Batter Bar brings its crepe creations to Downtown Lynchburg

It’s been a whirlwind six months for Nicole Davidson and Chelsea Doebler, the Lynchburg natives and sisters who opened Batter Bar. The eatery debuted as a food truck in November 2019; by late February, they were already expanding to a brick-and-mortar presence inside the Gilded gift shop on Church Street. “It’s a really cool collaboration,” Nicole said.

Nicole came home to Lynchburg after spending four years in Nashville working as a sous chef at an upscale Japanese restaurant and a catering company. Not only was she ready to take on a new challenge, she wanted to be closer to her family. “Before I left, I got to see Lynchburg start to grow,” she explained. “Then in the little bit I was gone, it really boomed.”

Once she convinced Chelsea to open a restaurant with her, they landed on the idea of crepes. The thin pancakes hail from France and are very popular in Nashville—but there wasn’t much of a market in Lynchburg. “My sister and I are really into Japanese culture and she was like, in Japan, there are these cool Harajuku-style street crepes. They roll them into a cone shape and super stuff them with fillings,” Nicole said. “It’s your traditional French base, but it’s a little quirky and different.”

And perfect for a food truck, where you can grab a cone and go—no utensils needed. Since they started serving locals, Nicole says their savory crepes are the best sellers, with the “Avocado BLT” coming out on top. The sweet crowd usually gravitates toward the “Hazelberry,” which includes Nutella, strawberries and whipped cream.

Fresh baked goods are another staple of the Batter Bar menu—and when restaurants were forced to close in March, the eatery decided to pause on their crepes and only sell bakery items to-go. But that’s okay, because Nicole says they chose the name “Batter Bar” to hopefully allow them room to expand the menu in the future. “Brownie batter, cake batter,” she said. “I think it’s important to have long term goals but I’m trying to be present in the moment.”

Batter Bar

1103 B Church Street, Lynchburg
(Inside Gilded Gift Shop)
Tues – Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays
(Operating hours may be affected
by COVID-19 restrictions.)

For the food truck schedule
and to book a private event,
visit www.batterbarlyh.com.

During the Pandemic…

“Switching to a pre-ordered, grab-and-go system has its challenges, but we are trying to stay positive through everything. The response and support from the community has been so very supportive from those buying gift cards, ordering our mystery baked boxes, and the kind words on social media from those who can’t wait for us to open the doors again.”

When staying at home shows we are coming together
Photos by Laura Beth Davidson

The idea of the Front Steps Project originated from a photographer in Massachusetts, who recommended having participating photographers take family portraits in exchange for donations for a charity. Photographer Laura Beth Davidson, of Forest, brought us the idea. After taking a few photos for Lynchburg Living, she put a call out in the community and requested donations for Miriam’s House. As of mid-April, more than 50 families had signed up and over $1000 had been raised! Learn more about her efforts at www.frontstepslynchburg.com.

Here and on the following pages, we highlight a few of her family portraits—they represent members of our community in various professions. Everyone is experiencing this pandemic differently, so we asked them all to answer the same question:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have learned…

The Health Care Workers

“…how amazing our team in the emergency department is. I always knew the people that work in the ED are special, but watching how everyone has come together to protect and care for our community has been so inspiring. In the face of something that could so easily paralyze in fear, the staff in the ED has continued to function at a high level while displaying kindness, strength and courage.” – Leigh Anna Tucker, nurse at Lynchburg General Hospital. Her husband, Drew, is also a frontline health care worker and works in the emergency department as a physician’s assistant.

The City Manager

“…that unprecedented times call for a focus on innovation and epic kindness,” said Bonnie Svrcek, city manager of Lynchburg. She says this pandemic is unlike any local government emergency she has experienced in her 40-year career. Svrcek is set to retire June 30.

The Nonprofit Director

“…that we are all incredibly adaptive as we develop and implement innovative ways to stay safe while caring for our community,” said Sarah Quarantotto, executive director of Miriam’s House. The nonprofit had to quickly develop protocols and processes that would allow them to continue serving the homeless while ensuring everyone’s safety.

The School Principal

“…that kindness and serving others can help us overcome the most challenging obstacles. Central Virginia is a powerful community full of resilient and inspiring citizens,” said Derrick Brown, principal of Amherst County High School. Brown said the lack of internet access in rural parts of the county was their biggest challenge as they implemented a virtual curriculum.

