Spring has brought us a burst of foodie news, and we can hardly keep track of what’s new, what’s gone, and what we can’t wait to try.
Taco the town
Brazos Tacos has officially opened a second location at Barracks Road Shopping Center. The Texas-style taqueria is open from 11am–8pm daily, with a menu Brazos enthusiasts know and love, sans boozy beverages—for now. While the taqueria waits on its ABC license, enjoy your lunch break in style with a juicy NA watermelon marg and munch on an I Willie Love You or This is My Yam in the newly renovated interior, or on the sunny outdoor patio.
New orders
The arrival of The Forum Hotel at UVA brought two new restaurants to the scene. Birch & Bloom is a modern, farm-to-table steakhouse. For a more casual night out, visit The Good Sport, a welcoming craft beer bar with tavern fare.
Black Cow Chophouse, a new eatery from the team at Public Fish & Oyster, has been serving up quality cuts from its wood-fired hearth in the former Little Star space.
Up route 29, the much anticipated Seoul Korean BBQ & Hotpot is now open for business. And in Belmont, Tavola expanded by four seats, with the Piccola—a cozy private dining room featuring upscale, chef-curated prix-fixe.
Sip on this
Devils Backbone Backyard, the brewery’s first urban location, opened May 23 at 1000 W. Main St. The space has housed multiple breweries in the past, including Hardywood Pilot Brewery & Taproom.
Monticello got back into the wine business when Jefferson Vineyards was acquired by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in February. It’s a full circle acquisition that traces back to 1773, when Jefferson convinced Italian vintner Philip Mazzei to plant a vineyard on a plot of land down the road from Monticello. Their enterprise wasn’t as successful as they’d hoped, but 250 years later Jefferson Vineyards is dedicated to crafting outstanding wine, including the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup award-winning Petit Manseng 2021.
Moving and shaking
There’s a lot cooking out in Crozet. A flood in Piedmont Place forced early goodbyes to Morsel Compass and Blue Ridge Bottle Shop, but Crozet Creamery is still serving up scoops. Smoked Kitchen made it to higher ground, moving into the former Taste Shack space at 2291 Seminole Ln. Slated to top things off this summer is Bar Botanical, a rooftop concept with mountain views, craft cocktails, and small plates from vegan eatery Botanical Fare.
The Yellow Mug is serving coffee and pastries in the old Green House Coffee space, and up the road Praha Bohemian Bakery & Cafe is open for business. Snag a freshly baked bagel sandwich or kolach from 7am–5pm daily.
Greenwood Gourmet Grocery brought back its weekly supper club—talk about elevated takeout. The $35 meal feeds two people, with optional dessert, wine pairing add-ons, and a new menu dropping every two weeks.
Dairy tales
At Dairy Market, Angelic’s Kitchen has closed up shop, but it’s not goodbye forever. Owner Angelic Jenkins still serves up her soul food for catering, and says she hopes to land at another brick-and-mortar spot soon. Bee Conscious Baking Co. has also moved out of the food hall. The husband-and-wife duo now offer their delightful baked goods at Ix Farmers Market, and launched their first CSA this year. Flaky pastries will be back soon, once Paradox Pastry moves into the empty stall. Meat-free eaters can find GRN Burger in a new location next to Citizen Burger Stand with new menu additions like the Chik’n Mocknuggets.
Passing the apron
Market Street Wine founder Siân Richards was ready for a new adventure, and turned the keys over to wine aficionado Erin Scala. Ace Biscuit & BBQ closed its doors, before opening again thanks to fan-turned-owner Stefan Friedman. Jennifer Mowad is the new owner of Firefly Restaurant & Game Room. Mowad, who owns Cocoa & Spice in York Place, says “the Firefly you know and love is here to stay … maybe with a little extra sweetness added over time!” She takes over from longtime owner Melissa Meece.
Let’s get dranks
Drink your way through downtown at the Spring Stroll, currently underway through the month of May. The bar crawl features cocktails, mocktails, and specialty drinks at various bars spots including Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar, The Alley Light, and Quirk Hotel. For more info, go to friendsofcville.org
The sips continue with a Pride Bar Crawl on June 3–4. The self-paced bar hop starts with a party at Dairy Market, before moving to Starr Hill, Random Row, Umma’s, and more. Get more deets at @cvillebarcrawl
Finally, enjoy a nightcap during daylight at the Virginia Spirits Expo on June 3. Visit with, learn about, and sample from over 20 award-winning Virginia distilleries. Learn more at virginiaspiritsexpo.com
Pie praise
Help yourself to a piece of pie at Cville Pie Fest (cvillepiefest.com) on June 10. The fundraiser for WTJU includes a tasting, judging, and live music. Got your eyes on the pies? Register your own pie by May 31 to compete for first.