On the fry

  It’s hard to refuse a french fry, but some are more irresistible than others. These nine places meet (and exceed) our high fry standards. The humble potato has never had a higher calling. Basil Mediterranean Bistro (1): This Corner spot with a novel-length menu offers fries that are crispy, generously salted and dangerously delicious dipped […]

Cooking Contemporary

By Christy Baker and Erika Howsare Few rooms in a house provide the opportunity to make such a strong statement as the kitchen. Perhaps because there are so many different materials involved—from countertops to drawer pulls, from faucets to stove burners—the kitchen is a place where a homeowner’s taste is clearly on display. That’s true […]

April 2011: Green Scene

Spring break For over 70 years Virginia has celebrated spring the third week in April with Historic Garden Week. Sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia (vagardenweek.org), tours raise funds for statewide restorations. It’s surprisingly easy for old gardens to disappear—a blink of the eye will do it. The gardens of Monticello and the University […]

April 2011: Your Abode

Mark these pages What should you have on your bookshelf or coffee table this season? Here are ABODE’s picks for the best new home and garden books. Brew a pot of tea and enjoy. Houses/DesignSource Collins Design This chunky little volume contains almost no text. Instead, page after page of Dwell-worthy modern houses, from all […]

April 2011: Your Kitchen

For at least the past 9,000 years, the humble goat has been mankind’s companion and provider. As evidenced in their respective mythologies, both Greek and Roman armies utilized this hardy animal as a self-propelled food supply for far-flung borders—regardless of terrain, goats will find their own food and produce milk and fiber while they live, […]

April 2011: Your Kids

Problem: Making room for play, no matter what the weather Becky Scott and Andy Orban’s backyard stretches past several stately oak trees and down to a creek nearly a hundred yards behind their North Downtown home. Their children, Nathaniel and Carrie (3-and-a-half years and 22 months, respectively), are outside nearly every day, now that spring […]

April 2011: Real Estate

In an oscillating real estate market, knowing how much a property is worth is nothing short of a strategic masterpiece. Many factors—such as real estate assessment, market value analysis, area comparables and a seller’s motivation—go into finally deciding that a one-story ranch in Charlottesville’s Rose Hill neighborhood could be listed for around $290,000. On most […]

April 2011: Rental Rescue & Toolbox

There’s nothing quite like spring in Charlottesville. As the days grow longer and the weather grows warmer, our homes beg for fresh air, friends, and some good ol’ Southern hospitality. Whether it be selecting an open floor plan perfect for a party, or choosing furniture, flooring, and finishes that can stand up to red wine […]

April 2011: Big deal

“Go step into that corner. That’s my favorite corner,” says Downtown homeowner Hank Wells. A favorite corner? “It sounds crazy, but you really can tell a difference between standing here [in the kitchen] and standing here [in the living room].”   It’s not surprising Wells has such an opinion about the 1,000-square-foot condo he shares […]

Better World Betty

Our ability to think creatively is essential for these personally and planetarily challenging times. This month Betty has inventive ideas for saving money and resources, including gas. Beyond the clothing swap Bring some clothes to the party, take some home. Easy and fun, right? Why not try a book swap, a DVD swap, a CD […]