There's a new restaurant in town, and it'll offer cereal milk panna cotta. But which restaurant??!? And when will it open??? Patience, grasshopper. Read on and all shall be revealed. (Photo by: Stephanie Breijo)
Hey! Get out and enjoy some of this great weather! But before you do, we've got a patio roundup, some new spots to check out, and some iced-drink pro-tips to help you live your Best Dining Life:
- Carytown's getting a new seafood spot, and it's setting sail next weekend. (I'm sorry; really couldn't help myself.) East Coast Provisions, located in the former Water Coastal Kitchen space, is Richmond Restaurant Group's newest concept, which focuses on familiar Northern and Mid-Atlantic seafood recipes and ingredients, from Maine to the Carolinas. Of course, with Trevor Knotts at the helm (formerly of The Betty on Davis), you can expect some bright, vivid and playful takes on East Coast traditions. And, of course, this opening is but one-half of RRG's plan; toward the end of 2017, the West End will get West Coast Provisions, its Pacific Northwest- and Golden State-inspired counterpart. Read up on the new restaurant, plus the team behind it, right over here.
- Speaking of new spots, North Side is getting a new Mexican restaurant within the next two to three months. Mi Jalisco, a Virginia chain, plans to set up shop at 4019 MacArthur Ave. in the former Tastebuds American Bistro space. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
- And after a bit of retooling, Sheppard Street Tavern is now open and serving up burgers, brunch and internationally inspired entrees in the former Caliente space at 2922 Park Ave. (RVANews)
- PSA: Just because you've got kids doesn't mean your fine-dining days are over! We've got a guide to some great spots around town where you and your little one can both eat well, and where you can work on expanding your child's palate while they're still young. (This is a good idea, according to science. Don't believe me? Check this out.)
- BURGER UPDATE: Downtown's Citizen is launching a new, weekly Thursday burger night from 5:30 to 10 p.m., and it starts next week! (Note: No relation to Citizen Burger Bar, which is still slated to someday open in the former Portrait House space.) Expect farm-raised beef from Madison's Wolf Creek Farm that comes served on buns from La Sabrosita Bakery, all for around $12. There will be a vegetarian option, as well as a gluten-free option, but no fries; potatas bravas only. Keep your eyes on the night's new Twitter account for updates. (Citizen)
- CHEF UPDATE: Congratulations to Travis Milton, herald of Appalachian cuisine and formerly of Comfort, for his new position of chef de cuisine at Family Meal in Willow Lawn! What began as a consulting gig en route to opening Shovel and Pick, Milton's own restaurant, has led to the chef's new position in celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio's family friendly spot. He's taking over, and there's already some fun new stuff on the menu because of it. Find out more about Milton right this way, as well as Shovel and Pick's potential move out of RVA, closer to its Appalachian roots. (RVANews)
- Chefs go through some bizarre things and travel to some off-the-grid places to source the best ingredients possible, and that's a fact. Here are a few of Richmond's own chefs and where they go to get the best stuff to make your best meals. (Richmond magazine)
- Looking for a gorgeous spot to grab a bite? Our March review of Quirk Hotel's Maple & Pine is now online, with photos of executive chef David Dunlap's stunning plating, to boot.
- Looking for a spot where you can eat and drink outside? Here's a quick-hit roundup of patio inspiration from RVANews, to help you get outside, deliciously.
- Looking to follow along on a cross-country road trip? ZZQ is bringing its enormous new smoker back to RVA, and the barbecue team is chronicling the adventure on its Instagram account. Go check it out!
- And last but certainly not least, congratulations to L'Opossum for winning Style Weekly's Restaurant of the Year! You can read up on the well-earned award right over here! (See also: vibrant photos of some of the most fun, daring and colorful dishes in the city.)
Hey! Get outside and eat and drink some things this weekend why don't ya!
- Head to Lovingston, where you'll find the Shamrock Shenanigans Whisky Party at Virginia Distillery Co. Shamrocks! Shenanigans! Whiskey! Cupcakes that taste like Thin Mints! Live music! Soul food! Just remember to wear green because, no, people theoretically shouldn't pinch you if you don't because it's not the actual St. Patty's Day, but if you are one of the first 100 guests in green, you'll get a free cupcake, and that's never bad. Saturday at 299 Eades Lane from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Virginia Distillery Co.)
- A bit closer to the city's center is the Sugar Shack Samoa Porter beer release at Strangeways Brewing. Yes, for real: Strangeways made a beer that's inspired by a Sugar Shack doughnut. Dreams really do come true. Fun starts at 11 a.m. (Strangeways Brewing)
- Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, grab a tropical-print shirt and head to Saison, where you'll find the bar blasting out tiki drinks, and The Roosevelt's Mike Braune slinging gourmet hot dogs from 5 p.m., on. It's the kick-off event for Saison's entire week of tiki madness, and we'll probably see you there with ceramic parrot tiki mugs in our hands. Want more details? Click this. (Richmond magazine)
- Then on Monday, kick off your week on a spicy note at The Jackdaw's latest pop-up, happening at Lunch and Supper from 5:30 until they run out of all the Chinese- and Southeast Asian-inspired fare your heart can desire and you can expect. Find the full menu here, but before you click that link, get stoked that it includes items such as pressed bao with crispy pig's head; and oxtail bolognese with mala sauce, tofu ricotta, Meyer lemon, mirepoix and rice cakes. (The Jackdaw)
- And on Tuesday, March 15, head to Pasture for fried green tomato BLT sandwiches and, wait for it ... it's for a great cause! GET OUT's BLgT tour is back, and proceeds from Pasture's happy hour and BLT sales will once more help Diversity Richmond in the fight against intolerance. Go forth and nosh, from 5 to 7 p.m. (OutRVA)
And now for a few (inter)national links:
- Hey! ICYMI, International Women's Day was earlier this week! Let's celebrate by generally supporting, loving and embracing all women, and especially those who make the food industry strong. Here's a spotlight on a few of those who go hard in the dirt; all hail female farmers and the great work they do. (Civil Eats)
- The weather's great for outdoor drinking this weekend; just be sure your beer doesn't contain glass shards. (Safety first!) Corona's currently recalling its 12-pack and 18-pack bottles; if you can locate your purchase's code, here are the bottles you're looking to avoid. (First We Feast)
- OK, so maybe skip that beer. In fact, maybe you're looking to skip beer entirely! Here's a guide to making the perfect iced espresso, courtesy of Bon Appetit. (Hint: Get tempering.)
'Til next time, we'll take our drink on ice, hold the glass shards.
