What kind of mad chef would open a ramen restaurant in Norfolk and be closed everyday except Sunday? A chef who likes food and doesn’t care much about what you expect from him.

For a self-declared foodie and vegetarian, walking into a restaurant like Baladi Mediterranean Café is a relief, a surprise, a haven of solidly delicious, fresh fare.

Perhaps it sounds simplistic to believe food, when shared, can be the catalyst that brings cohesion to community. But indeed, this has been its role since the beginning of time.

Though I have only been a resident of Hampton Roads for a little over a decade, the O.V parade has become part of what makes it feel like home.

What prompts even those of us who have no affiliation with the Emerald Isle past getting to second base during a viewing of The Boondock Saints to decide we’re participating in a Celtic religious holiday?

On the heels of bottles of O’Connor showing up in local stores this week comes the news of another advance is our suddenly hot local brewery scene.

Perhaps those who are offended by Limbaugh need to remind themselves that they, and not local stations, are the owners of the airwaves that carry what is offensive to them.

Our own backyard is privy to some of the most progressive, inspiring eco-projects in the county, including Algal Biodiesel, the Solar Decathlon, and the Great American Clean-up.

Did I mention I’m .68439 parts Irish?

Now celebrating 15 years of existence, the Commonwealth’s most successful urban music open-mic, has weathered a number of moves that it has continually recovered from.

Nine out of ten Virginians lived through a weather-related disaster in their city or county in recent years, according to a new Environment Virginia report. And that extreme weather is being fueled by global warming.

“One of our crafters told me the other day that we were creating this community. I don’t think it’s just us, but it’s thrilling to be a part of that. We all create our community. We’re just one part of bringing that community together.”

In talking with GLBT students and others, I heard repeatedly how important it is to have a place to relax and just be, without having to explain or listen to awkward comments or feel on display.

I see shades of green creeping into wardrobes of fashionables here in town and am positively green with envy of their styles.

Amanda Page Stephens and the Belmont House of Smoke presents an art and music show celebrating Women’s History month. Enjoy this preview, filled elegantly with images and artist interviews.