The Piedmont Virginian's blog

Heritage Birds

Judy Liberson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:04:09 +0000

Time is running out, but heritage turkeys are still available for pre-order from Ayrshire Farm (then click on Home Farm Store) or from The Home Farm Store site, then click on “Shop.” Remember: They are only accepting orders thru next week!

Today Ayrshire Farm’s birds got top press coverage in Kim Severson’s article in The New York Times. As a true devotee of the bird, Severson echoes many of the comments we have made (on the blog and in the magazine) about the quality and taste from these heritage breeds! Do not miss the companion cook-off (”Show-Off Sides”) article by fellow Times writer Julia Moskin. Both these articles add another dimension to pre-planning. You can even vote for your favorite part of the meal: The bird or the sides!

So many options; such a great food holiday!

It’s Lunch Time, Celebrate Farm to School Week in VA

Margaret McCann — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:16:07 +0000

It is an exciting week in the cafeterias in Virginia, Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have teamed up to promote the Virginia Farm-to-School program during the week of November 9 -13, 2009. The Farm-to-School program is an initiative that wants to bring nutritious fresh food from local farms to schools. In Virginia, Farm-to-School will help more of those dollars to stay within the state and support our local farmers. This will also help guarantee a future for our farms by developing a relationship between the next generation and the farmers. Farm-to-School is more than just serving locally grown foods in the school cafeteria for one day, it is designed to bring in many types of programs and school experiences. These experiences include the planting and tending of school gardens, and educating children about nutrition, the seasonality of food products, and the importance of supporting local farms.
Rappahannock County has done a great job with their year round farm to table programs and they will be serving a locally raised and produced lunch today with items from Jenkins Orchard, The Farm at Sunnyside, Williams Orchard, and Adams Slaughterhouse. This is brought to the RCPS schools with a lot of team work between RCPS Food Service Director Brenda Payne and Farm-to-Table Program Director Trista Scheuerlein. They are working with Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Fodderstack Food Working Group, Piedmont Environmental Council and the Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign. They will also have local farmers at information booths in both school cafeterias. They are also inviting local farmers and farm interns to come and eat lunch with students that day to discuss what it’s like to produce food for people here in Rappahannock County.
The Local Food Hub in Charlottesville is pleased to be serving and supplying the food to schools in the area. They are working hard to develop a constant source for the schools to find local food easily and affordably. They are proud to support Virginia Farm-to-School Week by supplying 17 regional public and private schools with fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese.
“We’re supplying schools with a diversity of fresh produce, including apples, kale, cauliflower, winter squash, potatoes, radishes, lettuce, eggs, cheese and ground beef, all grown and produced right here in central Virginia. By building this relationship between our local schools and farms, we are also providing fresher, healthier lunches, helping to fight childhood obesity, and creating opportunities to teach our kids about biology, geography, health and local economics.” “In addition to helping our kids understand where their food comes from, Farm-to-School week is also an opportunity to support our local farmers, “ from Kate Collier, founder of the Local Food Hub. “Virginia schools spend more than $6 million annually on fresh produce – this gives us an opportunity to keep those dollars in our state, supporting our local economy. The Local Food Hub is excited to participate this year and we hope that eventually, local foods will find a permanent place on Virginia’s school menus.”
According to Todd P. Haymore, the commissioner of the VDACS:
“Virginia’s Farm-to-School program is about creating connections between growers, distributors and educational institutions. Through these connections, we can provide healthy, locally grown foods and support our agricultural economy. The program can play a role in addressing the problem of childhood obesity. Agriculture is Virginia’s number one industry, with an annual economic impact of $55 billion. Virginia’s Farm-to-School creates a win-win situation for Virginia’s children and for Virginia’s farmers.”
For more information you can look at the VDACS Farm-to-School Web site contains helpful resources on the Farm-to-School initiative at: http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/marketing/farm.shtml.

Monticello’s Wreath Workshops, tickets available now

Margaret McCann — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:47:26 +0000

Don’t Delay, order your tickets for Monticello’s Wreath Workshops, which will begin Thursday, Dec. 3, they are now on sale.
In these three-hour workshops, which are being offered for the 23rd year, participants will be led through the process of making distinctive wreaths for the holiday season. All “construction” materials (wreath forms, pins, wire, etc.) will be provided, along with a bounty of natural materials. Participants are advised to bring hand pruners. Tickets are on sale for nine workshops. Morning sessions beginning at 9:30 a.m. will be conducted on Thursday, Dec. 3; Saturday, Dec. 5; Sunday, Dec. 6; Monday, Dec. 7; Wednesday, Dec. 9; Friday, Dec. 11; and Saturday, Dec. 12. Afternoon sessions starting at 2 p.m. will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 12. All workshops will be held in the Smith Woodland Pavilion at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center.
Tickets for Wreath Workshops are $45. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased through the Web site www.monticello.org or by calling (434) 984-9880.

