Taking orders
Dairy Market’s newest vendor, 434th Street, is making a flavorful splash in the food hall’s menu. The Caribbean stall is the passion project of local chef-owner Jonathan Wright Jr., who serves up classic island dishes with a Virginia twist. Wright’s journey to Dairy Market began in 2020 with a humble $30 smoker. His tender braised oxtail and fiery jerked chicken quickly grew popular at Charlottesville City Market, and the demand allowed Wright to move into catering. Four years later, Wright’s cooking in his first brick-and-mortar spot. Grab breakfast on the weekends starting at 8am, or try coconut curry goat or crab fried rice on the evening menu.
Is it real, or is it Krissy Cakes? The bakery recently set up permanent shop at Dairy Market, where it serves up delish cupcakes, hyper-realistic custom cakes, and other sweet treats. Sate your craving with a perfectly frosted red velvet, butter pecan, or snickerdoodle cupcake.
On the Downtown Mall, try the catch of the day at Bonny & Read, a new seafood concept from chef Chris Humphrey, in the former Brasserie Saison space. The swashbuckler-inspired menu includes she-crab soup, pan-roasted arctic char, and clever cocktails like the Sao’s Seduction, a refreshing sip of matcha, Ceylon cinnamon, white chocolate, marigold, and oat milk.
The renovated Omni Hotel boasts two new spots to nosh. Start your day at the Hillock Neighborhood Kitchen with some buttery grits or a warm breakfast bowl with sweet potato and chorizo, or build your own French omelet. For lunch or dinner, the lavishly decorated restaurant and bar The Conservatory features shareable plates, bigger bites, and a customizable cocktail menu with options to build your own highball—just choose your spirit and mixer.
Kick back with a frozen marg and nachos from the expanded menu at Fiesta Azteca Tap House and Mexican Kitchen. The family-owned eatery changed names and moved from its previous spot in Crozet to the former Ivy Road House building off route 250. In Charlottesville, the team behind Tacos Gomez food truck is serving up sweet and savory Mexican bites at Desayuna Con Gomez, a Pantops brick-and-mortar breakfast and lunch spot. Try fresh-from-the-oven pan dulce, including polvorones, naranja mantecada, and conchas.
Drink your vegetables at Clean Juice, an organic juice and smoothie bar at The Shops at Stonefield. The locally owned franchise also serves up healthy wraps, sandwiches, acai bowls, and wellness shots.
Moves and news
Sandwich-lovers rejoice—Littlejohn’s is back. New owners are reopening the iconic delicatessen in its original spot on the Corner, with a menu that includes nostalgic favorites like the Nuclear, Wild Turkey, Five Easy Pieces, and the Sampson. Keep an eye on @ljs_on_the_corner on Instagram for the official opening date.
In ’cue news, Vision BBQ moved its smokers next door, into the vacated Siren space. The larger venue means the Southern eatery can now offer table service, an expanded menu, live music, and bevvies from the full bar.
There’s a familiar face in Common House’s kitchen. Laura Fonner, previously of Siren and Duner’s, is the new chef at the social club. Starting February 10, non-members can make reservations to check out Fonner’s mouthwatering brunch menu.
Guajiros Miami Eatery has settled into its new spot at 114 10th St. NW. Swing by Wednesday through Friday from 5-10pm to try an all-new food and drink menu at Guajiros After Dark.
This in from the town crier—The Thomas Jefferson Foundation is purchasing Michie Tavern. Visitors can still enjoy the same 18th-century inspired fare, but we’re excited to see what fun changes the acquisition may bring.
Hot hot hot
We’re sweet on MarieBette’s hot chocolate month. The bakery, and its sister spot Petite MarieBette, are pouring a decadent new flavor every day for the month of February. Sip on a frothy mug of lemon peel, white chocolate rose, or ancho chili-flavored hot chocolate, topped with pillowy housemade marshmallows.
Foods of All Nations has the scoop on SugarBear—literally. The small-batch, locally made ice cream is now available by the scoop or as an ice cream cake at the gourmet grocery.
It’s time to preorder your King Cakes. Great Harvest Bread Co. is baking the colorful confections later this month, and Albemarle Baking Company’s version can be picked up through February 13.
Storied sips
Three Notch’d Brewing and Ivy Creek Foundation teamed up to release a collaborative brew in support of the Historic River View Farm and the Carr/Greer family. The farm land was purchased by Hugh Carr, a formerly enslaved man, in 1870. His family would go on to play influential roles in advocating for the education of African American farmers and children in Albemarle County. After touring the 219-acre farm and preserve, Three Notch’d brewers created the River View Farm Legacy Ale, a golden ale brewed with oats, wheat, and corn—all crops that Carr grew at River View. Sample it at Three Notch’d on February 8, or snag a four-pack to take home—a portion of proceeds go to the Ivy Creek Foundation.
Vals & Gals
’Tis the season of love, and C’ville’s restaurants are here to help make Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day extra special. Spoil your loved one at a special prix fixe dinner at upscale spots like The Ivy Inn, Birch & Bloom, and Tavola, or celebrate the girls at the Galentine’s Sip, Sparkle, and Paint class at South and Central Latin Grill.