C’ville on the map (again)
Charlottesville’s food scene is stacking up the accolades—again. This month, Condé Nast Traveler dropped a love letter to the Monticello Wine Trail, with stops at King Family Vineyards (Free polo matches May–October? Yes please!) and Pippin Hill, plus shoutouts to local gems like Bodo’s, Cou Cou Rachou, MarieBette, Oakhart Social, Tavola, and The Clifton. And over at Eater DC, Richmond food writer Stephanie Ganz attempted to define The 18 Best Restaurants in Charlottesville, doubling down on Cou Cou Rachou, MarieBette, Oakhart Social, and Tavola, and adding favorites like Riverside Lunch’s smashburger, “soul-settling pork posole rojo” at Conmole, Lampo’s pizza and “humdinger of a chopped salad,” Smyrna’s dumplings, brunch at Bizou, a whole lot of Dairy Market, and more.
Ale yeah
After a five-year hiatus, the Know Good Beer & Bourbon Fest is back with more than 40 Virginia and national craft breweries. On Saturday, June 14, IX Art Park will transform into a hops- and spirits-filled playground featuring Charlottesville Ale Trail faves like Random Row, Three Notch’d, South Street, and Rockfish, plus Virginia cideries including Blue Toad and Buskey. Bourbon more your speed? They’ve got it. Add live music by hometown band Cake Fight, food trucks, and vendors like The Pie Guy, Totally Nutz, Daddy G’s Craft Salsa, and The Spicy Rack, and say cheers!
Pressed to impress
Turns out, Virginia’s oldest operating cidery, Albemarle CiderWorks, is the apple of the world’s eye, securing first place at CiderWorld—the international competition held annually in Frankfurt that’s considered the industry’s top expo. Its sparkling champagne-style rosé winner, Brut d’Albemarle Orchard Blush, is a bottle-fermented blend of the Orchard Blush base with GoldRush and Arkansas Black cider. Two more ciders, Crab Medley and Brut d’Albemarle Harrison, earned gold medals too.
Fresh off the press
The Piedmont Environmental Council just released its 2025–2026 Buy Fresh Buy Local guide—a beautifully curated bi-annual directory of farms, food businesses, and markets across the region. This year’s Charlottesville Area edition (covering Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties) features in-depth stories on beloved local spots like Feast Market & Cafe and the FARMacy Café and food truck.
A reason to feast
Monticello’s new Feast of Reason series kicks off in June, bringing Thomas Jefferson-style dinner party energy to modern conversations. Inspired by TJ’s legendary gatherings, each event invites guests to connect over food, drink, and a curated card deck designed to spark thoughtful discussion. The series launches June 14 at Monticello, followed by stops in Richmond (June 22) and downtown Charlottesville (June 28 at South Street Brewery). There’s even a special Founding Friends, Founding Foes tour plus Feast package starting June 20, and running Friday and Saturday nights all summer. Hosting at home? A digital version and recipes are online to start your own feast.
Openings & closings
Less than a year after reopening, Littlejohns closed its doors permanently on May 21. The popular UVA Corner sandwich shop said in a statement that “due to circumstances beyond our control, continuing operations is no longer sustainable.” Say so long to the Nuclear Sub, the Kyle Guy, and the Chris Long, and hope that some Hoo gets a hankering to revive the legendary sammies in a future venture.
After sitting vacant since 2020, the former Fellini’s building is getting a new tenant. Afghan Kabob is moving from its Emmet Street address to open in the beloved two-story space later this year, following major renovations.
Lampo’s bar and private event space, Bar Baleno, has become a weekly go-to for live music. Accompanied by a rotating menu from the outdoor grill, the Bluegrass Destroyers are establishing a following on the patio every Wednesday night (weather and schedule permitting).
Husband-and-wife team Julia and Matt Franz opened Crozet Crepe Company on May 7 in the old JAX Bar & Grill location. The sunny breakfast and lunch spot serves sweet and savory crepes (yes, there’s gluten-free), egg combos, salads, and sandwiches. Brunch cocktails are coming soon.
