Mark Thompson, Starr Hill Brewery’s founder and brewmaster for a decade and a half, dropped a bomb on the craft beer world when he announced his retirement on February 16. Since then, he’s pretty much disappeared. He didn’t respond to multiple phone messages and according to Starr Hill management, left no forwarding e-mail address. “I […]
Mark Thompson, Starr Hill Brewery’s founder and brewmaster for a decade and a half, dropped a bomb on the craft beer world when he announced his retirement on February 16. Since then, he’s pretty much disappeared. He didn’t respond to multiple phone messages and according to Starr Hill management, left no forwarding e-mail address. “I […]
Spiritual encounter Hold onto your drinking hats. Liquor made right here within Charlottesville city limits might be available by late summer. Vitae Spirits, the brainchild of big-brained former UVA microbiology professor Ian Glomski, is going into the former Henry Avenue Learning Center space next door to Ace Biscuit & Barbecue. If the stars align, Glomski […]
Last year, UVA basketball fans lost their collective minds over the Cavaliers’ dream season, which included the team’s first ACC regular season title and tournament championship in nearly 30 years, and an impressive run in the NCAA Tournament that ended in a heartbreaking loss to Michigan State in the Sweet 16. This year, fans’ love […]
“How often should I bathe my cat?” I’m asked with surprising frequency. It’s a perfectly valid question, but anybody who’s ever bathed a cat will understand that it usually answers itself the moment you dare to try. I remember my first job at a veterinary hospital in high school. My inaugural assignment? Bathe this cat. […]
It looks a lot like a spa or massage parlor upon first glance. Relaxing is something I’m not especially skilled at unless a beach-side bar is involved, but when I entered the AquaFloat lobby with its soft, aquamarine-and-sand-colored decor, sounds of nature playing in the background and friendly staff who immediately offered me a cup […]
Caturra’s meow What started out as a Richmond coffee shop in 2006 has since evolved into a full-service restaurant with a new location on the Corner. Café Caturra, a coffee shop-restaurant-bar combo that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner is officially open for business in the old Toro’s Tacos location. “We’ve both spent a lot of […]
Burgers, beers and bras There’s nothing better than sneaking a few potato chips on a sandwich for that perfect crunch, elementary school cafeteria style, and the guys in the kitchen at Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint will take care of that for you when you order a hamburger. They’ll also throw some macaroni and […]
It’s been a big year for Keswick Hall, and it’s only February. Within weeks, the inn announced its five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, and also welcomed a new executive chef to Fossett’s Restaurant. “The hard work really starts now, in keeping it,” marketing director Janet Kurtz said of the five-star rating. “Now we have […]
Feast mode Feast! on West Main had its most profitable year ever in 2014, and the specialty foods market and cafe is looking to keep its momentum in 2015, recently announcing a high-profile hire and new weekly sandwich concept. Co-owner Eric Gertner said Feast! has grown every year since opening in 2002, and last year’s […]
Sultan Kebab isn’t new. Deniz Dikmen and Serhat Peker, both natives of Turkey, opened the restaurant tucked away in a small shopping center at the corner of Route 29 and Rio Road in 2012. But if you’re like me and don’t often schlep up to that side of town, it’s easy to miss. But partially […]