The long-empty Belmont service station now houses The Jervey, a modern steakhouse from local restaurateur Andy McClure. Photo: Tristan Williams.
If you’ve caught The Jervey’s virtual tour on socials (@thejervey on Instagram), you know this new Belmont steakhouse in the former service station across from Mas is pure mid-century chic—think starburst chandeliers, wall-to-wall windows, and a martini list to match. The menu dazzles beyond steak, with brick-pressed chicken, black truffle pasta, and a spread of vegetable sides. The restaurant is open Thursday to Monday and happy hour begins at 4:30pm.
A taste of diplomacy
Join Food Network star Aarti Sequeira at Monticello for two nights of food and conversation on November 13 and 14. Known for her infectious laugh and signature style—American favorites with an Indian soul—Sequeira will be serving dinners as part of Monticello’s partnership with the Culinary Diplomacy Project, which explores how food can bridge cultures and spark civic dialogue. Details at monticello.org.
Stems up
It’s easy to enjoy the beautiful state of Virginia wine at the Two Up Wine Down Festival on November 15 at the Jefferson School City Center. In its fourth year, Two Up Wine Down continues to champion our diverse wine scene by showcasing more than 15 wineries, culinary partners, and curators.
The fest is presented by Oenoverse and The Veraison Project, organizations noted in Bon Appétit’s October story on new energy in the American wine industry. Virginia wine pros Reggie Leonard, Lance Lemon, Ben Jordan, and Tim Jordan also got mentions. “We’re in a good place now,” Ben Jordan told Bon Appétit’s Osayi Endolyn. “And it’s going to get better.”
Southern Living Italian style
Belmont favorite Tavola was recently featured in Southern Living, where writer Melinda Salchert praised its “remarkably close” take on authentic Italian cuisine. Her must-orders? The creamy burrata (“the kind of appetizer you order every single visit—and still can’t get enough of”), housemade pappardelle, and classic tiramisu—all perfect for cozy fall dining.
Lunch at Zocalo
Zocalo is now serving lunch Wednesday through Friday beginning at 11am. Chef-owner Will Miguel’s new menu celebrates the bold flavors of Spain, Mexico, and South America. Expect bright starters like papas bravas with chipotle aioli and cilantro, satisfying mains like Baja fish tacos and sweets like Mexican chocolate bread pudding to end your midday escape on a high note.
Somewhereness Fest is back
Fine Creek Brewing Co.’s third annual Somewhereness Fest returns December 13 to celebrate Virginia’s fields, forests, and fermenters. The lineup features breweries, wineries, and cideries from across the Commonwealth—including Charlottesville favorites Blenheim Vineyards, Gabriele Rausse Winery, Mount Ida Reserve, Present Company Wine, and Selvedge Brewing. Raise a glass to the flavors that make Virginia, well, somewhere special.
Ch-ch-chang(es)
After 15 years of cooking up Szechuan cuisine in the Barracks Road Shopping Center, Peter Chang China Grill will close its doors by October 31, when its lease expires. The legendary chef, once dubbed “the peripatetic master of Sichuan cuisine” by Bon Appétit, built a devoted Charlottesville following with dishes like dry-fried eggplant, bamboo flounder, and tea-smoked duck.
In the early aughts, Chang helmed the kitchen at Taste of China in Albemarle Square—where echoes of Chang’s cuisine can still be found. In 2010, he opened Peter Chang China Grill, the first of his empire of nearly 20 restaurants scattered across Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., with Chef Gen Lee. Chang sold the business to Lee in 2015.
But the story doesn’t end there. In late 2025, Chang will return to the Barracks Road restaurant as its sole owner. Peter Chang China Grill will undergo a full interior renovation and changes to the menu. The reimagined restaurant will open in summer 2026.
A new moon rising?
Nearly a year after Blue Moon Diner shuttered, the space may soon shine again. Maggie’s Midtown has applied for a Virginia ABC license, though opening details remain under wraps. Rumor has it, Chef Tarik Sengul of Smyrna is involved—and that a traditional British Sunday roast could soon find a home in Charlottesville.
Popitos fires up downtown
What started as a pop-up mobile pizzeria and grew into a Rio Hill Shopping Center favorite is heading downtown. Popitos is opening its second location in the former Umma’s/Mono Loco spot, bringing its signature wood-fired pies and creative toppings to the heart of the city. Try the Virginia Verde with roasted zucchini, lemon zest, and pistachios, or turn it up with the Hot Pig, loaded with bacon, jalapeños, and AR’s hot honey.
More to Chew On
Saturday 11/1
Annual Apple Harvest Festival. A fun, cider-filled day for the entire family with local vendors, apple delights, live music, hayrides, and an apple pie contest. Free, 10am. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com
Domaine Finot Bar Takeover. King Family Vineyards renowned winemaker Matthieu Finot takes over the bar and shares his personal project, Domaine Finot. Special tasting, flight, and glasses available. Free entry, 5pm. Ethos Wine & Tea, 817 W. Main St. ethoswineandtea.com
Fall Feast. A celebration of African American food, farming, history, and health featuring discussions and information sessions followed by a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Hosted by Highland’s Council of Descendant Advisors. Registration required. Free, 11am–3pm. James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe Pkwy. highland.org
Sunday 11/2
DuCard Sparkling Wine Tasting. Spend the afternoon sampling four fun, fizzy, and uplifting sparkling wines. Bring along a picnic or choose something from the light noshing menu. Event repeats Sundays 11/9 and 11/16. $38, noon–5pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com
The Brunch of a Showgirl. A Taylor Swift–themed brunch with pancakes and bubbly drinks where you can craft an Eras-inspired bracelet and take the stage for Taylor karaoke. $50–70, 11am–2pm. The Birdcage at Mockingbird, 421 Monticello Rd. c-villebites.com
Friday 11/7
Low-Country Shrimp Boil with Live Music. Flavor-packed succulent shrimp, juicy sausage, tender corn on the cob, and perfectly seasoned potatoes—all served up hot and ready to enjoy in a relaxed, fun atmosphere with live music. Event repeats Fridays 11/14, 11/21, and 11/28. Free entry, 5–8pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com
Sunday 11/9
Perfect Pasta: A Culinary Class and Gourmet Wine Lunch. Master the art of handmade pasta with Chef Kelvino Barrera of C-ville Bites. Begin the class with a toast and learn how to make tortellini, followed by a three-course meal of your pasta creations, along with wine pairings. Open to all skill levels. $135, 11am–2pm. Mockingbird Restaurant, 421 Monticello Rd. c-villebites.com
Friday 11/14
Italian Sparkling Wine Class. A guided class and tasting hosted by Cellar Road’s Anna Kietzerow that explores various styles of Italian sparkling wine and its regions. Light fare provided, and wines will be available for purchase. $125, 6pm. Tavola Restaurant, 826 Hinton Ave. tavolavino.com.
Saturday 11/22
Wicked-themed Drag Tea Party. Enjoy delicious tea sandwiches and snacks with hot tea while the fabulous cast serves up show-stopping performances featuring killer vocals, plenty of laughter, and surprises—with chances to win raffle prizes. Dress in your best Emerald City green or bubbly Glinda pink. $45, 11:30am–1:30pm. Pikasso Swig Craft Bar, 333 Second St. SE. pikassoswig.com
