There’s just something about a simple southern potluck that makes me feel so good inside. Not only do we get to chow down with folks, but we also get to enjoy flavors we normally might not pair together—and somehow, someway, it all turns out just right. 

It also means my whole family gets a yummy meal (that I didn’t have to cook entirely). And for me, that’s a win-win anyway. However, sometimes, that one dish doesn’t go according to plan the first time around. And if you read to the end, you’ll get a heaping helping of a good laugh at my most recent failed attempt. 

If that’s not a welcome, I’m not sure what is—and I’m so glad you’re here to receive it. 

By Michael O’Connor

A data center development company is pulling the plug on a Northern Virginia project that had been years in the making and already cost tens of millions of dollars.

Compass Datacenters has backed out of a multi-year effort to develop a 2,100-acre data center corridor in Prince William County after the proposal faced “intense pushback from local residents,” according to a Bloomberg report.

By Amie Knowles

Why I, with my infinite wisdom, ever thought this would be a good idea, I couldn’t tell you. But there’s a reason why this section’s called “What I’m Trying” and not “What I’m Perfecting”—and this week, that involves yeast rolls.

Our story beings on Tuesday night when I discovered the Wednesday night meal at church before Bible study was a potluck instead of Pizza Hut. That means everybody brings a food item to share, and through small portions of a little bit of everything, you get a piled-high plate. I look forward to it, and I love the concept, but there’s a single important caveat—I’m not a great cook. I’ve literally burned ramen. 

There wasn’t time to go to the grocery store on Wednesday morning, so I had to come up with something on-hand. I found some flour and instant yeast. Ah yes. Finally. My bread making era was about to commence. With no eggs and no milk, I searched recipes online and found one with the ingredients I had. I just knew that by the end of the night, everyone would be talking about my yeast rolls. They’d be knocking down my door to get the details.

I followed the instructions somewhat closely—until I got distracted and forgot to add the extra half-cup of flour. I stirred for four minutes instead of kneading for eight. And greasing the bottom of the pan? Well, I figured butter would do about the same. Long story short, the rolls tasted amazing (surprisingly), but crumbled epically when I attempted to get them out of the pan. Thankfully,  I made a second batch in time and they turned out slightly better.

If your bread making skills are better than mine, send me some tips and tricks at amie@couriernewsroom.com. I’ll need them. 

By Dorothy Scott

Housed at Caesars Virginia in Danville, Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay is an easy way to experience Las Vegas without leaving your Southern comfort zone. 

The “MasterChef” judge has restaurants across the world, including in Sin City, where Caesars is a staple getaway. Ramsay’s Virginia establishment has both indoor and outdoor seating, and you’re going to want to soak up all of the sights, as this is just one of Virginia’s many restaurants with breathtaking views. 

Inside, elegance lines the walls, and outside, Danville’s historic smokestacks, known as the “Three Sisters,” tower over the area like guardian angels that always guide locals home. Truly, there’s no bad seat in the house.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Ava Edwards, Michael O’Connor, and Dorothy Scott. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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