Cville - Hipper Than You

February:

Valentine's and Vino:
Feb. 10th & 11th - First Colony Winery - Wine and chocolate pairings. $15/person. Reservations. www.firstcolonywinery.com.
Feb. 10th & 17th - Jefferson Vineyards - Valentine's celebration. Heavy hors d'ouvres paired with JV wines. $20/person. Reservations. www.jeffersonvineyards.com.

Feb. 18th - B.B. King in concert at The Paramount. There are only a limited number of premium tickets still available through JABA. (434)817-5222.

Feb. 23rd - Marshall Crenshaw in concert at Gravity Lounge. 8pm. $15 in advance at www.gravity-lounge.com.

Feb. 23rd-24th - UVA students do good with the UVA Dance Marathon at Mem Gym to benefit the UVA Children's Hospital/Sarah DuBose Fund. Events for the whole family. Support them at www.uvadm.org.

I usually use this space to brag on the piece of Earth called Charlottesville, and usually there are many reasons to do so (like constantly being listed as one of the best places to live or the recent high ranking as one of the best places to find a job). But today, I am slightly miffed at the Ville. I traveled to Martinsville over the weekend to see my parents and found another reason why Cville is above the national average...GAS PRICES! I've always known that the gas folks around here keep the prices slightly higher, because they believe that we are all rich and have nothing better to do with our dough than to pour it into our gas tanks, but I had no idea how bad it truly was/is. Just 20-ish minutes down 29 in Lovingston the gas is $1.99/gallon (at a station which is owned by the same people who own the same named stations in Cville). I paid $2.11/gallon before leaving Charlottesville. In Lynchburg, it was $1.93/gallon. Once in Martinsville, the gas was...get ready for it...sit down...$1.89/GALLON!!!! And I don't want to hear the bull about Cville being hard to get to by the gas trucks, or the prices are from the old expensive tanks, or my kid needs new braces. This is just ridiculous! I did see gas at $2.03 this morning, but that was only if I used my Kroger card. That is still .14 more per gallon than I paid in M'ville, the city that only has one way in and out. And I saw on msn.com that the average price for gas in the US has fallen below $2.00/gallon. Cville, you are special to me, but sometimes it isn't good to be above the national average. -A

I'm back from the Philly/Atlantic City trip, and it only took me 3 days to thaw out! Seriously, it cannot be healthy to walk around in 28 degree weather with the wind whipping right through you with only a leather jacket on. (over our clothes, of course) I know those Phillians were looking at us thinking 'stupid Southerners.' Might I suggest that if you are planning a trip to the Liberty Bell that you wait until Summer. But whenever you go, it is worth the trip. You need more than a day there to take in all of the incredible history, though. My initial thought was 'run the Rocky steps and leave,' but once there, I was amazed at how much culture, history, and beauty this city held. I will have to go back to take it all in...in the Summer, of course.

Then it was off to Atlantic City with Steve, Todd, Tracy, and a camera with no extra batteries. While I don't usually think pics of AC are all that great, the snow on the beach was a pretty sight and would have been nice to post here. Lesson learned. Typical AC trip...lost money...ate...lost some more money...had fun with friends...lost all my money...ate with borrowed money...the end. Now back to fun stuff in Cville!... - A

I haven't been posting much this week, because I am heading to Atlantic City this weekend and have needed to save up some dough. Not that posting costs anything, I just haven't been out much. That all changes this weekend. Saturday I'll be in Philly running the Rocky steps (truly the only reason I have ever wanted to visit there) and dining on some authentic chicken Philly cheese steak. Sunday it's on to AC and my chance to win it big! Of course, if I do win big, it will be even longer before I post again, because I will be heading straight to Cancun for a well-deserved permanent vacation. More than likely, you will see pics of Philly and AC here Tuesday morning, and I'll be writing on how I'll never gamble again and how Rosie's wrong about the Donald going bankrupt because he took all of my money! - A

Something nice to do in C'ville this weekend: On Saturday, January 20th at 1:00pm, the UVA Wrestling Team kicks off its 2007 home game season at Memorial Gymnasium (210 Emmet Street South) with a fundraiser to help our community’s homeless pets. Come see UVA’s Wrestlers take on UNC Greensboro and help the team in their first fundraiser of 2007. The UVA wrestler and coaches will match all student dollars donated to benefit the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. This is a great opportunity to support our Cavalier Wrestlers as well as the community’s homeless pets.

Last night was the monthly girls' dinner at Orzo in the Main Street Market. As you can see from the photo, only Tracy and I made it out. In my opinion, the ladies missed out on one of the best meals in town. Relatively new to town, Orzo has made quite a name for itself and rightly so. Boasting food from Spain to Germany, this elongated establishment has a unique menu and a just as unique wine list. We started with the shrimp appetizer and the artichoke/fava bean dip. Deee-lish! To get our greens for the night, we both ordered salad. DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE! Not because their salads aren't good. On the contrary, they are excellent. It's just that there is so much of it. We were full after our mixture of romaine and parmesan and were worried that we wouldn't be able to finish dinner. But once her pasta and my salmon came, we knew we were up to the challenge. Dinner did not disappoint. We have both vowed to go back again soon. If you decide to go, make sure to ask for Eloise. (See Eloise, I told you I'd get your name in here.) ;-) - A