The Restaurant Owner

“…that we really are all in this together, despite all our differences,” said Dave Henderson, owner of The Water Dog. Despite seeing “unreal” unemployment numbers in the local restaurant industry, Dave says is proud to be a part of a resilient group of people who are “driven with grit and determination” as they had to redefine their businesses overnight.

The Religious Leaders

“…the importance of washing hands, staying socially and spiritually connected while physically apart, and of my faith in family and friends,” said Rev. Dr. Diane Vie,
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Vie and her husband, Rev. Todd Vie, say two tech-savvy employees helped the church learn how to stream services online and that learning how to preach to a camera was a “strange” adjustment.

The News Anchor

“…how love, understanding, compassion and kindness—something we call LUCK in our house—are the qualities needed now more than ever to help us defeat the fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic,” said Mark Spain, news anchor at ABC-13. Mark and his wife, Lynita, decided to use this time to create some custom t-shirts for themselves—one of their designs includes LUCK.

The Police Officer

“…that sadly it takes tragedy or an epidemic to really bring people together. We are being neighbors again, having family structure again, and praying hard for people who are affected,” said Det. Rob Miller, Lynchburg Police Department. Miller and his wife Kelly have four daughters; they celebrated the birth of their first grandchild, Riley, in March.

USING SIMPLE INGREDIENTS TO CREATE DISTINCT FLAVOR PROFILES
Photography by Jenna McKenney

The art of cooking has just as much to do with your taste buds as your technique. According to Jason Arbusto, pro chef and culinary director at the Bluffwalk Center, the challenge is identifying “what goes with what to make it taste good.”

Enter flavor profiles: these are the “secret weapon” of flavor combinations (herbs, spices, etc.) that can take your home meal preparation to another level. “Flavor profiles will guide you to be more creative and venture out of your comfort zone while remaining fairly simple to prepare,” he says.

On the following pages, Arbusto will not only break down three distinct profiles but he will also show you how to use them in three tasty recipes. But don’t let that stop you from experimenting with his combinations in your own unique way!

Thai Flavor Profile

Four simple ingredients can turn your basic chicken salad into a flavor bomb: Mint, Cilantro, Basil, Lime Juice

INSTRUCTIONS
In a small bowl, combine 6 oz. of shredded chicken with a good pinch of rough chopped mint, cilantro and basil. Squeeze in lime juice and add olive oil,
salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

Mediterranean Flavor Profile
Five simple ingredients can turn your Sunday Salmon or shrimp into something special: Capers, Lemon, Olives, Tomato, Parsley

Ingredients
6 oz shrimp
Cherry tomatoes
1 T capers
2 sprigs of rough chopped parsley
Juice of 1 lemon
Olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS
Place shrimp in an oven safe casserole pan. Add a handful of cherry tomatoes cut in half. Place in the oven for about 5-7 minutes at 350 degrees. Once finished cooking, add a little bit of fresh parsley. Crush the tomatoes up a little bit to create some juice. Baste the seafood and serve with all the remaining ingredients on top.

Israel / Middle Eastern Flavor Profile

Four simple ingredients can upstyle your next batch of roasted veggies: Yogurt,Pine, Nuts, Mint, Pomegranate Seeds

Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes
4-6 T yogurt
3 sprigs of chopped mint
2 T toasted pine nuts
2 T pomegranate seeds

INSTRUCTIONS
Peel and dice sweet potatoes. Roast in the oven for 25-35 min at 350 degrees. Remove and let cool slightly or serve cold as a salad. Spread a thin layer of yogurt on bottom of plate. Add sweet potatoes and top with mint, pine nuts and pomegranate seeds.

Special Delivery
In the midst of hospital restrictions during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Centra Health contacted Lynchburg Living to see if we could deliver boxes of our March/April magazine to Lynchburg General Hospital. They wanted to distribute them to patients who were unable to receive visitors because of visitation changes due to the coronavirus. It was our pleasure to get our publication into those hands—and we hope our Home & Garden issue was an uplifting read during a time of very difficult news.

Hip-Hop Hooray
E.C. Glass High School teacher Casey Wood sent us a message after the release of the March/April issue, which included a feature about his “Exploring Language and Culture Through Hip Hop” class. “Just wanted to say thank y’all so much for the wonderful article. It means so much to these kids to be surrounded with that kind of positivity.”

