Inspired by parlie’s curmudgeonly diss on the current iPhone buzz, I decided to compile this list of “things that used to be cool in cville but are no longer because too many people do them.” Please, discuss, argue, and add your own 5 cents in the comments! (Why 5 cents instead of just 2? Because we live in Charlottesville. Even our opinions are overpriced!)

So here’s my take on a bunch of things that matter almost as much as my opinion about them! </toungecheek>

#10. Pretending not to care what people think of you - The only thing less painful than being judged by how you look and what you do is being judged for how you don’t look and what you don’t do. Too many folks wearing Birkenstocks? Get yourself some Crocs. That’ll show ‘em. Is everyone listening to that new band on the radio? Go find some “indy” group to proclaim as your FAVORITE. And OMFG people are getting excited about a new product from a popular electronics company? You better not get sucked in, or it will just look like you’re following the crowd! You don’t want to do stuff that other people do, do you?

It’s just too easy to define people by what they ARE. Let’s go out and start judging everybody for what they AREN’T. »Read More

Popularity: 52% [?]

The cat is out of its bag. OXO has been sold and it is no more. We don’t know the details on the new owner or the plans, but we are sad to see it go. I wish the new owner could come on here and let us know his plans. If anyone knows him send him this way!

While we did get an anonymous tip about 2 months ago regarding OXO being on the auction block, we didn’t believe it. Sorry birdie.. you were right.

Let’s recap OXO’s brief history.

August 5th, 2007 - cVillain’s Iron discovers the late night scene at OXO. We rave that “people were actually dancing!” We also critique some of the shortcomings of a restaurant that had little experience with the late night scene.

September 7th, 2007 - OXO learns how to walk, starts to advertise and we send our spies. At that point we were almost as young as OXO, but we saw potential. OXO was hawt.

November 19th, 2007 - OXO grows too big for its own britches. We feel bad because we loved it too much and it turned into one of those problem children. You can read the post, but “You had so much potential, so much independence, so much going for you. You almost had it just right. But you failed to listen and now you are not what I desire.” Things would change for the better.
January 19th, 2008 - The dancing gets dangerous. Drinks are banned on the dance floor.

Spring 2008 - Not sure when exactly, but OXO introduced the infamous Velvet Rope and VIP cards.

April 21st, 2008 - OXO has its bondage party. We have some pictures and wonder how to get more people in leather.

June 16th, 2008 - Closure. No forewarnings to staff or to us. And like that, she was dead.

It is sad to see one of quickest growing, most frustrating and most exciting late night scenes die in Charlottesville. cVillain will miss friendly faces, a default cVillain hangout, professional service and lots of dancing. OXO, you just matured into a sexy, young adult and you left Charlottesville. Maybe we will get to meet again…for now, au revoir.

*tear*

Popularity: 59% [?]

Wow, what a night.  I hadn’t seen this many people on the mall in forever.  Everyone came out of hibernation yesterday.  The tough part was finding a nice place to be outside with the sea of people that came downtown.

Ventana (new place in place of Kiki) was full of Law and Darden students wearing sun dresses.  I didn’t go in, but it looks like it was pretty exciting.   While we have ripped on Splendora’s in the past (see The Great Cookie Roundup, one of my favorite articles, or Inside Scoop in Gelato), I did have the pleasure to try the gelato again.  Spendora’s has gotten way better and I will write a new review.

Ten, as usual, was full of hot Dardenites and L1s, 2s, and 3s.   Yummy.  I also had the pleasure of walking by OXO which looked semi-bondage to me.  I think OXO kicked ass on the interest level; everyone I talked to was aware of the party and their curiosity was there.  But, the problem was no one wanted to go; perhaps it was the $15 cover, or the fear of leather. I don’t know. Did you go?  We should have some pictures coming soon.

Popularity: 36% [?]

Judging by the popularity of Charlottesville and Belmont’s new little jewel, The Local, many of you have already eaten there and like it. We’ve asked you what you think of The Local and published The Local’s Menu.

We’ve visited The Local several times in recent weeks and now it’s time for a formal review. If you peruse the menu, you will find that The Local has a very reasonably priced menu. It hits that $13 to $16 entre range that has driven a similar success to restaurants like Continental Divide.

»Read More

Popularity: 50% [?]