Welcome!
Hello, and welcome to the premiere issue of Charlottesville City Lifestyle, where we’re inspired by our incredible community, and aim to inspire you through our new publication, too!
We’re thrilled to be your source for all things local here in Charlottesville and the surrounding communities. Like you, we adore our amazing area that’s filled with incredible makers, gorgeous scenery, and an unmatched sense of connectedness.
As you flip through these pages, we hope you’ll be drawn into the incredible stories behind the people and places that call Charlottesville home while also taking in some tips and tricks to elevate your lifestyle. From the carefully crafted food being served up at local restaurants like Smyrna (featured in this issue) and wine being poured at the area’s award-winning vineyards to beautiful homes, as well as start-ups and successful businesses, local artists, designers, and fashionistas, our goal is to share the stories of everyone and everything that the Charlottesville area has to offer—and the things that matter most to you, our readers, for whom we are proud to produce this magazine each month.
Thanks for inviting us into your homes and sharing your lives with us. We can’t wait to see you around.
July 2024
PUBLISHER
James Lisowski | james.lisowski@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Anna Kariel
JAMES LISOWSKI, PUBLISHER
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
Learn how to start your own publication at
Mediterranean-Aegean Cuisine on
n Street
Smyrna artfully marries Mediterranean-Aegean flavor with Charlottesville’s bounty
I asked my expat and travel-savvy friends to recommend books to take me far away. Here you go!
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By Lee Angelo Marraccini
MEDITERRANEAN-AEGEAN
CUISINE ON MAIN STREET
Dumplings, charred octopus and greens, hamachi crudo with melon and fennel
SMYRNA ARTFULLY MARRIES AEGEAN FLAVOR WITH CHARLOTTESVILLE’S BOUNTY
For almost a decade, friends Tarik Sengul and Orhun Dikmen had dreamed of opening a restaurant together, and in 2022 they realized their goal with the opening of Smyrna. An upscale casual concept that embraces Aegean-Mediterranean cuisine, Smyrna is an ode to both Sengul’s and Dikmen’s Turkish heritage as well as the rich bounty of vegetables, fruits, meats, and grains produced in, and around, Charlottesville.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA KARIEL AND JAMES
Meyer lemon granita with fresh strawberries and Turkish cotton candy
While the two met in New York City, Dikmen initially moved to Charlottesville where Sengul would often visit while road-tripping with family. When the space where Smyrna is now housed became available, the two seized the opportunity to begin their journey as restaurateurs.
“It's a town known for its restaurant scene -- it’s dynamic, and it has amazing farms and ingredients,” said Sengul.
In addition to co-owning Smyrna, Sengul is also the restaurant’s Executive Chef. He began his cooking career in Istanbul before moving to the United
States, cooking seasonally at a restaurant in Montana Glacier National Park while pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in History. Later, he moved to New York where he went on to cook in Michelin-starred restaurants while also working in a bakery and a butcher shop. Now, he’s putting his wide range of experience to work, crafting Aegean-style dishes that also invoke elements of French, Japanese, and American cuisine with an eye on approachability.
Smyrna’s menu is diverse with dishes that range from fresh hamachi crudo with melon and fennel or tender dumplings
Smyrna's bar
stuffed with mushrooms and dehydrated tomatoes and tossed in a zesty butter sauce to an Urfa pepper aioli-topped burger that combines multiple cuts of Roseda Farm beef with lamb fat. Sengul also has a few other dishes that are at the top of his list of go-to bites on the menu.
"Farmers bread [is] one of my favorites. We get local flour from Deep Roots Mill, where you can taste the quality of the grain in the bread. I like salads especially Market Green Salad during summertime. Again, the ingredients in it develop full flavor in summertime. [And the] charred octopus dish, with salgam sauce -- I think salgam sauce is unique,” said Sengul.
“It’s a town known for its restaurant scene -- it’s dynamic...”
