Blog

Musings from a Charlottesville food lover

An Interview with Jabari Wadlington, executive Chef at Mount Ida

We’re here with Chef Jabari Wadlington, the executive chef at Mount Ida. Can you tell me a little bit about how you were raised and that may have impacted or influenced your culinary world? I’m originally from Los Angeles, an only child to my mom, about five generations from Los Angeles. We’ve been there for...
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An Interview with River Hawkins of The Bebedero

INTERVIEWED BY MJ PADILLA Tell me about your iconic name. My parents were hippies back in the 70s and so they were originally going to name me something like Ram after the Hindu god Ram. And then my mom says she had a vision during labor with me of a river. And so, she decided...
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An Interview with Chef Kelvino Barrera of South & Central Latin Grill

INTERVIEWED BY MJ PADILLA We’ve know each other for a while now, but I’m going to start at the beginning for our readers. Chef Kelvino, where did you grow up?  I was born and raised in Honduras and by the age of 13 I moved to the states to be here in Charlottesville, Virginia. And...
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Jefferson’s Fig Obsession

Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, is famous for its architecture and endless gardens. Jefferson was a passionate gardener and plant enthusiast, and he introduced a variety of fruits and vegetables to Monticello. Among these, figs held a special place in his heart. Jefferson’s fig fascination is well-documented in his letters. He experimented with...
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From Pupusas to Baleadas: Central American Delights in Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia, is a city with a rich history and a diverse population, and this diversity is beautifully reflected in the culinary traditions from Central America. From Honduras to El Salvador and beyond, Charlottesville boasts a delicious variety of Central American dishes served up from Mom and Pop restaurants, pulperías, and food trucks around the...
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Farm to Table: Charlottesville’s Commitment to Fresh, Local Cuisine

Charlottesville is a city that takes the “farm-to-table” concept to heart. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area’s productive farmlands and commitment to local agriculture make it a haven for fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced cuisine. Many of our city’s restaurants, cafes, and markets prioritize sourcing their ingredients locally, building strong connections with nearby...
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