Tag: Devils Backbone

Categories
Culture Food & Drink

Small bites: Provisions, pumpkins, and Peruvian

Inka Grill is bringing the flavors of Peru to the UVA Corner. Photo: Eze Amos

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.

Categories
Culture Living

Something to Grouse about

The Pink Grouse’s Chef de Cuisine Dennis Merritt says he was inspired to become a chef after watching a seed grow into a plant and became something nourishing. Publicity photo

Foodies rejoice! Charlottesville’s high-end dining circuit just got a little larger with the reopening of The Pink Grouse, the signature restaurant at the Quirk Hotel. Initially unveiled along with the hotel in March of 2020, The Pink Grouse’s launch was short-lived due to widespread shutdowns in April. The extra time was used to fine-tune the restaurant’s vision and bring on Chef de Cuisine Dennis Merritt. The result is a contemporary take on American food, driven home by a modern dining room, open kitchen, and creative platings.

Merritt got his start as sous chef at The Clifton, and has spent the last 10 years honing his craft at several of the country’s top restaurants, including Chicago’s Roister. When asked what he was most excited for, regarding his return to Charlottesville, Merritt says, “Being able to show my interpretations of both new and classic dishes.” One example that speaks to the avant-garde spirit of The Pink Grouse is the vivid White Stone oysters topped with coconut, passion fruit mousse, pickled mango, and calabrian chilis.

Keep the Kouign-amann coming

In August, MarieBette Café was awarded a $25,000 grant from Discover’s Eat It Forward program, which supports Black-owned businesses countrywide. It’s no secret that COVID-19 has put tremendous strain on the restaurant industry, especially in Black communities, and the Eat It Forward program aims to protect these “cornerstones of community” by offering awards based on customer nominations. On its Instagram, MarieBette writes, “To say that we are excited for how much this helps us in this difficult time would be an understatement. We are so proud to be part of the Charlottesville community.”

Meet me on the patio

Many of our iconic restaurants have begun to reopen after months of closure, adding or adjusting patio spaces, and dining outside never tasted so good.

Among them is Tavola,* now offering reservations (are pigs flying too?) for limited indoor, plus outdoor dining, where guests can enjoy a new patio along with the much-missed Italian food and wine. Paradox Pastry has repaved its patio into a larger and more accommodating space, and Little Star and Oakhart Social have both tented their spacious outdoor dining areas. Diners have also gained new appreciation for a long list of reopened al fresco spots on the Downtown Mall, including Rapture, The Fitzroy, Chap’s, and Fleurie (check out its beautifully appointed deck!).

New beginnings

Splendora’s, the Downtown Mall gelato café, closed its doors last month after 16 years of creating frozen masterpieces from imaginative ingredients. (We are still dreaming of the Strawberry Pink Peppercorn and the Miso Cherry.)

Owner PK Ross hopes to use this transition as an opportunity to focus on collaborating with other businesses, meaning we may see Splendora’s on some of our favorite menus in the near future. Splendy’s is still offering pickup and delivery through the rest of September, while Ross searches for a new location off the mall. More information can be found on Splendora’s Facebook page.

Bluegrass Grill & Bakery, a favorite brunch spot for locals in the know since 2001, was forced to vacate its downtown location when the pandemic struck. But never fear, the biscuit making will continue. Bluegrass recently partnered with Devils Backbone to operate a pop-up restaurant at The Summit, a repurposed train station on DB’s Roseland property. For the next three months, find BGB’s classic, Southern dishes served by familiar faces, now in the spectacular foothills of the Blue Ridge.

And sadly, BreadWorks Bakery & Deli, which has provided job training and employment to people with disabilities since 1967, will close its doors due to the economic fallout of the coronavirus.—Will Ham

*co-owned by C-VILLE’s Culture editor Tami Keaveny

Categories
Living

Out and about: Living, food, and drink events

Jefferson’s country home, Poplar Forest, is an architectural masterpiece—and a great place to drink wine. Photo: Stephen Barling

How sweet it is

Pollinator education and honey will be on tap Thursday, November 14, at Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters. Diego DeCorte of The Elysium Honey Co. will make a presentation about the plight of the honeybee and possible solutions to rebuild the dwindling population. A tasting will reveal the range of flavors that honey can possess. Free, 6:15-7pm. 1043 Millmont St., 977-1415, RSVP to events@peacefrogstravel.com

That’s a stretch

Get centered and limber before your weekend on Friday, November 15, with a frolicking yoga session in the serene environs of The Fralin Museum of Art. The goal of the exercise, led by ACAC group instructor Emily Wiley, is to “gain a sense of self as a connected part of the universe through art-inspired yoga.” Sounds deep—and very chill. Free, but registration is required, and participants must bring their own yoga mat. 6-7pm. 155 Rugby Rd., email laj2m@virginia.edu to reserve a spot.