One of the hallmarks of MediterraneanAegean cuisine is its focus on using seasonal ingredients, driven by the foods that are available at the time. Sengul showcases that commitment to seasonality in his popular summery gazpacho, a twist on the classic cold soup that features simultaneously sweet and tart cherries mingling with Caromont Farm’s creamy goat cheese and through his seasonal fish dishes, too. And in addition to Deep Roots Mill, Caromont Farm, and Roseda Farm, the restaurant also sources food from local purveyors like Meadow's Pride Farm, Manakintowne Specialty Growers, Sam Rust Seafood, and occasionally local foragers, as well.
Crafted by Drew Kuechler, the cocktail program, which changes seasonally, also focuses on ingredients that can be sourced locally. From their signature Smyrna sour, infused with the flavors of burnt lemon and pomegranate molasses to a savory martini that’s laced with herbal liqueur, pepperoncini brine, and celery bitters, there’s no shortage of fresh flavor being shaken, stirred, and poured. And while the wine list, curated by Dikmen, leans more global, with selections from Italy, France, Greece, and Turkey, among others, there are a handful of bottles or glasses that hail from vineyards in the United States, including at least one from Virginia. Meanwhile, beer enthusiasts can choose from bottled beers or draughts produced primarily in the Commonwealth, Maryland, and Delaware. While Sengul and Dikman have created a distinctive dining experience in Charlottesville, Sengul says that ultimately, what makes Smyrna special is, “having the luxury to access the amazing ingredients the land offers us.”
Executive Chef Tarik Sengul
Sour cherry gazpacho
FINDING A TOUCH OF GLAM IN EVERYDAY DESIGN
ARTICLE BY ALLISON GIBESON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
HGTV star shares her secrets to make a home look both beautiful and livable.
Tamara Day, star of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions, describes her style as “laid-back luxe.”
“I am a mom of four, and I like pretty, shiny things,” Tamara says. “The two don’t always mix well. I design with lifestyle and family in mind but with that touch of glam.”
This mixture of practicality and flare can be accomplished throughout the home on a budget, Tamara says.
When it comes to the kitchen, she says replacing the backsplash is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh the room. Additionally, she says paint is the most inexpensive option to update cabinets, and there is a de-glosser on the market that will reduce the labor involved by helping paint adhere to cabinets.
“You can get a whole new kitchen with some fresh paint,” Tamara says.
In the bathroom, Tamara suggests putting up new light fixtures and wallpaper for a fresh look. She suggests using wallpaper on just one wall to create contrast.
“Wallpaper transforms everything and puts in a hominess factor,” Tamara says.
To give a new feel to the living room, Tamara suggests using decorative pillows as well as displaying design books and layering with a candle or other interesting object to create a sentimental focal point. She also suggests investing in good, quality sofas
and rugs because less expensive options will not typically withstand the amount of wear and tear they receive from a family.
Overall, Tamara says there is a balance between mixing expensive and inexpensive items and materials around the home, all without having it looking cluttered. She says every space needs something that is thrifted.
Tamara finds many people enjoy elements of different types of styles and have a hard time defining their personal style. To help narrow down to a preferred look, she suggests taking a hundred room images and sorting them into piles of likes and dislikes. She says when someone completes this exercise, they typically find a theme to their preferences.
MAKING COLOR, TEXTURE AND PATTERN STAND OUT
Tamara has a natural eye for using great colors and textures in design. What is her approach to making a room look great?
HERE ARE TAMARA’S TOP TIPS:
Find a base color with pops of other colors.
“Every room needs a touch of black and a pop of color,” Tamara says. “The black will anchor it, but the color will give it life.”
If the home is urban, she suggests more bold pops. If it is a traditional home, use a mixture of colors. Additionally, she suggests using one basic color throughout a home with pops of other colors as opposed to having a different color in each room.
Consider wallpaper.
“Wallpaper can be scary for a lot of people, but there are so may wallpapers out there that are removable,” Tamara says.
Tamara says wallpaper adds texture and warmth, and she includes it in most of the homes she designs.
Layer with baskets, blankets and greenery. All three make a room feel cozy and add color and interest to a space.
DIY GOLD LEAF JEWELRY DISHES
supplies you’ll need:
• Wooden bowls, trays, etc.
