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. […]

Oakhart Social’s chef knows no boundaries

I am old enough to remember when cooking was not cool. Before entire networks were devoted to it, cooking was relegated to the nerdy back room of public television. The prototypical chef was the bumbling Muppet Swedish Chef, while rock stars like Animal were the cool Muppets. Today, chefs are the rock stars. And, cooking has […]

LIVING Picks: Week of February 15-21

FAMILY Toddler Time at Monticello Saturday, February 18 Toddlers and their adult caregivers are introduced to the world of Thomas Jefferson through interactive stories, activities, crafts and playtime. For ages 18 months to 4 years. $10 per child, advance registration required; 9-10am. Monticello’s Griffin Discovery Room, 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy. monticello.org NONPROFIT Fundraiser for SARA […]

The trouble with dog flu

It’s flu season for us humans, and the advice really couldn’t be more simple. Get your flu shot this year and every year. We are social animals who spend most of our day in relatively close physical proximity, and it’s very easy for us to get each other sick. Vaccination may provide an imperfect defense, […]

Studio IX welcomes The Carpe Café; Hardywood opens taproom

For a while now, Matt Rohdie has wanted to grow his Carpe Donut business into something beyond his bakery and shop on Allied Lane and the truck that’s a regular fixture at Fridays After Five (and plenty of parties and weddings). So when Studio IX owner James Barton approached him with the possibility of joining […]

LIVING Picks: Week of February 8-14

FAMILY UVA men’s basketball vs. Virginia Tech Sunday, February 12 Watch the UVA men’s basketball team face off against its in-state rival, Virginia Tech, on the big screen. Free, 6:30pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. Reserve tickets at theparamount.net NONPROFIT Galentine’s Pop-Up Market Saturday, February 11 Local artisans such as crafters, […]

Valentine’s Day options abound

Whether you’re looking to toast to true love with a glass of wine, gaze into your lover’s eyes over a four-course meal or treat yourself to the best damn box of chocolates you’ll ever eat, there’s something yummy for you here in town, dear Valentine. Get your fill Start the sweet eating at the Galentine’s […]