Richmond Food News: Week of June 4-8

Feedback: Don’t Look Back Triple

This week marks the return of our on-the-street video series, "Feedback" — where I hit the town, talk to diners and get their impressions about the newest Richmond restaurants.  Click above to check it out. I traveled to Don’t Look Back Triple to scope out their recent comeback on the taco scene. I discovered tacos always hold a dear place in people’s hearts, and sometimes change is a good thing. (Richmond Magazine)

Bite of Broad Appetit

If you missed Broad Appetit on Sunday June 3, you missed adding a few pounds. Over 70 restaurants participated in the Broad Street foodie takeover and $20,000 was raised for FeedMore. Want to live vicariously through pictures, drool a little, and get the Broad Appetit low-down? Here you go. (Richmond Magazine)

Alpine Wine

That just rolls right off the tongue. Brenner Pass, known for their Alpine-influenced menu and a strong cheese game, is bringing something new to your wine glass. Co-owner/wine director Nathan Conway revealed the restaurant is launching its own house wine, imported from Switzerland, available in the restaurant and for retail sale. Want to learn more? We have the full scoop on what to expect when bottles debut in RVA. (Richmond Magazine)

RVA Hosts Indie Chef Week

Speaking of Brenner Pass, the restaurant and chef/co-owner Brittanny Anderson will host ChefsFeed Indie Week, a national traveling dinner series featuring top chefs from across the country, in August.  Twenty-four chefs, 12 courses, multiple nights of one-of-a-kind dining, and primo wine make this a can’t-miss event. Mark your calendars my friends. For all the details head this way. (Richmond Magazine)

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ

These are a few of my favorite things! The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival has Maryland roots but made its Richmond debut in 2008. Get ready to get down with the B trifecta for the 10th annual celebration. Where’s the Fire BBQ, Jadeans Smokin Six O and Buz & Ned’s will be providing the food and 'fixin’s. Greg Nivens, festival founder says, “Richmond is a Southern city and it has a great history of BBQ all around so it is a natural stop for us.” Beer and bourbon from across the country including Rebel Yell, Maker’s Mark and Heavy Seas Brewing, along with local favs such as Ardent Ales, Strangeways, Virginia Distilling Co. and Belle Isle Moonshine, will be available for unlimited samples. General admission tickets are $39 and VIP are $59.

Nick’s International At Your Door

Fresh cheese, Kalamata olives, Greek olive oil, and Mediterranean spices can soon make their way to your kitchen with the click of a button. Nick’s International Foods, a Richmond staple since the 1950s, made the move to North Side in January and since then has shifted focus to retail and wholesale operations. Manuel Mouris, Nick’s owner, along with Operations Manager Elias Burrell, plan to launch an ecommerce website on June 12 that will allow people to browse the market's goods and place in-store pickup or delivery orders. Burrell says, “We believe it will help people see what we have to offer. We scaled back [the sandwich side] of the business to push our wonderful specialty Greek, Italian, and other Mediterranean grocery products that can’t be found in a regular big box grocery store.”

Apples to Apples

Buskey Cider's newest adventure involves heading south to open a satellite location on June 16 in Cape Charles called Buskey Cider on the Bay, one block from the water. Road trip anyone? (BizSense)

Ever had Unicorn Fuel? Me either — it’s a fully dry cider infused with rosehips and hibiscus from Bryant’s Cider, out of Nelson County. The cidery is new and officially opened its doors in Roseland during Memorial Day weekend. Bryant’s will begin distribution in RVA shortly and is seeking a location for a satellite tasting room in the city slated for an early fall debut. Jerry Thornton says, "I chose Richmond because I live here. I don't think I could exist without both the city and country so having a strong presence in the city [Richmond] is a huge priority for me." The cider is made using local apples from Nelson County with no added sugars or artificial ingredients. Other ciders include Chaider, made using chai spices, and Cucumber Habanero and Hell hop, set for a July release.

In Case You Missed It

Ashland’s historic Cross Brothers Grocery reopened May 26 at South Railroad Avenue and has been revamped as Ashland Meat Company. The spot offers local products, prepared food, a full-service butcher, and a pretty solid beer and wine selection. Check it out, and while you’re there, you can try a sandwich such as the Ashland Hoagie on a La Bella Vita hoagie roll with Harlow Ridge Farms sweet Italian sausage, house-made marinara and fresh mozz.