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A Cold Winter Comin’

Judy Liberson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:11:13 +0000

Funny conversation for today when temperatures are supposed to climb into the upper 60’s, but we know it’s already November and days like this will be in short supply. The Farmers’ Almanac and every media weather forecaster says our region will be shivering from the cold and shoveling out the snowfall. Maybe that means some of the pesky insects that were taking big bites out of our skin this summer will not be around next June!

Or maybe the news means a record ski and snowboard season. That sounds good. Look at what Wintergreen Resort has to offer and you’ll be pleased with the forecast. Their “Learn to Ski & Snowboard” Package says take a lesson with us and you’ll be turning and stopping comfortably by yourself, or it’s on us! That’s the type of guarantee we all should like. So start planning for good snowfall days coupled with the Resort’s extensive snow-making equipment, and think about finding the right winter lodging package.

There are 26 slopes on 129 skiable acres with high-speed chairlifts guaranteeing you lots of runs. One-quarter of that terrain is for beginners so no need to worry about the hot shots. The Resort is also home to the state’s largest Tubing Park.

Watch the weather forecasts as the Resort plans to be ready for action by December 12.

Let it snow, let it snow…

Set the Alarm

Judy Liberson — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:22:18 +0000

I know we already did the Sunday clock thing last weekend, but this Sunday means Wegmans opens its newest store at 7 AM in Leesburg. It’s quite a place! Having done the pre-opening tour, I can say Virginia remains a lucky destination with each new location. Each a little different, and each a more impressive shopping experience.

With a firm commitment to increasing their private labels and club paks, (in dry goods, seafood, dairy, and meat), they also expanded their selections of gluten-free products. There’s even a burrito bar!

No need for wine lovers to worry. This is the go-to place for selection and price point. Besides ogling the beautiful refrigerated glass display case filled with premier selections, they have a full range of wines for every budget. The bounty of options in the under $10 category continues to impress. Beer drinkers have not been ignored. There are aisles of options from both the big names and craft brewers.

Don’t worry there’s gelato, an extensive sushi selection, and the popular Food Bar. You can choose your meal (the $6 option has proven quite popular in their other locations and expectation is that it will be a winner here, too) and find ample seating on multiple levels.

The shelves are full and ready for you. Enough from me. Set the alarm. Hit the road.

You’ll be happy you did!

History of Virginia Wine Book Signing at Hunters Run Wine Barn

Margaret McCann — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:04:46 +0000

Author Walker Elliott Rowe will be on hand at Hunters Run Wine Barn Saturday, November 7th, from 1:00 to 5:00pm to sign copies of his new book; History of Virginia Wine. This book was featured in the Summer Issue of the Piedmont Virginian. Pick up a copy of this wonderful book and enjoy a glass of Corcoran wine by the indoor or outdoor fireplace. There will plenty of time for wine and conversation in this wonderful new tasting barn in Hamilton Virgina.
The History of Virginia Wine goes beyond the bottle and steps inside the minds and vines of Virginia’s burgeoning wine industry in this groundbreaking volume. Follow along with grape grower and industry insider Walker Elliott Rowe as he guides you through some of the top vineyards and wineries in the Old Dominion.

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75th Running of Montpelier Hunt

Margaret McCann — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:02:00 +0000

Come join us for the Montpelier Hunt Races, as they celebrate the 75^th running of this historic race. The Montpelier Hunt always hosts seven races. The first race post time is 12:30 PM and the last race usually begins approximately at 4:30. There are two races are on the flat and 5 are over fences. The premier race is the sixth race and is run over Montpelier’s signature brush fences. The majority of the races are are over 2 miles long and the horses will make over 2 turns around the course.
You can view these races from the rail and is nothing is more exciting then seeing the horses run by and feeling the power of their hooves as they hit the soil.The Dolley Madison Tailgate Competition, sponsored by “The Piedmont Virginian” magazine, will begin at 10:30 a.m. This year’s top prizes include a one-night stay and dinner at the Inn at Little Washington, and a weekend stay at the Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville. There is no entry fee. Contestants must declare their intent to participate by calling the Montpelier Steeplechase and Equestrian Foundation office at 540.672.0027 by 12:00 noon on Friday, November 6, 2009, the day before the races

