Head below for a freshly stacked selection of Food News. (Photo by Eileen Mellon)
All About the Bread
The baker is in the building, fresh-baked bread is perfuming the air, and the sandwiches are piling up. Antonelli’s Deli, the new neighborhood eatery from Superstars Pizza owner Taylor Antonelli and baker Giustino Riccio, is now open at 3401 Patterson Ave., putting a Richmond spin on the Italian American sandwich. (Richmond magazine)
Getting the Scoop
When I was growing up, the jingle of the ice cream truck would have me plunging into the change jar and securing all the coins needed for a Good Humor strawberry shortcake bar. In the decades since, the culture of ice cream trucks has changed, and the casual, cruise-through-the-neighborhood approach has been replaced with more intentional planning. Learn about the new model for these ice cream shops on wheels. (Richmond magazine)
Young Alchemist
Writer Bird Cox has tapped into some fresh talent on the local beverage scene. In our latest Open Tab, she connects with bartender Anja Reyes of The Boathouse at Sunday Park to talk about the mixologist’s potion-making approach to the craft. (Richmond magazine)
Remember That Place?
Few restaurants reach five years in business, let alone five decades. One area eatery inching closer to that milestone is Melito’s, tucked into the Westbury Shopping Center. Its intimate booths, shady patio and consistent menu of cafe classics have been drawing loyal patrons since 1981. (Richmond magazine)
ICYMI
EAT Restaurant Partners and chef Kevin LaCivita debut Civita Italia in Short Pump. (Richmond magazine)
Get to know Santana Hem, the Cambodian-influenced chef and cookie connoisseur behind Hem and Her. (Richmond magazine)
Carytown provisions shop Dinner Party launches an event series dedicated to snacks. (Richmond magazine)
It’s spritz season, and these bubbles and bitters are calling. (Richmond magazine)
Encounter of the Third Kind: After a hiatus last year, Virginia’s sole natural wine festival is making a comeback. Founded by Ashley Patino, owner of Pizza Bones, Friend Bar and Julio’s Bagels, Encounter returns Nov. 15 at Studio Two Three. For this third year, expect plenty of tastings, a lineup of biodynamic producers from around the world and more.
In This Corner: Craving a bit of competition, enjoy exploring wines and ready to place bets on a winner? It’s a Somm Showdown Aug. 30 at Lillian, where the team’s wine pros Grayum and PJ will choose pairings across four courses, with diners choosing the victor. Reservations for the big bout can be made through Resy.
Baja Bean Time Machine: This Saturday, wine bar Jardin harks back to its patio predecessor, partying like it’s 2005 in an annual ode to Baja Bean Co., a sticky-floored bar that played a pivotal role in many Richmonders’ college exploits. Bajardin is back, bringing with it all the tacos, Tecates (this is the only time Jardin carries beer) and questionable moments of the past. They will also be pouring Mexican wines — the perfect lubricant for free games of Big Buck Hunter.
Greatest Hits: Mark your calendar for a special weekend 10 years in the making. From Sept. 10-13, Forest Hill Avenue’s Laura Lee’s is marking a decade and reveling in the fun with a greatest hits menu, a patio market, and a wine and karaoke party with pours from original manager Michael Smith.
Little Bites
- Following a 13-year run on Gayton Road, Deep Run Roadhouse is leveling up its digs. The local barbecue and Tex-Mex eatery is moving to 2120 John Rolfe Parkway and plans to reopen in the coming weeks.
- Opened late last year, Lineage Coffee, the Scott’s Addition cafe spinoff of the Carytown home goods store, is rebranding with a name change. Now introducing Keepsake Coffee Co.
- Tickets remain for the 8 p.m. seating of the Muna Food East Coast Tour — a Palestinian home-cooking and pop-up culinary project by Muna Hijazi, which features vegetable-forward Middle Eastern dishes and extra-virgin olive oil — at Sub Rosa on Aug. 23. A portion of proceeds will go to mutual aid projects in Palestine.
Upcoming Events
- Celebrating One Year, Janet’s Café & Bakery (Aug. 20): The first anniversary celebrations continue with an evening of elevated snacks and cocktails.
- Oops All Pinot’s & Pierogi, Afterglow Coffee Cooperative (Aug. 20): A pinot-only wine party paired with live tunes and bites
- Seventh Annual Egyptian Festival, 4305 Eighth St. (Aug. 22-23): A weekend gathering featuring traditional foods, specialty coffee, live music and more
- Latino Farmers Market, 13900 Hull Street Road (Aug. 22): Shop the vibrant market featuring Latin purveyors and producers.
- Summer Supper Somm, Lehja (Aug. 23): An Indian brunch celebrating locally grown Hanover tomatoes from Village Garden
- Slow Sunday, Homme Shop (Aug. 23): An end-of-summer cookout and vintage clothing event with free hot dogs and drinks
- RVA Black Farmers Market, Shalom Farms (Aug. 23): Shop produce and local goods from Black farmers and purveyors.
- Canning Workshop, Lakeside Farmers Market (Aug. 26): Learn canning tips and tricks including jams, jellies and pickles.
- Flight School: The Kiwi Edition - New Zealand, Mise en Place (Aug. 25): A newly launched global wine tasting class
- Movie Munchies, Keepsake Coffee Co. (Aug. 27): Cakes Between Friends hosts a treat-themed swap meet with baked goods inspired by the big screen.
