Back when we first found out the former Michael’s Bistro team had decided to launch a new restaurant, we knew something good was in the works. Enter 12th Street Taphouse, located on Main and, you guessed it, 12th Street.
With some cash from the Coran, the team has renovated the former Northern Exposure space, adding wood floors, new tables, new paint and some better lighting. It feels cleaner and more delightful than before. Parking shouldn’t turn you away either, because you can usuually find something on the street, in front of Kane’s or around the corner in that art store parking lot. You might be hard pressed to find a sign for 12th Street, but you are probably an idiot if you can’t find the building.
The 12th Street interior is large and daunting, especially when you need to figure out how to ask for a table. This building has always had this problem. The long, narrow entry-way doesn’t end up at an obvious host station, so just make sure you wander aimlessly to the bar and look effectively confused. Someone will address you eventually.
We just got word that the 12th Street Ale House, which replaced Northern Exposure and the short-lived Spry’s, has finally opened. The former team from Michael’s Bistro recreates what we loved about the Bistro, 14 beers on tap, 30 to 40 bottles and a similar menu. Anyone know if they are going to carry all the Belgiums again? The decor looks promising. We’ll be headed there this weekend. Let us know how it is if you’ve been.
If anyone has seen the former Northern Exposure building that had a brief occupancy by now the deceased Spry’s Barbecue, you would know that something’s going down. The building looks like crap right now, having been stripped of almost every exterior sign, awning, etc.. Some of us thought it was time for demolition, but one of our birdies brings a new rumor to the table. Thanks, Echo:
12th Street Tap [Ale?] House. Supposedly in the old Northern Exposure building. I want details. Internet, go.
This wine trick is amazing. Is it true? I don’t know but if it is, you will seriously impress your significant other. If it doesn’t work, you can drink the wine anyway and you still have better chances.
One of our birdies sends in the following question:
I’m turning 21 at the end of the month and I’m looking for the best place to have my first legal drink in c-ville. – I thought this would be a good idea for discussion – i’m eager to hear what the wonderful cvillains think
So, eager Villains, help our noobian out and tell us where you throw the best coming of age party!
I know we all like to think of ourselves as ballers and all that, but how much do we really spend eating and drinking in Charlottesville? I just looked at my expenses for the last few weeks and let me tell you.. I was very surprised at how much I spent on food and drinks at restaurants and bars. I guess the other question is “will you maintain this spending after you realize how much you spend?”
How much do you spend each week on restaurants and bars?
Friday is here and all of you probably need a little break. There isn’t too much going on this weekend (probably in anticipation of the 4th next weekend). Check out what we do know is happening:
Heritage Theater Festival – This will be happening Friday night and Saturday (which will be the last day). I Am My Own Wife (Fri. 7:30 p.m.) and City of Angels (Sat. 2:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.) will be preformed.
Green Valley Book Fair – They are open in the Valley until July 13th. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EVERYDAY
Virginia is for Viognier – At Keswick Vineyards on Saturday. This will be special tasting of Viognier and they will offer discounts on bottle purchases.
Nelson County Summer Festival – Saturday and Sunday at Oakridge Estates. Sun, food, wine, and furniture – what an unbeatable combination.
The Weekend Routine:
Beer Run – Friday Night Wine Tasting 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Market Street – Friday Night Wine Tasting 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Crush – Friday Night Wine Tasting 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fridays after Five – 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday City Market – 7:00 a.m. to noon
Salsa Sunday – Outback Lounge 8:00 p.m. to Whenever
Check out MUSE for more music and arts.
If you are going to see Modest Mouse on Sunday have fun and tell us how it goes!
As always if we missed anything let us know.
From shenanigans:
cVillain love at X Lounge tonight- Mojitos and Bud Light with a smile. Hey LYS, they have an awesome selection of juices for you: Pineapple infused with Vanilla beans, Blood Orange, and Peach, etc…
Also: DJ ESC @ Escafe tonight
Euro Cup @ Zinc Sunday
Today, we are blessed with the knowledge that Vintage Virginia Apples plans to construct a 4,000 square foot cidery (like brewery, but for apples) and tasting room on their farm on 29 South.
Vintage Virginia Apples will seek approval tonight from the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Yum.
DP’s claim that cider production has “largely fallen out of flavor in the US,” is only partially true. While, cider consumption in 1767 doubled today’s beer consumption (40 gallons vs 20 gallons), a lot of this had to do with familiarity in cider production and the fact that fermented cider served as a bacteria-free drink. Even, John Adams successfully drank a pint of cider every morning to “settle his stomach.” You can’t make that excuse with beer, now can you!? [ref,ref]
Cider’s popularity did dwindle pre-1990; the fault of those pesky Germans who knew how to brew amazing beer on the cheap. Evidence also suggests that NASCAR played a strong role. I digress.
Cider is on the rise and according to the same report, it was reintroduced to the US in 1990. By 1995, the total number of cider cases shipped was 1.6 million. In 1997, the total was 2.7 million cases. Money time!
Cider is on the rise and you only have to be around a few places in Charlottesville to realize its popularity. You can find Woodchuck in any major grocery store, plenty of local bars have had Original Sin on draft and high-end beer places like Market Street Wine Shop and Beer Run offer solid rotating cider selections.
Sure, you can’t find cider at Applebee’s, but you can’t find micro-brews, either. So, keep your eyes peeled on this one and we should soon be celebrating the real meaning of an Apple A Day!
Summer solstice weekend starts for Club 2:16 with a performance of the famous Lady Bunny midnight cabaret. You can even continue your weekend with a brunch at Fellini’s on Sunday and a 3PM afternoon performance at the Tea Bazaar.
Belmont Block Party! – Not sure if this one is open or not, but Mardi Graves will have its five year anniversary starting at 6ish.
Well, in case you have been living under a rabbit hole in the last few weeks, you may have missed out on some juicy restaurant gossip. It seems as though one of Charlottesville’s finest is for sale, someone new is doing late nights and a former player has lost its mojo. Which is which?
