Charlottesville and Albemarle County are for wine lovers.  Charlottesville, Virginia and the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) have been crowned the Wine Region of the Year in the highly esteemed Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Star Awards. Among the five wine regions nominated for this prestigious award, the Charlottesville area was the sole representative from North America. This accolade is a momentous achievement for wine lovers not only in Charlottesville but around the world.  In its short 40-year history, the Monticello Wine Trail has blossomed from a modest collection ..read more

Lazy Betty was in its infancy when I first encountered it in 2018. Within a dimly lit dining room at the now defunct Highland Inn, chefs Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips gave guests a preview of what was to come in their forthcoming restaurant—I can still recall the ode to “summer terroir and black truffle casserole,” a dish of pureed potatoes adorned with the cutest tiny mushrooms. Those of us dining at the pop-ups knew that the chefs had something special. In 2023, Lazy Betty earned a Michelin star, confirming what we all already know. Now, Hsu and Phillips have said goodbye to that intimate, soft ..read more

Never Say Die is an award-winning, small-batch bourbon born in Kentucky and matured across the Atlantic. This smooth, drinkable spirit is also the namesake for an unforgettable story of resilience, determination, and defiance against all odds. The Local Palate sat down with co-owner Brian Luftman to recount the bourbon’s historic tale and growing legacy. The Never Say Die Origin Story TLP: Tell us the origin story of Never Say Die bourbon and how you got involved with the whiskey. Brian Luftman: I’ll do my best to give the condensed version and still hit all the plot twists. In 1951, a hor ..read more

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a city like no other. Food, culture, art, music, and people are in our veins and our hearts. This is a place where family hobbies turn into big success, where community is found around every table, and where joy is spread over every cup of joe.   Owner of Grin Coffee Tommy Teepell and his family have called Hattiesburg home for more than 20 years. Today he owns a thriving coffee roastery and café, where his wife and two adult children work alongside him every day to cultivate happiness for Hattiesburg residents and visitors.  “Getting an opportunity ..read more

Hilton Head is known to get a rise in visitors each summer, but neighboring Bluffton has a new source of intrigue with its latest opening, Joelle. Opening to the public on April 10, Joelle promises to be a community nook overflowing with bright interiors, nostalgic Italian American flavors, and authentic Lowcountry experiences. The restaurant is named after Robert and Breana DeLeo’s one-year-old daughter. Strategizing their restaurant and nursery layouts simultaneously, they decided to dedicate their restaurant to her, hoping that the two would grow together and that the space would truly em ..read more

Image courtesy of Julia Kelley-Swift Hillsborough, North Carolina is unlike any other Southern small town; the rich history, vibrant culture, flourishing culinary scene, and scenic beauty set the landscape for a perfect weekend escape. Just 20 minutes from Chapel Hill, this charming town has much to offer. We sought the expertise of Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell to provide his best local suggestions. With a love for his town and a unique perspective, Mayor Bell invites us to explore his recommendations for the best bites, brews, and hidden gems to explore.   Where to Dine  For Mayor B ..read more

Mixing up a proper mint julep—and a few iterations—for the 150th Kentucky Derby Since the first Kentucky Derby was run in 1875, the race and the mint julep have been practically inseparable. The julep was once hailed as a breakfast drink, used for medicinal properties and to kickstart the day. After the Derby began, the drink was swept up into racing culture, introducing it to the cosmopolitan world. The seemingly simple drink has plenty more to it than just bourbon and mint. As North of Bourbon’s bar manager Brad Jennings puts it, “There are proper ways to make a julep and improper ways.” Ac ..read more

Our top 7 wines for sipping in the open air, and the right recipes for pairing Warm weather calls for chilled bottles of white and rosé. Whether you’re packing a picnic full of snack-able take-alongs or spending an afternoon on the back porch with the grill running hot, we’ve got 7 wines for you to open this spring—and the right recipes to pair with them. Eugenia Rose of Pinot Noir 2022Sonoma Coast, California  Born and raised in Texas, Erin Brooks and her husband Todd Guttola run Ernest Vineyards with a passion for sustainable and regenerative methods—in fact, 99 percent of Sonoma’s v ..read more

Take a look at 5 things TV host Vivian Howard keeps in her fridge Vivian Howard is an expert on all things kitchen, whether as a mother, two-time cookbook author, TV host, or restaurant owner. She seamlessly blends family, food, and storytelling to create the wholehearted atmosphere her fans adore. Between juggling her career and her home, Howard says, “I have two lives”—but both those lives involve cooking. The weeks she’s with her children, Howard says, “I make dinner about four nights a week and lunch every day.” She’s also recently opened the Kitchen Bar at Chef & the Farmer one weeke ..read more

The Local Palate, in partnership with Breakthru Beverage, is bringing the world’s top whiskey ambassadors to South Carolina destinations in 2024. On April 25, Whiskey After Dark York County offers guests the opportunity to sip and sample more than 100 whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches, as well as a selection of seltzer and craft beer. To match the flavors of oak and smoke, award-winning chefs will craft complementing small plates to keep attendees fueled as they taste their way through the event’s premium lineup.  Whiskey After Dark York County will be held at the Dairy Barn at Anne Spring ..read more