If you haven't made it past O-Hill Dining Hall or the Pav this semester, then get your taste buds ready for Thursday night's Taste of Charlottesville.
The event, which will take place at Alumni Hall, features popular dishes from local restaurants.
Sponsored by the Alumni Association, TOC is a chance to thank Student Life Members for their commitment to the University, while satisfying their appetites with great grub.
"This is a very special way for us to thank student members for their contribution," Alumni Association Assoc. Director Helen Dwyer said. "We appreciate students who believe in what the Alumni Association is doing and promise to support it."
The Student Life Membership does not require any payment from students while they still are in school -- just a pledge to donate once they graduate.
During the seven years after graduation, members make annual donations that total $350.
"This is a unique opportunity that no other university offers, and it helps us keep one of the highest alumni membership rates in the county," Dwyer said. "We allow students to take advantage of all the benefits while they're in school without having to make a donation until they're in a position to support us."
Now in its fifth year, the Taste of Charlottesville has grown substantially from 200 students to an expected 1,000 students this year.
Because the event has proven so popular in the past, certain restaurants have run out of samples within the first hour.
To combat this problem and ensure everyone gets a taste of Charlottesville, the number of restaurants has increased from nine to 16 this year.
Corner-favorite Baja Bean will be there, as well as those famous wings from St. Maarten's Cafe. The elegant Tea Room Cafe will provide an eclectic menu that includes its fantastic soups. Because the Tea Room's menu uses ingredients from locally-owned farms and gardens, it offers a true taste of the region.
Dwyer expects that the Ming Dynasty also will be a big hit with students this year. The restaurant plans to set up two tables, one featuring Chinese food and one offering Japanese food, including sushi.
Dwyer also expects that students drawn to exotic food will enjoy Maharaja's Indian cuisine.
For those feeling adventurous, the Spud Nuts table will offer doughnuts made from potato dough. This local favorite on the Downtown Mall makes doughnuts that are richer and denser than Krispy Kreme, and is unique to Charlottesville.
Taste of Charlottesville will run from 5 to 7 at Alumni Hall tomorrow night. All Student Life Members are welcome, and non-members can join at the door.
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