Hartwood

Crop Foundation with

Joel F. Salatin is an American farmer, lecturer, and author whose books include Folks, This Ain't Normal; You Can Farm; and Salad Bar Beef. Salatin raises livestock using holistic management methods of animal husbandry on Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, which he co-owns, with his family.

Featured in the New York Times bestseller Omnivore’s Dilemma and award-winning documentary Food Inc., the farm services more than 5,000 families, 50 restaurants, 10 retail outlets, and a farmers’ market with salad bar beef, pigaerator pork, pastured poultry, and forestry products. When he’s not on the road speaking, he’s at home on the farm, keeping the callouses on his hands and dirt under his fingernails, mentoring young people, inspiring visitors, and promoting local, regenerative food and farming systems.

Proceeds from this event directly benefit The CROP Foundation - fostering educational and employment opportunities for students who are driven to study and promote the art, science and soul of food. CROP's objective is to build and broaden a community of talented and dedicated individuals who support the culinary, agricultural and hospitality industries by matching students with partner chefs, schools, and organizations across the globe.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Commune
Rutter Family Art Foundation
New Earth Farm
Cavalier Produce
Republic National Distributing
Distinctive Event Rentals
Three Ships Coffee
Benchtop Brewing Company
AR's Ames' Hot Southern Honey
Williams Corner Wine
Landcrafted Food
Coastal Cattle
Hummingbird Macarons & Desserts
HSG Foods
Edwards Virginia Smokehouse

Shift Drink VB

Pillow Fight 2019

Hearth and LeGrand Casamigos!

New Gallery

Rosé Day on the Bay

Auntie's Tiki Party

The Boardroom

Pink Boots Collab

Barley's Angels Coastal Virginia and O'Connor Brewing Co. teamed for a Pink Boots collab that helps promoted women in the brewing industry.

Distinction Magazine 10 Year

10 Years of Distinction Magazine! Big party at MOCA to celebrate!

Schooner Virginia

The Landing at Cromwell's

The Landing's Fall Chef's Table Dinner at Cromwell Farms! All courses are paired with beautiful wines from Ian Honaker with Country Vintner and amazing beers from Pleasure House Brewing. Also participating are Cartwright Family Farms, Everling Coastal Farm, LLC Cromwells Produce Maple Leaf Farms.

Tuning Fork

Soirée en Blanc 2017

Whistle Belly 2017

At The Hightop

1st course: Endive Salad with poached peach, sweet pickled shallots and roasted pecans and dressed with berry balsamic glaze. Paired with 2013 Joseph Drouhin Beaujoleis-Villages.

2nd course: Lamb Trio - Seared lamb lollipop over root veggie puree, marinated lamb lollipop over cous cous salad, and fried lamb lollipop over sweet potato, cranberry and Brussels hash. Paired with 2015 Chateau Laussac biz Bordeaux.

3rd course: Floral cold smoked duck charcuterie served with fennel, black berry gastric, crostini and brie cheese and edible merigolds. Paired with 2016 Domaine De La Janasse.

4th course: Seared scallop entree served with sweet potatoes, spiced apple, pear au gratin and charred leeks. Topped with thyme and sea salt foam and garnished with red masago. Paired with 2009 Le Haut-Lieu.

MOCA ARTini 2017

Ledbury Quail Hunt 2016

Distinction Fall Harvest Gala 2016

Distinction Magazin celebrated the release of their special fall food issue with a wonderful party at the Hermitage Museum and Garden. Some of the best chefs and restaurants manned tasting tables, wine & cocktails, and live music played all night.

Bottlecraft Virginia Beach

Bottlecraft Virginia Beach is now officially open. Here are some photos from the soft opening a couple of weeks ago.

Dinner at Esoteric

Pro Tem

I had a chance to stop by and check out Pro Tem pop-up in action. Keith Hunt, Bridget Goeke and their team were hosted at the beautiful Freemason Inn Bed & Breakfast.

First Friday ViBe - April 2016

Stopped by Esoteric to try their first burger they put on the menu and then hung out at Commune to create edible art.

Inaugural Common Grounds Collaborative Brewer's Festival

Common Grounds Collaborative Brewer's Festival at the Holiday Trav-L-Park Campground in Virginia Beach, VA.

Turn the Page: The First Ten Years of Hi-Fructose

Virginia MOCA's Turn the Page: The First Ten Years of Hi-Fructose exhibition showcasing 51 of some of today’s foremost contemporary artists from the ten year history of Hi-Fructose Magazine.

