We’re always keeping our eyes and ears out for the latest news on Charlottesville’s food and drink scene, so pick up a paper and check c-ville.com/living each week for the latest Small Bites. Have a scoop for Small Bites? E-mail us at bites@c-ville.com.
Every Saturday during the month of January, Sticks Kebob Shop will donate 10 percent of its profits to the City Schoolyard Garden at Jackson-Via Elementary School. City Schoolyard Garden is an independent nonprofit that maintains organic educational gardens at six local schools, and the Sticks proceeds will go toward building a new garden shed at Jackson-Via. So if you’re craving a lemon-garlic shrimp flatbread with a side of onion rings, save it for Saturday, knowing that a couple bucks may contribute to a third grader’s newfound appreciation for cultivating bok choy and radishes.
If you happen to adore raptors just as much as you love pappardelle with braised lamb ragu, head on over to Caffe Bocce on Sunday, January 12. The classic Italian restaurant, located at 609 E. Market St., is hosting a three-course dinner to benefit the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro. Volunteer Bill Sykes will greet guests with an “avian ambassador,” or a non-releasable rescued bird. Between each course, guests will have the opportunity to meet Grayson, a broad-winged hawk, and Athena, a barred owl. Tickets are $50 per person, which does not include tax, tip, or alcohol. Caffe Bocce will donate 30 percent of the ticket price to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. For reservations call 984-1100.
Out with the old and in with the…older. Beer Run recently updated its rotating beer list, and made room for the Dogfish Head World Wide Imperial Stout, a beer that only gets better as it ages. Debuted in the winter of 1999, World Wide comes in between 15 and 20 percent ABV, and is available in only 20 states. Also on tap on Beer Run’s “cellerman’s selections” list are the Widmer/Cigar City Collaboration Gentlemen’s Club Old Fashioned Style Ale, and the Bruery Rueuze A Blend of Three Different Sour Blonde Ales.
For some snapshots of (almost) local small plates, pick up this month’s issue of Southern Living. The nationally distributed lifestyles magazine published a roundup of “the South’s best cheap eats,” and featured Pasture’s array of happy hour snacks, including housemade pickles, pimento cheese, and black-eyed pea falafel. The photos were taken at the restaurant’s Richmond location, but Charlottesville’s spot in The Shops at Stonefield offer the same specials.
Want to get your favorite Charlottesville spot a little statewide attention? Virginia Living magazine is currently taking votes for its annual Best of Virginia issue, and you have until Friday, January 24 to cast your ballot. The 91 categories include everything from best bakery and burger joint to best chocolatier and vegetarian restaurant. Check out www.virginialiving.com/vote to weigh in with your favorites.