Are we the only ones wondering if Fuel Co., that distinctive gourmet fill-up station on the corner of East Market and Avon, will ever re-open? Its been over 16 months since the designer gas station and food emporium closed and went up for sale, but so far its owner, winemaker Patricia Kluge, has found no takers. So what’s the deal?

“We are conscious of its location,” Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard’s Kristin Moses Murray told the Hook back in April, ” and in addition to being the right offer, dollar wise, it has to be the right offer for the town as well.”

Seven months later, however, that right offer appears to be elusive.

“We have had a number of interested buyers…it’s been close a few times,” says Murray. ” With today’s economic climate even the most enthusiastic buyers can’t necessarily get bank financing.”

Hmm…sounds strangely familiar to another project in town.

Murray isn’t saying who has made offers, but she says they’re still holding out for “any sort of operation that serves as a good anchor for that part of town.”

Until then, the white sails over Fuel Co.’s pumps will remain furled until it finds a crew.

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Let the Hook’s Foodfinder decide for you! While the ole’ Foodfinder has hundreds of restaurant listings (and reviews and ratings…which we need more of people!), searching through them all to find a place to eat can be overwhelming. So we’ve added a little random search function. Just click the link and see what the Charlottesville food god’s serve up. Nothing strike your fancy? Hit the random search button again in the upper right-hand corner of the page for a fresh selection. Okay, so it ain’t Google Earth…but we think it’s pretty nifty.

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In addition to Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard’s brands of wine, food pairings, artisanal cheese selection, homegrown plants and gifts, the Holiday Open House will feature mulled spice wine, passed hors d’oeuvres, custom and pre-made gift baskets, exclusive stocking stuffers, gift wrapping and other limited edition celebratory specials.  From 2pm-4pm on both days of the Open House, Kluge Estate’s esteemed winemakers will be available for a meet and greet and tastings.

“This is a great way to learn about wine firsthand,” says wine shop manager Kristin Moses Murray. “Be it your first visit or if you are a regular, this is an opportunity to take advantage of items and pricing only available during the holidays.  Stock up on gifts for loved ones, co-workers, or just for yourself!”

The Kluge Estate Farm Shop is the tasting room, gift shop and gourmet food outpost of Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard.  Established in 1999, Kluge Estate is tucked into Carter’s Mountain on 2,000-acres situated just miles from the birthplace of American viticulture, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

Saturday, December 6, 10am-6pm and Sunday, December 7, 10am-5pm

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Commenting online about Edible Communities Inc’s lawsuit against Flavor Magazine, in which the corporate food mag went after the local food mag for copyright infringement, blogger Jenee Libby jokingly wondered when the company would come after her. 

“Oh dear, thinking maybe I should change the name of my blog! lol! which has no affiliation whatsoever,” she wrote as Feisty Bourbon Girl.

 As a hobby, the recent transplant from Pittsburgh launched a website called Edible Cville on which she reviews Charlottesville restaurants and writes about the local food movement.

Now it appears she may have to shut down her blog. Read on! 

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New Dominion Bookshop will host a wine and cheese tasting in conjunction with the sale of Chiles T. A. Larson’s history of Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville Vineyards —Crafting Great Wines Inspired by Spirits of the Past on Saturday, December 13 from 11am to 3pm. Wines from Barboursville Vineyards and cheeses from Caromant Farm will be available for sample tasting and purchase. Unfortunately, the author won’t be there for the event, but the book will be on sale. New Dominion Bookshop is at 404 East Market Street on the Downtown Mall. Phone: 434-295-2552. Email: [email protected]

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