One for the road

The Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow rolls into IX Art Park Saturday, November 16. Craft cocktails and artisanal spirits from 13 Virginia distillers will be there for the quaffing, and bottles of hooch will be for sale. Attendees have the opportunity to meet the makers and learn the finer points of distilling (it’s complicated, trust us). $35 for two advance tickets, $25 per person at the gate, free admission for designated drivers. noon-5pm. 522 Second St. SW.

Doggone good!

Now we know which local brewery is the most dog-friendly. The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is teaming up with Crozet’s Pro Re Nata Farm Brewery to launch the Fido Field Trips program on Saturday, November 16. Volunteers and oodles of adoptable pups will be on hand to teach prospective Fido Field Trippers how taking a shelter dog for a hike, to a restaurant, or back home to lounge on the couch can help the lucky dog get adopted. Free, 2-5pm. Pro Re Nata, 6135 Rockfish Gap Tpk., Crozet, 823-4878. Visit caspca.org/fft for more information and to sign up for the program.

It’s wine o’clock somewhere

At historic Poplar Forest, to be precise. The annual Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival takes place Saturday, November 16, at TJ’s country retreat near Lynchburg. It’s worth the trip just to see the spectacular architecture, but the wine—by 11 Virginia labels including Barboursville and Jefferson vineyards, and Peaks of Otter Winery—is a major bonus (duh, right?). Local craftspeople will display their wares for some early Christmas shopping, and multiple food vendors, including Farmacy food truck, will be dishing it out. $20-25 per person, 11am-5pm (rain or shine; heated tents will be set up), info and tickets at bit.ly/tj-wine.

Beer bash

Devils Backbone celebrates 11 years in business on Saturday, November 16, with the Milestone 11 Party at both its Nelson County compound and Lexington outpost. Complimentary appetizers will be served, beers will be discounted, and merriment will be the order of the day. Music by Mississippi Leghound will play at the mothership, Kyle Forry and Justin Barnett at the outpost. All you have to do is show up thirsty! Noon (Lexington) and 6pm (Nelson County). bit.ly/devils-brew.

Categories
Arts

ARTS Pick: Hoopla

CAAMP (pictured) is just one of the bands playing this weekend's Hoopla festival out at Devils Backbone Basecamp. Publicity photo

Devilish details: While it has the best-loved components of most festivals—an extensive list of craft beer offerings and a groovy live music lineup (this one includes CAAMP, Ona, Larry Keel Explosion, Indecision, Gold Top County Ramblers, and Sarah White)—Hoopla goes beyond the party standards to bring all ages together for adventures between sets. A fun run, tie-dye workshop, and guided hike on the Appalachian Trail are just a few of the options open to revelers looking to commune with the natural setting.

Through Sunday, September 29. $65-150, times vary. Devils Backbone Basecamp, 200 Mosbys Run, Roseland.

Categories
Unbound

Devils’ dogs: Adventure dogs are on everyone’s mind

Devils Backbone trade marketing manager Elizabeth Van Noppen shares a tent with June, a yellow Labrador retriever, at the brewery’s basecamp in Roseland. Photo: Devils Backbone Brewing Company

Many years ago, in a different life, it seems, I steered a little aluminum boat with an outboard motor across the glistening surface of a lake. The memory is so vivid that it includes the oily smell of the exhaust swirling around my head and mixing with piney puffs of the soft summer air. In the prow of the boat stood my deep-chested standard poodle, Muddy, staring resolutely ahead while the breeze ruffled his ears and curly chestnut-brown coat. He looked so heroic that it was comical.

He sprang from the boat when we reached our destination, a rocky little island studded with trees. I secured the skiff, grabbed my fishing pole, and joined Muddy on dry land. Within 15 minutes I had hooked my first catch. As I reeled it into shallow water, the fish, a decent-sized bass, came into view, and my dog splashed toward it, furiously wagging his stubby tail. Muddy lunged toward the fish as I lifted it into the air, and I gently pushed him away, not wanting the hook to snag him.

After I freed my catch from the line, I held it up for Muddy to inspect. He sniffed it, barked at it, and finally, licked it. Catching the fish had been fun. Witnessing Muddy’s reaction was pure joy.

These scenes played in my mind like a home movie when I hatched the idea for this magazine’s cover story last January. Then, a few weeks later, a co-worker emailed me a link to the Devils Backbone Brewing Company website—specifically, to the page calling for entries to a photo contest called Adventure Dogs. Clearly, something was in the air.

When I called Marisa Black, Devils Backbone’s marketing director, I could tell that her enthusiasm for the subject of adventure dogs, and their owners, matched mine. She was a little breathless on the phone. “We’re really overwhelmed and excited by how many people have been interested in the contest,” Black said. “We got the idea based on how many people come to our brewery with their dogs, a lot of them after a day of hiking.”

Limited to residents of 15 states, including Virginia (of course), the contest started—and people began sending in photos of their dogs, along with heartfelt accounts of spending time outdoors with them—ran from February 25 to April 1. According to Black, the final tally reached 6,054 entries and 86,674 votes. “That’s way, way more than we ever expected,” she said.

