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. There’s never been a better time to sip local.
New high
Looking for a buzz without the booze? Mountain High Seltzer, crafted in Crozet, is shaking up the beverage scene with its all-natural, low-calorie, hemp-derived THC/CBD seltzers. These low-sugar fizzy refreshers, currently available in lemon-lime and wild berry, offer a mild, relaxing effect. A carefully measured blend of cannabinoids, mostly CBD with under 2mg of THC, delivers a smooth, subtle experience that’s federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Whether you’re winding down after work or toasting with friends, this family-owned and operated brand brings a new kind of chill to the table.
Pizza the action
Charlottesville’s pizza scene is on fire with three new spots serving up slices, squares, and sandwiches.
The Belle team has opened Ciaccia, a cozy Italian counter adjacent to its bakery-café patio on Monticello Avenue. Ciaccia specializes in pizza and focaccia that’s fata in casa—homemade—and its sandwiches come on schiacciata, a thinner, lighter cousin of focaccia. Try the Bionda, layered with prosciutto toscano, stracciatella di burrata, and cipollini cream, or the zucchini pizza, topped with pecorino, Gruyere, dill, and mint.
Locally owned A² Pizza opened March 5 in Forest Lakes North (where Endzone Pizza used to be), and specializes in Detroit-style pies—thick, crispy-edged, and seriously satisfying. Hit up the PPP with pineapple, pepperoni, and pickled jalapeños for a spicy-sweet kick.
Emmy Squared is a national darling of Detroit-style pizza (and burgers) that’s coming soon to Barracks Road Shopping Center. Born in Brooklyn in 2016, the chain’s new location is the first in Virginia. Go big with the Big Ang, topped with housemade vodka sauce, ricotta, double pecorino, Italian sausage, and banana peppers.
Open & closed
The final buzzer sounded for Ralph’s American Taproom, which closed after four years, but UVA and NBA basketball legend Ralph Sampson isn’t going anywhere. He’s still a partner in Milk & Honey, a Southern-inspired restaurant in the same space that opened March 19.
Backed by Thompson Hospitality, the nation’s largest minority-owned food service provider, Milk & Honey promises comfort food with a kick. Think award-winning shrimp and grits, honey Old Bay wings, Cajun shrimp pasta, and indulgent berries and cream French toast.
“We see that Southern Cuisine is underserved in Charlottesville and we are excited to fill the void with our fan-favorite menu items,” says Thompson Hospitality’s COO, Alex Berentzen.
The 10th Street Warehouse went completely quiet when Mudhouse Coffee closed in March (following the close of neighboring business Althea Bread in December).
Mudhouse, founded by middle-school sweethearts Lynelle and John Lawrence, started as a coffee cart on the Downtown Mall and has grown into a beloved Virginia staple. Known for prioritizing organic, fair trade, rainforest, 4C, and bird-friendly certifications, Mudhouse continues to serve customers at its Downtown Mall locations, as well as in Crozet, Richmond, and Charleston, South Carolina, with an Alexandria, Virginia, spot on the way.
Chickadee announced that its lunch and brunch service will end on April 12, in order to focus on expanding the market space next door. Swift Market will soon become Chickadee Market, as described in an Instagram post last week: “The capacity in which food will be involved is still TBD, but definitely scaled back. Think bodega vibes meets Cha-Chas (iykyk)!” LMK!
More to chew on
Thursday 3/27
Angel’s Envy Unveiled: Sip, Savor, & Learn. This exclusive event offers guests the chance to taste three expertly crafted cocktails featuring Angel’s Envy whiskey in a unique pairing experience that thoughtfully highlights the natural flavors of each light bite and cocktail. $45, 5pm. Kimpton The Forum Hotel, 540 Massie Rd. forum hotelcharlottesville.com
Saturday 3/29
Gold Medal Wine Dinner with Birch & Bloom. Chef Ryan Collins has crafted an elegant four-course menu designed to complement a selection of exceptional wines from Michael Shaps. $120, 6:30pm. Michael Shaps Winery, 1650 Harris Creek Rd. virginia wineworks.com
Sunday 3/30
Chef Collab Dinner to Benefit No Kid Hungry. A collaboration dinner featuring five expertly crafted courses from four of the area’s top chefs—Alicia Simmons of Tavola, Angelo Vangelopoulos of Ivy Inn, Christian Kelly of Duner’s, and Tucker Yoder of Broadcloth—all in support of No Kid Hungry’s vital mission. $150, 5:30pm. Broadcloth, 1837 Broadway St. broadclothrestaurant.com
Existential Bread Book Tour. Join us for a conversation between Jim Franks, author of Existential Bread, and local baker Chris(tina) Martin from BakerNoBakery. RSVP requested. Free, 6pm. Visible Records, 1740 Broadway St. visible-records.com
Saturday 4/5
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast.
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and support the work of three outstanding children’s charities: Central Little League, Community Bikes, and the Salvation Army. Children ages 6 and under eat free. $5–10, 8am. Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave. k00733.site.kiwanis.org
Wednesday 4/16
An Urban Winery Experience. Tour and enjoy a tasting at five wineries under one roof at the Virginia Wine Collective, a production facility and tasting room focused on collaboration and the work of talented independent winemakers. Move in small groups around the production facility to visit each winemaker, while sharing a glass of wine and discussion before moving to the next part of the facility. Pre-registration required. $25, 5pm. Virginia Wine Collective, 1585 Avon St. Ext. eastwoodfarmandwinery.orderport.net
Sunday 4/20
Easter Brunch Buffet. A mouthwatering selection of dishes for you to enjoy with your loved ones with seatings before or after the 12:30pm Eggspedition egg hunt throughout the botanical gardens. Children ages 3 and under eat free. $35–73, 11am. Kimpton The Forum Hotel, 540 Massie Rd. forumhotelcharlottesville.com
Submit food and drink events to events.c-ville.com.
Ciaccia, a new spot in Belmont, specializes in pizza and focaccia that are fata in casa: homemade. Photo by Tristan Williams.
