Head below for a plate of peak-season Food News. (Photo by Eileen Mellon)
Putting a Name to It
What happens when a chef with deep Richmond roots and Italian origins collaborates with a restaurateur behind a dozen-plus concepts and counting? A swanky, streamlined eatery with housemade pastas, a voluminous wine list and Negronis on tap. Meet the newly opened Civita Italia. (Richmond magazine)
Spotlight: Santana Hem
Maybe you know him for his long-titled locally made cookies, like brown butter black sesame brittle. Or perhaps you’ve tasted his Cambodian cooking during his residency at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU earlier this year, or you caught one of his family-style pop-ups. In our latest Spotlight, chef Santana Hem opens up about his go-to ingredients, love for condiments (and Rihanna) and more. (Richmond magazine)
Panty-palooza
The pantry is a portal to possibilities — if you know how to make the ingredients within come together. Annie Barrow, owner of Carytown shop Dinner Party, has launched a new series dubbed The Snack Table, dedicated to exploring all the what-if moments waiting in your cabinets. (Richmond magazine)
Easy Sippers
We’re moving through those hot and humid days of summer, and when it comes to beverages, if it’s not icy and easy to sip, I’m not interested. In our newest 5 Faves, writer Genevelyn Steele shares her go-to spritzes at watering holes around town, including a version with housemade sorbet. (Richmond magazine)
ICYMI
The Sassy Biscuit Co., now open in Manchester, is built on a foundation of drop biscuits and perseverance. (Richmond magazine)
Check out our extra juicy tomato guide, featuring top varieties, seasonal ’mater dishes and industry pros’ tomato sandwiches of choice. (Richmond magazine)
Find local dining inspiration in another edition of Best Bites. (Richmond magazine)
Raise a Pint: Fine Creek Brewing Company, the Powhatan-based operation helmed by hop-head and forager Brian Mandeville, took home Brewery of the Year honors at this year’s Virginia Craft Beer Cup. The bucolic brewery opened in 2017 and is known for its wide-ranging repertoire of suds, from brett wit made with elderflower and grapevine to wild ales and sours and barrel-aged delights. Bonus: a seasonally driven kitchen and an all-Virginia wine list.
That Dog in Me: Internet-famous focaccia pop-up Still Sunday is posting up at Le Petit Morceau in Manchester on Aug. 16 with a community-spirited event featuring free focaccia dogs. The catch? Bring a donation to help stock the nearby RVA Community Fridges location at Studio Two Three. Preorders are currently open for those looking to snag a loaf of focaccia; flavors include sweet corn, cheddar and hot honey, Greek-inspired Kalamata olive and feta, and cinnamon-sugar churro.
Pro-Produce: VegTable, the produce-forward pop-up from Kathryn Schmitz — known for her stellar tomato jam, take-and-bake gougères, and beet ’nduja — has announced a new role as chef in residence at the ICA at VCU. Her time in the kitchen happens this fall and winter, but the fun starts with a sneak-peek gathering on Saturday, Aug. 15.
Little Bites
- The Science Museum of Virginia has introduced fast-casual concept Café by Bean Sprouts inside the rotunda, offering sandwiches, salads, bowls, smoothies and espresso.
- Brookland Park Boulevard’s Die by Fry is eighty-sixing its current concept and says to stay tuned for something “new & exciting” in the future.
- Sir Weiners — the Charleston, South Carolina-based fancy hot dog brand from “Southern Hospitality” star and RVA native TJ Dinch — is opening a brick-and-mortar location at Scotty’s Taphouse in Scott’s Addition.
- Located at 1316 E. Cary St. in Shockoe Slip, neighborhood bar Cicada’s is now open.
Upcoming Events
- Free Public Cupping, Blanchard’s Broad Street (Aug. 14): A guided coffee tasting and discussion every Friday at 1 p.m.
- We the People Restaurant Showcase, Virginia Museum of History & Culture (Aug. 14): A walk-around tasting event featuring dishes from immigrant-led local food businesses
- All About Garlic, The Kitchen Classroom (Aug. 14): Explore the pungent and powerful allium.
- Cornpalooza, Janet’s Café & Bakery (Aug. 14-16): A whimsical, seasonal first anniversary celebration with corn croissants, corn sourdough and corn pastries
- Latino Farmers Market, 13900 Hull Street Road (Aug. 15): Shop the vibrant market featuring Latin purveyors and producers.
- Caribbean Jerk Fest, Kanawha Plaza (Aug. 15): Experience the tastes of the islands via rum tasting, island cuisine and more.
- Pizza-Eating Competition, Hot for Pizza (Aug. 16): Celebrate six years of the Carver ’za joint with a contest and live DJs.
- Lombardy Street Wine Crawl, Participating restaurants (Aug. 18): Bop between Susie’s, Jardin and Celladora during the weekly tasting event.
- Little Montrachet, Leek & Thistle (Aug. 19): Three French-inspired courses paired with wines from Burgundy
- Mediterranean Summer Supper, Echelon Wine Bar (Aug. 21): A four-course meal with wine pairings
