To mark the triumphant conclusion of Phase I of my culinary program and to embark on a truly memorable adventure, my partner Connor and I recently escaped for a delightful short weekend getaway to Charlottesville, Virginia. The beauty of this trip lay entirely in its element of surprise; every single detail, beyond the final destination, was meticulously planned and kept a secret by Connor. I had no idea where we would be staying, what activities awaited us, or, most importantly for a food enthusiast, where we would be indulging in the local cuisine.

After a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive, we finally arrived in Charlottesville. As I anticipated a stop downtown for a leisurely lunch, Connor handed me the first cryptic clue, a prelude to our initial destination. This carefully chosen hint immediately sparked my curiosity and set the tone for the exciting discoveries that lay ahead.

My mind immediately raced, and I blurted out, “GREAT HARVEST?!” Connor, with a grin, confirmed my guess. We were indeed heading to Great Harvest for lunch. Initially, I simply thought we were going to visit the bakery and perhaps grab a sandwich. Little did I know, as we pulled into the parking lot approximately ten minutes later, that a much bigger surprise awaited: a planned lunch with none other than Kath, a renowned blogger I had followed for years.

Within moments of realizing the extent of the surprise, Connor confessed that he had secretly contacted Kath about two weeks prior, orchestrating this entire event. She was genuinely heading to the bakery that very day just to meet me. Being inherently a shy person, I must admit my initial reaction was more nervousness than pure excitement. The thought of meeting someone I admired from afar in person was a thrilling, yet daunting, prospect.

For lunch, I savored a delicious Tofu & Pesto Sandwich, a perfect choice to fuel our adventurous day. The vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients were a testament to Great Harvest’s reputation for quality.

However, the moment I actually met Kath just a few minutes later, all my apprehension vanished. She exuded warmth, graciousness, and an incredible ease of conversation. It was an absolute pleasure to finally meet her in person after years of reading her insightful blog, to explore the charming bakery, and to connect with her on a more personal level. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, making the experience truly special.

I genuinely hope our paths cross again in the future! The opportunity to share a meal and conversation with someone whose work I admire was a highlight of the trip, showcasing the unexpected connections that travel can bring.

Following our memorable lunch and a warm farewell to Kath (and her husband, who kindly captured these wonderful photographs), Connor unveiled our next captivating destination: Polyface Farm. Located about a 45-minute drive from Charlottesville, this was a place I had longed to visit ever since watching the impactful documentary, *Food, Inc.* The idea of witnessing their renowned regenerative farming practices firsthand was incredibly exciting.

While Polyface Farm typically offers guided tours from April through October, their unique philosophy extends to a completely open-door policy, allowing visitors to explore the farm any day of the week, free of charge. This unguided access offered a truly authentic and immersive experience, enabling us to wander at our own pace and observe the farm’s operations organically.

It was, admittedly, a slightly peculiar experience to simply drive onto a working farm and walk around without any specific instructions or guidance. We didn’t encounter many workers during our visit, perhaps due to the intense midday heat, but those we did see seemed entirely unbothered by our presence. This relaxed atmosphere truly reinforced their commitment to transparency and community engagement, allowing us to feel like genuine observers rather than tourists.

One of the iconic sights we encountered was “The Famous Chicken Mobile,” a testament to Polyface’s innovative and humane approach to raising poultry. These mobile coops allow chickens to forage on fresh pasture, naturally fertilizing the land as they move.

With the freedom to explore almost anywhere, we ventured to observe the chicken coops, the pig stalls, and walked further up the driveway to see the grazing cows. While the facilities might not have possessed the manicured aesthetics of a farm like Ayrshire Farm, which I had recently visited, the well-being of the animals at Polyface was undeniably evident. Their quality of life was remarkable, and the entire farm maintained an impressive level of cleanliness, showcasing a deep respect for both the land and its inhabitants.

We also had the unique opportunity to witness the rabbits and egg-laying hens cohabiting peacefully, a practice famously described in *Food, Inc.* This integrated approach to farming, where different species contribute to a harmonious ecosystem, was truly fascinating and highly efficient. It was a tangible example of sustainable agriculture in action.

And last, but certainly not least, we were enchanted by the adorable pigs, including a delightful sight of numerous baby piglets! They were incredibly cute, even if they emitted a faint, characteristic farm scent. Witnessing these animals thriving in their natural environment was a truly heartwarming experience, emphasizing the ethical and sustainable practices at the core of Polyface Farm.

Upon departing Polyface Farm, we capitalized on the beautiful weather and headed to Veritas Winery, conveniently situated halfway between Polyface and Charlottesville. The picturesque vineyards, sprawling across the rolling Virginia landscape, offered a stunning backdrop for our next adventure.

