Mel Walker wasn’t much for reporters. He was a busy man. When asked to go on the record—about his chicken, one of his trendy new neighbors on West Main Street, or C’ville soul food in general—he’d offer a look that was one part “I don’t have time for that” and two parts “you’ve never written […]
Mel Walker wasn’t much for reporters. He was a busy man. When asked to go on the record—about his chicken, one of his trendy new neighbors on West Main Street, or C’ville soul food in general—he’d offer a look that was one part “I don’t have time for that” and two parts “you’ve never written […]
Charlottesville doesn’t have a gay bar, but the local LGBTQ+ community is thriving in less traditional spaces. With the closure of Club 216 in 2012, Escafé in 2018, and Impulse in 2020, Charlottesville’s Queer nightlife and drag scene has become increasingly transient, with pop-up events at various restaurants and businesses in the area. The fate […]
“Tater totchos and a few truffles to go!” That’ll likely become your regular order at FIREFLY, where new owner Jennifer Mowad has relocated her popular artisan chocolate business, Cocoa & Spice. The new space adjacent to the restaurant will host a grand re-opening party the first weekend of Pride Month—June 1 and 2—with chocolate tastings, […]
Once a week, I travel to distant realms to smite evil. I’m half-orc when I do this. I’m also playing Dungeons & Dragons when I do this. While my character Brad the Bad wields various bladed weapons with ease (and alacrity), my day-to-day life involves far fewer stabby items. I butter toast. I chop onions. […]
Do you tend to swim upstream or go with the flow? Either way, you probably want to check out this weekend’s Rivanna RiverFest, hosted by Rivanna Conservation Alliance and Rivanna River Company. An afternoon of family-friendly activities, games, and educational opportunities shifts into an evening of celebration and jubilance with live performances from Hometown Choir […]
Small and unassuming, the original Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, has served classic cocktails to celebrities and locals since 1931. The Alley Light restaurant owners, Chris Dunbar and Robin McDaniel, say it inspired Charlottesville restaurateur Wilson Richey when developing their intimate spot on Second Street SW. “Will went to Europe a lot, and … Harry’s […]
Most of us check the weather forecast to decide how to dress, or evaluate the impact it has on our travel or events. For farmers who grow grapes and winemakers whose craft is innately tied to the whims and blessings of Mother Nature, the weather report is even more crucial. Vintage variation, the impact of […]
October is the tail end of the harvest for Patrick Collins, the cidermaker behind Patois Cider. But the apples on one of his favorite trees are just about ripe. “That guy there, with all the yellow orbs,” Collins says. “That tree is so delicious. See how it’s still full of leaves? It tastes fantastic, but […]
The Two Up Wine Down Festival will showcase Virginia wines of all kinds, but it will also shine a spotlight on broader talent from our winemaking region when 11 curators pour 15 wines at the Jefferson School on October 29 from 3 to 6pm. Tracey Love, one of the event’s organizers and the marketing and […]
By Mary Esselman, Maeve Hayden, Tami Keaveny, and Susan Sorensen Walking in to a busy diner is an exciting sensory experience. The clang of silverware and dishes banging around, orders called from front-of-house to back, and air laden with the savory perfume of the kitchen. Trays go by filled with warm toasty waffles, deliciously greasy […]