Happy Empanada very quietly opened their brick-and-mortar location at 1203 Westover Hills Blvd. last month. Co-owner Linda Anderson said they plan to launch delivery through UberEats soon, making it even easier to indulge in their Panamanian treats. Happy Empanada is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Summertime is when patios come to life. and Nota Bene will unveil a small “outdoor lounge” in front of their restaurant on Friday, June 8. A custom iron railing will create a secluded space, so you can revel in fine Italian wine and pappardelle lamb sugo along Main Street.

Hopefully you got your last fix of Social 52 in time because on Monday, June 4, they shut down shop for “summer break.” The Main Street restaurant announced via the ‘gram they are closing to improve the restaurant and plan to reopen in August.

Twisted Ales Brewing in Manchester posted on social media that they are closing after just one year of business. The post states, “Life has unexpectedly set the Price family on a new and exciting path taking us outside of the great state of Virginia.”

Mayor Stoney awarded the first loan under the city’s new Micro-Enterprise Loan Program on Wednesday, June 6, to 521 Biscuits & Waffles. The loan program is new to the city and available for businesses operating with five employees or less, including the owner (s). The financing ranges from $2,500 to $50,000 and is funded with federal dollars. (press release)

In other food news…

• The beer scene continues to get creative. If you’ve ever had a Carvel ice cream cake you know the layer with chocolate crunch is the best — Captain Lawrence Brewing does anyway. The New York brewery released “Fudgie the Beer” a 6 percent stout made using that famous crunch and Carvel fudge. (NBC)
• Mexico pretty much said, "Hey Trump you impose tariffs, we will too." The country announced they will levy some $3 billion in tariffs on pork, cheese and whiskey after the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Mexican steel and aluminum. The tariff would lead to higher prices on the products and directly impact pig and dairy farmers. (Eater)

Events

• Tapped and Wrapped: Summer Stock-up, The Veil Brewing (Friday, June 8): Local artisans and vendors showcasing their work and offering hands-on demos with a side of brews.
• Taste of India, Cultural Center of India (June 9 and 10): Cultural experience featuring traditional Indian cuisine, crafts, music and dancing from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. Entry is free.
• Southern Food and Wine Festival, Grayhaven Winery (June 9): In the mood for a mini road trip? Sip on Virginia wine and savor Southern fare from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are two for $20.
• Porchlight Farm-raiser, MSE Properties (June 9): Vegan food vendors to benefit Porchlight Animal Sanctuary.
• 65 Roses Pizza Benefit, Sub Rosa (June 10): Starting at 7 p.m. grab a slice (or three) to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
• Juicy Brews Invitational, Triple Crossing Fulton Hill (June 10): Sample rare brews from across the country and some Richmond favs. Tickets are right under $75
• Positive Vibe Fest, Stratford Hills Shopping Center (June 10): Food and live music to benefit the Positive Vibe Foundation from noon to 6:30 p.m.
• Let’s Cook: Blueberry Lime Spice Jam, Chiknegg Productions (June 10): Learn how to make a jam that packs sweet, spicy and tart flavors. Tickets are $25
• The Brunch Market, Lunch.Supper (June 10): Mimosas, biscuits, and local vendors. Festivities take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• A Visit From The Lion, Saison (June 11): Six Firestone Walker beers paired with six courses from chef Adam Hall. Tickets are $100
• Thai Street Food cooking class, Sur La Table (June 12): Learn how to bring pad Thai and chicken satay to life with a hands-on class. Tickets are $75.
• Pucker: A kombucha pairing dinner, The Broken Tulip (June 12): This dinner pairs seven kombuchas with seven courses prepared by Chef Keva Miller of FeedShine. Tickets are $65.
• Wine Like You Mean It: Celebrate the Bay Wine Dinner, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens (June 12): Part of a summer-long series to benefit Ginter Urban Gardeners, four courses and wine pairings. Tickets are $75
• Smorgasbord RVA, Vasen Brewing (June 13): Hatch Kitchen RVA and Vasen Brewing are teaming up for a food and beverage vendor pop-up market from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Beyond Foodie, The Broad (June 14): From 6:30 to 8 p.m. learn about food injustice in the city and the lack of access to fresh food in certain areas. Donations accepted at the door to benefit FeedMore.
• Puerto Rico Benefit, Black Heath Meadery (June 14): A benefit to support small community farmers in Puerto Rico still dealing with devastation from Hurricane Maria from 1 to 6 p.m. A Puerto Rico-inspired Mead made with toasted pineapple and coconut called El Machet will be released.
• Wine Dinner, Rowland Dining (June 14): An intimate evening featuring wines from Italian wine-maker Elisabetta Fagiouli and four courses. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased by calling 804-257-9885.