Consummate host

The Charlottesville food scene lost a bright and passionate figure when Justin Ross passed away unexpectedly on March 26, at the age of 40. Those who knew the talented restaurateur and wine connoisseur remember him for his beaming smile and commitment to hospitality. Ross moved to Charlottesville in 2013 to launch modern Mediterranean restaurant Parallel […]

Divide revives

West Main passersby were alarmed last week to see yellow caution tape stretched in front of Parallel 38 and Gus’ Custom Tailoring, and a sign declaring Continental Divide “unfit for human habitation or occupation.” Despite that dire warning, the problem (a collapsed ceiling) should be repaired and the restaurant up and running again next week, […]

The best local bars for each drinking decade

By Pen + Knife bloggers eatdrink@c-ville.com For generations, authorities have buried the lede when warning us about alcohol killing brain cells. Omitted from the tired mantra is the truth that some of our deepest seeds of wisdom are sewn at watering holes and colored by booze. Bars are like classrooms, just more practical, and the […]

Sandwich spot caters to the classics

You can never have too many sandwich options, which is why Morgan Hurt and Gabe Garcia, the team behind Kitchen Catering, opened KITCHEN(ette), a sandwich shop in their catering facility and event space at 606 Rivanna Ave. The menu, divided into four sections—sandwiches with meat, vegetarian sandwiches, salads and sides—is reasonably sized without being overwhelming, […]

Local restaurant openings and closings in January

In January, four places in Charlottesville opened their doors: Cho’s Nachos and Beer, Champion Richmond, Littlejohn’s at Pro Re Nata Farm Brewery, and Junction. Parallel 38 closed in its Shops at Stonefield location, and announced in May it was reopening on West Main Street.

Junction brings modern Mexican to Belmont

When Melissa Close-Hart was in her mid 20s, she was studying to become a high school psychology teacher and worked in the kitchen at Birmingham, Alabama’s acclaimed Bottega Café to help pay for her tuition. One night, she says she perfectly plated a chicken scallopini—the positions of the components, the garnish, everything—and it hit her. […]