There was a lot of great food to be had at this year's Beast Feast, and if you missed it, there's always next year, and until then, there's always our photo recap. (Photo by Stephanie Breijo)
GREETINGS! You made it to the end of the week, and boy, do we have some treats for you. We've got new beer! We've got new dining spots! We've even got Cleopatra's private wine club! Read on, if you're into that sort of thing:
- Three cheers for more beers, and for the spirit of collaboration. This week, Charlottesville brewery Three Notch'd Brewing Co. opened its Richmond hub, RVA Collab House, at 2930 W. Broad St. This small but mighty brewhouse and 150-person taproom is churning out more than flagships and seasonals; the focus of the Richmond concept is to collaborate with area restaurants, nonprofits, music venues, bands and other breweries to create new beers that fit a collaboration partner's needs and vision. Each week, RVA Collab House will release its newest beer, and for only $3 per pint! Be sure to read up on Scott's Addition's newest brewery, then stop by the grand opening party this Saturday. (Richmond magazine)
- Looking ahead to 2017, the Fan's about to get a little taste of Italy by way of Chester. One of the sons behind family-owned Sapori Ristorante Italiano plans to open Sapori in the City — an Italian restaurant with global influence — at 2028 W. Cary St. within the first quarter of the new year. (Richmond BizSense)
- And in a sad bit of closures news, Omega Grecian Restaurant is now closed in North Side's Bellevue neighborhood.(Richmond Times-Dispatch)
- And in manifeast-destiny news, Stella's is expanding south, all the way to Charleston in 2017. (Stella's)
- HAPPY NATIONAL COFFEE DAY. To celebrate, why don't you grab a bottle of the brand-new, coffee-infused moonshine from Belle Isle Craft Spirits and Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.? The two local beverage behemoths teamed up for this easy-drinking collaboration, and yes, it's caffeinated. For more on the new drink, plus a recipe, step right this way. (Richmond magazine)
- I spent Sunday at Beast Feast and all I got were fun photos, a belly of delicious smoked meat, cups of fanciful summer-into-fall cocktails and a few great memories. Belmont Butchery, an organizing partner in the annual Scotchtown event, turned 10 as it hosted the lovely outdoor salute to all things meaty. Want to relive the magic? Want to get a preview of what to expect at next year's shindig? Check out our photo recap right this way.
- And last but nowhere near least, a moment for Kurt Moon. Kurt was a tremendous joy and a calm but playful presence at both Metzger Bar & Butchery and City Dogs, where he worked until his untimely death. Kurt was killed as the passenger in a drunk driving accident in Henrico County early last Sunday morning, and for much of the community, his loss still feels surreal. Here, friends and colleagues remember Kurt and share their memories of one of the city's beloved bartenders. Give it a read, and please be safe out there. (Richmond magazine)
Will it rain? Who even knows! Either way, you've got some great events on the horizon:
- How does a beer garden sound? I feel like it's still drizzling out there (not entirely sure, my office has no windows, hello, I am writing to you from a cube and have not seen the light of day in who knows how long), but even if it is, head over to Tricycle Gardens this evening, where you'll find beer, snacks, sweet tunes and good times, and it's all only $12! What's more, it benefits the Gardens! Now 'til 9:30 p.m. at 901 Bainbridge St. (Tricycle Gardens)
- Tomorrow night, Friday, stop by The Rogue Gentlemen for a public going-away party and say farewell to Paul Blumer, one of the chief innovators behind the restaurant's creative and exhaustive seasonal bar program. The event promises champagne and shenanigans during Blumer's last shift, before Ethan Craig, formerly of Graffiato, takes his place behind the bar. "Teaching has been Paul's greatest passion and we are both deeply saddened and incredibly happy for him to be taking on his new role with Richmond Public Schools," owner John Maher says in a news release. "He's been an enormous asset and his talents, bad puns, and dry humor will be missed by all, employees & guests alike." Stop by from 5 p.m. to midnight. (The Rogue Gentlemen)
- Then on Sunday, make your way to Powhatan for Dinner of the Grape at Independence Golf Club for a dinner by Metzger Bar & Butchery's Brittanny Anderson, with wine pairings by Barboursville Vineyards' man-about-town (and Rmag contributor) Jason Tesauro. Want the full menu good good? We've got you. 5:30 to 9 p.m. (Dinner of the Grape)
And now for a few (inter)national links:
- HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY, CUP NOODLES! Did you know there's a museum in Japan dedicated to the groundbreaking instant-ramen company? There's is! Here's a peek inside! (NPR)
- History is fun: Turns out, Cleopatra and Marc Antony had a secret drinking club — called, get this, Inimitable Livers — in 41 B.C. with enormous feasts and free-flowing wine. Where is my time machine? (Food & Wine)
'Til next time, I'll be listening to this song throughout the afternoon, good day to you.
