This is your excuse to grab hold of that baguette door handle, and whisk yourself into Albemarle Baking Company for a slice of princess cake. A cornerstone of Charlottesville’s food scene, the bakery was founded by husband-and-wife team Gerry Newman and Millie Carson in 1995. When the shop outgrew its first home on the Downtown Mall it became the inaugural tenant of the Main Street Market in 2001. From Swiss-style apprenticeships in California to executive pastry roles at Virginia resorts, Newman’s decades of baking experience is evident in every loaf. Stop by Monday through Saturday, 8am to 5pm, to celebrate 30 years of artistry, craft, and community—one perfect pastry at a time. albemarlebakingco.com
Get sauced
Mark your calendar for Tomato Fest, happening August 26 from 4 to 8pm at The Little Market at Lampo. This juicy celebration features a tomato-forward menu from Lampo’s Neapolitan pizzeria, local produce from September Sun, Whisper Hill Farm, and more to be announced. Expect plenty of seasonal goodness from Caromont Farm, The Pie Chest, Splendora’s Gelato, and more local vendors. Come for the food, stay for the prized tomato competition (judged by farmers), and admire the tomato-themed art showcase at Bar Baleno. Bonus: Dress on theme and score a free bumper sticker. tomatotomatofest.com
Shaking things up
The newly renovated Omni Charlottesville Hotel is serving up more than just a great stay. Its new Craft & Cuisine experience is an intimate, hands-on evening of cocktails and culinary creativity. Meet the chef and mixologist, then step behind the bar to craft two signature cocktails, each paired with curated bites. The night wraps with a private, seasonal three-course dinner and Virginia wine pairings. Available daily by appointment (with a little planning—seven days’ notice required), for groups of six to 10. omnihotels.com
hotels/charlottesville
Flavor at The Forum
From blind wine tastings to cocktail masterclasses, The Forum Hotel is heating up with hands-on experiences. Savor Executive Chef Ryan Collins’ limited-time three-course Summer Tasting Menu at Birch & Bloom (July 28 to August 9). Uncover the secrets of great wine at Birch & Bloom’s daily blind tasting series, or master your mixology skills at The Aspen Bar every weekend in August. forumhotelcharlottesville.com
Cheese and thank you
Mild, buttery, and perfectly melty—Al Carbon’s Oaxaca cheese is now available by the pound. Its stringy texture makes it ideal for quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos, or even sprinkled over your favorite soup. Grab a pack of housemade corn tortillas, chop up an Al Carbon charcoal rotisserie chicken, and top with fresh onion, cilantro, and Oaxaca cheese for taco night this week. Stop by or order online. alcarbonva.com
Openings and closings
Mint Kitchen, a new addition to Belmont’s Beacon commercial kitchen collaborative, is serving up South Indian comfort food on weekends—think dosas (India’s take on a savory crepe) in flavors like crispy ghee, spiced masala, Mysore masala, or keema with minced goat. Craving something heartier? Go for the biryani—chicken, mutton, or paneer—served with mint raita, pineapple chutney, and a rich, flavorful gravy. Pre-order by 8pm Friday for delivery or pickup on Saturday or Sunday. Text or call 229-6121 to get started. mint-kitchen.com
We will miss The Maple Tree Café, the lunch spot that opened in mid-February in the former Kitchen(ette) space behind the Jefferson. On Sunday, July 19, it announced via social media and a handwritten sign on the door that it’ll be closing for the immediate future. “We have delighted in serving you,” the message says. “And hope to do so again.”…