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Editor-in-chief Susan Wineicki at Buckingham Antique Mall Photo by James Dickinson
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Website content manager Jessica Ronky Haddad atop ACAC Photo by James Dickinson
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Managing Editor Jack Cooksey (left) with Nathan Burrell in the James River Park System Photo by Jordan Kyler
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Food Editor Brandon Fox at the Little Free Library Photo by James Dickinson
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Freelancer Nicole Cohen at Indoor Motorsports Photo by James Dickinson
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Associate Managing Editor Tina Eshelman at Belmont Butchery Photo by James Dickinson
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Senior Writer Harry Kollatz Jr. in Carytown Photo by James Dickinson
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Assistant Editor Anne Dreyfuss at Y & H Mercantile Photo by James Dickinson
Midlothian Faves
I no longer live there, but Midlothian gets my attention every couple of weeks when I make my way over to visit my parents. Here are a couple of new places worth a look-see, just beyond the Motor Mile. Bliss Bridal 2033 Huguenot Road in the Huguenot Village Shopping Center, 560-4447 Here's your shot to get one from Kleinfeld's or other shops consigning dresses to this new boutique. From veils to mother-of-the-bride wear, you may get lucky.
2013 Best & Worst
Buckingham Antique Mall 13150 Midlothian Turnpike, 893-4056 An outdoor letter "C" captivated me, as did celluloid drink muddlers with dice on top, not to mention the comedic timing of the two owners. More than 30 vendors reside in this store in the Village Marketplace Shopping Center. Gather's Event Business 920 Mount Herman Road, 379-0441 In love with the idea of a gathering in the country? Well, have a rehearsal dinner or 50th birthday party in the old Hallsboro country store, circa 1850, complete with a restored red Chevy truck as a backdrop for pictures. Matt and Melissa Carr's store and patio converts into a special occasion space for about 40. Jadean's Smokin' Six O Barbeque 317-4010 Open for eight months in a shiny mobile kitchen with a smoker on the back end, Jadean's Barbeque delivers an applewood-smoked pork sandwich that is sloppy but worth every morsel that spills into your lap. Outposts for Pleasants Hardware and Urban Farmhouse Pleasants is taking over the space once occupied by Coalfield Antiques Mall, which moved next door. And Shockoe Slip's Urban Farmhouse opened a second location at MillWorks near Midlothian Mines Park. While Pleasants' new Midlo location is music to my father's ears, don't miss music on the patio at Urban. — Susan Wineicki
Beyond the Bridges
Growing up in the Near West End, I rarely crossed the James. But my wife, a Northern Virginia transplant, cured me of that bias about a decade ago, persuading me to move into a house near Forest Hill Park. Today, we revel in the riverside trails, the city views and pleasant neighbors. Of course, we've also welcomed some new perks. TaZa 5047 Forest Hill Ave., 233-8646 The opening of this coffee shop on Forest Hill Avenue added a second local café to our neighborhood mix several years ago. Just recently, though, TaZa expanded its space and offerings, making the either-or coffee decision just a little bit harder. C&M Galley Kitchen 2805 Hathaway Road, 323-1117 In October, Stratford Hills got a little Fan foodie infusion with the opening of C&M Galley Kitchen, a mashup of the culinary repertoires of Bacchus' Chris DiLauro and Kuba Kuba's Manny Mendez. Nathan Burrell 646-8911 or jamesriverpark.org Earlier this year, Nathan Burrell replaced his old boss, Ralph White, as the city's new director of the James River Park System. That's 500-plus acres of riverfront recreation to keep in order. Lucky for us, Nate (as friends call him) is just as gung-ho as his predecessor, if not more so. Bottle Creations by Aisha 9200 Stony Point Parkway, 327-1653 If you have a green streak in your nature, a yen for quirky glassware and a commitment to buying local, this shop at Stony Point Fashion Park makes the grade. For about four years now, Aisha Hodge, a transplant from the British Virgin Islands, has been repurposing all sorts of bottles — beer, soda and spirits — into tumblers, juice glasses, spoon rests and more. Previously selling her wares online, she opened her shop in June. — Jack Cooksey
A Family Goes West, Far West
