Charlottesville Tomorrow reports that the Board of Architectural Review decided to go with the larger 4×12 bricks, matching the original design from Lawrence Halprin. But, the problem is this; this bricks are set in sand, instead of morter, meaning potential for heel hell.

No word on who gets to keep the old bricks, but I’m sure the brick replacement will be a nightmare and end a year later than expected.  First problem?  It’s hard to find who makes these special sized bricks.

[via CVILLET]

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This is the second “Week O’ Charlottesville Lunches” article. Yesterday we covered Eppie’s, today, Rev Soup!

Sure, we may have made fun of the small apples at Revolutionary Soup, but if you’ve been living in Charlottesville for longer than 3 weeks, you should know about this place.  Sure, its underground location on 2nd Street across from the movie theater may dissuade you from a visit, but have no fear, my friend.  Also, you shouldn’t call it Revolutionary Soup… you should call it Rev Soup, because if you don’t, everyone will know you are a dummy.

Rev Soup makes a serious effort to fill its menu with local items.  It’s hard to go in there and anonymously report on this stuff, but if you look on the pillar on the main counter,  you will be amazed at how much of the menu is actually produced nearby.  Now we all know Charlottesville residents are suckers for local food items (and should be), but when I go to a restaurant, my first thought is the food.  Service, Ambiance, Local Food, etc., are a close second.

So, how is the lunch?

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Today I start a feature on my favorite lunch places near the Downtown Mall. I will feature 5 hot lunch spots each day this week, updated before lunchtime.

We’ve reviewed Eppie’s in the past as part of our Veggie Tales. I am not a vegetarian, so you should listen to my opinion, because it means a lot more.

Eppie’s sits in the heart of the Downtown Mall with a little 10 foot wide entrance, you may have missed.  Next to the Tea Bazaar, the Southern American influenced “fast food” place should not be missed.  I say “fast food,” only because Eppie’s does the factory line, but the food is far above and beyond the crap which we typically refer to as fast food.

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I think I watched the construction of this crane for almost an hour a few days ago.  Coolest thing to happen to Charlottesville in a long time. Isn’t this the biggest object in Charlottesville, ever?

I put a slideshow after the break.

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NBC29 brought up an interesting fear about vacancies on the downtown mall.  Taking the recent Order from Horder closing into consideration, the reporters discovered the fear of shop owners and tourists.  I.e…

“When you’re not used to seeing them, the public comes down and says ‘oh my gosh, look at the empty storefronts.’ So it’s like a shock,” said Morgan Perkins owner of the Art Gallery.

Maybe this is a shock, I don’t know.  Off the top of my head, I can think of the following vacancies:

• A&N (near Ventana)
• that Real Estate Office
• Order from Horder
• That block of buildings next to Wachovia
• Hardware Store (is it completely leased?)
• Merrill Lynch Building (near the transit center)
• Landmark Hotel/Boxerjam (soon to be not vacant)

I am not sure that a fear strikes all of you when you look at stores, but there do seem to be a lot of vacancies.  Did I miss any? Is it just not a great time for the economy?  Where are all the national chains?!  Where’s the Apple Store?

[via NBC 29]

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This woman decided to break into Millers two nights ago.  She broke into the third floor via the window.
I ask… why?

[via Newsplex]

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Yay! It’s finally here! Government Services Day on the DT Mall. Police will be dropping from the tops of buildings. Students will be yelling at each other about something or other under the Free Speech Monument. I’m talking about fire trucks, tours of the Paramount, prizes, giveaways and all kinds of good stuff! Even Mayor Dave Norris will be there. You can even talk to your local utilities about their current and upcoming projects.

If you’re down there around lunch time, you’ll probably see me.

Link for more details.

Check the weather and bring your rain coat, though. Have fun.

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Most of you probably heard the rumors about The Upstairs from back in January. While rumors of funky service and a cigar bar did not materialize, we were left with a well designed restaurant that serves high end bourbon and prime grade steak. The Upstairs should appeal to a higher end diner with $8 to $14 appetizers and $19 to $45 entrées.

I had the pleasure of dining at The Upstairs this past weekend and I wanted to share my review with the world. If you are trying to find The Upstairs, it sits right above Escafe on the Ice Rink side of the downtown mall.

I like using the Ambiance, Food, Drink and Overall categorization for a restaurant review. Let me know if you want to change the structure or think I need to focus on another area.

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Behold the Zo Ca Lo Brunch Menu…

It’s very pricey. I think too pricey, maybe.

I will publish my review in the upcoming days, but have any of you been yet? What do you think?

Menu is after the break…
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Hey everybody, I thought I’d take a break from being a jerk to give a quick report on the Charlottesville 10-miler this morning. My friend Gobbler (who I hate) and I ran it together, and while he beat me by about 20 seconds, his legs are at least twice as long as mine, so technically he’s slow as shit. Anyhow, it was very cold this morning, much to my chagrin; about 35 at 7am. I wore a small t-shirt (because I am dumb) and some lightweight shorts (same.) I was happy with my time (hit a personal record for the 10mi distance), but have some questions I was hoping some of you all could answer:

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