• Gold leaf (or metallic gold paint)
• Gentle Gold leaf brush
• Mod podge (or gold leaf adhesive)
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Painters tape (optional)
steps to do:
• Grab a wooden bowl, some acrylic paint, and a brush.
• Hand paint some paint on one section of the bowl.
• Let the first coat dry and paint another two to three coats of paint until you’re happy with the result.
• Let the paint fully dry.
• I wanted my gold leaf paper to overlap the paint for a layered look, so I took a paint brush and painted some Mod Podge in an overlapping pattern.
• Once the Mod Podge gets tacky, use your hand to apply the gold leaf and accompanying wax sheet.
• Push the gold leaf onto the tacky glue, then remove the top layer of paper.
• Use your fingers to gently push the gold leaf onto the glue a little further.
• Next, use the gold leaf brush to smooth over the whole area and gently wipe away any excess gold leaf. Pay extra attention to the edges.
• Next, smooth the gold leaf section as much as possible, but don’t worry about any imperfections. The organic look of the gold leaf being imperfect gives the piece character.
• Next, work your way to the outer edge.
• Once the gold leaf is perfected, gently brush over the leaf with some Mod Podge to seal it to the bowl.
• Let it completely dry and enjoy!
“They’re a great and affordable gift idea for friends.”
Bringing Joy
Back into the Kitchen
Chef Dennis Prescott Talks Falling in Love with Feeding People and the Connection Food Creates
Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”
Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @ dennistheprescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationally-renowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on
Originally an aspiring musician, Canadian-born Dennis Prescott’s journey began while in university with a single invitation from another solo musician who asked him to tour with them around the US. This eventually took him to Nashville where they began making records and pursuing their musical dreams.
Yet, in the midst of all of this, Dennis was not taking care of himself — eating take out, dollar menus, etc, had become a way of life. A friend had a “come to Jesus” moment with him and stressed that he needed to start taking care of himself. Having no idea exactly what that meant or how to do so, the advice was simple: “You need to start eating better.”
The Start
“Go to the library and borrow some cookbooks,” his friend suggested. Dennis went to a nearby library and borrowed three books only to have his friend ask why he chose those in particular. Dennis remembers saying verbatim, “I don’t know? The guy on the cover looks kinda good looking, and I feel like I could probably pull these recipes off, and he seems really happy too!” As it turned out they were three books by Jamie Oliver; it’s just that he had no idea who Jamie Oliver was at the time.
Flash forward and Dennis’ first dinner-hosting experiment was made up of twenty people from the music studio, all sitting in camping chairs with beer koozies and makeshift tables in his apartment.
“I remember at the time this moment of, okay, the food is on the table, it’s a stressful thing, and then everybody tucks in and they take their first bite, and there’s a moment of hush that kind of came over everyone; it got really quiet just for a second, and then everyone started talking and getting into it and I fell in love with food right there at that moment.
What eventually followed were 13 episodes over nine months where the Restaurants on the Edge team traveled to and filmed restaurant revivals that included three in Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland.
“When you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.
Travel Recommendations for Foodies
“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”
Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.
“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”
Restaurants on the Edge is important and meaningful to Chef Prescott because it tells stories of hope and joy and redemption around the kitchen. Oftentimes the food space can be very stressful, but he believes that at the end of the day, people just want to spend time with other people that they love.
One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start? I don’t know how to get going, so I just don’t.’
Rather than overcomplicating it, Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there.
“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”
KOOB S T O TAKEYOU AWAY
I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
Blue Latitudes
BY TONY HORWITZ
Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before. The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.
The Island of Missing Trees
BY ELIF SHAFAIT
It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.
The Corfu Trilogy
BY GERALD DURRELL
Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The
Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy
Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.
Cutting for Stone
BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE
Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, Indian-American medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.
The Museum of Innocence
BY ORHAN PAMUK
The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.
AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST
Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Think Texas home-style ranch meets Southern luxury. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. Whether you’re a new or experienced golfer, the expansive, 18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets. Guests can interact with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen, and make s’mores fireside at one of the many
ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE
“Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more.”
fire-pits around the resort. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property without feeling crowded by other guests.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors such as local wagyu beef and fresh garden greens grown at the on-site garden. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menufree establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, the buffet style dining at Heartwood House, or the light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place. Eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace with appetizers, small plates and cocktails. Listen to live music on the terrace and take in the night sky or cool off with a refreshing beverage after a day of activities at this charming spot. Located at the center of the resort, indoor and outdoor seating is thoughtfully arranged to invite guests to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SUNDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER
King Family Vineyards Polo
King Family Vineyards | 11:00 AM
Settle in with chairs and blankets for a few hours of polo that will surely entertain little ones as well as the grown-ups in the group. Set up a whole spread of your own delicious goodness or pop over to any of the visiting food trucks for snacks and meals.
WEDNESDAYS
Wine Down Wednesdays at Keswick
Keswick Vineyard | 5:30 PM
Settle in mid-week at Keswick Vineyard’s Wine Down Wednesday for music, vino, and bites from Barrel & Board. Feeling active? Check out their mini-golf course that’s perfect for bonding as a couple or keeping your little ones occupied!
WEDNESDAYS
Whiskey Tastings
Whiskey Jar | 5:00 PM
Want to get some insight into whiskeys produced locally and beyond? Pop into the Whiskey Jar on the Downtown Mall for Wisdom Wednesday, an educational free tasting with makers both near and far.
THURSDAYS
Carter Mountain’s Thursday Evening Series
Carter Mountain Farm | 6:00 PM
Wind down your week checking out Charlottesville’s gorgeous sunsets perched atop Carter Mountain for their Sunset Series. Bring a chair or a blanket and indulge in noshes from food trucks, local wine, and cider, all to the backdrop of tunes from local musicians.
SATURDAYS
Charlottesville City Market
Water Street and 2nd Street SE | 8:00 AM
The weekly Saturday morning Charlottesville City Market features the best herbs, meat, baked goods, and crafts that the town has to offer. With over a hundred vendors, visitors are sure to secure all the goods they need for the week and beyond.
SATURDAYS
Albemarle Farmers Market
Hollymead Town Center | 8:30 AM
Grab a coffee and head in to check out the makers' stalls at the market at Hollymead Town Center. From produce, meats, and baked goods to locally made jellies, honey, and home goods, this market that's just a short drive from the heart of Charlottesville will fulfill all of your needs.
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C u r a t e d c o l l e c t i o n o f l o c a l a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l o r i g i n a l a r t w o r k s
D e s i g n e r M i d C e n t u r y M o d e r n D é c o r
W i d e s e l e c t i o n o f v i n t a g e g o l d a n d s i l v e r j e w e l r y
P e r s i a n & o t h e r h a n d w o v e n r u g s
1 2 1 W M a i n S t , D o w n t o w n M a l l , C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e w w w c o n s i g n m e n t h o u s e c v i l l e c o m 4 3 4 - 9 7 7 - 5 5 2 7 @ c o n s i g n m e n t h o u s e c v i l l e
POWER POSES
BRIDGE POSE (SETU BANDHA SARVANGASANA)
Project radiance up and out from your heart while strengthening your back body.
Open your heart for increased confidence and counteract “text neck” while you’re at it.
ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT
Brett Larkin, founder of Uplifted Yoga, teaches yoga designed to ignite a personal transformation. A trailblazer in the online yoga space, her award-winning YouTube channel has over 500,000 subscribers. Here she shares power poses to incorporate into your practice for a confident and powerful year.
WILD THING (CAMATKARASANA)
Take up space. Get fierce. Practice stretching into the fullest expression of who you are.
CAN YOGA HELP BUILD SELF-ESTEEM?
Confidence is all about feeling good in your own skin, and practicing yoga makes you more aware of your body. You are tuning into your breath, your feelings, and your true vision. Physically it strengthens you. Mentally it helps you focus. With improved posture, you stand taller; and with a clear mind you are more prepared and confident to take on what comes your way.
For more info about Brett and her online training options for all levels, go to BrettLarkin.com.
CAMEL POSE (USTRASANA)
