Barrett Early Learning Center is moving forward after last summer’s financial crisis
It’s been a year since parents checked their kids’ cubbies at Barrett Early Learning Center and found the letters announcing the board’s abrupt decision to close the preschool that’s been known for its diversity and affordability for nearly 80 years. The new board and staff are making long term plans so the school doesn’t find […]
UVA alum brings business opportunities and cultural immersion to Brazil’s favelas
University of Virginia graduate Elliot Rosenberg has been lucky enough to attend two soccer matches in Brazil since the 2014 FIFA World Cup began. But while soccer fans from every corner of the globe fill hotels and hostels across a dozen cities, Rosenberg is working around the clock on an ambitious entrepreneurial endeavor, pairing visitors […]
Say cheese: Local cheesemonger brings home silver from national competition
While some of us were glued to the TV last Sunday as Costa Rica defeated Greece in a nail-biting penalty shootout, one of Charlottesville’s own was showcasing his skills in a slightly different arena. On Sunday, June 29, Flora Artisanal Cheese owner Nadjeeb Chouaf competed in the fifth annual Cheesemonger Invitational in New York and […]
Overheard on the restaurant scene: This week’s food and drink news
Bye, guys Five Guys Burgers and Fries is down to two Charlottesville locations. The Downtown Mall spot, which was often bustling with lunch breakers and bar-goers, closed its doors for good earlier this week. The restaurant’s owner did not return calls for comment by press time. Lettuce celebrate Next week, Local Food Hub will celebrate […]
Could craniosacral therapy be a key to migraine treatment?
As a migraine sufferer who’s been on and off different prescriptions and treatments for 12 years, I’m skeptical of any alternative therapy with claims to address or heal chronic headaches. But I’ll try anything once, so after making some calls to Common Ground Healing Arts, I found myself covered with a bedsheet, face down on […]
StreamWatch report reveals decade-long poor water quality in Rivanna River watershed
After a decade of assessments by its volunteers, local watershed monitoring group StreamWatch has reported that 70 percent of streams that drain to the Rivanna River are failing state water quality standards. It’s far from an ideal finding, but as the citizen science organization points out, the situation could be worse. In a report released […]
Get (red) pumped: Pippin Hill owners debut new Tuscan restaurant downtown
Outdoor construction barriers enclosed the building at the corner of Fourth and East Main streets on the Downtown Mall for weeks. The temporary walls kept the elusive project under wraps, and even if you could sneak a peek around, you wouldn’t see much through the paper-covered windows. You may remember this spot as Positively 4th […]
Overheard on the restaurant scene: Cider-washed cheese, new brew, and seafood spot expansion
Starr Hill rolls out new IPA If you’re looking for a hoppy beer this summer, look no further than Starr Hill Brewery’s newly renovated tasting room in Crozet. Last week, the brewery announced the debut of King of Hop Imperial India Pale Ale, the latest installment of its limited release All Access series. The new […]
MADrave: Boutique fitness facilities join forces for fun
It’s 9pm on Saturday, and I’m finally catching my breath. I’ve got glow sticks tied around my ponytail, hot pink face paint smeared on my cheeks, and sweat dripping down my nose. I do as I’m told and push my forearms against the wall, leaning deeper into a lunge position to stretch my calves. The […]
Half baked? Local bakery owners respond to recent study negating gluten sensitivity
We all know at least one person who orders lettuce-wrapped burgers, declines invitations to pizza nights, and swears up and down that you’ll never miss the gluten in the fabulous homemade brownies they bring to the office party. Ever since a 2011 study revealed that non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) could be the root of a […]
How many Yellow Cabs can one town hold?
Tension is rising among Charlottesville’s already competitive cab drivers, especially now that UVA students, who make up the bulk of their business, are gone for the summer. You may have noticed a recent influx of cars on the road with the words Yellow Cab painted on the side, but look closely—the cars differ in color, […]
Overheard on the restaurant scene: This week’s food and drink news
Say (mac and) cheese Are your picky kids going through a macaroni-and-cheese-only phase? If by the end of the day you’re too exhausted for the “but you need to eat something green” fight, pack up the family and head to the Shops at Stonefield for some free macaroni at Noodles & Company. Every Monday through […]
Creigh Deeds leads mental health discussion at public forum
It’s been six months since Virginia State Senator Creigh Deeds was attacked by his mentally ill son Austin C. “Gus” Deeds, who fatally shot himself after stabbing his father in the head and upper torso near a barn on the family’s Bath County property. Now, the senator is actively seeking legislative and community involvement in […]
Mary Beth Schellhammer brings chocolate-dipped insects to the Downtown Mall
At My Chocolate Shoppe, the new candy store on the Downtown Mall, daily deliveries are expected. Dark chocolate bars with raspberry filling, colorful jelly beans, and giant Rice Krispies treats fly off the shelves every day. Last week, however, store owner Mary Beth Schellhammer took delivery of a special order that’s inspiring more of a […]
Overheard on the restaurant scene: Boozy food truck, new Downtown event space, and another James Beard nod
Spiked woos with new booze-infused food If you’re driving around town and happen to spot a food truck with cocktail glasses painted on the outside, no need to call the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control—he’s not actually passing out alcohol from that truck. What he is doing is serving up a menu of grub that […]
Homestay business is booming thanks to Airbnb and local firms. Is it legal?
