Richmond Food News: Week of April 18-22

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Food News & Trends

Good afternoon, sports fans. (Just kidding, I know we're all food enthusiasts here.) We've got new restaurants, Prince's fridge, solid ways to eat and drink your way through the weekend and so much more:

  • I am not even going to begin this week's Richmond Food News with actual Richmond food news because when one is finishing a weekly post and news comes across the wire that music legend Prince has passed, one must justifiably scrap whatever it is they're doing to re-find that one story from a few years back to share it with anyone who clicks a link or opens an email. So without further ado, here is one hell of a fun feature from Heavy Table: "What's in Prince's Fridge?" He fervently loved mustard and Dunkaroos, and honestly, just knowing that breaks my heart even more because who among us truly dislikes either of these things? R.I.P. Prince, you wonderful human with a righteous palate. [Update: It's come to my attention that perhaps this Prince story is a phony, though it's easy to envision all of this. I guess that was the magic of Prince, a figure so wonderfully bizarre that anything could be true. Rest In Purple, guy.]
  • OK, I suppose it's time that we turn our attention to the week in Richmond dining. (But let's all lift some purple doughnuts and other various violet-hued food goods in Prince's honor this weekend, agreed?) Grab your forks and your knives and maybe even a few napkins; you're going to need 'em. The team behind Shyndigz just opened The Fancy Biscuit in the Fan, and this new restaurant's specialty is fluffy buttermilk biscuits stacked high with fried chicken, gravy and more. Order one of these towering creations, build your own biscuit, or opt for specials like tomato pie, and take a box of biscuits to go, while you're at it. The spot's only open for breakfast and lunch now, but starting as early as next month, we'll get weekend brunch with mimosas, and maybe even a Bloody Mary bar. Want more on the concept? Well butter our biscuits and call us hungry. (Richmond magazine)
  • A bit north, edging along the Fan, Pies and Pints is set to hit 2035 W. Broad St. this summer with beer and pizza galore. We're talking 36-beers-on-tap galore. (Richmond BizSense)
  • And in more new Fan spots, new restaurant City Beach is slated for the space at 2416 W. Cary St., formerly the home of Selba. Expect a similar menu to those of sibling restaurants The Beach House Bar & Grille in Innsbrook and South Beach in Midlothian, which means burgers, wraps, quesadillas and salads. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
  • Speaking of openings, Buskey Cider, Scott's Addition's new urban cidery, soft-opened last weekend at 2910 W. Leigh St.! This Saturday, April 23, you can catch the grand opening celebration. While you wait to taste some delicious local hard cider, read up on what to expect, and take a look around. (Richmond magazine)
  • Got a sweet tooth? Our spring issue of Dine is now available online as a full issue, which means you can flip through an entire publication dedicated to Richmond's desserts and the people who make them. We explore the ties between fine art and pastry; check in with Chocolates By Kelly as the duo tries its hand at hard honey candy; give you the scoop on Richmond's cake bosses and much more. And it's all available from the comfort of your own computer screen.
  • And speaking of Chocolates By Kelly, the local sweets maker and shop is closing its Church Hill location at 6 p.m. this Sunday, and moving all production to its new Forest Hill facility. (Church Hill People's News)
  • Let's Give 'Em Something to Talk About: Richmond's beer scene is exploding, but it's not the first time, historically. Our own Robey Martin dives into the local craft-beer boom and discusses whether or not it's sustainable. Read, then discuss. (Richmond magazine)
  • If you're looking to get your home-chef on this weekend, we've got a recipe for garam masala and red wine cremini mushrooms, brought to us by way of Curry Craft's Mel Oza. Dig right on in. (Richmond magazine)
  • And now for a weekend PSA: Get ready for brunching at Southbound, because this Bon Air restaurant is launching Sunday brunches on May 15. See also: TAKE YOUR MOTHER SOMEPLACE NICE FOR MOTHER'S DAY. Enjoy brunch with a mimosa or two, indoors or on the patio, every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (news release)

Hey! It's almost the weekend! What goes best with weekends? Great food and libations. Here, I found some for you:

  • If you've ever had dreams of watching folks TAKE IT ALL in "Supermarket Sweep," except in real life and not just as seen on TV, today is your day: Midlothian's Kroger at 3001 Polo Parkway is hosting a Fan Fest event this evening in which two members of FeedMore will fill up carts to the brim. They've got five minutes to grab as many items as they can, and those essential, canned items will make their way to the nonprofit to help feed those in need. Sound pretty good? IT GETS BETTER: Professional racecar driver AJ Allmendinger will be there to shake your hand and take some photos. Fun runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. tonight. (news release)
  • Oh hey, Ardent Craft Ales' Swine & Brine event is back! Tomorrow evening from 4 to 8 p.m. you'll find great bites, and 15 Ardent beers! Enjoy smoked pork sausage with field pea salad from The Roosevelt; pastrami ribs and pickled red cabbage from Saison; pork meatball sliders with spicy tomato sauce, fontina, and arugula pistou from Metzger Bar & Butchery; pulled pork sandwiches and bone-in pork belly from ZZQ; pork skewers and pork riblettes from Sabai; carnitas tacos with onion, cilantro and lime from Amuse; and raw oysters and cooked crab cakes from Rappahannock. Grab your $20 ticket online here, and do it quick. (Ardent Craft Ales)
  • Then get a buzz by stopping in at Blanchard's new Scott's Addition roasting facility for a free class on how to brew quality coffee at home. Friday, April 22, 1903 Westwood Ave. from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (RVANews)
  • Then just camp out in Scott's Addition because remember that Buskey Cider celebration I mentioned in the neighborhood? Well it's happening the very next day. Stop by 2910 W. Leigh St. from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. to taste some boozy, fruity goodness. (Might I suggest the nitro cider?) (Buskey Cider)
  • On Monday, head to Ironclad Coffee at 2904 W. Moore St. for a fundraiser to benefit the family of the late state trooper Trooper Chad Dermyer, who died tragically in the shooting at the Greyhound bus station on Boulevard in March. One-hundred percent of the coffee and Sugar Shack doughnuts available for purchase will go toward the family, and you can stop by between 8 and 10 a.m. No reason to not. (Ironclad Coffee Roasters)

And now for a few (inter)national links:​

  • Love them, hate them, identify as one of them, food Instagrammers are changing the way we consume, whether it's with our eyes or our taste buds. Here's a solid look at how social-media influencers are changing the game. (Bon Appetit)
  • Thing I'm totally OK with never doing: dining naked at this London pop-up. (First We Feast)

'Til next time, slather your sandwich with extra mustard and put "Purple Rain" on repeat.