Let's all escape the cold by focusing on this week's food news, shall we? We've got a lot on our plates, so to speak. From James Beard nods to new restaurants and pairings, be it upcoming beer dinners or Carytown Cupcakes' new music-and-dessert nights, we've got you covered.
- Some big, exciting national news this week threw the spotlight on RVA once again: The prestigious James Beard Foundation just announced its 2015 Beard Awards semifinalists, and not one, not two, but three Richmond-area chefs were named as semifinalists for the Best Chef: Mid Atlantic honor. A huge congratulations to chefs Lee Gregory (of The Roosevelt and Southbound), Peter Chang (of Peter Chang China Café) and Dale Reitzer (of Acacia Mid-town) on their semifinalist nods. We're rootin' for ya! "It continues to make us relevant and noteworthy and gives [Richmond] something to hang our hat on," says Gregory. "So whether it's me or someone else, it's awesome in that regard." (Richmond magazine)
- More praise: According to VinePair, Virginia is America's "most exciting place" for wine. It cites growing international interest in our state's products and vineyards, as well as a "Virginia wine revival." Cheers. (VinePair)
- We lost Yapple in Carytown, but we're gaining noodles. Spiral Noodle, a new Asian fusion restaurant with a Hong Kong feel, is set to open sometime this spring. (Style Weekly)
- Also hitting that C-Town stretch soon: Carytown Cupcakes' new live music performances. Starting tonight, Feb. 20, you can catch a free acoustic show every Friday and Sunday while you snack. (Or maybe you're making a whole meal out of cupcakes. We're not judging.) (RVAnews)
- And it was but one month ago that we celebrated Richmond's dining scene at the 2015 Elby Awards, and now we've got the video to provide it! Relive the glory (and the glitter), plus get a few laughs in, because this short recap video is hilarious. (Double Take/Richmond magazine)
- But this week's news isn't all sunshine; we're losing a beloved coffeehouse at the end of the month. Shockoe Bottom's GlobeHopper just announced its Feb. 28 closing, with owners considering selling the shop. (Richmond Bizsense)
- In farm news, Paul Meyer, the man behind local CSA Virginia Vegetable Company, has launched a Kickstarter to turn former commercial chicken coops into year-round organic growing spaces. He's got 11 days to go, with $3,000 left to raise, and donation incentives like lunch on the farm. (news release)
- Meanwhile, in brunch news, our January cover story is now online! Now is a great time to start planning your upcoming breakfasts and brunches as we ease into the weekend. We've got some great dishes, bakeries, biscuits, international options and 24/7 breakfast spots for your consideration, plus info on locally raised breakfast meats you can buy around town and where to get your coffee fix. Go forth. (Richmond magazine)
- In some strange news up north, Red Bull, the multimillion-dollar energy drink company, is pressuring Old Ox Brewery, a homespun Northern Virginia beer distiller, to change the small company's name because of similarities. Red Bull. Old Ox. We really don't see the similarities, and we especially don't think Old Ox should also be forced to stop using any shades of blue or silver in their packaging. C'mon, Red Bull. Be cool. (The Washington Post)
- A new food-focused magazine is on its way to RVA, and if Edible Richmond is anything like its Edible city counterparts, it should be a beaut. Congratulations to Phaedra Hise, its new editor! (Edible Richmond)
Warm up with booze-in-your-belly events:
- We're knee-deep in Virginia Wine Expo activities, and we've still got days to go. Be sure to check out the full schedule so you don't miss out on events like walk-around tastings, lunches, pairing seminars and more. You have until Sunday. (Virginia Wine Expo)
- And if you didn't get your fill of wine over the weekend, Secco Wine Bar is hosting Damien Delecheneau, of France's La Grange Tiphaine winery, for a tap takeover on Tuesday, Feb. 24. (news release)
- Next week's full of beer dinners, like the Ardent Beer Dinner at Patrick Henry Pub and Grille next Tuesday, Feb. 24, and the Strangeways beer dinner at The Jefferson Hotel's TJ's restaurant. I hope you're thirsty, RVA. (news release)
And now it's time for a few (inter)national links:
- Now that we're all celebrating Chinese New Year, let's ask ourselves, "Who is General Tso?" and "What is that sauce on his chicken made of, exactly?" Luckily, new food documentary The Search for General Tso is here to teach us just that. (Slate)
- Back on the beer front, craft beer might get cheaper in the not-too-distant future. The proposed Small BREW Act would provide tax relief for small breweries, varying based on their distribution figures. As tax is roughly 40 percent of beer's retail cost, if this act passes, there could be great news on the horizon for consumers. (Reuters)
- Thailand's shrimp trade is a lot closer to slavery than you might imagine; here's an important look at how dire its conditions are and what you can do about it. (Civil Eats)
- And finally, someone answered the question of how restaurant critics don't get fat. Chris Shott, a former critic himself, weighs in on reigning in the calories. (Food Republic)
Until next time, stay warm with wine and also maybe a Snuggie.
