An Unforgettable Charlottesville Getaway: A Weekend of Culinary Delights, Sustainable Farms & Sweet Surprises

To mark the successful completion of Phase I of my culinary journey and treat ourselves to something truly special, my partner Connor and I embarked on a delightful short weekend getaway to Charlottesville, Virginia. The beauty of this trip was that, beyond knowing our final destination, every other detail remained a thrilling secret, meticulously planned by Connor! I had no idea where we would be staying, what activities we would be enjoying, or, most importantly, where we would be savoring our meals.

After a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive, we finally pulled into Charlottesville. I anticipated a lovely lunch stop somewhere in the charming downtown area. However, Connor had a different plan in mind, handing me the first intriguing clue to our next adventure…

A Surprise Culinary Connection: Meeting Kath Eats at Great Harvest Bakery

My immediate guess upon seeing the clue was, “GREAT HARVEST?!” Connor, with a grin, confirmed we were indeed heading to Great Harvest for lunch. I initially thought we were just going to explore the bakery and grab a bite. Little did I know, as we drove into the parking lot approximately ten minutes later, that we were actually about to enjoy lunch with Kath, the renowned food blogger!

Within mere minutes of revealing our destination, Connor confessed his secret: he had been in contact with Kath for about two weeks, orchestrating this entire surprise. She was, quite literally, on her way to the bakery that very day, just to meet me. As someone who tends to be a bit shy, I must admit, I felt a surge of nerves more than excitement at that moment. The thought of meeting someone whose blog I had followed for years was both exhilarating and daunting.

However, as soon as I actually met her a few minutes later, all my apprehension melted away. Kath was incredibly kind, gracious, and effortlessly easy to talk to. It was a genuine pleasure to finally meet her in person, explore the warm and inviting Great Harvest Bakery, and connect on a deeper level after years of reading her insightful blog posts. The Tofu & Pesto Sandwich we enjoyed for lunch was a flavorful delight, perfectly complementing our conversation. This unexpected encounter truly highlighted the wonderful community within the food blogging world and left me hoping for another opportunity to connect in the future.

Exploring Polyface Farm: A Glimpse into Regenerative Agriculture

After a delightful lunch and bidding farewell to Kath (and her husband, who kindly captured these memorable photographs!), Connor unveiled our next destination: Polyface Farm. Located about a 45-minute drive from Charlottesville, this visit was a long-awaited dream for me. Ever since watching the impactful documentary “Food, Inc.”, I had been yearning to experience Polyface Farm firsthand and witness its revolutionary farming practices.

While Polyface Farm typically offers guided tours from April through October, they maintain an inspiringly open-door policy, welcoming visitors any day of the week to explore at their own pace. This commitment to transparency and education is a cornerstone of their philosophy. I must confess, it felt a bit surreal to simply drive onto the farm and wander around without a specific guide or instructions. We didn’t encounter many workers during our mid-afternoon visit, perhaps due to the warm weather, but those we did see seemed entirely unfazed by our presence, a testament to their welcoming ethos.

Given the freedom to explore almost anywhere, we took full advantage. We observed the innovative chicken coops, the bustling pig stalls, and ventured further up the driveway to admire the grazing cows. While the facilities might not possess the polished glamour of my recent visit to Ayrshire Farm, it was abundantly clear that the animals at Polyface enjoy an exceptional quality of life. The entire farm was impressively clean and meticulously managed, reflecting their dedication to animal welfare and sustainable practices.

We also had the unique opportunity to witness the rabbits and egg-laying hens coexisting harmoniously, just as described in “Food, Inc.” This integrated approach, where different species contribute to the farm’s ecological balance, was incredibly neat to observe. It’s a powerful demonstration of how regenerative agriculture can create thriving, interconnected ecosystems.

And finally, we were captivated by the utterly adorable pigs, including numerous lively piglets! Their playful antics were charming, even if their enclosures carried a distinct, farm-fresh aroma. Seeing these healthy, happy animals thriving in their natural environment truly reinforced the importance of Polyface’s ethical and sustainable farming methods. The visit was an enlightening experience, deepening my appreciation for food production that respects both animals and the earth.

Sipping and Learning at Veritas Winery: A First Wine Tasting Experience

After our enriching visit to Polyface, we took full advantage of the beautiful weather and headed to Veritas Winery. Conveniently nestled halfway between Polyface Farm and Charlottesville, Veritas offered a perfect transition to the next part of our day. The Virginia countryside provided a stunning backdrop as we approached the elegant vineyard.

We opted for the $5 wine tasting, which proved to be an exceptional value, allowing us to sample a diverse array of their exquisite wines, including some impressive reserves and even a port. Believe it or not, this was actually my very first official wine tasting! Eager to learn, I mentioned to the sommelier that I was currently in culinary school. He was incredibly generous with his time and expertise, offering a wealth of invaluable advice on wine and food pairing – a topic I will be delving into much more deeply in Phase II of my studies. He also provided us with a concise yet informative lesson on the proper technique for wine tasting: swirl the wine gently for about ten seconds, inhale its aromas, take a small sip, and allow it to linger on the palate for a few seconds while simultaneously inhaling through the nose. To our delight, both Connor and I were able to identify most of the subtle flavor profiles in the wines, a truly rewarding experience.