Blue Tape

Commis for CHKD

Commis came together to serve a benefit dinner to a lucky few. Seats were hot and went quickly. Diners paid what they wanted for the dinner with the consideration that the money was going to the Children's Hospital of King's Daughters.

Strolling Supper 2016

WHRO and Coastal Virginia Magazine present Strolling Supper 2016! This year's celebrity VIP was Julie Taboulie of “Julie Taboulie’s Lebanese Kitchen” on public television.

Burtons Grill Wine Dinner

Photos from Burtons Grill Virginia Beach Status Wine Dinner by Taken Wine Company. Burtons' chef, David Francis, invited Shelby and me to enjoy an evening with his special pairing menu. Great, 5-course dinner with excellent pairings. Burton's will be rolling out more wine, bourbon and beer dinners in the future, keep an eye out!

Kiss My Cask 2016

The Kiss My Cask Real Ale Festival by Back Bay Brewing was even bigger this year with many great casks tapped for a celebration of the small barrel. Just like last year it sold out and Hashi Food Truck was there to feed hungry patrons. I was honored to judge and not just because I got in early. wink emoticon Here's who placed:

Judges Score:

1st - Alewerks Brewing Company
2nd - Pleasure House Brewing
3rd - Heritage Brewing

People's Choice:

Big Ugly Brewing Company

Brewer's Choice:

The Bold Mariner Brewing Company

Please feel free to tap the photos.

Distinction Magazine Red Party

Distinction Magazine's Red Party was on a beautiful, Croatan property overlooking Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach, VA. Great food and music from the Charlottesville duo Beleza, so much fun!

MOCA Wine by Design: AQUA

Virginia MOCA's 25th Anniversary was celebrated with their winter fundraiser Wine by Design. The AQUA themed party was inspired by the sea, similar to what some of their exhibitions are focused on. Great food from the area's best restaurants, live music, drinks and dancing. We had a great time. All proceeds benefit MOCA's exhibitions and educational programs.

Shout out to Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay for inviting us to the party and for winning with that Coconut Sugar Candied Bacon Bite with Seared Scallop! So good, recipe is on their website.

Commune Burger Night

Commune did Burger Night again for ViBe First Friday. So good!

Hashi Pop-up at Esoteric

Hashi moved into Esoteric's kitchen to put together a delicious brunch!

Shiptown Opening

Bootlegger's Ball

We had a great time at the Distinction Magazine Bootlegger's Ball. Shelby was able to find a great dress and stole at the thrift store and we ended up winning the costume contest!

Treasure Chest Fest 2015

Green Flash celebrates Treasure Chest Fest once again in Virginia Beach! 2015

Battle of the Beers 2015

The Beach Ambassadors hosted another great Battle of the Beers at Tapped Gastropub this year. Bigger than ever, it's the only craft beer festival that pits all local breweries against each other in a friendly competition with all proceeds going to charity.

Sabai - Richmond, VA

Marleigh took us to Sabai, a new restaurant in Richmond serving Thai street food. Delicious!

Jet Tila Benefit Dinner

Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay invited celebrity chef Jet Tila for their 2nd Annual benefit dinner for the community. Chef Tila worked the crowd and served up some delicious food and drinks!

Oyster Crush 2015

Oyster Crush 2015. Cape Henry Rotary Club's annual benefit hosted at The Marina at Marina Shores.

Peter Chang Dinner Session

Shelby and I were lucky to be invited to dine with Peter Chang, Gen Lee and Sean & Robin Brickell earlier this year. Gen and Peter wanted to talk about the industry, life and some new projects they have in the docket. We talked while we tried samples of what they will be offering at the new Peter Chang Wok in the Virginia Beach Town Center (and a few other goodies!)

Diner en Blanc - Hampton Roads 2015

Diner en Blanc Hampton Roads 2015

Zoës Steak & Seafood Restaurant

Zoës Steak & Seafood Restaurant, Virginia Beach, VA

Coastal Virginia Magazine's "Best Of" 2015

Tupelo Honey Cafe

Tupelo Honey Cafe opens up in Virginia Beach, VA

Strings Ramen - Chicago Chinatown

After picking up Marleigh from Midway we had lunch at Strings in Chinatown, Chicago. Great ramen!

Millstone Cellars at The Birch

Millstone Cellars visits The Birch

PASSport Norfolk 2015

Drink the District Hampton Roads Beer Fest

Drink the District had it's first event in the area - Hampton Roads Beer Fest.

