Lining up at Il Castello

Written by Mona Orange | 24 October 2012

Welcome to Gabriella Candela and Gaspare Ruggeri who moved to this country from Sicily nine years ago. Residents of Louisa, Gaspare traveled to Hanover for eight years as he cooked for another restaurant. This summer, they experienced the American dream as they opened their own restaurant in Zion Crossroads (in the strip shopping center in front of Walmart). This is a small neighborhood restaurant with only three large booths, two small booths, and six other tables and chairs. Gabriella is thrilled with their reception as sometimes people are lining up outside to wait for tables on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights as well as Sunday mornings after church.

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Trendy tavern opens in Scottsville

Written by Mona Orange | 05 September 2012

This is the story of two local young people who have owned and operated convenience stores but decided to open a trendy restaurant and bar in Scottsville. Jeff Sprouse grew up in Crozet and Michelle was raised in Fluvanna. After selling Ollie’s Place in Buckingham, they bought the building on the corner of Valley Street (Rt. 20) and W. Main Street and started renovations in 2011. The outside of the building looks spanking new and the inside has three separate areas. A restaurant area with lots of wood accents, a bar with smaller tables, and above the bar, seating for 75 additional diners. A banquet/meeting room for 100 - 125 people with the latest in hi-tech audio and visual available is still under construction. There is also a small meeting room for 10 - 15 for smaller gatherings. Smoking is not permitted in the restaurant or bar, only on the patio. Parking is available on the street and in a lot adjacent to the restaurant. Although the Tavern on the James opened on June 16, a grand opening is planned for September. Add a comment

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