Like legions before me, I moved from the city to the Far West End when my children reached school age. I sometimes miss the city's easy access to culture, but nearly all of my preconceptions about suburban life have been shattered. Here are some recent highlights. Deep Run Roadhouse 12379 Gayton Road, 740-6301 This new barbecue and Tex-Mex joint had me with its brisket, but everything I've tried, from the collard greens to the Texas caviar, has been top-notch. Not surprising, once you learn it's owned by Paul Hubbard, co-founder of the popular Alamo BBQ in Church Hill. Bombshell 2243 Old Brick Road, 360-0051 My girlfriends and I cheered when Carytown's Bombshell salon opened a second location in West Broad Village. The salon delivers reasonably priced waxing and airbrush tanning services with expertise and humor. ACAC rooftop pool 2201 Old Brick Road, 464-0990 The adults-only rooftop terrace at the new ACAC at West Broad Village has everyone talking this summer. Complete with a pool and hot tub, platform tennis, lounge, bar, and fire pit, you won't believe you're in Short Pump. West End Farmers Market 6100 Pouncey Tract Road (Wednesdays); 12450 Gayton Road (Saturdays) While the South of the James market gets all the hype, I actually prefer the smaller West End Farmers Market. I can easily shop for my weekly essentials without fighting for a parking spot. Accanto Wine Bar 10478 Ridgefield Parkway, 741-1218 Located next door to its parent restaurant, Little Venice, this urban, chic bar and restaurant is a great place for happy hour drinks or to enjoy a date night with a significant other. — Jessica Ronky Haddad
Just Near Enough
My neighborhood near West Broad Street and Malvern Avenue has parks, schools, shops, restaurants and churches within walking distance — and even more a short drive or bike ride away, all without having to battle Short Pump traffic. Cuba Tropical Restaurant 4120 W. Broad St., 658-2860 I was thrown at first by the large pizza sign (which has since come down), but there are authentic Cuban dishes prepared by chef/owner Frederys Atencio, such as empanadas filled with ropa vieja, consisting of shredded beef seasoned with peppers, onions and garlic. Children's Theatre of Virginia 1601 Willow Lawn Drive, 282-2620 Part of Virginia Repertory Theatre, this venue has a new identity, as evidenced by the Show Bear mascot on the building's façade, walls decorated with costumes and paper-covered tables that are supplied with crayons. "We are also making a permanent comment board so that kids can write their own reviews," says spokeswoman Susan Davenport. Yellow Umbrella Provisions 5603 Patterson Ave., 282-9591 In February, the Yellow Umbrella seafood shop moved across Patterson Avenue and expanded its inventory of prepared foods, beer and wine, local produce and Virginia-made goodies — and added a butcher shop. I stopped in recently looking for something to feed the family for dinner and took home some delicious Suffolk-grown asparagus, along with a container of meatballs made in-house and cooked in tomato sauce. Floor & Décor West Broad Street and Glenside Drive It's been depressing to see the old Kmart property vacant, so I was happy to learn that this Atlanta-based retailer specializing in floor and wall tiles plans to open an 85,000-square foot store — its first one in Virginia — at this site in mid-August. — Tina Eshleman
Looking Up on North Side
Sometimes it's the little things in a neighborhood that make all the difference. This handful of newer arrivals has created an even deeper sense of place. Little Free Library 5004 E. Seminary Ave. Leave a book and then borrow a book from the small box on a post decorated with old key plates and keys. It was built by Randy and Colleen Conner-Renaye, and it's part of the international Little Free Library movement, an idea dreamed up by Todd Bol and Rick Brooks in Hudson, Wis., to promote both literacy and community. North Side Dog Park Forest Lawn Drive (behind Henderson Middle School) North Side residents Richard Sebastian and Jonathan Gilmore saw unused land between Pine Camp and Forest Lawn Cemetery and envisioned dogs running free — well, within a fenced area without a leash. Clair McGowan There's a brand new owner, Clair McGowan, at the neighborhood's favorite coffee shop, Stir Crazy Cafe. She's reorganized a little, plus freshened things up with new paint and art. The essentials all remain the same, though — good coffee in a great atmosphere. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery 2408 Ownby Lane, 420-2420 The place has been a boon to the neighborhood since it opened and began holding a Thursday food truck court and weekend events featuring music. This year, they've added the GrowRVA farmers market on Wednesdays at 4 p.m., and that makes fresh food that much more convenient. Little House Green Grocery 1227 Bellevue Ave., 262-7474 North Siders need not drive all over creation for local, fresh produce, Sausage Craft charcuterie and Polyface Farms' chicken anymore. It's one-stop shopping at Little House Green Grocery, owned by neighbors Jessica Goldberg and Erin Wright. — Brandon Fox
Eastward ho!