No, thank YOU Casey for thinking outside of the box and inspiring your students!

Hill City Eats
When restaurants were forced to close their dining rooms in mid-March, we took action.
Our Hill City Eats list was a resource for readers to use to find take-out, delivery and more from their favorite local eateries. At Lynchburg Living, we truly #supportlocal and are passionate about our small business community.

We Want To hear From You!
Send us an e-mail to shelley@lynchburgmag.com. Correspondents must identify themselves; names may be withheld on request. Lynchburg Living may edit or condense.

5 Simple Steps You Can Take To Chill Out

Feeling a little anxious these days? Us too. It seems like no matter how hard you try, it’s very easy to find yourself consumed by the coronavirus and the “what happens next?” scenarios.

Pamela Smith, LPC, CEAP, is a licensed professional counselor with years of experience in individual and family counseling. If you start to feel anxiety creep in—about COVID-19, career changes, or even cabin fever with children—here are 5 actions she suggests that can help you regain some control.

Try square breathing. Imagine a box: breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, breathe out for four counts, and hold for four counts. “This gets you to do some deep breathing but your head is in the game. You are less likely to let your mind start thinking of those stressful things. Because you have to count,” Smith explains. Her advice is to take is slow and don’t worry about quantity. Even just three or four breaths can help you reset.

Start a gratitude journal. At night before you go to bed, Smith recommends writing down three things that happened during the day that you are grateful for—no matter how small. “When you write, the information goes to a different part of your brain, you process it better than just thinking about it,” she explains. Then after you turn off the light and try to sleep, replay those three things in your mind. If you aren’t a writer, try bullet points or even draw a picture, she says.

Limit time watching the news and surfing social media. There is a big difference between staying informed and staying immersed in the daily news grind. “Don’t leave the news on 24/7 a day and when you get on social media, set a time limit,” Smith says. It’s easy to start clicking on every single opinion article but your mental health can’t handle an overload of negativity.

Practice mindfulness. For those unfamiliar with the term, mindfulness is about “staying in the here and the now,” Smith says. “Right now, we are so worried about the future and what’s going to happen. But we forget what we are doing right now.” Being mindful means you focus on the moment you are in. For example, when anxiety starts to build, focus on three things you see, three things you hear and three things you smell. “This allows us to re-center ourselves,” Smith says. “This is who I am right now. Let me move forward right now.”

Get moving, preferably outside. “I know for me, I was going to the Y and exercising four or five days a week so I’m struggling a bit,” she says. “Moving our body is so critical for not only our physical health but our mental health.” Whether it’s going for a walk or doing some gardening work, you will feel better after getting some fresh air and working up a sweat.

The Virginian Hotel was transformed into a “Swing Era” party on Feb. 1, as Lynchburg Living celebrated our 2020 Best Of Lynchburg winners.

Guests were encouraged to dress in costume—and many did! They enjoyed delicious food provided by 10 local restaurants, with Simply Vanilla Gourmet Cheesecakes taking home the evening’s Best Restaurant Award. The evening also included jazz music, a talented magician and green screen fun.Congratulations again to all of our winners—and thank you to everyone who helped make our Best Of Lynchburg Party such a success!Photography by Jenna McKenney.

Thank you for an Incredible Showcase, Lynchburg!

For twenty years, the Central Virginia Bridal Showcase has been a place for top businesses and organizations to provide answers and services to Lynchburg couples who are planning their wedding day. We are inviting you to be part of this spectacular event – with awesome vendors and huge giveaways, the 20th annual Bridal Showcase is an essential event for all brides! Thank you to all of our amazing vendors and to all of the brides, family, and friends that attended the Showcase! We will see you next year!

Thank you to our Sponsor

Spring Tablescapes

Goodbye folded laundry and paperwork—it’s time to return your dining table to its former glory

If a spring brunch or dinner party is on your end-of-winter-celebration checklist, there is an easy way to take your dining area décor to the next level: a styled tablescape. “Tablescapes can elevate furniture, from an incredibly simple table to a hand-me-down set to something brand new,” says Ashley Hilbish, interior designer with Curtains, Blinds & Bath. “They add tons of visual interest to a room that typically gets the smallest budget and is usually left for last when it comes to decorating.”