The Barrel Room

After a couple of soft openings to test the waters The Barrel Room in Norfolk, VA is finally open. We attended the grand opening, had a couple of drinks and something to eat. The local beer community was there in full force to support the new establishment.

West Elm VB Soft Opening

West Elm has a new store in Virginia Beach, VA! We were invited to a guided tour and the grand opening party.

St. Kiuchi Day 2015

The 5th Annual St. Kiuchi Day benefit at The Birch. Norfolk, VA.

Kiss My Cask

Strolling Supper 2015

WHRO and Coastal Virginia Magazine present the 2015 Strolling Supper!

Strolling Supper 2015 Cooking Demo with Laura McIntosh

Laura McIntosh was the special at this year's Strolling Supper. A cooking demonstration was performed by Harper Bradshaw, owner/chef at Harper's Table. He was assisted by Laura and local chef and author Patrick Evans-Hylton.

Laura McIntosh

Merroir Terroir at Terrapin - Jan 2015

Merroir Terroir at Terrapin - Jan 2015. Chris Ludford of Pleasure House Oysters and Daniel Kieser, sommelier at Terrapin put together beautiful pairings or oysters and wine for those lucky enough to get seats.

Merroir Terroir - January 2015

Chris Ludford of Pleasure House Oysters and Daniel Kieser, sommelier of Terrapin pair customers with the best oysters and wines during the event.

Kusshi

Coastal Virginia Wine Fest 2015 - Day 1

Coastal Virginia Magazine is pleased to present the Coastal Virginia Wine Fest, January 17-18, 2015 at the beautiful Virginia Beach Convention Center. Enjoy wine tastings from up to 40 Virginia wineries, a Virginia craft beer garden featuring 8 popular breweries with a fabulous lounge for viewing play-off games and up to 80 other vendors showcasing the best in specialty foods, arts and crafts. Stroll the MOCA Art Trail featuring 100 juried artists such as painters, sculptors, agra-artisans, jewelers and more brought to you by Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Educational seminars, live entertainment and a grape stomp competition.

Coastal Virginia Wine Fest - Day 2

Twist

Twist Martini & Assoc. at Town Center Virginia Beach

Mannino's for Lunch

We kicked off 2015 Virginia Beach Restaurant Week with a lunch trip to Mannino's at the Oceanfront. Great deal for $10 a plate.

Fried Calamari

Ultimate Virginia Oyster & Wine Tour

Ultimte Virginia Oyster & Wine Tour in Virginia Beach. Hosted by Patrick Evans-Hylton and Taste Tidewater Tours. #vaoystertour

Duck Donuts

A visit to Duck Donuts in Virginia Beach. Maple Bacon donut....

The Point at Phoebus

The Point at Phoebus, Hampton, VA

2014 Treasure Chest Fest - Virginia Beach

1st Annual Treasure Chest Fest - Virginia Beach. Green Flash Brewing Co.'s 2014 breast cancer awareness benefit had it's Virginia Beach debut on the site of their future brewery.

Virginia Bacon Festival 2014

The 2014 Virginia Bacon Festival in Norfolk, VA

Oyster Crush 2014

Zwanze Day 2014 - The Birch

Zwanze Day 2014 - The Birch, Norfolk, VA

New Earth Farm & Whole Foods

New Earth Farm and Whole Foods Virginia Beach team up for a NEF Food Lab.

Still

Still, in Portsmouth, VA, has a great atmosphere and feel

Distinction Magazine Mediterranean Tapas

Distinction Magazine held another soiree in the Little Neck area of Virginia Beach with a Mediterranean Tapas theme.

Alkaline

Alkaline ramen pop-up at Field Guide in Norfolk, VA

Three Floyds Brewery, Munster, IN

Had a chance to visit Three Floyds Brewery while visiting in Indiana.

Zombie Dust

Zombie Dust on tap!

Bare Hands Brewery

Bare Hands Brewery in Granger, IN. Everyone loved the ThaiPA

Evil Czech Brewery, Mishawaka, IN

Visited Evil Czech Brewery, Mishawaka, IN while in town.

Waffletina Brunch

Waffletina holds a brunch every second Sunday of the month at Field Guide, Norfolk, VA.

