I’ve Feasted

I feasted this past weekend!! First, the graduate student diversity banquet at the Boar’s Head and then brunch yesterday…

Today was so beautiful! Finally summer-like weather and just in time for Easter (hope y’all had a happy Easter no matter what you did to celebrate). One of the best things about living in Charlottesville is its proximity to Shenandoah and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Today’s activities called for a little wine tasting, a little brunching, and a little relaxing in a beautiful setting.

First stop, Flying Fox Vineyard.

Last weekend I went to Veritas Vineyard, which is one of the most well known vineyards in the area (mostly because it has a beautiful setting and a really fancy lodge in which to taste wines). Today’s stop was at a smaller, more intimate vineyard but it was just as much fun! The owner herself poured our wine during our tasting and it was a really cute winery.

And of course it had some gorgeous views…

And the wine was pretty great too (especially the trio red!)

Next it was off to brunch at Basic Necessities about 10 miles down the road. Basic Necessities offers a European-style dining experience in a (very) small town setting (Nellysford, Va is just a few businesses and one stop light). It also has a charming wine and cheese shop in the front.

The whole restaurant is about 6 tables in a back porch. As you eat you get to listen to…get this…a harpist! What a dying art. It is amazing how beautiful the harp really is!

Brunch was a prix-fixed menu and for $18.95 it was a great value. Here’s what you get

unlimited mimosas (big ones!) and choice of coffee/tea/hot chocolate

Fresh fruit cup with crème fraiche

 choice of entrée (French toast with sausage, pancakes with eggs, a bagel sandwich—I chose pancakes)

and some cookies to finish everything off

MMmmm I was stuffed.

And we took the scenic way back. Up past Devil’s Backbone Brewery, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and back to Cville.

Even saw a black bear with a cub up in a tree (kind of hard to see from this picture).

All in all a wonderful Sunday. Now I’ve just got to finish my Qualifying Paper Final Draft (due tomorrow, eeeeeeekkkkk so busy!!!!!!!!!). Get. It. Done!