A heaping helping of Food News awaits below. (Photo from Buna Kurs Ethiopian Cafe by Eileen Mellon)
Use Your Noodles
The pasta from a couple of shuttered Richmond favorites is making a comeback, this time for home cooks. Chef and former owner of Heritage and Southbound Joe Sparatta has broken out the pasta extruder and launched Heritage Pasta Co., a new line of noodles available at local grocers. (Richmond magazine)
Pisco Disco
With flavor that varies depending on the grape it’s coaxed from, pisco is a versatile South American spirit making appearances on cocktail menus across the city. Beverage writer Bird Cox showcases opportunities to experience the clear, unaged brandy at local watering holes. (Richmond magazine)
Remember That Place?
Restaurants sticking around for the long haul is a feat — that’s why we regularly shout out the spots with staying power. Next up is Kuba Kuba, a Fan staple where cups of coffee in their signature diner mugs, huevos rancheros and a slice of tres leches cake are musts. (Richmond magazine)
Festival Season
Hosting its 66th edition this year, the Armenian Food Festival is a two-day affair featuring specialties from grilled kebabs and hye burgers to fresh pilaf and choreg sweet bread. The event is back Sept. 18 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at St. James Armenian Church. Bonus: The apricot cookie makes its debut at this year’s festival. Created by longtime church volunteer and head pastry chef Seran Kerneklian, the treat is an homage to Armenia’s national fruit, combining apricot with warm spices and walnuts.
Walking around the Museum District with a jumbo pretzel and a stein of German beer is one of the city’s longstanding fall traditions. From Sept. 18-20, The St. Benedict Oktoberfest presents its annual affair dedicated to German food and culture.
Mark Those Calendars
Two newer additions to the RVA dining scene are celebrating a year in business on Sept. 27: Bar Buoy, the Scott’s Addition seafood hangout from Brittanny Anderson, is boasting happy hour all day and an oyster-eating contest from noon to 8 p.m. Meanwhile, in the West End, Jessica Wilson of hyperlocal, intimate and sustainability-driven restaurant Grace is hosting a ticketed event. Expect a seasonal spread, wine flowing, cocktails and housemade shrubs, and live music.
Prepare to sip on low-intervention wines at Encounter, the state’s sole natural wine festival; tickets drop Sept. 18. Founded by Pizza Bones and Friend Bar owner Ashley Patino, the gathering of the vine takes place Nov. 15, featuring producers from across the globe.
ICYMI
Cahoots is a neighborhood restaurant built for regulars. (Richmond magazine)
Fine Creek Brewing Co. hosts a beer festival dedicated to foraged ingredients from across the commonwealth. (Richmond magazine)
We talk shop with the co-owner and baker behind Forest Hill’s Janet’s Cafe & Bakery. (Richmond magazine)
Little Bites
- Helen and Trieu Tran, owners of Vietnamese eateries Pho Thien Phat and Rice Fields, have debuted another family-run venture: Pho Heritage at 1627 W. Main St. The restaurant has taken over the shuttered Heritage space with a menu of steaming soup, banh mi, pork bao buns and more.
- Food truck Tambayan Grill is making things more permanent. Starting in October, the Filipino concept is popping up a tent and tables at the Lowe’s parking lot at 9490 W. Broad St. on a long-term basis. P.S.: Karaoke is 100% on the menu.
- On Sept. 18, Center of the Universe Brewing Co. will introduce a new resident food truck, Casa Herradura. The family-run Mexican restaurant in Ashland is expanding with a mobile kitchen that will be on-site every day the brewery is open.
- Scott’s Shawarma is closing its Jackson Ward location to the public and shifting the focus of that space to catering and private events. The Robinson Street location in the Fan remains open as usual.
- After a relocation and the unexpected passing of longtime owner Chong Akiba, Carytown’s Tokyo Market sat empty for months. Now, the building is open under new management with a new name: Haru Japanese and Korean Market. (Richmond BizSense)
Upcoming Events
- Find Your Exit Plan Pop-up, Field (Sept. 18): The traveling matcha operation serves up three drink options including Crying Tiger Thai tea.
- Tipsy History, Buskey Cider (Sept. 18): The latest history-focused, drinks-welcome gathering
- 60th Anniversary Celebration, O’Toole’s (Sept. 19): The festivities go all day long, with a Greater Richmond Pipes & Drums performance, a prime rib dinner special, and pints aplenty.
- Pawpaw Festival, Powahatan State Park (Sept. 19): The fourth annual event dedicated to the native fruit, featuring themed food and beer
- Blind Tasting Championship V, Jardin (Sept. 20): Everyone from sommeliers to casual oenophiles can sign up to fight for the belt.
- Happy Birthday Happy Hour, Beauvine Burger Concept (Sept. 20): The Fan burger joint celebrates nine years of duck fat fries with happy hour all day.
- Bar Ilegal Mezcaleria, Get Tight Lounge (Sept. 20): A mystery performer and plenty of mezcal
- Nuna Cocktail Pop-up, Vasen Brewing Company Forest Hill Avenue (Sept. 21) Celebrate the family-oriented Korean harvest holiday of Chuseok via special libations, plus food from Vasen in-house restaurant Kobop.
- Dead Dad Club, Lucky AF Scott’s Addition (Sept. 21): Restaurant-industry-led support group that gathers over a meal
- Virginia Brewers Conference, Delta Hotels Richmond Downtown (Sept. 21-23): Beer industry trade show featuring seminars, demos and a bottle share.
- Art of the Cocktail, Virago Spirits (Sept. 22): Workshop easy-to-share cocktails with bar pros.
- Almabtrieb, Truckle Cheesemongers (Sept. 23): The tradition of bringing flower-crowned cows down from Alpine pastures comes to life with five cheese and wine pairing stations.
- Picnic & Whimsy, Byrd Park (Sept. 24): Cake Between Friends hosts its latest bake swap.
