A new collective brings fresh ideas to Virginia wine

In both scale and spirit, Virginia wine is growing, fueled by new talent, broader perspectives, and ambition. The result is a more confident, creative region that’s gaining national recognition. Like other thriving wine communities, we are seeing the emergence of small, independent winemakers, and side projects from established names. The Virginia Wine Collective, a new […]

Go-to lunches that won’t drain your wallet

Charlottesville has no shortage of renowned restaurants and bars, nor does it lack praise for its food scene, garnering recognition over the years in everything from Food & Wine magazine to The Washington Post.  But when you’re short on time and funds, the convenience and cost of fast food is alluring, even in a town […]

Summer favorites are ripe and ready for the sippin’

Cou Cou Rachou may be known for buttery croissants and beautiful baguettes, but the summer months find the bakery chilling in style with vanilla-bean soft serve, available daily. Craving something even cooler? Try the seasonal sour-cherry Coke float, a fizzy-sweet stunner made with Coke (from the glass bottle, of course) and the vanilla-bean soft serve, […]

Monticello Wine Week celebrates all things oeno

Let’s all raise a glass to the Monticello American Viticultural Area, where the award-winning wines are why Charlottesville and its surrounding counties are bubbling over with oenophiles and oenotourism. June 5 kicks off Monticello Wine Week, a celebration of the wines and wine producers of the five-county Monticello AVA. The program is sponsored by the […]

Pressing matters and knowing the good stuff

C’ville on the map (again) Charlottesville’s food scene is stacking up the accolades—again. This month, Condé Nast Traveler dropped a love letter to the Monticello Wine Trail, with stops at King Family Vineyards (Free polo matches May–October? Yes please!) and Pippin Hill, plus shoutouts to local gems like Bodo’s, Cou Cou Rachou, MarieBette, Oakhart Social, […]

Jay Pun in the HotSeat

To say that Jay Pun is a busy guy is an understatement. The musician, restaurateur, educator, and father of two recently authored a children’s book, Som Tum and Sticky Rice, and co-founded VeryAsian VA, which in turn launched the VeryAsian VA Celebration. The fourth annual music event takes place on Friday, May 9, at Ting […]

For a good day, call … Andy McClure

Owner (Citizen Burger Bar, The Virginian Restaurant) and co-owner (Ellie’s Country Club, Belle, Ciaccia, Lucky’s Cheesesteaks, Brightside Beach Pub, Grisette, Jardin, Beaucoup) I have small children, so waking up with them is how I like to start every day. We get going around 7am and drive to school around 8am. After that I take a look […]