After a thoroughly enjoyable and educational tasting, we couldn’t resist purchasing two bottles: a robust Merlot and an aromatic Voignier. The entire experience at Veritas was not only a lot of fun but also offered breathtaking views of the picturesque vineyard. It was a perfect blend of relaxation, education, and the pleasure of discovering new favorites.

Charming Accommodation: 400 West High Bed and Breakfast

Following a long and eventful day filled with driving, farm exploration, and wine tasting, we made our way back to Charlottesville. Our next delightful surprise awaited us: checking into our bed and breakfast. Connor had booked us a room at 400 West High, a relatively new and highly-rated bed and breakfast located a mere five-minute walk from downtown Cville. As someone who absolutely adores the personal touch and charm of B&Bs, I was incredibly excited, and both of us were thoroughly impressed by this particular establishment.

The interior boasted a tasteful blend of modern comfort and classic elegance, creating a wonderfully inviting atmosphere. Our room was beautifully appointed, promising a restful night’s sleep before we ventured out for dinner. The convenience of its location, just a short stroll from the vibrant heart of downtown Charlottesville, made it an ideal base for our weekend adventures. We quickly settled in, refreshed, and prepared for our evening plans.

Dinner at Ten Sushi: A Culinary Highlight in Downtown Cville

Soon after getting comfortable at the B&B, we headed out for our dinner reservation at Ten, a highly-regarded sushi restaurant situated right in the heart of downtown Charlottesville. Although the dinner reservation was yet another surprise from Connor, I had secretly been hoping we would end up there all day! I had previously seen Ten featured on Kath’s blog and had been craving authentic, delicious sushi for months. The anticipation was palpable as we made our way to the restaurant.

The moment we stepped inside, the chic, contemporary ambiance set the perfect tone for a memorable dining experience. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious and perfectly satisfied my long-standing sushi craving. It was, without a doubt, some of the best sushi I’ve had in a long time. We opted to share a variety of dishes, each thoughtfully prepared and bursting with flavor:

• Calamari Tempura with Korean Chili & Sesame Cream Reduction: A perfect starter, featuring tender calamari encased in a light, crispy tempura batter, elevated by a rich and spicy Korean chili and sesame cream reduction.
• Octopus Sashimi: Delicately sliced octopus, fresh and perfectly tender, showcasing the quality of the seafood.
• Spicy Toru Roll: A truly indulgent roll featuring rich, marbled tuna, complemented by a fiery spicy sauce and satisfyingly crunchy tempura flakes, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
• Tiger Roll: A classic combination of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and vibrant tobiko roe, finished with an extra crunch.
• Unagi Sansho Roll: Fresh and perfectly cooked freshwater eel, subtly enhanced by Japanese peppercorns, providing a unique and aromatic twist to this traditional favorite.

After thoroughly indulging in our sushi feast, we took a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of downtown Charlottesville, soaking in the evening atmosphere before heading back to our welcoming bed and breakfast for the night.

A Restful Night and A Delightful Morning in Charlottesville

That night, I experienced one of the best sleeps I’ve had in months! I credit it to a blissful combination of the perfectly cool air-conditioning (a luxury our apartment building had yet to provide) and the truly heavenly, comfortable bed at 400 West High. The following morning, we awoke refreshed and headed downstairs to enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our hosts. The owners were incredibly nice, welcoming, and attentive, adding to the overall wonderful experience of staying at their B&B.

Our breakfast spread was a delightful treat, featuring a refreshing Yogurt Granola Parfait and a flavorful Baked Huevos Rancheros. The parfait was layered with creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and fresh fruit, providing a light yet satisfying start. The Huevos Rancheros were perfectly prepared, offering a savory and hearty option. Every bite was a testament to the B&B’s commitment to quality and comfort.

Concluding Our Charlottesville Adventure: UVA, Monticello, and Reflections

Unfortunately, Saturday’s weather turned a bit gloomy and rainy, but that didn’t dampen our spirits entirely. We still managed to explore the historic and picturesque campus of the University of Virginia (UVA) and took a scenic drive up to Monticello and its surrounding areas, absorbing the rich history and beautiful landscape, even under a gray sky. Afterward, we began our journey back home to DC, feeling rejuvenated and content.

After a demanding week of intense study for my last practical exam of Phase I, this Charlottesville getaway was the perfect way to unwind and celebrate. It was a much-needed break, offering not only relaxation but also a wonderful opportunity for a bit of travel before I embark on Phase II of culinary school and my restaurant externship, which is just three short months away. This trip truly filled my cup, providing inspiration and a renewed sense of excitement for the culinary journey ahead.

A massive thank you goes out to Connor for meticulously planning and executing such a successful and surprise-filled weekend – his thoughtfulness made it truly unforgettable. And a special thank you to Kath for her incredible hospitality and for making our lunch so special. Finally, a warm welcome to any new readers who might be stopping by for the very first time – I’m thrilled to have you here!

Tomorrow, I’ll be heading back to school, ready to dive into a totally new kitchen and classroom environment, with fresh chef instructors, and a completely new schedule. I’ll be back soon to share all the exciting, and perhaps a few “dirty,” details of Phase II!