The winners, which received between 3,000 and 4,000 votes each, are Archie, a golden retriever, Pokie, a Jack Russell terrier, Clementine, a bulldog, Brody and Valor, labradoodles, and Murphy, a collie. The dogs will be rendered by an illustrator and have their images printed on cans of Gold Leaf Lager. The beer, in 15-packs, hits the market June 1 and will be on shelves for four months. For each sale, $1 will be donated to Devils Backbone’s charitable partner, Washington, D.C.-based City Dogs Rescue and City Kitties. The nonprofit rescues animals from high-kill shelters and fosters them until they are adopted.

Black says the contest has inspired her, and confirmed the genuineness of the connection between dogs, their humans, and outdoor adventure (and beer, natch). “It’s been really cool to hear from the owners about how dogs enhance their lives, about the special relationship they have with them,” she said. “The heartstrings part of this has been endearing.”

I can relate. It’s been 14 years since my fishing adventure with Muddy, who crossed the rainbow bridge, as they say, on July 24, 2017. I will never forget that day, and I will always love Muddy.

Now, I’m going to cry into my beer.

Categories
Living

But baby it’s cold outside: Wine and beer delivered to your door

Market Street Wine’s Thadd McQuade says the shop delivers anywhere downtown, up to a case or two for free. Photo by Eze Amos

In case you need one more excuse to avoid going out in the frigid weather, Wegmans is now offering beer and wine delivery through Instacart.

“We know our customers are busy, and the holidays are no exception,” says Erica Tickle, Wegmans e-commerce group manager. “We wanted to help our customers spend less time prepping and more time celebrating.”

You can place your order on Instacart online or through the app, and orders will be delivered between 9am and 10pm.

It turns out wine delivery isn’t altogether new in the area, as several local wine shops have long provided delivery service.

Market Street Wine has been delivering for 30 years, say new owners Thadd McQuade and Siân Richards.

“This was established by [previous owner] Robert Harllee and we have carried it proudly on,” McQuade says. “We’ll deliver anywhere downtown—up to a case or two for free. We have a number of long-term clients who order a case from us every few weeks. We do everything from single gift bottles to large parties and weddings, and have delivered as far as 100 miles away.”

Foods of All Nations has also long been on board with this courtesy.

“We deliver whatever customers want, wherever they want, whenever they want, and we have for many, many years—as long as you’re 21 or older,” says Tom Walters, the store’s wine consultant. “We have some older clientele and regulars we deliver to on a regular basis and we deliver for special events, catering and things like that as needed too.”

Erin Scala, owner of Keswick’s In Vino Veritas, says she provides free neighborhood deliveries on certain days of the week—Glenmore and nearby get free Thursday delivery and Pen Park and downtown customers have free Friday deliveries. She adds that any order of $200 is eligible for free local delivery.

And Doug Hotz, manager/owner of Rio Hill Wine & Beer, says he also delivers within a 10-mile radius of the store, although there’s usually a fee. He adds that most people simply call ahead or email their order and pick it up at the shop. “It’s ready when they get here and they pull up and we load it up and they go.”

Anything to stay warm and dry.

Beer for a cause

Local breweries Devils Backbone, Champion, and Starr Hill have joined Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s effort to raise funds for California wildfire victims—with a collaborative beer.

Sierra Nevada, which originated in Chico, California, released its Resilience Butte County Proud IPA in a campaign to aid those who lost homes and property in the devastating Camp Fire in Northern California. They’ve enlisted brewers nationwide to also brew Resilience and donate 100 percent of beer sales to the Camp Fire Relief Fund.

A Blue Moon by spring?

Blue Moon Diner owner Laura Galgano is counting the minutes till she can open the doors to diner regulars.

“Our hopes were that we’d be back in business by January 1, but it’s looking more like March at this point,” she says. “We should be back in the space by January, but we won’t finish with our portion of the renovations until late February or early March.”

The beloved diner closed in May, 2017, in preparation for construction of Six Hundred West Main, the six-story apartment building (featuring a private art gallery as well as retail space) going up behind the restaurant. The complex didn’t end up breaking ground until almost a year after the diner closed, and is now set to open in fall 2019.

“We are very anxious to return to our wonderful, wonky diner space, and our wonderful, wonky diners!” says Galgano.

Tavern & Grocery hires a “Top New Chef”

Tavern & Grocery has hired Joe Wolfson, named one of the Top 100 New Chefs in America by Food & Wine magazine, to be its executive chef.

“He brings an exciting new menu to Tavern & Grocery, with dishes including sweetbreads, duck, and osso buco,” says restaurant owner Ashley Sieg, adding that in January the West Main eatery will introduce a Sunday Suppers feature, served family style.

Wolfson was the executive chef at the Old Stone Farmhouse on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Ms. Rose’s Fine Foods in Charleston, South Carolina.