I grew up in Hanover but made the move 10 miles away to the East End. Over the past year, Sandston and Mechanicsville both have seen an influx of new businesses and development. Here's a sample. Indoor Motorsports 5 W. Williamsburg Road, 737-0008 After a three-year hiatus, slot-car racing returned to Richmond on Memorial Day. Yep, you're asking, "What's slot-car racing?" It's a bit like NASCAR, just really small — model cars racing around a miniature track. You can bring your own or rent models of classic muscle cars or the ones you'd see at RIR. Millstone Quilts' Quilt Harvest 8074 Flannigan Mill Road, 779-3535 Step onto the porch of this pre-Civil War gristmill and you'll find yourself transported to a simpler time of rocking in a chair and sewing in the cool breeze. Reproduction fabrics from the 1850s to the early 1900s are housed inside. On Sept. 27 and 28, you can enjoy a complimentary bowl of Brunswick stew as you browse antique quilts. Hanover First Festival The Hanover Ruritan Club hosted this festival in June at Battlefield Park Elementary School, showcasing about 35 local businesses. The Hanover Ruritan Club is working on expanding on the success of the first festival, which drew about 200 people. Sew Refreshing 7225 Bell Creek Road, 789-1803 A new dragon print in both red and gold is sure to please a younger quilter. This quilting and sewing shop caters to the more modern styles of fabric. This is a great place to visit if you're a beginning quilter or sewer because classes are available. Sweet Treats by Angie 15 Williamsburg Road, 698-9927 This store sells classic candy along with today's favorites. Fresh fudge, brownie pops and cupcakes brighten up the display case. Owner Angie Brock also crafts candy bouquets made-to-order. — Nicole Cohen
Carytown is Harry Town
I live in West of Boulevard South of Cary (WoBSoC), adjacent to Carytown and the Museum District. We can walk to nearly everything we need, and here are some of the new kids. The Black Hand Coffee Co. 3101 Patterson Ave., 855-0800 They've roasted their own since 2009 with a 1990s model Diedrich IR-12 machine. Clay Gilbert moved the business from its Sheppard Street location in December. The warm, sleek new site buzzes with the coffee and the WiFi. The Daily Kitchen and Bar 2934 W. Cary St., 342-8990 The long-awaited locanvore establishment follows a massive makeover of the former Glass & Powder Boardshop. It's the latest venue for Michelle Williams and the Richmond Restaurant Group. The Mellow Mushroom 3012 W. Cary St., 370-8210 The Mellow Mushroom, the Atlanta-based pizza chain, opened on May 20. Its Plan 9 Records past is honored by a collage of tape decks, vinyl records and album covers. A roster of local and regional beers is behind the bar. TC Artworks 3451 W. Cary St. , 353-2126 Tamara Clark, an artist and professional faux finisher, has opened adjacent to the Ceco Studio salon. Clark creates for both commercial and private clients. The Virginia Commonwealth University arts grad also offers classes. Viceroy 606 N. Sheppard St., 342-7696 Viceroy is named for a regent's emissary, not the cigarette brand. Sean McClain and Joanne Bender, owners of Bandito's, and David Bender, of Caliente, have created an airy, tony space inside the former Café Diem. — Harry Kollatz Jr.
Forever Fan
Best-selling novelist Tom Robbins described the Fan to me as "an island of eccentricity and rebellion in a city that is generally pretty conservative." Richmond has come a long way since Robbins resided here in the '60s, but I take pride in his memories of the neighborhood I call home. Mule Barn Craft Studio 2516 Mule Barn Alley, 314-566-8814 In February, two graduates of VCU's School of the Arts moved into the small building where Lamplighter used to roast their coffee. Sean Donlon and Frankie Toan had their first open house in April. "I don't know the square footage," Donlon says of the studio. "But I'd say it's big enough to hide three tigers, one small elephant and two kangaroos." Fleur 708 N. Meadow St., 385-0521 The flower and specialty gift division of Richmond-based wedding planning company Everything But Your Groom opened a brick-and-mortar shop on April 22. Fleur carries skin-care products, linens and more. Bigs BBQ 933 W. Grace St., 454-1553 You won't find farm animal décor adorning the walls of Bigs BBQ on the VCU campus. "We wanted a cleaner look," co-owner Rob Weaver says of the Chesterfield-based restaurant's second location that opened in July. Inchoate Company 106-B Vine St., inchoateco.com There might not be an ocean in Richmond, but the six friends who co-own the men's apparel company, Inchoate, make-do by oyster harvesting on the Rappahannock River, sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and paddle boarding on the James. Y&H Mercantile 119-A Robinson St., 658-0094 YaaTaah and Hansi Armentrout's vintage-inspired men and women's clothing store has everything a California-dreaming Richmond fashionista could desire . — Anne Dreyfuss
Brandermill
Though I've spent the most of the past few years at William & Mary, every time I come back to my home in Chesterfield, I'm always greeted by a few new businesses and restaurants. Goodwill 14740 Hull Street Road, 745-6300 Goodwill's new Woodlake location is a welcome addition to the Hull Street corridor for anyone seeking affordable outfits, books and home décor. This past November, I scored two J. Crew shirts, two Eddie Bauer flannels and a pair of Levi's, all for $20. Q Barbeque 13800 Fribble Way, 818-3583 I tried Q's barbeque at a recent graduation party, and I found it to be tender and flavorful — qualities sadly lacking from a lot of barbeque I've tried. Their coleslaw and beans were delicious, too. Children's Museum of Richmond Chesterfield 6629 Lake Harbour Drive, 474-7000 The Winterpock Crossing Shopping Center has suffered at the hands of newer developments in the past several years, so I was very pleased to see the Children's Museum of Richmond take over a large amount of its empty retail space. Uptown Alley 6101 Brad McNeer Pkwy., 744-1077 The new Uptown Alley in the Commonwealth Center challenges the notion that bowling alleys must have a patina of age and pall of cigarette smoke to be authentic. The impressively designed and decorated two-story building boasts 38 lanes with high-tech scoring and ball-retrieval systems, a full arcade, a sports theater and two restaurants. Emergency Physicians Immediate Care 6100 Harborside Loop, 639-7555 When I had pink eye over my winter break, instead of driving out to Chester to see my family doctor, I stopped by, and in less than an hour, I was seen by a doctor, given eye drops and sent out the door .
