Wine and freedom, Chinese-Mex, and Octoberfest

In conjunction with Montpelier's Constitution Day celebration, there will be a Taste of Freedom Wine Festival on September 21 from 11am to 7pm, rain or shine, with area wineries, breweries, and cider house all getting in on the action. Of course, there will also be craft vendors, plenty of food, and fun stuff for the kids to do. Advance tickets are $12, or $20 bucks at the gate, and children and designated drivers get in free. Call 1-800-594-8499 or visit the Orange County Chamber of Commerce website at orangevachamber.com for tickets and additional information.

Langhorne gets his own
Charlottesville own Jeremiah Langhorne, who got his start at a pizza place here in town, and later went on to become chef de cuisine at McCrady’s in Charleston, South Carolina, may be opening his own place in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC., according to Post and Courier critic Hanna Raskin.

"We’re going to be doing food that’s very similar [in terms of] attention to detail, but with a much more relaxed atmosphere,” Langhorne told Raskin.

Champion party
Champion Brewing Company is hosting an Octoberfest Party this Saturday, September 21 from 5-pm. They'll be tapping their new “Commonfest” beer, and are asking you to bring in a carved pumpkin that will be entered in a competition. And get this: all the pumpkins will be used to create the brewery's upcoming pumpkin beer! Oh, and there will be German-style music and sausages, too.

Far East meets South of the Border
There's an interesting little place that just opened in McIntire Plaza, right next to Cville Coffee, called Mi Cantón, which, believe it or not, is offering a combination of Chinese and Latin cuisine. That's right, you can get an egg roll and chow mein, or a taco platter and pupusas. Plus, according to insiders, they are serving authentic Salvadoran food. Basically, its just two restaurants in one, and the prices are very reasonable. Lunch options start at $5.25. Check it out!

Words and wine
WriterHouse is gearing up for its fourth annual fundraiser, and that's good news for writers and wine lovers alike. The October 13 event will take place at the Glass House Winery in Free Union, and will include wine tasting, a free wine glass, light hors d'oeuvres, and music from the fabulously talented Rick Olivarez Trio. Oh, you'll also get a raffle ticket and a chance to win some great prizes. Cost is $35 per person. For tickets and information, check out the WriterHouse website at writerhouse.org.