There’s lots of clucking about Chicken Salad Chick, the fast-casual Southern chain with a cult following that’s coming to The Shops at Stonefield. Known for its dozen-plus flavors of scratch-made chicken salad, it’s already drawing excitement online. Local fashion and beauty influencer Leanne Barlow declared on Instagram, “Not to be dramatic but this is the best day of my life. This is my FAVORITE fast food place! I’m thrilled!!!”
Tavola’s pappardelle bolognese showcases the Italian eatery’s fresh pasta made daily. Photo: Jim Harris Photography.
More to Chew On
Friday 5/30
Tasting Notes. Co-hosts Kristen Gardner Beal and Lance Lemon from RichWine RVA, will pair three sparkling wines with three works of art from current exhibitions. You don’t have to be an expert on art or wine to join the fun. Ages 21+. $20, 5:30–7:30pm. The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA, 155 Rugby Rd. uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu
Saturday 5/31
Pints on Preston. Annual craft beverage festival that showcases the beer, cider, sake, and spirits made on the Charlottesville Ale Trail. All proceeds support our nonprofit organization. $25–75, 1pm. Fifth Season Gardening, 900 Preston Ave. charlottesvillealetrail.org
Wine Tasting with Virginia Winemakers. A tasting with four acclaimed Virginia winemakers: Karl Hambush of Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery, Emily Hodson of Flying Fox Vineyard and Veritas Vineyard & Winery, Rachel Stinson of Stinson Vineyards, and Joy Ting of The Wool Factory Wines. $20, 2:30pm. The Wool Factory, 1837 Broadway St. thewoolfactory.com
Wednesday 6/4
Rare Super Tuscan Wine Dinner: Tavola x Cellar Road. A rare opportunity to taste Tolaini Estate’s complex, aromatic chianti classics, high-scoring cabernet franc, and more, paired with five luxurious courses and a talk by the vineyard manager. $265, 6:30pm. Tavola, 826 Hinton Ave. tavolavino.com
Thursday 6/5
Monticello Wine Week Winemaker Dinner. Enjoy a multi-course menu, paired with six award-winning wines from the Monticello AVA. Meet the winemakers, hear their vineyard stories, and discover what makes Monticello Wine Trail’s terroir unique. Ages 21+. $95, 6pm. The Doyle Hotel, 499 W. Main St. monticellowinetrail.com
Friday 6/6
Monticello Cup Gold Medal Celebration. An evening featuring award-winning wineries from the Monticello Case, culminating in the live announcement of the Monticello Cup winner. Meet the winemakers behind these exceptional wines, and enjoy a curated selection of wines paired with cuisine from Harvest Moon Catering. $125, 5:30–8pm. The Bradbury, 300 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. monticellowinetrail.com
Friday 6/13
Supper Series with Polyface Farms. Daniel Salatin of Polyface Farms shares his family’s story of how they restored and revitalized their family farm through innovation and bio-friendly practices. Entry includes wine pairings. $100, 7pm. Veritas Vineyards and Winery, 151 Veritas Ln., Afton. veritaswines.com
Saturday 6/14
Second Saturdays at Bellair Farm. Featuring a recipe demonstration by Mount Ida Executive Chef Jabari Wadlington, a wine tasting with Dogwood & Thistle, food by Chef Bud Porter of SFG Foods, knife sharpening by Jacob of Honey Honed, and music by Gina Sobel. Walking trails and pick-your-own fields will be open as well. Free entry, 9am. Bellair Farm, 5290 Bellair Farm. bellairfarm.com
North Garden Culinary Society. Come meet new people, explore new foods, and share the adventures of cooking. Whether it’s historical, regional, dietary, or family recipes, this group offers helpful tips to enjoy flavors and cuisines. Bring food with you if there is a recipe you are particularly proud of, or if you enjoy a certain store-bought product. All food types are welcome, especially cookies and cakes. Donated recipes to add to the communal scrapbook are appreciated. Free, 6:30pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com
Friday 6/27
Butchery Demonstration with Chef Jabari. Learn how to break down and carve poultry and beef during this lesson. By the end of the class you’ll feel more comfortable buying large cuts of meat to prepare at home. $45, 6:30pm. Tasting Room and Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve, 5600 Moonlight Dr., Scottsville. mountidareserve.com
Submit food and drink events to events.c-ville.com.
