Head below for a fresh serving of the week’s Food News. (Photo by Eileen Mellon)
Burger Boom
Burgers are iconic. They evoke nostalgic flashbacks of drive-thru visits with the family, memories of grease-stained paper bags and visions of summertime cookouts. Some might claim burgers are having a mainstream resurgence, while others would say their juicy momentum never faltered. Find these blank canvases all over Richmond, sizzling on griddles at divey holes-in-the-wall, dressed up with caviar or cornichons, reimagined for plant-based eaters, and always serving up simple joy. From straight shooters to beefy bargains, lacy smashed patties and alternative takes on the classic, we’ve compiled a local lineup of 14 must-tries (including a map to get you there). We also feature crispy sides and fresh-made buns, trace the lineage of an enduring Lakeside mainstay, find a Venezuelan spin on the burger, share road-trip patty stops and more. (Richmond magazine)
Remember That Place?
A favorite for bikers on the Capital Trail, meat church for devotees of smoke and home to nationally recognized ribs, The Original Ronnie’s BBQ is a long-standing hit. In our latest shout-out to local spots in business longer than 15 years, we head to Varina, where the pits at the family-owned operation are cranking Thursday through Sunday. (Richmond magazine)
Best Bites
In a city bursting with potential dining picks, we provide some culinary clarity with our latest collection of staff favorites that keep us coming back for more. This time around: a sourdough bagel with that classically crisp exterior, a cheesy happy hour deal and a stellar Southern-style banana pudding. (Richmond magazine)
ICYMI
The flavors of the Philippines abound at EJ’s Bistro Manila in Hopewell, a newly opened restaurant and extension of the neighboring market. (Richmond magazine)
Serving handmade frozen concoctions, water ice truck Good Vices is on a roll around Richmond. (Richmond magazine)
Golden-fried fish sandwiches are readily found in water towns across Virginia, but these locally made sizzlers are right at your fingertips. (Richmond magazine)
Upcoming Events
- Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer Tour, participating locations (Through July 28): Catch the final days of the mayo-’mater themed affair.
- Dayum Jam Fest: Pickle Party Jamboree, Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop (July 27): The queer-led jam and pickle purveyor celebrates nine years of business with a drag show, pickle and beer flights, and more.
- Themed Saturdays, Tablespoons Bakery (July 27): Order Harry Potter-inspired baked goods from the nonprofit bake shop during a newly launched series.
- Old School vs. New School, Penny’s Wine Shop (July 31): Justin Ferguson, sommelier and Underground Kitchen wine director, leads a tasting and pairing seminar.
- Nam Prik Pao Pop-up, The Jasper (July 31): Expect heat-heavy Thai dishes and well-crafted cocktails to wash them down.
