Maggie’s Midtown, the restaurant in the former Blue Moon Diner space from a three-person team that includes Smyrna’s Tarik Sengul is taking pub favorites to a new level. The elevated comforts include pub oysters with rarebit and guanciale (pictured); shepherd’s pie of braised lamb and short rib, red wine reduction, mashed potato; and the weekend star Sunday roast.
Local organic beef is complemented by roasted Yukon gold potatoes, vegetables, a horseradish and herb dipping sauce, and, as the menu describes it, “silky pan-dripping gravy.” To help soak up that gravy, housemade Yorkshire puddings are also included.
Diners can follow up this feast with a classic dessert like sticky toffee pudding or an Eton Mess (crushed meringue, berries, and whipped cream).
Maggie’s serves dinner six days a week, and is closed on Wednesdays. Get your reservation at maggiesmidtown.com.
Off-screen menu
Pre-cinema dining has returned to the Violet Crown lobby at a new bistro featuring appetizers, pizza, charcuterie boards, and desserts. Violet Crown Bistro’s shareables include dry-aged Wagyu sliders
and deviled eggs (with candied bacon, jalapeños, paprika, and Sriracha). There’s also a fig, goat cheese, arugula, and prosciutto pizza, plus bratwurst, cured meats, candied bacon, and cheeses on the Pretzel Board. Not to be outdone are the bread pudding bites—fluffy squares with cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla icing. Full menu details are available at charlottesville. violetcrown.com/bistro.
What’s shaking?
Last June, The Shops at Stonefield announced on its Facebook page that Shake Shack and Chicken Salad Chick would be moving in. The Chick opened in December, but there have been few updates on when to expect Shake Shack.
How long must we wait for a flat-top dog or the Shack Stack—a made-to-order patty of Angus beef with American cheese, topped with a ’Shroom Burger, plus lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun? According to the customer service rep, it’s gonna be a little while longer: “Although I can’t give you an official opening date, we’re hoping to be ready to serve you in June. Stay tuned!” One promising sign is that Shake Shack is accepting applications for a Charlottesville restaurant manager and team members at shakeshack.com.
Florosa in full bloom
It’s been a busy year for Chris Martin, owner of Florosa bakery and flower farm. In addition to completing her work as a mentee in the 2026 winter round of the James Beard
Foundation’s Legacy Network with pastry chef April Anderson of Detroit’s Good Cakes and Bakes, she’s been setting up a brick-and-mortar location at 1304 E. Market St. in JBird Supply’s coffeeshop.
Martin has what she calls a “tight eight” of specialty pastries in the case daily, to include concha, the traditional Mexican pan dulce with a cinnamon and coffee topping; a sweet plantain muffin; and a mushroom and cheese croissant with Oaxaca and cotija cheeses. She promises additional specials on Saturdays and Sundays, with more details at byflorosa.com.
MORE TO CHEW ON
Saturday 4/25
Seafood Saturday. Nomini Bay Oyster Ranch provides raw, steamed, and grilled oysters along with steamed shrimp
and non-seafood items. South Canal Street performs. $12–20, noon. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com
The Generous Pour 2026. A chance to meet Virginia winemakers featuring a wine tasting of 20 of Virginia’s best wineries, canapés, a silent auction, and a live auction benefit. $95, 6pm. Hazy Mountain Vineyard & Brewery, 240 Hazy Mountain Ln., Afton. vwb.betterworld.org
Thursday 4/30
Blenheim Vineyards Wine Dinner. Elevated cuisine meets unforgettable views and perfectly paired pours at
this multi-course wine dinner featuring Blenheim Vineyards. 6:30pm, $80. Up On The Roof at The Doyle, 499 W. Main St. eatupdrinkup.net
Friday 5/1
Hark Spring Wine Dinner. Rachel Pennington of The Pie Chest prepares four courses to be paired with wine including herb buttermilk biscuits, rainbow vegetable tart with ricotta and Parmesan, coconut layer cake with Swiss buttercream. $110, 5:30pm. Hark Vineyards, 1465 Davis Shop Rd., Earlysville. harkvineyards.com
SATURDAY 5/2
Spring Dinner on the Farm. Borrowing from the traditions of both the Asador of Patagonia, Argentina, and the Calçotada of Catalunya, Spain, our team crafts a unique, seasonal supper experience that includes farm-raised lamb and chicken cooked over an open fire, paired with a wine that has been specially selected by our team. Glass porróns will be available as well as pescetarian options. $112-125, 6:15pm. Oakencroft Farm and Winery, 1455 Oakencroft Circle. oakencroftfarm.com
Ongoing events
Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration. Oysters by Salty Bottom Blue and a glass of Sparkling Blanc de Blancs to kick off your weekend. Fridays through May 29. 5pm, prices vary. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com
Shakespeare Uncorked. Elevate your theatre experience with a pre-show wine and beer-tasting event in partnership with Virginia’s top wineries and breweries. Saturdays through July 25. $25, 6:30pm. American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. americanshakespearecenter.com
Downtown C-ville Food Tour & Wine Tasting. Join us for a fun and delicious culinary adventure through the heart of Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall. Times and dates vary. Through
December 26. C-Ville Bites, Downtown Mall. c-villebites.com
