Taco turnover
Been bummed since El Puerto’s downtown location closed its doors earlier this summer? Looks like we’ll be able to chow down on tacos and margaritas at that location again pretty soon. The windows are covered in paper, but a sign posted outside and a quick chat with an electrician when the door was open last week taught us that Yearbook Taco is moving into that space. According to Yearbook Taco’s recently-created Facebook page, it’s the sister restaurant to Don’t Look Back, a Mexican joint in Richmond. Don’t Look Back’s menu is simple, featuring tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas, plus key lime pie for dessert. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
Closing time
It was only open for a few years, but the one spot in town that required a password before you could get your booze on is, sadly, closed. The 9½ Lounge on Fellini’s second floor quietly debuted as a speakeasy bar in 2011, offering an extensive menu of old-timey cocktails and snacks to anyone who was willing to play along and give the password (which was always posted on a sign on the door) to the smiling face that peeked through the Prohibition era-style slot in the door.
Last week, a notice appeared on the bar’s website announcing that the 9½ lounge will close Saturday, August 30. According to owner’s daughter Joann Dunkle, the downstairs restaurant will remain the same, and the upstairs speakeasy will be converted into a space for private events like rehearsal dinners and company parties. She said the plan is to have it renovated and up and running by mid-September. But don’t worry—if you get a hankering for one of the speakeasy’s special cocktails and want it served at your private party, just ask nicely.
New brew
Fall is just around the corner, which can only mean one thing: cool-weather beer. Starr Hill Brewery is ready for the leaves to change, and last week it rolled out the Sabbath Black India Pale Ale, the latest beer in the limited release All Access series. Brewed with American hops from the Pacific Northwest, the beer is generously dry-hopped, with flavor notes of lemon, orange, and grapefruit. It’s available on draft and in 22-ounce bottles around town, so keep an eye out for it. The Sabbath Black is replacing the King of Hop Imperial India Pale Ale, which recently won a gold medal for best IPA at the Virginia Craft Brewers’ Festival.
Pig pickin’
Clifton Inn is one of only about 50 restaurants in the country that belong to Relais & Chateaux, the global group of luxury hotels and restaurants famous for strict standards of admission. Executive chef Tucker Yoder is known for his innovative, ever-changing cuisine, and the inn’s chef counter allows diners to experience a multi-course meal while up close and personal with the culinary team. But as elaborate as his menus tend to be, there’s always something to be said for simplicity. On Sunday, September 14, Clifton Inn will host the first annual Swine and Dine, where Yoder’s barbecue will be served alongside local beer from Champion, Wild Wolf, and Three Notch’d breweries. For the $20 cost of admission, you get all the barbecue you can handle, plus live music by local bluegrass group Chamomile & Whiskey. Beer tickets will be sold separately on site. For more information, visit www.clifton-inn.com.
We’re always keeping an eye 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.