Spirit Lab Distilling puts Virginia wilderness in your glass

“I ’ll be honest,” says distiller Ivar Aass without a hint of irony. “Forage Amaro is my least favorite thing to make.” It’s not that he dislikes the result. Quite the opposite is true. But as a one-man operation, the process of foraging is both time-consuming and labor-intensive: walking fields and forests, pulling his car […]

I made the City Market Cookbook’s banana pudding tiramisu and you should too

Editor Becky Calvert describes the tiramisu banana pudding recipe in City Market Cookbook as “Southern Grandma meets an Italian Nonna.” Fresh chevre from Caromont Farm replaces mascarpone for a tangy take on the classic dessert. The cookbook is full of recipes like this, unexpected versions of familiar foods. Take l’etoile catering’s pumpkin and Virginia peanut […]

Historic pause in food benefits launches emergency program in Virginia

Millions of Americans continue to face uncertainty as the federal government shutdown stretches into its second month, resulting in an unprecedented pause in SNAP benefits. Despite the billions in emergency funding set aside, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it cannot issue the funds amid the shutdown—a change from its own previously stated policies. Two […]

The Jervey glows up Belmont and the Peter Chang era ends

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 […]

Camellias reblooms and greens competition heats up

After debuting Camellias Bar & Roastery last fall on Preston Avenue, restaurateur Kitty Ashi (of Monsoon Siam and other Thai kitchens around town) has opened Camellias Coffee & Tea in the Tenth Street Warehouses. The new café—taking over the former Mudhouse space—pours everything from ceremonial-grade matcha and smoky, nutty hojicha, to fruit teas, milk teas, […]