Over the weekend I found out some disturbing news that may explain my post a few days ago about a not-so-great experience at Northern Exposure...they're closing! This has become an all to familiar scenario for the restaurants on Main/W. Main St. More and more patrons are flocking to Downtown Mall restaurants and 29 restaurants where there is more parking and options. This is killing places like Blue Bird, White Orchid, and now Northern Exposure. The good news is that Jeff and the gang are keeping the NE catering business alive and in the same building. So, if you have a wedding, party, or business meeting that needs a gathering location with some good food, give the new Northern a call. I sure am going to miss having a bottle of wine and some brushcetta with friends on that rooftop deck this Summer:-( - A

Howard Jones is coming to Charlottesville!?!?!?! While most C'villians are searching Ebay for Justin or Billy Joel tickets, I have found out that one of the most brilliant electronic/punk/pop artists of the 80s and 90s is coming to our little Village. The site is Gravity Lounge and the date is January 15th. I am so there! I still have "Like to Get To Know You Well" in my 'running playlist' on my mp3 player and I sing "Life In One Day" anytime I'm feeling down. Who cares if he is 102 years old now. It may sound corny, but this man has touched my life and still does with his incredible music. You are invited to join me and can find out more info at 977-5590. Get your tickets today!...okay, not today, because I don't have mine yet and I don't want it to sell out before I do. Get your tickets tomorrow! - A
PS-dinner with friends and restaurant reviews coming tomorrow.

Big events for the month of January:

12th: High School Musical - In Concert
While I have never seen this TV movie, I do believe every tween in the world has. I did, however watch "Dancing With The Stars" and that chick is going to be in this production at John Paul Jones Arena. Tickets $38.50-$58.50.

13th: Whoopi Goldberg
The Paramount. Tickets $50-$150 (at the box office/no online tix ordering now). This one may not be for the kids, as I remember her first performance on Broadway and am still blushing thinking about it.

26th: Step Up To The Plate
This benefit is not to be missed by any baseball fan. Not only will you be supporting the UVA Baseball program with your $50 ticket/donation, but you will have the chance to hear Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg speak at this Memorial Gymnasium event. Silent/Live Auction, Barbecue buffet dinner. 1-800-542-UVA-1.

When I had heard months ago that there was going to be a new Jazz/Blues place opening up in Charlottesville, I was thrilled. I love jazz, and who doesn't get the blues every once in a while. So, when I received an invitation to go the the Sneak Preview night at Saxx, there was nothing that could keep me away. The invitation said that it was at 8pm. Being the fashionably late hipster that I am, I pulled in front of the joint on Monticello Road at about 8:30 and noticed that it was very dark. Was it even open? I didn't see anyone going in and began to think that maybe the invitation was a joke. I convinced myself to at least try the door, and sure enough, it was open. The band was doing the sound check and the tables were starting to fill up. The atmosphere reminded me of a basement jazz place you would find on Bourbon Street in Nawlins...dark, semi-serious, and very romantic. A low-talker greeted us, which gave the idea that talk should be at a minimum during the performance. Christina Lyon was the vocalist for the evening, backed up by some very talented musicians including Vernon Fischer, whose name you may recognize. While the menu left a little to be desired, the music and atmosphere was gritty, relaxing, and exactly what I would want from a jazz/blues place. Before leaving I tried to get the hours of operation and such to pass on, but couldn't find my low-talker host. As soon as I get that info, I will leave it here...in a very low voice. - A

It's a new year! Besides meaning that I will still write '2006' on my next two months worth of checks before I get it right, this also means a fresh start with new and exciting things to do in C'ville.

Wednesday, Jan. 3rd:
UVA vs. Gonzaga Men's Basketball - Hit John Paul Jones Arena by 9pm to catch a great game. $25. (I would never cheer against UVA, but it sure is fun to say 'Go Gonzaga' over and over. Don't believe me? Try it.)

Thursday, Jan. 4th:
Thompson D'earth Band - Miller's on the Downtown Mall. Late night. I am still amazed at the number of townies who have not seen this band. If you are one of them, get your butt down to Miller's!

Friday, Jan. 5th:
C'ville Antique Show and Appraisal Fair - Omni Hotel. This is actually a 3 day event. If you are a big fan of 'Antiques Roadshow,' then this is for you. Proceeds also support the Work Force Housing Fund. 817-2396.

Thursdays in January:
Fellini's supports jazz in C'ville - Each Thursday in January, Fellini's will donate 9% of its money brought in from Thursday dinner specials to the Charlottesville Jazz Society. Eat, drink, and be merry!

Usually on 2nd of January I would be reporting that I am still hungover and never did find my purse after that crazy New Year's party, but that is not what you are getting today. For many reasons (flu/complete exhaustion/missing my man), Steve and I decided to stay in for New Year's Eve. While it doesn't make for an exciting post, it sure did make for a great night. We ate our favorite seafood until we were sick, watched a couple movies (Take The Lead was the best), and toasted the New Year with Moet while watching the glow from the downtown fireworks from our front porch in the rain. I promise more fun-seeking posts will come in 2007, but I can't imagine a better reason to love C'ville than it is a great place to spend time with the ones you love. Happy New Year Charlottesville...let the party begin! - A