Proven Peruvian
After receiving rave reviews from patrons at two Inka Grill locations in Roanoke, chef Percy Rojas and his partners-in-lime are bringing their famous ceviche and traditional Peruvian dishes to a new location on the UVA Corner. We are especially excited to try the fried-rice chaufa, chef-selected seafood soups, and tuna tartare. Reservations are available on the Inka Grill website.
Bird search
Heads up (or down if you happen to be a turkey): Thanksgiving is approaching, and while there’s still plenty of time to flock to the supermarket, the best day for eating can sneak up on you. Save yourself the shopping hassle and reserve your Thanksgiving turkey ahead of time at JM Stock Provisions. The butcher shop is currently taking orders for locally sourced, whole turkeys. ShireFolk Farm, in the Palmyra foothills, is also accepting orders and offering pickup times in Charlottesville.
Stonefield piles on
New names are coming to the ever-growing list of dining spots at The Shops at Stonefield. Texas-based chain Torchy’s Tacos is opening its first Virginia location. Known for its “damn good” mantra and fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients, the restaurant also uses napkins, cups, and cutlery made from 100 percent renewable resources, and its cooking oil is recycled for auto fuel.
Also joining the Stonefield family in the near future is Organic Krush Lifestyle Eatery, a Long Island-based chain that cooks up healthy fast food. Owners Michelle Walrath and Fran Paniccia offer a menu of wraps, bowls, smoothies, baked goods, and cold-pressed juices as part of their commitment to conscientious eating that is free of pesticides, GMOs, hormones, and fake ingredients.
Beer for bears
Beer is good for a variety of things—quenching your thirst, toasting your pals, eliminating garden slugs, making chili, and your hair (according to that shampoo from the ’80s called Body on Tap). Devils Backbone is using its beer in partnership with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to protect local plant species by sponsoring efforts to help eliminate an invasive species of plant called Autumn olive, so local flora and fauna will recover in the James River area. Beyond that, $1 of every keg sold for all of 2021 will be donated to the DWR or one of several other organizations that are working to keep Virginia diverse and beautiful.
HotCakes cooling it
After 35 years, HotCakes owner Lisa McEwan closed the doors of her beloved bakery/cafe and catering shop on October 30. McEwan says that COVID took a toll, but also “it’s been a long time” to be in business. One of HotCakes’ most popular items was its pumpkins muffins, which came as a head scratcher to McEwan. “It is a family recipe I was making, but I was never actually that fond of them,” she laughs. HotCakes was overwhelmed by a brisk goodbye business during its final days, as patrons lined up for last slices of Torta Rustica, Strawberries & Cream Cake, and quiche of the day. McEwan, who is extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from the Charlottesville community, says she’ll turn to something outside of the food world, but many will be pleased to learn that the concept might not be gone for good. “We are in conversation with people who have expressed interest in picking up the business and carrying it forward,” she says.