The-Burg.com - Central Virgina's Arts, Culture and Entertainment Weekly

An American bistro. A downtown pizza joint. A “finer diner.” All three are the latest to join the ranks of Lynchburg’s restaurant scene:

Apple historian Tom Burford, internationally known for is work with historic orchards, will lead an apple tasting event at 2 p.m. Saturday at Point of Honor.

Magnolia Foods is gearing up to host two cooking classes.

SCHUYLER – It all began with a white pig named Norman, a gift to Dina Brigish from her mother.

This week, The Burg takes you to three sweet spots in the Lynchburg area. These family-run businesses serve up hefty sugar buzzes and plenty of charm to go around.

You are driving down a lonesome country road, through a swath of forest that gives way to a panorama of hazy blue mountains.

Out of nowhere, you spot a whitewashed building beside the road, barely larger than a trailer and just as humble-looking. You would have passed it by without a thought if not for the hand-painted sign: Thai Siam, Thai Food Takeout.

Skeptical, you take your chance on the little Thai place in Nelson County. It pays off. The food rivals, if not surpasses, dishes you’ve had at big city restaurants.

“They’re not just looking for a chef. They’re looking for someone to run the whole restaurant. So it was right up my alley.“

I’ve always wondered what it would be like to guest judge on an episode of “Top Chef,” one of my favorite shows.

Well, I recently got a taste — literally — of the reality judging trade as one of 20-plus people who judged the final round of the Holiday Inn Select’s “Making the Chef” competition, which was designed to choose a chef for the hotel’s new restaurant.

Mangia opens on Rivermont; Isabella’s, Pok-E-Joes re-open in new locations