There's glorious beer headed your way this weekend, and no, you don't have to share. (Photo by: Stephanie Breijo)
Hi and hello! This week we've got brew news, food news, market news and more, plus a slew of great events to really carpe that weekend. Ready? Let's jump right in:
- We'll kick off with some exciting, sudsy news: This Saturday, Scott's Addition's newest brewery will open and there will be beer and barbecue and art and music and more. The Veil Brewing Co., located at 1301 Roseneath Road, is launching its operation with tall-boy four-packs and one of the sleekest tasting rooms in the area. It's also got one of only 40 true koelschips in the country, according to co-founder Matt Tarpey, and that large, vented tub system will allow the team to naturally ferment some of its beer using local, airborne yeast. (NEAT!) We stopped by last week to give you a little preview of the good things to come; check that out here, then get ready for the opening celebration, which runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday with Veil beer, plus Stroops, ZZQ, Boka Truck, DJs and live painting. We'll see you there.
- In more beer news, global beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev just announced the acquisition of Virginia's largest craft brewery. The mega-company behind Coors, Budweiser, Corona and other household-name beers purchased Devils Backbone Brewing Co. as part of its craft-brew land-grab initiative, The High End. Devils Backbone co-founder Steve Crandall says the Virginia brewery will maintain its autonomy. This sale marks the eighth craft brewery absorbed by AB InBev through The High End. (Richmond magazine)
- One closure shook the week's dining news: On Monday morning, North Carolina-based specialty grocer Southern Season released that it would be shuttering its Richmond location. Citing staggering overhead costs, the company immediately closed its restaurant, Southerly; its cheese, meat, coffee and bakery sections; and its cooking school, all located within the store at 2250 Staples Mill Road. "We got an incredible response from the [Richmond] community and we're thrilled with it, but I think it has more to do with the size of our store and how expensive it is to operate," company president Dave Herman says, who also notes it was a very difficult decision to make. The shop itself will remain open through April 24, though with its already-dwindling stock — due to the current 40-percent-off sale — I'm not sure what could possibly be left a week from now. That being said, there's a small ray of hope on the horizon for S.S. loyalists: For more on Southern Season's plans, like the projected 30 forthcoming outposts throughout the South, click here. (Richmond magazine)
- But speaking of grocery stores, there's one headed to the East End, specifically to one of the region's food deserts. According to employees of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, a mixed-use development — which will include a full-service grocery store — is coming to the intersection of North 25th Street and Nine Mile Road. There's no word yet on the retailer, or the rest of the development, but there should be within the next month. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
- Zzaam! Fresh Korean Grill is taking over the Richmond area, one bulgogi bowl at a time. (Personally, I'm partial to the pork belly.) The fast-casual Korean-food chain already planned to expand beyond its Charlottesville and Carytown locations, but now there's news that four are on the way: one in Colonial Heights, and three in Midlothian. Two will open by the end of this year. (Richmond BizSense)
- Qdoba recently opened a more "upscale" burrito restaurant in Short Pump, so should you venture out to 11282 West Broad St., you'll be greeted by WiFi and comfier seating in an effort to get guests to come in, stay awhile, maybe order some extra queso. (RVANews)
- A Chuck That Stuff PSA: Ukrop's Homestyle Foods is recalling more than 2,800 pounds of food due to the possible inclusion of, wait for it, glass. If you purchased Ukrop's pinwheels (full list here) with sell-by dates of April 4 and 5, throw them out; better safe than sorry. (Style Weekly)
- If you're reading Food News (hi there!), I'm guessing it means you like to dine out, even if it's just every so often. If this is the case, take a moment to mentally appreciate some of the terrific servers who've probably waited on you here in Richmond, then read this: We spoke to a handful of the city's longtime, career servers about what they wish we'd know, and how we can all become better customers. Then, when you're done, be sure show your servers some extra love the next time you go out, because they really do put up with a lot.
- Also, a reminder: Our polls are open for Richmond magazine's 29th annual Best & Worst awards! There are a ton of great categories where you can weigh in on your local faves, and, what's more, you can win gift certificates to local restaurants, a stay at the Gaylord National Harbor Hotel and more. Polls are open until May 4. Nothing not to love.
Ready for the weekend? Here are some thoughts on how to eat and drink your way through it:
- Go forth and enjoy the weekend at that aforementioned The Veil Brewing Co. grand celebration, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday at 1301 Roseneath Road. Don't forget to grab some Stroops, ZZQ and Boka tacos. (The Veil Brewing Co.)
- Then head across the river to Manchester for Legend Brewing Co.'s 22 year anniversary party! (MORE BEER!) Each $25 entry includes three drink and food tickets. Expect live music and good times, too, all from 2 to 9 p.m. at 321 W. Seventh St. (Legend Brewing Co.)
- Next Monday kicks off spring Richmond Restaurant Week, where you'll find some of your favorite restaurants offering prix-fixe menus that benefit local food nonprofits. (Win/win!) For a full list of participating restaurants, click here. For every $29.16 dinner you buy and enjoy, $4.16 will benefit FeedMore and Meals on Wheels. (Richmond Restaurant Week)
- Next Tuesday, Belle & James holds another of its "Fundistry" nights, where from 5 to 7 p.m. a portion of your beverage proceeds benefit The ALS Association, which helps to research and combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis! I'll be there guest bartending along with Rmag contributor Robey Martin, and lady-about-town Kira Siddall; come on out and say hi. (Belle & James)
And now for a few (inter)national links:
- KFC once more proved itself the Dr. Frankenstein of the fast-food world when it unveiled its fried-chicken pizza in the Philippines this week. "Geez, Stephanie, you know, I've had fried chicken on pizza before and it really wasn't that bad, stop being so judge-y," you may be thinking, but in response I am saying, "No, the crust is fried chicken. It is essentially just fried chicken topped with cheese and nothing is sacred in this world." (Eater)
- In a very "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" bit of news, a leak in a French dairy factory caused a famous river to run with hundreds of pounds of butter, and I'm not sure if I'd prefer a chocolate river or a butter one, TBH. TBD. (Munchies)
'Til next time, it's probably best not to fall in and get sucked up into the river's tube regardless.
