The culinary world in general is a small and intimate one, and in a town the size of Charlottesville, it’s akin to an extended family. Like most extended families, Charlottesville’s culinary clan can be dysfunctional or wild from time to time, but when faced with a tragedy within, ranks are closed and everyone responds with […]
Choosing wine is never easy, but it’s always a pleasurable challenge. The mere thought of heading to the local wine shop makes me giddy with anticipation, with so many possibilities looming behind those doors. But finding quality, everyday drinking wines under $20 is difficult, and even harder if you don’t know what to look for. […]
It’s true what people say: All the great things are simple, and they are especially so if they’re old and cherished. To enter Nancy and Michael McCarthy’s Batesville home is like stepping back in time. Through its iron bar front door to the original wood paneling that follows the space throughout the open floorplan, it’s […]
Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie is supposedly set to open the doors of its expansion at the Crossroads Shopping Center (at the intersection of Route 29 and Plank Road) this Friday, August 30. The new menu boasts entrées, expanded local fare, sandwiches, and as always, stellar hand-tossed and thoughtfully crafted “hippie” pizza. Call 245-0000 for further […]
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 […]