We opted for the $5 wine tasting, which proved to be an incredible value. This allowed us to sample a diverse range of exquisite wines, including some impressive reserves and even a sophisticated port. Surprisingly, this marked my very first official wine tasting experience! I shared with the sommelier that I was attending culinary school, and he was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge, offering invaluable advice on wine and food pairing – a topic we delve deeper into during Phase II of my studies. He also provided a concise yet effective lesson on the art of wine tasting: a 10-second swirl, a deep inhale to appreciate the aromas, a careful sip, and allowing the flavors to linger while inhaling gently through the nose. Both Connor and I were pleasantly surprised by our ability to discern most of the complex flavor profiles within the wines, making the experience both educational and immensely enjoyable. The beautiful setting of the winery added to the overall charm, creating a truly memorable afternoon.

Ultimately, we couldn’t resist taking home two bottles: a rich Merlot and an aromatic Viognier. The entire experience was a lot of fun, and the winery itself was absolutely breathtaking, with its elegant architecture and panoramic vineyard views. It was a perfect introduction to Virginia’s burgeoning wine country, a delightful interlude after our farm visit.

After a day filled with driving and exciting discoveries, we made our way back to Charlottesville to check into our bed and breakfast – yet another delightful surprise! Once settled, we embarked on a leisurely stroll downtown, eager for our highly anticipated dinner reservation.

Connor had thoughtfully booked us a room at 400 West High, a relatively new and highly acclaimed bed and breakfast. Its prime location, just a five-minute walk from downtown Charlottesville, was incredibly convenient. As a passionate admirer of bed and breakfasts, I was thoroughly impressed by 400 West High. Its charm, impeccable hospitality, and luxurious comfort exceeded all expectations, making it a truly exceptional choice for our accommodation.

Soon after checking in and refreshing ourselves, we headed to our dinner reservation at Ten, a highly regarded sushi restaurant nestled right in the vibrant heart of downtown Charlottesville. While our dinner reservation was also a surprise, I had secretly been hoping all day that we would end up dining there! I had previously seen Ten featured on Kath’s blog and had been nursing a strong craving for exceptional sushi for several months, making this particular surprise especially gratifying.

Every single dish we ordered at Ten was absolutely exquisite, perfectly hitting the spot and satisfying my long-held sushi craving. It was, without a doubt, some of the finest sushi I’d enjoyed in a considerable while. We decided to share a variety of delectable plates, ensuring we sampled a broad spectrum of their culinary offerings:

We started with the Calamari Tempura, featuring a perfectly crispy, light batter served with a tantalizing Korean Chili & Sesame Cream Reduction that offered a delightful balance of subtle heat and creamy richness. Next, the Octopus Sashimi arrived, exquisitely fresh with a delicate chew, highlighting the pristine quality of the seafood. For our rolls, we chose the Spicy Toru Roll, a luxurious blend of rich-marbled tuna, a fiery yet balanced spicy sauce, and crunchy tempura flakes that added a fantastic textural contrast. The Tiger Roll was a vibrant medley of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and delicate tobiko roe, offering a delightful burst of ocean flavor and a satisfying crunch. Finally, the Unagi Sansho Roll featured perfectly grilled freshwater eel, its tender flesh infused with the subtle, peppery warmth of Japanese peppercorns, creating a truly unique and memorable flavor profile.

After thoroughly stuffing ourselves with this incredible sushi feast, we took a leisurely stroll to explore a bit more of downtown Charlottesville, soaking in the evening ambiance before calling it a night and heading back to the serene comfort of our bed and breakfast.

That night, I experienced some of the best sleep I’d had in months! I believe it was a perfect combination of the wonderfully cool air-conditioning (a luxury our apartment building had yet to provide) and the truly heavenly, incredibly comfortable bed. The following morning, we awoke refreshed and headed downstairs to enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our hosts at the B&B. They were incredibly kind, welcoming, and attentive, further enhancing our stay with their genuine hospitality.

Our delightful breakfast included a refreshing Yogurt Granola Parfait and a flavorful plate of Baked Huevos Rancheros, a testament to the B&B’s commitment to culinary excellence.

Unfortunately, Saturday’s weather turned a bit gloomy and rainy, but this didn’t deter our spirit of exploration. We still managed to take a drive around the stunning campus of the University of Virginia (UVA) and ventured up to Monticello and its picturesque surrounding area, soaking in the rich history and architectural beauty, before eventually making our way back home to Washington D.C.

After a demanding week of studying for my final practical exam of Phase I, this Charlottesville weekend was an absolutely perfect way to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate. It also offered a wonderful opportunity to squeeze in some travel and exploration before the intense demands of Phase II and my upcoming restaurant externship, which is just three months away. This well-deserved break invigorated both my body and spirit, preparing me for the exciting challenges ahead.

A massive thank you goes out to Connor for meticulously planning and executing such a successful and surprise-filled weekend – his thoughtful gestures made the trip truly unforgettable. And a special note of gratitude to Kath for her incredible hospitality and for making our meeting so delightful. Finally, a warm welcome to any new readers who might be stopping by for the very first time – I hope you enjoyed this recap of our Charlottesville adventure.

Tomorrow, I head back to culinary school, stepping into a totally new kitchen and classroom, ready to meet new chef instructors and embrace a completely revised schedule. I’ll be back soon to share all the exciting, and possibly “dirty,” little details of this next thrilling phase of my culinary journey!