Smoked food cart returns to downtown

Remember how sad you were in August, when the Smoked BBQ Co. food cart ran out of ’cue on its last day on the mall, and how you had to wait until December to eat it again, after a drive to Smoked Kitchen and Tap in Crozet? Well, you can forget all about that, because […]

Chardonnay and petit verdot lead the 2016 vintage report

This is a good time to catch up with winemakers about the 2016 vintage, a year marked by frost events early in the season, and rain near the red grape harvest. By now, ferments have finished and some wines are in barrel or bottle. Wineries have a good idea about how their 2016s are tasting. […]

LIVING Picks: Week of March 1-7

NONPROFIT GenR: Charlottesville launch party Thursday, March 2 This organization’s inaugural fundraiser supports the International Rescue Committee’s work in helping refugees resettle here and rebuild their lives. $35-75; 6:30-9pm. Old Metropolitan Hall, 101 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rescue.org/event/genr-charlottesville-launch-party FAMILY ArtFest in the West Friday, March 3 This “magical medieval” fundraiser for arts education showcases […]

On the record: Baggby’s and Miso Sweet enjoy banner days

Temperatures topped 70 degrees on Saturday, February 18, and eager eaters descended on the Downtown Mall to enjoy a meal in the sun. And at least two downtown eateries—Miso Sweet and Baggby’s Gourmet Sandwiches—had record business days. Miso Sweet owner Frank Paris reports that his restaurant sold more than 450 donuts (all of which were […]

Sugar Shack to open West Main location

  The heavenly scent of handcrafted donuts, fritters and cinnamon rolls will soon waft up and down West Main Street: Charlottesville is getting a Sugar Shack Donuts, directly across the street from the Uncommon Building, this summer. Sugar Shack owner and self-proclaimed “donut nostalgia nerd” Ian Kelley opened his first shop in a small building […]

The Shack’s chef named a James Beard semifinalist

The James Beard Foundation just released its list of 2017 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists, and Staunton chef Ian Boden landed one of the coveted spots. He’s in the running for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic; winners will be announced May 1. Boden, who cooks new American cuisine inspired by rural Virginia at The Shack—named one of […]

LIVING Picks: February 22-28

NONPROFIT Grand Gala 2017: Moonlight in Paris Saturday, February 25 The Senior Center’s gala includes cocktails, dinner, dancing and a moonlight raffle. Black tie optional; berets welcome. $175, 6:30-11:30pm. Boar’s Head Inn Pavilion, 200 Ednam Dr. seniorcenterinc.org/giving/gala-2017 FAMILY Living Lab Saturday, February 25 The Virginia Discovery Museum has partnered with the Child Development Laboratories at […]

Hardywood’s brewers offer taste of creativity

Richmond-based Hardywood Park Craft Brewery has opened a satellite tasting room and brewery on West Main Street, becoming the fifth brewery within Charlottesville city limits. At its grand opening last Saturday, 15 beers were on tap. The unseasonably warm afternoon brought out such a large crowd that five taps were off the list by 2pm. […]