Richmond's third annual Brunch Weekend benefits VCU Massey Cancer Center. (Photo by Thinkstock)
Richmond Brunch Weekend
Oh, brunch, we just can’t seem to get enough of you. Tomorrow and Sunday, we have dozens more reasons to love you, because 43 participating restaurants in the third annual Richmond Brunch Weekend will donate 15 percent of their proceeds to the VCU Massey Cancer Center. A fun addition to the festivities is Massey Mimosas, playful twists on the traditional cocktail that the restaurants will offer. One dollar from each Mimosa will be donated to the cause as well, so don’t be shy, treat yourself to a second.
Forging Ahead
Yesterday, I got a sneak peek at the new Salt & Forge in Jackson Ward, which will open for breakfast and lunch service the week of April 3. Take a look inside and meet owner David Hahn.
Food and Beverage Expo
On Wednesday, I attended the Virginia Food and Beverage Expo at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, a gathering of Virginia's purveyors. I left with a full belly and a happy heart. Check out some highlights, which include some of 2018's best-in-show winners (one from Richmond).
Shedding That Shell
Our April issue, including the latest Dine, is hitting newsstands soon. Take a sneak peek at one Southern woman’s journey to perfect the peeling of a hard-boiled egg.
Matt's Dirty Pickles
Fan of pickles? I know I am (I even like to drink the juice), and when I hear about flavors such as bourbon bread-and-butter, my hand’s already reaching for the jar. Meet a Midlothian-based purveyor who’s mixing up the pickle game. (Richmond magazine)
Back to His Roots
As a kid, Joe Jenkins, a bartender at Julep’s, spent summers on a farm — an experience he thought he had left behind. When life threw an unexpected curve ball, Jenkins found himself returning to the soil. Get the full scoop on Bow Tide Farms. (Richmond magazine)
Community Fundraisers Made Easy
Serving Up Change, a local organization founded by Johnathan Mayo and Lester Johnson of Mama J’s, flips the script on restaurant-based community fundraisers, offering an online platform that makes the process easier for restaurants, nonprofits and consumers. (Richmond magazine)
Richmond Recognition
Chef Travis Milton, formerly of Comfort, returned to his roots in St. Paul, a small town in Southwest Virginia known for coal mining, to open Milton’s, attached to the Western Front Hotel. The menu features Appalachian cuisine including leather britches (a traditional bean dish), chicken fried steak, crackin’ cornbread and deviled eggs that change daily. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Metzger Bar & Butchery, known for its quaint dining room and modern German dishes crafted by Chef/co-owner Brittanny Anderson, recently received high praise, being dubbed “the future of German restaurants.” (Washington Post)
As if it weren’t already hard enough to get a reservation at the eclectic L’Opossum in Oregon Hill, they've just been named “The South’s Best Restaurant.” (Southern Living)
Chez Brian?
Chez Max, known for its classic French cuisine, is under new ownership after an almost 11-month acquisition process. Brian Moore, former sales manager for Robin Cellars, worked with original owner Annie Lecomte long before considering the purchase and believes that was one of the reasons he now has the keys. “I think she was comfortable that I would carry on the tradition, I wasn’t looking to make wholesale changes, and I would take the foundation and enhance the experience,” Moore says. “I think I’m most excited that every day will be a new adventure. It’s a great opportunity, and my goal is to make Chez Max the No. 1 fine-dining restaurant in the Richmond area.”
East End Grocery News
Last week employees at the Farm Fresh at 2320 E. Main St. were notified that the store would close in 60 days unless a buyer is found. Meanwhile, the East End Grocery Store, which will be built at 25th Street and Fairmont Avenue, announced plans to open its 27,000-square-foot store by December 1. There are also plans for a VCU Health and Wellness Center, apartments and the Reynolds Community College culinary arts program at that location. (NBC 12)
Carytown Market Moves
Warm weather is approaching, which means it’s time for outdoor food adventures, including farmers markets. The Carytown Farmers Market announced that they are relocating to the Richmond Kickers’ City Stadium, and opening day will be April 22, which coincides with Earth Day. The market will take place every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until October. The new collaboration opens the doors for more vendors, musicians and activities. (News release)
Sweet Mondays
Richmond-based C&C’s Cinnamon Rolls wants to change the dreaded Monday with the launch of C&C’s Express, a delivery service that will bring cinnamon rolls and Ironclad Coffee to area offices on Monday mornings starting March 26. The rolls are made from scratch using a family recipe, with flavors including coffee, mixed-berry cream and, of course, classic. Ten percent of C&C’s Express sales will go directly to the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, a nonprofit working to raise awareness of teenage depression and anxiety. (News release)
Upcoming Events
- Church Hill Irish Festival, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, (March 24 and 25): Enjoy “Irish lasagna,” traditional Irish dancers and bagpipers, and vendors. $5 donation requested.
- Women Who Rock Festival, Hardywood Brewery (March 24): Grapefruit Singel, a special release, will be available on draft, and 5 percent of sales will go to the VCU Chapter of Women Matter and Richmond Peace Education Center.
- Southern Food Festival, Center of the Universe Brewing (March 24): COTU will unleash a new beer called Bless Your Heart — a peaches and cream ale, and food vendors will serve Southern staples.
- Unlocking RVA Brunch Trolley (March 24): Travel on a trolley to Social 52, Tarrant’s West and Matchbox Short Pump for a brunch experience at each destination. Each stop includes two to three samples of brunch specialties and a cocktail.
- Easter Egg Hunt/Brunch Buffet, Matchbox (March 24): Brunch buffet with chicken and waffles, mini burritos, eggs, and other brunch specialties starting at 10 a.m. followed by an Easter egg hunt.
- Oyster Roast, Kindred Spirit Brewing (March 25): In celebration of a new deck at the brewery, oysters and brews will flow.
- Out of the Desert, Into the Glass, Graffiato (March 26): Want to try an exclusive wine that’s only available in an eight-box set and priced at $1,000? Book your seat at an eight-course dinner and wine pairing with Orin Swift Cellars, featuring their rare 8 Years in the Desert Zinfandel.
- National World Whiskey Day, Maple & Pine (March 27): Try flights of whiskey from all over the world from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Cheese & Cider Pairing Class, Blue Bee Cider (March 28): Essex Street Cheese and Truckle Cheesemongers, a Richmond-based cheese pop-up, will share cheese history along with five cheese and cider pairings.
- The Urban Roost Pop-Up Dinner, Lunch and Supper (March 29): Chef Stephen DaRaffele will be joined by Ardent Craft Ales and Old Forester Bourbon for a six-course dinner and brew pairing.
In Other Food News …
- U.S.-based fast-food chains are booming in China. Not only are they growing much faster than their American counterparts, chains like Starbucks, Pizza Hut and KFC are being upgraded to include wine lists, brunch and spectacular views; many even suggest reservations. I’ll take a glass of Pinot with my Big Mac, please. (Eater)
