Amuse-bouches: tidbits of tasty news
There's more than Java at Java Java these days. Java's Roy Meares tells Dish that the popular coffee joint beside The Nook is now serving up wraps and salads. Veggie, ham, turkey, all for just $3.99.
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The Seasonal Cook in the Main Street Market has a few interesting classes coming up. On Saturday, August 22, chef Ingrid Berger coaches folks on creating a menu featuring local produce, meats and dairy from the Charlottesville City Market. Students will create a meal that uses the best of what Berger finds at the market that day. And on Wednesday, August 26, chef Marisa Catalano teaches you how to make Chinese take-out at home. Students learn how to make steamed pork dumplings, egg drop soup with crispy noodles, chinese donuts, and more. Both classes are from 6 to 8:30pm and cost $60 per person. Call 434-295-9355.
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The Corner recently welcomed a new Chinese restaurant, Ni Hao (nee-how, which means "good day") Cafe, right next to the parking garage at 104 14th Street. Apparently, the place is a welcome antidote to American-style Chinese cooking.
"We were sent there by a Chinese graduate student from my department," says Dr. Daniel Engel, a UVA associate professor of Microbiology. "In my experience it is the only Chinese restaurant in Charlottesville that serves authentic food, extremely well prepared."
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The Farm at Red Hill's Wendy Harrison reports that 10 percent of all sales in August at the farm will be going to the Women's Four Miler on September 5, which Harrison has help run the last three years. Proceeds from the race benefit the UVA Cancer Center Breast Care Program.
"This year our produce and products are in so many more outlets it should really be a wonderful fundraiser for the race," says Harrison. "What could be easier - all you have to do to help us raise money for this incredible event is simply eat great local food! "
Harrison says that friends and family from out of town can get in on the action, as Red Hill's produce is available at all Whole Foods Markets in Virginia and Maryland. Locally, Whole Foods, Foods of All Nations, Integral Yoga, Orzo, Rebecca's, Reid's and Great Valu carry Red Hill produce.