Drink specials and a menu reduction: This week’s restaurant news

The next chapter L’étoile has served up a delectable lunch since its inception in 1993, but that will come to an end in the beginning of the New Year, ushering in a streamlined focus on dinner service, special event group luncheons, and catering. Chef Mark Gresge’s French-Virginian cuisine will be available for dinner only Tuesday-Saturdays […]

Ladies’ night out at the Downtown Grille

Steakhouses, one of the few truly American culinary genres, maintain their appeal by being, in large part, the same the nation over. They typically sport dark wood and leather, a suited host, a wine list heavy on Napa Cabs, iconic starters and sides, melt-in-your-mouth steaks, and frightful prices. Testosterone-dripping man caves, the Scotch flows neat […]

Have your holiday cocktails at home with friends

Hands down, this is my favorite time of year: “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” spiced cookies, figgy pudding—and, of course, the drinks. Holiday drinks are, by design, meant to be communal. At least, in my family they always were. I can remember my early childhood, running around my grandparents’ […]

Happy New Year! This week’s restaurant news

Make the new year bright Chef Dean Maupin at C&O is getting creative with his four-course menu on New Year’s Eve, which is a steal at $55 per person. The evening also features a brand new champagne and sparkling wine list, Red and the Romantics playing rockabilly tunes (starting at 10pm), and a complementary toast […]

Five Finds on Friday: Mike Yager of Glass Haus Kitchen

On Fridays, we feature five finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Mike Yager, sous chef of the new Glass Haus Kitchen.  On New Year’s Eve, Glass Haus Kitchen will offer two seatings.  The first, between 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm, will feature a 4-course dinner.  The second, between 8:00 […]

Veg out! Four healthy options for herbivores

Whether you’re a vegetarian or the kind of person who will pull over at he faintest waft of smoking hickory charcoals, sometimes it’s not a bad idea to just lay off the meat for a spell. Revolutionary Soup and Eppie’s may earn top marks for vegetarian fare in Best of C-VILLE every year, but the […]

Doomsday drinks to die for

This is it. On Friday, December 21, we’re all going to die. Our Christmas gifts, 401(k)s, and unexpressed love will go unclaimed. It’d be highly irresponsible for me to advise liquidating your bank accounts, but I can suggest liquidating a pearl or two from your wine cellar (or sock drawer) to enjoy with loved ones—and […]

Wine, whiskey, and a Mayan send-off: This week’s restaurant news

Whisky’d away Just in time for holiday shopping, Virginia Highland Malt whisky, from the Virginia Distillery Company, arrived in 80 Virginia ABC stores earlier this month. Grab a bottle of this local offering, which the press release notes has “a lovely acacia honey and ginger flavor from the Scottish whisky with the added notes of […]

Five Finds on Friday: Angelo Vangelopoulos of Ivy Inn

On Fridays, we and The Charlottesville 29 feature five finds selected by local chefs and personalities.  This week’s picks come from Angelo Vangelopoulos, chef and owner of Ivy Inn.  Vangelopoulos’ picks: 1)  Nachos at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie.  “It’s the first thing that comes to mind when I decide to make the trip to North […]