Take a peek inside Peter Chang's new Scott's Addition restaurant, and more, in this week's Food News. (Photo by: Stephanie Breijo)
Hey there, misters and misses, welcome to this week's Food News. We're bringing you brew news, a peek inside Peter Chang's new restaurant and more. And oh yes, shimmy into your eatin' pants this weekend.
- Helloooooo, nurse. Scott's Addition's newly renovated Hofheimer Building is a real beauty. With chef Peter Chang's forthcoming restaurant on the ground floor, a gallery and event space on the second, a rooftop offering happy hours, and a 3,000-square-foot unit that will temporarily host an art gallery, this could very well be the neighborhood's next hub. (Especially if that open unit eventually becomes another restaurant, bar or brewery.) We've got a peek inside – and outside – of the historic building at 2816-18 W. Broad St., including a look at Peter Chang's new 75-seat restaurant, as well as the rooftop where you'll find an open-to-the-public happy hour tonight and every Thursday this month from 6 to 9 p.m. Stop by this evening for drinks and a view of fireworks from The Diamond, and check out our preview before you go.
- Speaking of Peter Chang, International Chef of Mystery, I thoroughly enjoyed this profile on the Hubei-born gourmet whose ravenous cult fandom followed him from his humble China Star chefdom all the way to his nearly 20 restaurants today. Now hoping to expand and brand his unique style, Chang is growing and so is his popularity. Read up on how and why this James Beard Award-nominated chef got his start, and what Richmond – and its culinary-curious residents – can expect from him soon. BONUS: On Sunday, catch the chef at a four-course, $75 dinner at The Hippodrome Theatre thanks to Full Disclosure. (Style Weekly)
- Brew news afoot: Chester's craft-beer bar The Bucket Trade closed its doors and is heading to Petersburg, set to open as a new merger with its owners' Petersburg Bucket Trade bottle shop (which also closed its doors). The new Bucket Trade, set to open later this month at 306 N. Sycamore St., will combine the food and beer-bar concepts of Chester with bottle selection of the ol' Petersburg spot, not to mention a new pour-it-yourself beer system. (RVANews)
- More brews: This weekend you can finally get a taste of that beer-wine hybrid from the minds of Garden Grove Brewing Co.'s Michael Brandt and The Roosevelt's Thomas “T” Leggett. Stop by Carytown's Garden Grove on Sunday and, at last, try that beer-wine vermouth, or beermouth, which has been aging/readying itself for months. You can pick up a 32-ounce growler fill while there, or enjoy a craft beermouth cocktail made by The Roosevelt's Leggett and Brandon Peck, or both. (We recommend both.) (Richmond magazine / news release)
- Midlothian's combination restaurant and bowling alley Uptown Alley is expanding – to another part of the world. Its new location in Changzhou, China, will be the first of 15 planned spots set to open within the next five years, "Uptown Alley has brought world-class bowling to Surprise, Arizona, as well as their flagship location in Midlothian, Virginia," CEO of Brunswick Bowling Products Brent Perrier says in a news release. "Brunswick is proud to have provided the bowling equipment for both of these showcase centers and we are excited to continue to partner with Uptown Alley as they expand their brand to China." Closer to home, Manassas will get its own Uptown Alley this Fall, as will Virginia Beach further down the line. (news release)
- A PSA: This Saturday is your last chance to visit Shoryuken Ramen at 900 W. Franklin St. This Fan-area noodle shop had a great run; be sure to stop in and say/slurp farewell to this restaurant and its ramen ninjas. (Richmond magazine)
Rain or shine, rise and dine — THE WEEKEND EVENTS ARE HERE:
- Tonight: Sip your way through eight springy rosés at Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Cafe's The Big Pink Event, where $15 gets you a taste of each. You'll also find Na Nin Vintage clothing and Bear Ceramics jewelry there, should you be so shopping inclined. 5 to 8 p.m. (The Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Cafe)
- Hi, hello. How do you feel about tender, roasted lamb? Perhaps you'd like some Loubiyeh, its green beans perfectly wilted and mingling with spiced and onion in tomato sauce? Ah, I see, you're more of a meat pie / stuffed squash / falafel fan. Never fear; the 32nd annual Lebanese Food Festival has something for you, whatever your preference. Order items in bulk and by the dozen, grab a sampler plate, or stop by for some a la carte Lebanese doughnuts, stuffed grape leaves and more, all at Saint Anthony Maronite Church on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find the full menu here, but don't blame me or this event's organizers if you find a puddle of drool on or near your screen. (The Lebanese Food Festival)
- Do you remember that Artisan Pickle Club we told you about last fall? Great news! This Saturday, it's hosting Pickled & Fermented: an event dedicated to the briny goodness of pickled goods. Find pickle-themed beer, live music, a pickle competition and, of course, a ton of pickled goods to sample, all at Center of the Universe Brewing Co. from 1 to 5 p.m. (The Artisan Pickle Club)
- If you're more into, say, fermented grapes, The Central Virginia Wine Festival is back and it's got Virginia-made wine galore. It's also got live music, crafts, vendors, craft beer and food. What's more, ticket proceeds benefit the scholarship and endowment funds for the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. at the Innsbrook Pavilion. (The Central Virginia Wine Festival)
- Or on Saturday, make your way to Lovingston for Virginia Distillery's Come Together Over Whiskey event! Beatles cover band! Whiskey cocktails! Food trucks! The fun runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fuuuuun, fuuuuuuun, fuuuuuuun, here it comeeeees. (Virginia Distillery Co.)
- Sunday you'll find eats, live music and drinks, all for a great cause at the 12th annual Vibefest. Proceeds benefit the Positive Vibe Foundation, which helps train and staff disabled employees in the Richmond area. What's not to love? Head to Max's Positive Vibe Cafe from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Max's Positive Vibe Cafe)
- If you're looking for a wine dinner, Camden's Dogtown Market has you covered with a five-course meal with pairings, all for $45 (sans tax and tip). Celebrate and taste the flavors of Moldova with house-made, smoked-ham-stuffed cabbage, and corn porridge topped with grilled lamb, sour cream and Bryndza. Secure your seat at the 6:30 p.m. meal by emailing camdensdogtown@gmail.com.
And now for a few (inter)national links:
- It's no secret that the dining industry brings people from all walks of life together, but its effectiveness is sometimes remarkable. See for instance this feature on the foundations and businesses trying to make the food industry even more hospitable and welcoming for refugees of all nations. (Eater)
- Now you can eat at Burger King, then sweat it all out in the restaurant's new sauna – at least in Finland. The fast-food chain just launched its first combination sauna and restaurant, which is both great and somewhat off-putting. (First We Feast)
'Til next time, let's not find new meanings for the term "meat sweats," please.
