It's been a week for Richmond food news. We've got some #RVAdine additions, a departure, a few familiar faces returning to the scene and a whole lot of Restaurant Week info. Come along with us; we'll laugh, we'll cry, we'll wash it all down with a tall glass of honey wine.
- Peter Chang, our beloved harbinger of Sichuan cuisine, is opening a fast-casual concept in Arlington called Peter Chang Wok. The restaurant will feature a pared-down menu that will somehow work in a fast-casual setting and kitchen. We're not sure how it will work, but we're fairly certain Chang can do all things through cooking, which nourishes us. (The Washington Post)
- It seems that the James Beard Awards have permeated everything lately, from the three semifinalist nominations for Richmond chefs to last week's Sally Bell's Beard Award win. This week, the Beard Awards struck again, in a roundabout way: Aaron Hoskins, executive chef of The Rogue Gentlemen, will leave Richmond next month to head the kitchen of a James Beard-nominated chef's award-winning restaurant. Be sure to try Rogue Gentlemen's hanger steak before he leaves and wish him well! (Richmond magazine)
- Here's a wonderful silver lining for The Rogue Gentlemen team, though: Their bread game is getting national recognition thanks to Drew Thomasson's expert baking skills. (Be sure to order those Parker House Rolls every time.) (Zagat)
- More national press attention: Harvest Grocery + Supply got a shout-out in a lovely article on the rise of corner store groceries. (The Wall Street Journal)
- RESTAURANT WEEK ALERT: Henrico County just announced its first ever restaurant week! Unlike many other permutations of the popular prix-fixe dining extravaganza, Henrico's caters to families and a spectrum of prices/events. Participating spots include The Melting Pot and new restaurant The Tin Pan, as well as Chuck E. Cheese and Joey’s Hot Dogs, among others. (Richmond magazine)
- SON OF RESTAURANT WEEK ALERT: Richmond Restaurant Week's list of participating restaurants is here, and with it, a $4 increase on all prix-fixe menus. Some fresh faces in the 2015 list of participants: Estilo, Supper and Torero Tapas Bar & Grill. (Richmond.com/Richmond Times Dispatch)
- DRINK ALERT: Black Heath Meadery, Richmond's first mead brewery, opened this week in Scott's Addition. Sip on some honey wine while you dream of warmer weather, OK? (Richmond magazine)
- DOUGHNUT ALERT: Fans of those delightfully doughy rings, rejoice! Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen is returning to the Westbury Pharmacy parking lot on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for all your sugar needs. (Style Weekly)
- COMING-THIS-WAY ALERT: Ready your palates for spice, because there's a new Jamaican restaurant and lounge headed for Shockoe Bottom. Bello's Lounge is set to open in May, thanks to a recent VCU grad who hopes the space will be both comfortable and elegant. (Richmond BizSense)
- And in Stone Brewing Co. news, Richmond City Council just approved Richmond Economic Development Authority's unfettered access, use and control of the old Intermediate Terminal building on the East End, paving the way for the brewery's new multimillion-dollar facility. (Richmond.com/Richmond Times Dispatch)
- Lastly, our March issue is on newsstands now! Spend some time in the kitchen at GWARbar, learn what those mysterious stick-like vegetables in your produce aisle are, read our takes on Graffiato and The Betty on Davis, check out web extras like our piece on the new Strangeways beer collaboration and so much more. (Richmond magazine)
Bored? Check out these tasty events:
- GhanaFest RVA is upon us! Starting tonight, the festival offers an informative, culinary and artistic window into Ghanaian culture. On Saturday, March 7, head to Libby Hill Park for its GhanaFest RVA Food Festival, complete with live music and entertainment. (RVANews)
- Stop by Hardywood tomorrow (Saturday) for the release of its 33 and 1/3 Black Vinyl Stout in celebration of Plan 9's 33.33-year anniversary in Richmond! Bring your favorite Plan 9 purchases for the DJs to play, and feast on Carytown Burgers, Goatocado and NYStyleFood. (Hardywood Park Craft Brewery)
- Also happening tomorrow: Help fight Parkinson's disease at Triple Crossing Brewing Co., where Saturday's proceeds from the tasting room benefit Parkinson's research and a Parkinson's Unity Walk. (Virginia Beer Trail)
- One last Saturday beer event, for good measure: Lickinghole Creek's 2015 edition of its celebrated The Enlightened Despot Russian Imperial Stout is here! Celebrate with a day devoted to despots and despot variants. BONUS: A free shuttle out to the brewery is available. (Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery)
And now for a few (inter)national links:
- Can judging a cookbook by its photos be sexist? This essay argues yes, and why that matters, and why cookbooks still matter at all. Go read this article. Go read it right now. (Eater)
- In a slightly comical turn of legal events, Hall and Oates are suing a Brooklyn company over its granola: Haulin' Oats. (BBC News)
- Just how much ecological damage are you doing with your Keurig K-Cups? Last year, the company sold over 9 billion cups, all non-recyclable and non-biodegradable. Just think on that for a bit. (The Atlantic)
- And on a lighter (and much more adorable) note, if you've ever wondered which restaurant chains have secret menus for dogs, wonder no more. (Foodbeast)
Until next time, we'll be here looking at photos of puppies eating dog-friendly ice cream sundaes.