Looking at your empty table and not sure where to start? Ashley says first, try to block out the colors in the rest of your home. “The table is one place where you can get away with not matching the rest of your space,” she says, adding that great tablescapes have lots of layers as well as contrasting colors.

To show us how it’s done, Ashley created two table settings—in two very different styles—that we hope will inspire you to reclaim your dining table this spring.

Bright & Traditional

Versatility is the backbone of this transitional tablescape that’s perfect for someone trying to incorporate updated pieces into their more traditional home. “It neither screams stuffy or too casual,” Ashley says. “This look can go from full-blown Easter meals with the family to a simple cheese and wine pairing on a sunny afternoon with friends.” In fact, this table setting is so versatile, just switch out your textiles and flowers from season to season—everything else can stay.

Give your table a personal spring touch by painting the names of your guests on eggs.

Ditch the rings and tie your cloth napkins into a bow-tie shape. Also, don’t be afraid to use a mix of metal finishes.

Intricate floral candlesticks are a nod to traditional style. For a finished and cozy look, add white unscented candles.

Ashley encourages clients with longer tables to try using two table runners horizontally instead of one down the middle.

This more formal spring centerpiece features orange tulips alongside a diverse mix of white flowers, pampas grass, and feathered/seeded eucalyptus.

Like What You See?
Many of these items from both tablescapes are for sale at Curtains, Blinds & Bath—18458 Forest Road, Forest, VA 24551.

Bold & Whimsical

Dark colors, matte finishes and soft textures collide gorgeously in this “moody” tablescape that would fit well in mid-century, boho or modern homes. It gives off a metropolitan vibe—you may even want to pretend you’re brunching with friends in New York or Los Angeles. “Am I saying you can’t mix in grandma’s vintage silver with this for a personal touch and still make it work? Not at all … but I think overall, the textures and finishes—even down to the eucalyptus greens—really make this look on trend,” Ashley says.

Create your own floating plants—these centerpieces are easy to make and work well with most décor styles.

A white boho-inspired runner gives this table setting a more laid-back vibe. For those with a playful spirit, ceramic bunnies give this décor the “spring” touch it needs.

Burgundy Scabiosa gives a pop of color to this arrangement that features delicate pink Quicksand roses.

Select items with varying heights to add dimension and interest.

Soft pink bowls contrast sharply with black plates, fitting in with a modern aesthetic.

Many thanks to:
Tablescape Design: Curtains, Blinds & Bath,
www.curtainsblindsbath.com
Venue: Atelier Studio & Gathering Space,
www.atelierlynchburg.com
Photography: Adam and Sarah Mullins,
www.themullinsphotoco.com
Floral Arrangements: Fleur by Heather,
www.fleurbyheather.com

GO BRIGHT OR KEEP IT LIGHT BUT DON’T BE AFRAID TO CRANK UP THE PIGMENT IN 2020

After a long stretch of whites and neutrals, we are extremely excited to announce: color is making a comeback. And if you’re ready to bring some bolder hues (and patterns) into your home, what better place to start than on the walls?

“People are definitely wanting to add in more color,” says Mary Lou Stufano at James T. Davis Paint and Design Center in Lynchburg. “There has been a very strong shift towards the artisanal movement and working with local artists. People are also traveling and bringing back fabrics from other countries that they want to work into their style.”

Mary Lou and fellow James T. Davis designer Kara Oliver not only showed us a few top color choices, they took it a step further and showed us how to style these paint options in your home.

Colors of the Year

While you may have heard about Pantone’s widely publicized “Color of the Year” (their 2020 pick is an elegant Classic Blue), you may not realize that local paint stores, such as James T. Davis, research and prepare their own list of recommendations. What’s even better—it’s not limited to just one color!

From “Mullen Pink” to “On the Nile,” their 2020 lineup includes mostly vibrant, rich colors—with only a few tamer counterparts. The color palette as a whole gives off a formal, traditional vibe. Kara and Mary Lou see these colors working well in one of Lynchburg’s older, historic homes with dark mahogany furniture, even wicker and rattan. But don’t forget to bring in some modern touches so it doesn’t look dated.

“Add maybe a brass and glass coffee table or a very modern piece of art to tone down that traditional feeling,” says Stufano.

If you aren’t quite ready to paint your living room the orange-inspired “Ballet Cream,” Oliver suggests starting small. “Think in small doses. A half bath for example. A homeowner can have some fun with that space,” she says.

