Small Bites: This week’s restaurant news

The hills are alive Enjoy a four-course family-style dinner paired with Barboursville wines amidst the vineyards’ very vines on Sunday, September 30 at 5pm. Palladio’s Melissa Close-Hart teams up with chef husband, Matthew Hart from The Local, at this $100 dinner organized by Hill & Holler. Visit hillandholler.org/events.php to reserve. Proceeds benefit the Scottsville Center of Arts […]

A back-to-school wine quiz to test your vinous knowledge

Summer’s on its way out and with it go the breezy drinks that require little more thought than “what time is it anyway?” Let’s brush up a bit on the beverage that makes adulthood and the return to routine much more bearable. 1. What are the by-products of wine’s fermentation process? a) Sugar and vinegar […]

Beet it: Getting to the root of this fall favorite

For those of you out there who don’t like beets, you’re missing out. Since many a beet-hater’s distaste comes from having first tried them in a can (instead of raw or roasted), it’s time to try again, but this time, without holding your nose closed. Beets’ hues range from ruby red to gold to pink-and-white […]

How to drink in Top of the Hops like a brewmeister

This Saturday, September 22, the 3rd annual Top of the Hops Festival descends upon the Ntelos Wireless Pavilion, and beer lovers like yours truly rejoice! Dozens of fantastic craft beers from all over the world will be available for tasting, and forecasts show temps in the mid-70s and clear skies. All signs point to a fantastic sunny and beer-soaked […]

Free Will Astrology: Week of September 17

Virgo (August 23-September 22): Want to submit a letter to the editor of a major newspaper? The odds of you getting published in the influential Washington Post are almost three times as great as in the super-influential New York Times. The Post has a much smaller circulation, so your thoughts there won’t have as wide […]

Why walkability matters when you’re deciding where to live

1. You’ll lose weight: The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs 6 to 10 pounds less than someone who lives in a car-dependent neighborhood . 2. You’ll save money: Transportation is the second largest expense for American households, costing more than food, clothing, and health care. 3. You’ll connect with people: Studies show that […]

Small Bites: This week’s restaurant news

Mangia l’etoile L’etoile might be Virginia cuisine with a French influence, but on Tuesday, September 25, gourmet fineries from Foods of All Nations and wine from The Country Vintner will help it go Italian at its 6pm Italian Wine Dinner. For $80 per person (plus tax and gratuity) expect six family-style courses and eight wines […]

Fruit of the vine: Wine events for the week of September 17

Afton Mountain Afton Mountain After Hours Saturday, September 22: Dallas Wesley and Band (6-9pm) (540) 456-8667 www.aftonmountainvineyards.com Barboursville Vineyard Italian Harvest Feast Saturday, September 22 at 1pm: Enjoy a traditional five course feast paired with Barboursville wines, prepared by Guest Chefs Cesare Lanfranconi, formerly of Washington’s Café Milano, Tosca, and Spezie, and Shannon Overmiller of The Majestic […]

Love in the age of smartphones

The universe lacks a person more devoted to their iPhone than I. Ever since my ex-husband insisted we change phone plans (we’re still on the same family phone plan to make it easier for us and the kids) to get iPhones my life has been transformed. That sounds a bit melodramatic and materialistic, but I […]