I’m constantly finding new things that bring me joy, and one of my latest obsessions is Afternoon Tea. I love the ceremony aspect of it, as well as the mix of sweet and savory treats, and, of course, the delicious tea! While people have been drinking tea for hundreds of years both in China and...Read More
One of our region’s most beloved agricultural products is the wonderful, humble apple. Thanks to our county’s fertile soil and temperate climate, orchards here produce a variety of apples perfect for eating, baking, and cider-making. With a few hundred years of apple-growing history under our belt, Albemarle is the ideal place to experience the incredible...Read More
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...Read More
Albemarle County is home to some of the finest honey produced in Virginia, with local beekeepers creating a range of honey varieties that reflect the county’s diverse landscape. From the blooming wildflowers of the Piedmont region to the rich, dark honey produced from the nectar of locust trees, Albemarle honey is known for its complex...Read More
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...Read More
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...Read More
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...Read More
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...Read More
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...Read More
