oak flavors.  Less than 200 […]

Brewing collaborations mean good news for your pint glass

I begin this article at the end of a long, but thoroughly enjoyable brewday. Today was Champion Brewing Company’s first official collaboration brew, between myself and Devils Backbone Head Brewer Jason Oliver. The development of this collaboration is a result of a long and funny e-mail chain that began with an article regarding New York’s […]