Five Finds on Friday: Richard Ridge

On Fridays, we feature five foods selected by local chefs and personalities. Today’s picks come from Richard Ridge, chef of Restoration, at Old Trail Golf Club in Crozet.  Ridge’s picks: 1) Country Ham and Apple Chutney Sandwich at Greenwood Gourmet. “It’s been on the specials board for as long as I can remember and I hope David and Nina […]

Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie defies all self control

Some call it Dr. Ho’s Challenge: Try to make it out of Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie without entering a food coma. The menu at the popular North Garden restaurant is so loaded with greatness that it’s almost impossible not to over-order. Even if you get past the best pizza in the area, the wings will […]

A Charlottesville wine lover takes on the grapes of Sicily

We all know the “locavore” movement is in full swing, as evidenced by the evolution of restaurant menus across the country, and countless articles and books written about the local food scene. Charlottesville thrives in the midst of farms and locally grown food, and as Virginia gains credibility as a wine destination, our little town […]

2013 in numbers: A look back at how the year added up

There are 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, and 525,600 minutes in a year. But there was a lot more to 2013 than just the sands in the hourglass, so we’ve compiled what we think are the most noteworthy stories of the last 31,536,000 seconds. Here’s the year by the numbers—from hawks spotted […]

Mediterranean cuisine converges on small plates at Parallel 38

While The Shops at Stonefield struggle to become known for something other than a place to see a movie, a cluster of restaurants surrounding the theater may save the day. Travinia Italian kitchen, which is routinely packed, and Pasture, the bare-bones, cafeteria-style homage to locally sourced food, have lured foodies to the development. And soon, […]

An ode to the year’s restaurant openings and closings

As 2013 comes to a close, here’s a look back on the area’s ever-changing food and drink scene, in rhyming couplets. As they say, to eat is a treat, to rhyme divine.   Farewell, Camino, and Big Dawgz, see ya later. To those who loved weiners, you were the Corner’s major player. Goodbye to Arch’s […]

Big tuna: Cavalier Diner takes on greasy spoon classics

I was once talking to my boss from across his cubicle when he stopped me mid-sentence and asked, “What’s that smell?” Of all the people you don’t want to hear this from, your boss is probably behind only someone you’d like to bed. Maybe it’s not me, I hoped. But after a quick self-inventory, I had […]

Five finds on Friday: Jason Oliver

On Fridays, we feature five food finds from local chefs and personalities.  Today’s picks come from Jason Oliver, Brewmaster at Devils Backbone Brewing Company, which was named Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival.  Next week be on the lookout for the latest batch of Dark Abby, […]

Local chefs swoon over Pad Thai’s home-style cuisine

Does authenticity have a place in the food world? Four top local chefs and I discussed the question over a recent lunch at Pad Thai restaurant, located at 156 Carlton Rd., next to Beer Run. The venue was appropriate. Pad Thai enjoys a huge following among area chefs, and is said by many to serve […]