Stephanie Breijo
Chow down on Rappahannock River Oysters at one of RVA's many events this weekend
We are a city of festivals. Seriously. There are at least three of them happening on Saturday alone, with some nonprofit benefits thrown in the mix to cleanse the psychological palate of potential hedonism. Heed Hawthorne and get yourself outside as much as possible:
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house."
Raw, steamed, fried: Bushels of Rappahannock River Oysters will be available however you like ‘em at OystoberFest. It’s happening at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church on Saturday, Oct. 4, from noon to 6 p.m. And there’s a bike valet! (OystoberFest)
Second verse, same as the first — except with barbecue. Hogtober rides again at Libby Hill Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, from noon to sunset. Combine it with OystoberFest and you’ve got an entire day of surf n’ turf. (Style Weekly)
And here’s how you’ll boogie off some of those calories: the R&B-centric 2nd Street Festival is ALSO ON SATURDAY, OCT. 4. Thank goodness, if you miss it, there’s more music on Sunday, Oct. 5! You might want to note, however, that Midnight Star takes the stage at 5:45 on Saturday. (Venture Richmond)
Also on Saturday, Oct. 4: Max’s Positive Vibe Café’s Dinner in the Dark, a sensory-deprivation meal experience designed to spread awareness about vision-impaired veterans. Country Club of Virginia chef Gary Whitecotton’s menu highlights the aroma and flavor of specially-selected food and drink. (Richmond.com)
The Mill House, a rehab center for survivors of brain injury, chose a Friday (smart!) for their fundraising event: hit up the 5th Annual Mill House Pig Out BBQ for lunch, from 11 a.m. “until the food runs out.” You can even pre-order a big batch of pulled pork for the office online. (CBIS)
Wine enthusiasts, draw a happy face on your calendar for Oct. 25. Powhatan’s Festival of the Grape will feature 30 Virginia wines with tastings and a hat parade, all for $25. (Powhatan Wine Festival)
Lemaire Restaurant's chef Walter Bundy walks us, care of editor Stephanie Breijo, through the process of pairing Champagnes and sparkling wines with food. Personally, I like to pair a beautifully fruit-forward, off-dry Crémant with the grilled cheese that I eat as an excuse to drink a bottle of wine at lunchtime. (Richmond magazine)
Downtown favorite Sweet Teas is not closing — it’s moving! One block! And it will henceforth be known as Joanna’s. (Richmond BizSense)
The Boathouse is going for three (or four, including Casa del Barco), with plans to open a Short Pump spot next spring. But there will be no boats. Because it’s Short Pump. (RVANews)
This is just cool: An interactive fall map on which you can find all Virginia wineries, pumpkin patches, orchards and mazes. (Virginia.org)
If you saw a sign that said “ 'Foulest Person Ever' Contest,” would you enter? What if I told you that the prizes were various quantities of free craft beer? Go play Cards Against Humanity at Strangeways Brewing on Mondays. (Richmond.com)
The most ridiculous thing I read this week: Better airline food today! The $23,000 way. (Derek Low)
The most fun thing I read this week: The lowdown on the CIA Starbucks. “Or ‘Store Number 1,’ as the receipts cryptically say.” (Washington Post)
Doesn’t that make you want to tell your Starbucks barista that your name is 04579? Or that they should probably, like, wear Tyvek on some random date in the near future? If we all band together, we can make Stealthy Starbucks happen for everyone.
See you next week.
