In a recent poll of local oenophiles that, in reality, shouldn’t really be called a poll, but more an informal inquiry in which I badgered friends about where they go for a top-notch vineyard experience, it was surprising how many echoed Horace Greeley in telling me to “Go west, young man.” Except, they weren’t referring […]
In a recent poll of local oenophiles that, in reality, shouldn’t really be called a poll, but more an informal inquiry in which I badgered friends about where they go for a top-notch vineyard experience, it was surprising how many echoed Horace Greeley in telling me to “Go west, young man.” Except, they weren’t referring […]
Hamburgers are as American as apple pie. Sure, it’s a cliche, but it’s a cliche for a reason. There is nothing more symbolic of America’s culinary tradition than a juicy, hot-off-the-grill hamburger (or cheeseburger, if you’re like me) with ketchup and the occasional grilled onion or sliced pickle. There hasn’t been much innovation in the […]
Interested in who’s making the best brew right now? Meet over 40 masters of the craft and sample award-winning state-brewed beers at the Virginia Craft Brewer’s Fest. Party tunes from local rockers Sons of Bill will be paired with gourmet food and set against the spectacular backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stick around to […]
Students, hipsters, and couples may always be raving about Charlottesville’s restaurant scene. But where are parents taking their kids to eat these days? Kids’ menus may be hard to come by, but here are several local favorites that are more than happy to accommodate little appetites. Eppie’s: The macaroni and cheese is a go-to at […]
A big cheesy grin for Caromont Farm: The purveyor’s Esmontonian recently took home a second place prize in the American Cheese Society’s annual competition, earning distinction as an American-made goat’s milk cheese. Rapidan’s Everona Dairy racked up two wins, garnering third place in the category for farmstead goat’s milk cheeses aged over 60 days and […]
Is there a more misunderstood and utterly disorganized style of wine than “sparkling”? (Alright, maybe Riesling, but that’s another discussion entirely—stay tuned!) Sparkling wine is, by all accounts, the patron wine of “special occasions” and celebration, and has thus been cast about, bastardized, and otherwise abused to the point of utter confusion and caricature. Let’s […]
I started hanging around Bashir’s Taverna a week before the Friday evening that Paris native and singer Jean Jacques, aka J.J., was booked to perform during the dinner service. J.J. had stopped in to drop off some flyers that featured a manipulated photo of him standing next to the Eiffel Tower, the two figures in the […]
We’ve been so focused on what’s on our plates recently that we’ve missed a few openings and closings. For starters, Shadwells Restaurant is open at 1791 Richmond Rd. (in front of the Hilton Garden Inn). Chef Jabari Wadlington’s menu is focused on Chesapeake seafood and hand-cut steaks, and draws inspiration from Thomas Jefferson’s local food […]
Absinthe. An herbal spirit born in Switzerland and made famous in France by artists and authors. The word absinthe alone conjures up many stories and myths of la fée verte, or the Green Fairy. It is shrouded in fables and propaganda from the 19th and early 20th centuries, when, for most of the world, it […]
Ethan Zuckerman, Barefoot Bucha co-owner and master brewer along with wife Kate, shared the tricks of the kombucha brewing trade at a seminar hosted by Rebecca’s Natural Food on July 30 to a group of burgeoning ’bucha brewers. The seminar was one of a six-part series on the local food system, sponsored by Rebecca’s, Brightwood […]