Transitional Style

Taking a step down from the Colors of the Year are two “transitional” looks created by our James T. Davis experts. “These are a transition between a traditional and contemporary design. You may see a traditional style or wood furniture but much cleaner lines. Not curly and fussy,” Stufano says.

The colors they chose for these looks—a range of pinks and blues—are not neutrals, but they are soft and feminine, even in their darkest shades.

“Gold accents can play well off the blue,” Oliver says, but adds that silvers would work as well and encourages homeowners to mix metals. “Because they aren’t as glaring and shiny anymore, some metals you can’t even really tell if it’s a gold or a silver.”

One way to bring a metal into a room is with wallpaper. A modern, geometric pattern can give these pink and blue shades a little bit of an edge. Add other textures to draw people in such as velvet, a popular fabric choice. “People like things that feel good, and light plays off of velvet differently than it would a linen,” says Stufano.

If velvet and Laura Ashley–inspired colors have you thinking, “what decade are we in?” don’t fret. “Some colors and textures are definitely coming back into play, but they are being presented differently. For example, we are seeing cleaner, straighter window treatments. None of those valences that used to be popular,” Stufano says.

Overwhelmed By Your Choices?
Oliver and Stufano tell clients to find items in their home that they love and bring them to their consultation. Then, they can start choosing some colors around those choices. “This could be a pillow, a fabric, a piece of art. I had someone bring me a shell once,” she says. “For people with new builds or those who are ‘I don’t know where to start,’ this narrows down their selections.”

BEHIND THE SCENES

Temperatures were in the teens as we descended on Atelier Studio & Gathering Space January 23 for a styled spring-inspired photo shoot. Inside the Madison Street business, it was all hands on deck (or in some cases, ladders were used) to create two unique table settings—from the perfectly tied napkins to the exquisitely styled flower arrangements.

Later in the day, at the home of Jill Rufus in Forest, the family dog Hershey offered plenty of comedic relief as our freelance photographer, Laura Beth Davidson, worked her magic—(we’re not 100 percent sure, but we think he was subtly telling us he wanted a belly rub?)

Flip to our expanded Home & Garden section on page 25 to see how it all turned out!

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to Hawaii Poke and Greens in Cornerstone.
Hello! to County Smoak on Timberlake Road (near Tiny Town Golf).
Goodbye to the Calle Cruz Miami and Uprooted food trucks as the owners relocate to Florida this year.
Hello! to Mardel Christian & Education. The book store will open next to Hobby Lobby this spring.
Hello! to Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats. The bakery will not be relocating and is staying in Downtown Lynchburg!
Goodbye to Whole Health Physical Therapy in Wyndhurst.
Goodbye to Waitr in Lynchburg. The app stopped its service here in late January.
Hello! to a new location of Batter Bar on Church Street.

Mark Your Calendars

M*A*S*H, The Play
March 5-7, 8 p.m.
Based on Richard Booker’s 1968 novel about three Army doctors, this Renaissance Theatre performance is full of comic adventures… with a little bit of romance and drama, too. Buy tickets at www.renaissancetheatrelynchburg.org and see our complete Theater Preview Guide starting on page 52.

Empty Bowls 2020
March 21, 10:30 a.m.
Raise money for Lynchburg Daily Bread at this 12th annual event at the Academy Center of the Arts’ Warehouse Theater. Your $20 ticket includes a hand-made ceramic bowl (all are donated by
local potters), soup tastings, bread, dessert and a beverage. Buy tickets at academycenter.org.

Lynchburg Garden Day
April 21, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This self-driving tour, part of Historic Virginia Garden Week, features five local properties full of history and unique charm. This year’s lineup includes the octagonal villa and ornamental gardens at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Find more information at www.lynchburggardenclub.org.

Antique Rose Festival & Sale
April 25 – May 31
2020 marks the 25th anniversary of this beloved Hill City event at Old City Cemetery that’s also the largest antique rose sale in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The festival includes a series of special events at the cemetery and downtown. Learn more at gravegarden.org and read more about the history of the festival starting on page 93.

Dance Theatre of Harlem
May 2, 7:30 p.m.
This dynamic, multi-ethnic ballet company will take the stage at the Historic Academy of Music Theatre. Dance Theatre of Harlem’s performances include classic as well as contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African American culture. Buy tickets at academycenter.org.