Roll with it
Yoshihiro Tauchi, often called the best sushi chef in town, is now slinging sashimi at Vitae Spirits on the Downtown Mall. After building his legacy at TEN, Lemongrass, and his own spot, Mican (formerly Kokoro), Tauchi went private—until his pop-up partnership with Vitae went permanent in August 2024. His Omakase Obscura menu changes often and is all about trust: Omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you,” and you definitely should. Expect chef’s choice sashimi (14 pieces!), creative rolls, and classic apps like seaweed salad, edamame, and takoyaki. Open Thursday–Sunday, 4–9pm. No reservations—so arrive early to snag a seat! instagram.com/omakaseobscura
Branching out
Remember The Flat, that charming creperie on Water Street that’s now Vu Noodles? Flat founder Lauren McRaven Hockaday is back with a new venture: The Maple Tree Café, a lunch-only spot that opened in mid-February in the former Kitchen(ette) space at 905 9 ½ St. Hockaday is just back from three years in Haiti, and island flavors shine at her new café in dishes like the Island Time sandwich—pulled pork, pikliz (Haitian relish), mango chutney, and garlic aioli on French bread. Or go veg with the So Long, Farro bowl. Hockaday simmers the farro in Haitian djon djon mushroom broth, and tops the bowl with sautéed mushrooms, arugula, smoked tomato, sheep feta, tangy sweet potato purée, and green goddess dressing. Pair it with a rosemary lemonade and you’re set. Bonus: If enough of us ask nicely, breakfast might just be next on the menu. themapletreecafe.com
Batteau appétit
Open-fire chef Sarah Rennie and the James River Batteau Company have joined forces to bring you the ultimate elemental mashup: flame and water. On board a historic-style batteau—flat-bottomed boats once used in the 1700s to navigate the James River—you’ll enjoy a two-hour feast, complete with a family-style farm-to-table meal, live music, and golden-hour views. Whether you come solo, with a partner, or book the whole boat for your crew, this interactive experience is built for connection. The first batteau leaves the dock on May 2, with more dates through September. jamesrivertour.com
Check in and wine down
Need a little R&R without the TSA? The historic Crossroads Inn is just 15 minutes from downtown Charlottesville. For spring, it’s serving cozy Friday night dinners exclusively for overnight guests: four courses, garden-grown ingredients, local flair, and wine pairings from its sister property, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards. Want the full foodie fantasy? Stay in the Pippin Cottage—once the inn’s original cooking kitchen, now a queen-bed-and-kitchenette situation with a private deck and serious sunset vibes. crossroadsinn.com
Why stop at one foodie staycation when you can have two? Veritas Vineyards and Winery is hosting one-day mini epicurean retreats on select Sundays in May and June, and yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. Picture this: yoga at 9am, a light breakfast, a vineyard hike, a farm-fresh lunch, and, naturally, wine! Head winemaker Emily Hodson leads a laid-back tasting that’ll have you swirling, sipping, and spouting tasting notes like a pro. One day not enough? Stretch it out with a four-day retreat (Sunday through Wednesday), where you’ll enjoy the full lineup plus cooking classes and even more vino-fueled relaxation. veritaswines.com/events
Market opening bell
Does milder weather have you hankering for crisp radishes, fresh arugula, or the season’s first snappy spears of asparagus? While two of our regional markets are open year-round, spring means a bounty of local goods purveyors set up across the region.
Albemarle Farmers Market at Hollymead Town Center, Saturdays 8:30am-noon, through September
Charlottesville City Market at Water and Second streets, Saturdays 8am-1pm, through Thanksgiving
Crozet Farmers Market at Crozet Ave. & Jarmans Gap Rd., Saturdays 8am-noon, through October
Earlysville Farmers at Buck Mountain Episcopal Church, Thursdays 2pm-dark, year-round
Farmers in the Park at Pen Park, Wednesdays 3-6pm, through September
Market Central Farmers Market at IX Art Park, Saturdays 8am-noon, year-round
Scottsville Farmers Market at Scottsville Pavilion, Saturdays 9am-1pm, through November
Yoshihiro Tauchi brings his sushi expertise to omakase dining at Vitae Spirits Downtown. Photo: Eze Amos.
More to chew on
Wednesday 4/30
Winemaker’s Reception at Keswick Hall. This exclusive event brings together winemakers from wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail, offering guests a unique opportunity to taste Virginia wines and engage with the talented producers behind them. Participating Wineries: Montifalco, Eastwood, Keswick, Trump, Afton, Michael Shaps, Hardware Hills, Veritas, Horton, Woodbrook Farm, Cunningham Creek, King Family, Stinson, and Jefferson. $85, 5:30pm. Keswick Hall & Golf Club, 701 Club Dr., Keswick. monticellowinetrail.com
Sunday 5/4
Sourdough Workshop. Participants will learn how to care for a sourdough starter, see all stages of the bread-making process, and take home their own starter and sample to bake at home. The workshop will take place largely outside, weather permitting. $60, 2pm. Nealand Farm, 8232 Scottsville Rd., Scottsville. nealand.farm
Sunday 5/18
Charcuterie Board Workshop. Join a hands-on session with Sweets & Treats by Nancy to elevate your entertaining skills in a fun setting with friends. Nancy will share tips and tricks for designing custom charcuterie boards that are sure to impress your guests. $60, 1pm and 3pm. Chiswell Farm & Winery, 430 Greenwood Rd., Greenwood. chilesfamilyorchards.com
Rosé Wine Education & Exploration. Rosé is the herald of warm weather, a staple for summer suppers, and sipping on a sandy beach. Join us for an exploration of why rosé is so much more than that. $75, noon and 3pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com
Ongoing
Cocktail Masterclass at The Aspen Bar: Gin Garden Party Class. Expand your knowledge of gin and its uses with Birch & Bloom’s bartenders. $45, 4-5pm. Kimpton The Forum Hotel, 540 Massie Rd. forumhotelcharlottesville.com
Submit food and drink events to events.c-ville.com.