O'Connoroo 2014

He Said, She Said IV

O'Connor Brewing Co.'s New Location

O'Connor Brewing Co.'s new location at 211 W 24th Street, Norfolk, VA 23517

13th Annual Virginia Beer Festival

Norfolk Festevents' 13th Annual Virginia Beer Festival in partnership with Virginia Arts Festival

Panavoir, Perennial, and The Birch

Special guest Phil Wymore of Perennial Artisan Ales was present at The Birch's 43 Hours of USA in Norfolk, VA. Panavoir was on site serving great "hop" dogs--they were steeped in hops and served with a variety of created toppings.

Magic Hat Visits Tubby's Tavern

Magic Hat's Dream Machine visits Tubby's Tavern in Virginia Beach.

Peter Chang Spring Event 2014

Peter Chang's in Virginia Beach had a customer appreciation night.

Duck in the Mouth

Braised duck roll

Apple!

Apple serving the house special spicy cocktail

Tempura Tofu Skin

Spicy Beef Kebab

Homebrew USA Big Brew Day 2014

Homebrew USA had it's Big Brew Day. Local home brewers setup shop outside the store to show people how it's done. They brought their own beer, roasted a whole pig and had lots of good stuff to eat. Great event that should be missed.

8th Annual Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival

8th Annual Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival. I was invited by Patrick help cover the event and hang out a bit. Lots of wine and people on a beautiful day.

Town Center Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival 2014

Town Center Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival was packed with great beer from all over the region. Bumped into a lot of friends and probably a few drinks to ;) Dinner at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant - Virginia Beach afterwards.

6th East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic

The 6th East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic is tomorrow at the 24th Street Park. Over 15 of the area's best restaurants will compete to be named the one with the best She-Crab soup in Hampton Roads. Last year Mannino's Italian Bistro won both the Critic's and People's Choice awards. Read my review from the last here on AltDaily. There will be lines, but the soup makes up for it.

Streats - Norfolk, VA

Shelby and I had our first meal at Streats in Norfolk, VA. We didn't have a lot of time so we just ordered some Lamb Kebab and Bulgolgi Lettuce Wraps. A couple of good drinks too, including St. George Brewing's Spring Lager.

Cheap and Cheery - April 2014

April's Cheap & Cheery at Grape and Gourmet featured Young Veterans Brewing Co. being poured by Tom Wilder. This was offered along side the regular line-up in the shop, great day.

PassPORT Norfolk 2014

PassPORT Norfolk celebrates its Sister Cites with a culinary tour around the globe. Favorite area restaurants prepared a dish from its assigned sister city and presented it patrons.

Back Bay Brewery Soft Opening

Back Bay Brewing, in Virginia Beach, VA, had a surprise soft opening. Food trucks were on site to serve the public and Zeke's, next door, had a live art demonstration; Three Ships Coffee was setup in there too.

Barbara Densley and Sloane Solanto of The Creative Wedge

Nick Vitale - Zeke's Beans and Bowls

Three Ships Coffee

L-R: Chris Ludford - Pleasure House Oysters, Josh Malbon - Back Bay Brewing Brewer, Kevin O'Connor - O'Connor Brewing Company Owner/Brewer

Dan Yarnell

Back Bay Brewing glassware

Connie, Shelby, and John

Beer Bar Madness Championship Celebration 2014

Beer Bar Madness Championship Celebration 2014. Rob McGraw celebrated his winning the first Beer Bar Madness bracket in Coastal Virginia. Of course, this was done at Lynnhaven Pub.

Jérôme Rebetez of BFM at The Birch

Jérôme Rebetez of Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes (BFM) visits The Birch during the BFM 2014 World Tour!

Malia, Jérôme, Carol, and George

Jérôme Rebetez of Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes (BFM)

Shady Goat Farm Truffles made with goat cheese, dark chocolate and Bon Chien from BFM (of course!)

O'Connors Brewing Co. St. Patrick's Day 2014

Distinction Magazine's Farmer's Market Fête

Distinction Magazine and The John Savino Group hosted the Farmer's Market Fete on Great Neck Road. Skye Zentz provided music for the soiree.

Bier Garden - Portsmouth, VA

Bier Garden in Portsmouth, VA. German food and one of the best beer selections in the area. They've been doing this stuff for close to 17 years.

The Birch - St. Kiuchi Day 2014

The Birch in Norfolk, VA had it's St. Kiuchi Day celebration pouring 12 of the brewery's beer from tap and bottle. The popular event had the place packed 30 minutes after the door opened. Lucky patrons that came early got a nice Kiuchi beer glass to take home with them.