Virginia wine lovers, raise a glass—preferably filled with Barboursville Vineyards’ 2023 vermentino. Luca Paschina has done it again, snagging a sixth Virginia Governor’s Cup for the winery. New this year, the competition introduced Best in Show awards for the most competitive categories. Both Pollak Vineyards’ 2022 merlot reserve and Jefferson Vineyards’ 2023 viognier were honored. […]
Virginia wine lovers, raise a glass—preferably filled with Barboursville Vineyards’ 2023 vermentino. Luca Paschina has done it again, snagging a sixth Virginia Governor’s Cup for the winery. New this year, the competition introduced Best in Show awards for the most competitive categories. Both Pollak Vineyards’ 2022 merlot reserve and Jefferson Vineyards’ 2023 viognier were honored. […]
The Riverside Lunch hamburger thrives in a world outside convention and science. The burgers (gasp!) are unsalted. “We don’t do anything to the meat. Nothing at all,” owner Lee Shifflett says. “When we get it, it’s ground up, and we pat ’em out. That’s it.” It’s a fine March day for culinary heresy, and Shifflett’s […]
After a fire closed Silk Thai in the summer of 2022, the beloved Charlottesville restaurant is finally welcoming diners back. The road to reopening was long, but owner Mongkhol Chinsetthagit, known as TK Chin, never lost sight of his vision. The fire, caused by a gas leak in the basement of the old building on […]
Soul food is more than just a meal. It’s kinship and history piled high on a plate. It’s about the people who make it and the community it brings to the table. That’s the philosophy behind Signature Soul, Shaun Jenkins’ new restaurant in the former Umma’s location. As the eclectic sister to Jenkins’ Soul Food […]
Nestled on Elliewood Avenue, Take It Away has been serving up made-to-order sammies for more than three decades, thanks to the resilience and passion of owner Tom Bowe. A true survivor, Bowe was diagnosed with cancer five years ago, faced down the odds, and after two hip replacements and a battle that almost took him, […]
There is something magical about chocolate. I used to spend every Sunday with my Nana, and these visits included a chocolate treat or two from her sweets jar on the gold-speckled white Formica counter. In my youth, my dad was my best Valentine (yes, I’ve been to therapy)—he bought Mom, my sister, and me fancy […]
Vitis vinifera and native apples soak up the praise for the nationally acclaimed pressings that fill Virginia’s cellars. For every drop that makes it to the vintner’s bottle, loads of wine and cider base are blended out or sold in bulk, in order for producers to stay under target case counts. Spoiled bits and trimmings […]
Donuts have been on a certain trajectory for the last two decades: bigger, more toppings, more creativity—an arms race of candy, cookies, and fried pork. After several years working with semi-traditionalists Jason Becton and Patrick Evans at MarieBette Café & Bakery, Melissa Sbrocco went in a different direction when she opened her namesake donut shop […]
From zero-proof takes on classic cocktails to innovative new concoctions, local bartenders are flipping the script on mocktails with bold flavors, sustainable practices, and a whole lot of care. These drinks aren’t just substitutions—they’re their own thing, standing tall on flavor, creativity, and style. Whether you’re giving your liver a break (and heeding the Surgeon […]
This year, the culinary scene proved resilient. Despite challenges— fires, break-ins, and heartbreak—the community thrived. We mourn the loss of Mel Walker and celebrate the continuation of his soul-food legacy at Diilishus Fish & Chik’n. Blue Moon Diner closed after nearly two decades, leaving behind memories of its role as a community hub. And we […]