Another week, another fresh and flavorful edition of Food News (Photo by Eileen Mellon)
Perfectly Imperfect
Jilan Hall has built a business around one simple idea: It all starts with a biscuit. Earlier this summer, she debuted The Sassy Biscuit Co. in Manchester, a breakfast, lunch and brunch cafe where buttery drop biscuits anchor a menu of sweet and savory dishes, developed through years of refining the concept across the country. (Richmond magazine)
Vine Guide
’Tis the time of year for bountiful, peak-summer tomatoes, and writer and farmers market regular Stephanie Ganz shares the fruits of the season. From locally grown heirlooms to industry pros’ sandwiches of choice and other can’t-miss ’mater dishes, dig in to this juicy celebration of summer. (Richmond magazine)
Best Bites
Your latest dose of RVADine inspiration awaits, including a Middle Eastern morning moment, a bite-sized Japanese treat and a hauntingly tropical cocktail. (Richmond magazine)
Farm On
A full-on feast returns this September. The Birdhouse Farmers Market, a weekly gathering on Tuesdays that draws local chefs and shoppers alike, is hosting its ninth annual fundraising dinner Sept. 13 at ZZQ. The best part: the cast of food and beverage folks preparing the meal, ranging from Ryan Jones of 8 1/2 to freelance baker and chef Olivia Wilson, James Beard Award-nominated chef Leah Branch, Evrim Dogu of Sub Rosa, Caleb Shriver of Slack Tide Fish Co. and more. Tickets are $190, and the event always sells out.
Immigrant Voices
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture continues to use food as a lens for storytelling. During the We the People Restaurant Showcase on Aug. 14, the museum will pair its current exhibition exploring immigration in Virginia with a walk-around tasting featuring dishes from immigrant-led local food businesses including Kobop, TBT El Gallo, La Bête, Two and a Half Irishmen, Mar Mar, Khushbu and more. Tickets start at $85.
ICYMI
We all scream for ice cream, and our latest feature dives spoon-first into Richmond’s coolest sweets, exploring fine-dining desserts, inventive flavors, handcrafted ice cream cakes, artisanal toppings and more. (Richmond magazine)
Turkish-inspired concept Otto opens in Manchester. (Richmond magazine)
Discover the city’s ice cream history, from oyster-flavored scoops to the modern era. (Richmond magazine)
Revisit Shockoe Bottom standby Addis Ethiopian Restaurant. (Richmond magazine)
Local dirty soda shop Sippa is now open at 1415 Eastridge Road. (Richmond magazine)
Little Bites
- RVA Community Fridges is going solo. Starting Sept. 1, the longstanding mutual aid organization will become the sole tenants of Matchbox Mutual Aid, its current home base. To assist with the efforts, Home Fire Gallery is launching a super fun fundraiser and calling on local artists to use pizza boxes as their canvas.
- Housemade shio buns, fluffy yet sturdy focaccia and ciabatta buns have long been on menu at downtown lunch spot Charlotte’s Southern Deli. Now, co-owner Paul Polk says, they will soon offer an extended menu of breads and baked goods, along with adding a few dips in the mix.
- After over 20 years in business, family-run grocery salvage store Fresh to Frozen closed permanently on July 31. Located at 7803 Midlothian Turnpike, the discount store had revived an old Ukrop’s supermarket building and was known for its deals on lightly damaged, out-of-season goods from produce to olive oil and wines.
RVA Love
In the Punch article “Where Have All the Buybacks Gone?,” the author explores the relationship between bartenders and regulars, and how in current economic times, the idea of a freebie drink has all but dissipated. Richmond bartender Erin Gerety features in the discussion.
Upcoming Events
- Tasting Thursday, Blue Bee Cider (Aug. 6): The monthly free guided tasting of heirloom ciders
- Find Your Exit Plan Pop-up, Plan 9 Music (Aug. 7-8): Special drinks include the Plan 9 Crying Tiger and Purple Rain.
- Free Public Cupping, Blanchard’s Broad Street (Aug. 7): Experience a recent coffee release during a cupping and discussion.
- Nightshade Dinner Pop-up, Floris at VMFA (Aug. 8): Four summery courses in an elegant setting
- Feast of the Senses, Apothec (Aug. 8): Second event in the series, this one exploring connections between cheese and perfume
- Buonasera, Giorno Market (Aug. 9): The Italian market hosts The Free Tiramisu Guy and more.
- Carytown Watermelon Festival, Carytown (Aug. 9): The 44th celebration, with live music, fresh fruit and community
- Latino Farmers Market, 13900 Hull Street Road (Aug. 8): Shop the vibrant market featuring Latin purveyors and producers.
- Fast Food Our Way, Trouvaille (Aug. 9): A multicourse menu channeling hits from fast-food chains
- “Finding Edna Lewis” Screening, The Byrd Theatre (Aug. 10): See the James Beard Award-nominated documentary about the Virginia culinary icon.
- Art of the Cocktail, Virago Spirits (Aug. 11): Enjoy adult beverages from around the world.
- Spritz Please!, Morty’s Market & Deli (Aug. 11): Learn the ins and outs of easy-sipping spritzes; snacks and drinks included.