It takes a certain type of person to open up their home to complete strangers. Woolen Mills resident Leora Brown, a social butterfly whose home is constantly bustling with friends and family, said she had no qualms about registering both her primary home and the two-story, playhouse-like “treehouse” in her backyard on Airbnb, a global […]
Overheard on the restaurant scene: This week’s food and drink news
Parallel 38 is going to the Beard House It’s been less than six months since Justin Ross opened Parallel 38, the Mediterranean-inspired Stonefield spot specializing in small plates and wine, and it’s already getting national attention. Last week, Ross and chef Alfredo Malinis, Jr. were invited to prepare dinner at The Beard House in […]
Overheard on the restaurant scene: C’ville Market announces closing, and new Thai spot replaces Song Song’s
Thai Fresh replaces Song Song’s Zhou & Bing The bad news is, Song Song’s regulars can no longer run by the little hole-in-the-wall on Fifth Street SE off the Downtown Mall to grab a bing for a quick and cheap lunch. The good news is, they can now pop in for a to-go box of pad […]
Overheard on the restaurant scene: More froyo, traveling German wine, and chocolate-covered crickets
Yogurt with a cause As if Charlottesville isn’t already crawling with frozen treats (sweetFrog, CUPS, Arch’s, and Kohr Brothers, to name a few), a second Bloop Frozen Yogurt spot opened its doors last week. The Lynchburg-based chain, which has locations in Virginia and Michigan, arrived on the Charlottesville scene in May 2012, with the opening […]
Dave Simpson’s memorial scheduled for Sunday
Former C&O owner and legend Dave Simpson died Tuesday, April 29 after being hospitalized following a heart attack. Friends say Simpson was known for his overwhelming kindness and hospitality, and his family has arranged a memorial service that will allow the entire community to come together to celebrate his life. The memorial will begin at […]
Healthy living: This week’s health/fitness news and events
Been eyeing those rowing machines at the gym, but don’t know how to get started? Check out Crossfit Charlottesville’s beginner/intermediate erg clinic on Saturday, May 3. The class, which will include core work and a mobility segment to protect the body from injury, is free for Crossfit Charlottesville members and $20 for non-members. E-mail info@crossfitcharlottesville.com for more […]
UVA student introduces yoga to local PE classes
At 9am on Monday, when most of us were grumbling about returning to the office, a small group of fifth graders was spreading yoga mats out on a gym floor, taking deep breaths, and preparing for a short yoga session. UVA third year, athlete, and practicing yogi Bennett Reck led the kids through a 15-minute […]
Friends remember former C&O owner Dave Simpson
“I’m no Dave Simpson, and I can’t live up to his spirit,” said C&O Restaurant owner Dean Maupin. “But I certainly reveled in his spirit.” Simpson, the longtime C&O chef and owner who sold the restaurant to Maupin last year, died Tuesday morning after being hospitalized for a heart attack, according to his brother Mike […]
Overheard on the restaurant scene: This week’s food and drink news
Korean BBQ taco joint in the making on Emmet The owner of sweetFrog is moving into the old Arch’s spot on Emmet Street, but he’s not bringing frozen yogurt. Founder of the nation-wide froyo empire with the name that stands for “Fully Rely On God,” Derek Cha plans to unveil Zzaam! Fresh Korean Grill by […]
New West Main spot, music at Bluegrass, and wine festival season: This week’s food and drink news
Threepenny Cafe makes its debut on West Main Chef Eric Nittolo said there’s nothing worse than flipping through a complex, multi-page menu when all he wants is something simple. Nobody needs “90 omelets on a brunch menu,” he said, which is why at Threepenny Cafe, the newly opened West Main restaurant in the former Zinc […]
Overheard on the restaurant scene: This week’s food and drink news
Starr Hill unveils new tasting room For weeks beer lovers have been peering into the windows of Starr Hill Brewery’s Crozet tasting room, anxiously awaiting its reopening. It’s been nearly two months since the doors closed to make way for a substantial facelift, but the newly renovated tasting room is finally up and running, and […]
Vacation doesn’t have to throw a kink in your workout routine
There’s not much more disheartening than returning home from vacation, especially when you realize after that cruise or European excursion the clothes you worked so hard to fit into before the trip are a little more snug than you’d like. As someone whose family trips have always revolved around grub—all-day beach snacking, bottomless crab legs, […]