For one day next week, tavola will abandon its rustic Italian cuisine. The Belmont restaurant is taking a leap across the continent to land squarely on the Emerald Isle and turn into a pop-up Irish pub in honor of St. Patrick’s day. On Monday, March 17, Pub Tavola’s menu will offer traditional Irish fare beginning at noon, and will continue through the evening, with takeout available. All proceeds will benefit the care of Wes Chang, Ten chef Pei Chang’s 15-month-old son who was recently diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma. To donate directly, visit www.weschang.myevent.com.
March is Virginia Wine and Dine Month, and to help you celebrate, Virginia Wine in my Pocket is offering its iOS app for free in the iTunes store through the end of the month. Created by Virginia travelers and wine connoisseurs Rick Collier and Nancy Bauer, the smartphone and tablet app includes winery listings with interactive maps, information on wine trails, dining, and lodging, and a “my stuff” menu that allows members to track personal notes, wineries visited, and places yet to visit. For more information visit www.vawinein mypocket.com.
It’s never too early for Wahoos to start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Beginning on Friday, March 14, the Cavalier Diner will offer a holiday-themed menu to get you in the green spirit. The menu will feature classics like corned beef and cabbage, homemade Shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, and shamrock cookies, and will be available through 9pm on Monday, March 17.
The construction at Barracks Road Shopping Center has been drawing attention for months, and now that it’s finally coming to a close, a new burger joint is about to open its doors. Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar, a chain with locations in six East Coast states, is opening its Charlottesville store on Tuesday, March 18. The menu features gourmet burgers like the Zinburger with manchego cheese and zinfandel braised onions and the Kobe burger with Vermont cheddar and wild mushrooms, sides like sweet potato fries and zucchini fries, and nine different hand-dipped milkshakes. The drink menu includes 18 wines, eight beers on tap, and specialty cocktails like the Red Zingria, with Red Zinfandel, triple sec, lime, and raspberry.
Right next door to the new burger spot is what The Huffington Post describes as the “Hooters of frozen yogurt.” CUPS is a self-serve yogurt chain with locations in four other states that features loud music with dance club-esque lighting and elaborate murals. The company’s logo is two identical cups of frozen yogurt, with the slogan “Frozen yogurt—that’s hot.” A “now hiring” flyer features young women wearing snug, hot pink tank tops, and a menu suggests things like “Size matters…fill your cup” and “Don’t go topless…sprinkle on your favorite toppings.” The store is now open for business, after its grand opening on Tuesday, March 11.
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.