Free money! April 7-14, restaurants of the Charlottesville Restaurant Group are offering $50 gift certificates for just $25 each, with all proceeds going to the care of Wes Chang, Ten chef Pei Chang’s infant son who is undergoing treatment for stage IV neuroblastoma. Purchase yours at MAS, Mono Loco, Blue Light Grill, TEN Sushi, and Three Notch’d Grill. Or, contribute directly atwww.weschang.myevent.com.
No mo’ Moto Pho Co. On Sunday, March 30, a notice appeared on Moto Pho Co.’s website, announcing that the Vietnamese noodle soup restaurant has closed its doors. Vu Nguyen, who owned Zinc, the restaurant and bar across the street that closed last year, opened the West Main spot in April 2012. Nguyen didn’t return calls for comment, but a sign on the restaurant’s door says to “look out for an exciting new venture in this location late summer/early fall of this year!”
Can’t get enough Ranch Hand and Long Island sandwiches? Now you can pick up your favorites from Littlejohn’s New York Deli without fighting the rush of college students—the popular shop recently opened a second location in The Shops at Stonefield. Littlejohn’s has been serving up sandwiches and subs with fresh, daily-sliced meats and cheeses since its 1976 opening on The Corner, and the new spot features the same menu, free WiFi, and booths that seat up to six. Future expansions may include a location in Richmond, near Virginia Commonwealth University.
Tired of having the same run-of-the-mill lunch week after week? How does Double H Farm porkbelly with green tomato relish, collard green slaw, pimento cheese, and Sriracha mayonnaise on a hoagie sound? Hamiltons’ at First & Main is rolling out Sandwich Lab, a new chef-driven endeavor that will feature a limited number of a specialty sandwich one day a month. Each $7 sandwich will be made with local ingredients, and must be ordered in advance. Unfortunately that porkbelly concoction is no longer up for grabs, but check the Sandwich Lab’s Facebook page for updates and teasers about what sandwich is coming out next.
Nothing says “weekend” quite like stuffing yourself silly with an authentic Italian meal and local wines. On Friday, April 11, tavola is collaborating with Blenheim Vineyards, Stinson Vineyards, and Ankida Ridge for a winemaker dinner. The meal in tavola’s new 25-person event space will feature wines from each winery, starting with canapés for cocktail hour (6:30-7:30pm) and a three-course dinner. Tickets are $85 per person, and can be reserved at 972-9463 or at info@tavolavino.com.
Hop on over to Boar’s Head Inn for some pre-Easter festivities. On Saturday, April 19, families are invited for cookie decorating and a tea service that includes finger sandwiches, mini-pastries, tea, and other beverages. The Easter Bunny will also be available for family photos. The event begins at 11:30am and is $15 per adult and $10 per child ages 4-12. For reservations call 972-2230.
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.