Tom Neel Piedmont Paintings & Prose

Margaret McCann — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:32:40 +0000

Come celebrate 20 years of Art on November 7th from 4:30 to 8:30. Tom Neel will host a unique one man show called “Paintings & Poetry by Tom Neel” at Live and Artful Life. We all know Tom’s rich landscape oil paintings, but he is also a poet. For this show exclusively each painting will be framed to include the poem that has been inspired by the work. For Collectors of Tom’s Work this is a great opportunity to enhance their collection and add something unique. Each piece of art will also come with a hand signed book featuring all of the pieces available in the show, both paintings and poems.
Tom Neel has been painting in the Piedmont Region for 20 years now, and as he celebrates this milestone Tom wants to share with you more about his passion, not only for the art but also for the meaning. “My passion for the place I’ve called home for so many years, allows for a deep connection.” “This is not just about the brush, the words will have an emotional tie to all who know these rolling pastures well. I intend to not only change the way you look at art, but the way you look at the Piedmont.”
There will be readings throughout the evening. There is 15 paintings and 15 books, additional books will be available for purchase in limited supply. Live and Artful Life is located at 6474 Main Street The Plains, VA 540-253-9797

Week One: Bread Pudding

Judy Liberson — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:15:22 +0000

Installment 1 of “Thanksgiving Made Easy”… Let’s start out with a recipe that you can enjoy at any time of the year. Yes, you can make it this weekend and get into the holiday spirit while you marvel at the ease and attractiveness of the dish.

Bread Pudding with Lemon Sauce.

We are attaching the recipe and a video link for ease of step-by-step preparation. The beauty of this first recipe is that the classic dessert uses a number of ingredients you probably already have on hand: Raisins, lemon, eggs, sugar, and cornstarch. We’re talking only 30 minutes of prep time for a delicious dish that looks extra festive in the pudding mold. Practice this weekend. Invite over the neighbors, and wow them!

How easy is this! I told you we’d make the holiday a wonderful experience.

Enjoy.

Funny Business and Star Appearances Are Just the Beginning With This Weekend’s Virginia Film Festival

Margaret McCann — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:50:32 +0000

November 4th marks the start of the 22nd Annual Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville, VA. The films, spread between six area theaters, range from the classic Mr Smith Goes To Washington to John Waters cult Classics Hairspray and Pink Flamingoes with plenty in between to entertain a wide range of audiences.
The festival runs through Sunday night with parties and panels from the “Pope of Trash” John Waters, actor Matthew Broderick, and Academy Award winning writer and director Alan Ball of the HBO series True Blood. A wide range of UVa professors will also lead panels on Death at a Funeral, Monty Python’s Holy Grail, Some Like it Hot, Transamerica, Do the Right Thing and more.
Joining the Virginia Film Festival as the new director is Jody Kielbasa. He was previously the director of the successful Sarasota Film Festival and replaces Richard Herskowitz who served as artistic director for 15 years.
I spoke with Jody as he shared his vision for moving the festival forward.
After joining the festival, he immediately took to the “funny business” theme by adding in films that shine lights on the humor of business, elections and the business of humor as well. This approach gives “funny” a more layered approach than mere comedy by shining lights on other forms of “funny business” which have become common throughout politics, business and society.
“More than anything, I want to see more contemporary films, and to engage the community by shining a light on the local films and filmmakers who have added so much to the area.”
The festival also highlights Charlottesville films and filmmakers featured, like Charlottesville Kitchen Killers and CLAW (about the Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers). A Digital Media Lounge on the mall that will be open from Friday through Sunday featuring the work of a number of young filmmakers in the area including several from UVa. The Digital Media Lounge is free to the public.
Another great story is the Adrenaline Film Project. Now in its seventh year, the AFP is a 72-hour filmmaking blitz headed up by Charlottesville’s own Jeff Wadlow. A collection of teams are given a theme for their film and a prop and a line they must work into their film, then must go out and write, direct, edit and show their work by Saturday evening’s 10PM screening. It’s a great, high energy event and an annual highlight of the festival.
Panels and discussion are free and tickets for the rest of the event can be purchased from the Virginia Film Festival web site at http://www.vafilm.com/tickets/
The full film schedule is located at http://www.vafilm.com/schedule/

By Dave Saunders