Happy Friday the 13th, Richmond. Unfortunately we don't have anything too eerie to report, though we do have a whole lot of delicious comin' your way ...
- First up, Carytown's got a brand new brewery and it opens tomorrow: Saturday, Feb. 14. We stopped by Garden Grove Brewing Co. to learn a bit about what they've got on tap and found that some of their most creative brews aren't even beer! (But really, try that ginger beer made with grapefruit zest and Hawaiian ginger.) (Richmond magazine)
- Also opening on Saturday: The Tin Pan, a restaurant and music venue in the West End, serving lunch, dinner and brunch to the tune of live music. (Richmond BizSense)
- Also opening this weekend: Perk Coffee + Lunchbox, the Bon Air coffee and lunch spot. (RVAnews)
- Fine dining's coming to Midlothian later this month, once Fall Line opens at Independence Golf Club on Feb. 25. Click the link and take a look around, read up on what's to come, start drooling, etc. (Richmond magazine)
- Slurp your way through spring because Shoryuken Ramen is extending its LUNCH pop-up through the end of April. The Shoryuken team also got a national nod from Urbanful, which named it one of its "Restaurant popups to catch while they're still on the table." Kudos! (Richmond.com/Richmond Times Dispatch)
- Hey, gang. Do you know what else is coming to Richmond? OLD BAY Filet-O-Fish sandwiches from McDonalds. I don't know how, I don't know why, but Old Bay and the golden arches are teaming up for the new menu item that's limited-release (because aren't they all?) and it'll be rolling it out in Virginia, the West Virginia panhandle, Washington, D.C., Maryland and Delaware starting Feb. 16. So that's certainly something. (news release)
- Get ready to dine for a great cause because the 3rd Annual Coaches' Cook-Off just enlisted chefs Lee Gregory and Joe Sparatta (of Southbound/The Roosevelt/Heritage fame). They'll be but two of five chefs helping to coach, well, coaches in a culinary smackdown where proceeds benefit the Positive Vibe Foundation. (Richmond magazine)
- Speaking of Joe Sparatta, Heritage is now bottling and selling its house-made Texas Mike's Hot Sauce brimming with Fresno chiles, white vinegar and salt for $8. Though it's currently only available at the restaurant, Sparatta hopes that after some paperwork and retail certification, you'll be able to find it at specialty markets throughout the city. (interview)
- And if those lunch-only hours have made it tough to visit Church Hill's The Dog & Pig Show, they've now extended their hours, staying open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. They've also added some new menu items like the Dog & Grits: steak, pimento cheese and a six-minute egg. And, to top it all off with some colorful news, they're now baking and selling king cake, for all your green-purple-yellow Mardi Gras needs. (interview)
Looking for something to do? Coupled, single or just ready to stuff your face, we've got events for you:
- Start your Saturday on a sweet note and head to The Broadberry from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 for #RVApancakeLOVE, a delicious breakfast event with pancake art from a dozen local artists including Richmond magazine's own creative director, Steve Hedberg. Warm, fuzzy feelings bonus: Ticket proceeds benefit FeedMore. (news release)
- Then get your beer and coffee fix all at once through Hardywood's release of the Sidamo Coffee Stout at Saturday's release party. How do you feel about square dancing? Regardless, that's happening, along with more live music, Goatocado, Carytown Burgers & Fries and Boka Taco Truck. I've said it once and I'll say it again: I'm really beginning to think Hardywood is the Beyonce of the RVA brew scene. These endless collaborations and releases are enough to make your head spin. (Hardywood Park Craft Brewery)
- If wine's more your pace, Saison Market's doing a special tasting of Georgian wines. (Think: Eastern Europe, not the South.) Five bucks from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday gets you tastes of these meaty, fruity, totally unique wines. (news release)
- And if you're brave enough to venture into the #RVAdine scene for a Valentine's Day dinner, here's a solid and lengthy round-up of V-Day menus and specials around town. Most reservations are already filled, though I've heard many spots still have late seating available. Just remember to be especially kind to your servers when you get there; they've probably had an especially rough day. (Richmond.com/Richmond Times Dispatch)
And now for your weekly dose of (inter)national food links:
- If you're not looking to splurge on Valentine's Day, might we recommend the candle-lit dinner that Waffle House is offering for the occasion? (WGCL)
- If you're just sticking to wine and chocolate for the holiday, be sure you're pairing them correctly. (The New York Times)
- For the first time in almost 20 years, Irish beef is back in America and it wants a place at your table. (The Guardian)
- What does danger taste like? Apparently, spicy food. Sort of. A new Penn State study found that risk takers are more likely to enjoy and order a lot of heat; six times more than your average diner. (Foodbeast)
- No, you're not on acid. (Probably.) It's entirely possible you just sampled the Sarpa Salpa fish, which causes hallucinations. (First We Feast)
Until next time, pass the chocolate, but we'll pass on the Sarpa Salpa.
