Comfort food season is here, and with it a comforting dose of the latest Food News. (Photo from Nam Prik Pao by Eileen Mellon)
Table for 20
A recipe for new friends, with once- or twice-a-month accountability? RVA Girl Dinner Club, an event series from a longtime local with a love for restaurants, has extended the invite with ticketed events at area eateries that encourage getting to know one another. (Richmond magazine)
Your Friendly Neighborhood Barista
There is a simple pleasure associated with popping into a coffee shop and knowing the person behind the counter. One of those familiar faces for me is Gray Fultz, a seasoned barista who has pulled espresso at six different local cafes. We caught up with the Hanover native to talk about her passion for bevvies, her restaurant resume and future hospitality goals. (Richmond magazine)
2-Way Street
In my latest column, I explore our relationship with restaurants and other food businesses. As these places where we seek sustenance and joy continue to navigate the ever-changing (and ever more expensive) world of service, our presence in big and small ways matters more than ever. (Richmond magazine)
Veggie Party
One of the state’s largest expressions of plant-based eating is upon us. RVA VegFest is back for its 22nd edition Sept. 26 from noon to 6 p.m., with a seriously packed lineup featuring cuisine from Taco Vegana, 1115 Mobile Kitchen, Chef Mamusu, Govinda, JC Desserts, Khushbu, Nomad Deli & Catering Co., Philly Vegan, Ruby Scoops, and many more. The event has sprouted into one of the city’s largest food festivals, drawing visitors from near and far. There will also be a number of vendors, such as Mar Mar Foods (chili crisp!), Chaotic Good Tempeh, Good Foods Grocery, The Easterday Mushroom Company and more.
Bitter and Balanced
Negronis on draft; a blue version; one dubbed a mix between the classic and a Jungle Bird; a bubbly, aperitivo-esque version. The Italian cocktail classic is front and center during the annual Negroni Week, continuing through Sept. 27 at local spots Birdie’s, Lolita’s, The Jasper, Hotel Greene, Fan Boy, Loso and Sabai. A portion of proceeds benefits the Slow Food movement.
Wing Thing
Who makes the best chicken wings in the city? RVA Wing Wars is back to answer that very question. This year’s competition takes place Sept. 26 at CarMax Park and includes 17 vendors, from previous champions Zorch Pizza and Royal Pig to Bon Temps, Kobop, Cobra Burger and Brave Captain.
ICYMI
Chef Joe Sparatta, formerly of Heritage and Southbound, launches a fresh pasta line reminiscent of his restaurant days. (Richmond magazine)
Learn the ways of the South American spirit pisco and find the local spots serving it up. (Richmond magazine)
In our latest ode to restaurants with longevity, we revisit Fan favorite Kuba Kuba. (Richmond magazine)
Little Bites
- After helming Peking in Mechanicsville since 1994, owner Sonny Lee is retiring.
- Union Hill’s Metzger Bar & Butchery is leaning into Oktoberfest with fresh pretzels, beer cheese, brats and schnitzel sandos and German beers until Oct. 5.
- Tickets are currently on sale for a slew of fall events, including natural wine fest Encounter on Nov. 15 and Old Tavern Farm’s annual Oyster Roast & Low Country Boil on Oct. 3.
- Cheeba Hut, the toasted hub Colorado-based chain with up-in-smoke humor, will be making its Virginia debut Sept. 25 at 1124 Steam Ave. in Midlothian.
- Hot, fresh pretzels and brats + locally made mead and beer + a high in the 70s = fall at its finest. On Sept. 26 and 27, Maymont hosts the annual Bier-Garden, a German-inspired affair on the estate’s Carriage House lawn including a spread of brews and bites from Ryba’s Pierogis, The Mayor, Vasen Brewing Co. and Bingo Beer Co.
- Truckle Cheesemongers currently has wheels of Rogue River Blue from Oregon, the super seasonal delight wrapped lovingly in Syrah grape leaves that have been soaked in pear liqueur, considered one of the best blues in the world. P.S.: Need a little spooky and snacky cheese inspo?
RVA Love
Aimee Henkle, owner of Shockoe Bottom’s Echelon Wine Bar, was selected for the James Beard Foundation’s 2026 Women’s Entrepreneurship Leadership Cohort. Henkle was one of 21 food and beverage business owners chosen from across the country and will be part of an 11-week program that offers continued training and educational opportunities. Fun fact: Alex Graf of ZZQ and Eazzy Burger was a member of the 2021 cohort.
Upcoming Events
- Snack Table: Extra Spicy, Dinner Party (Sept. 25): Chile oil and condiments are front and center during this tasting soiree.
- Sabor a Casa IV, Kramer’s Market (Sept. 25): TBT El Gallo pops up as part of the weekly gathering celebrating cultures from around the world.
- Art of Wine: Rose, Bubbles and Oysters, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Sept. 25): Pair local oysters with sparkling wines.
- 5th Annual Virginia Apple, Hard Cider and Bluegrass Festival, Hanover Vegetable Farm (Sept. 26): Fall feels abound with apple picking, local hard ciders and more.
- 1st Anniversary Party, Bar Buoy (Sept. 27): The coastal-inspired restaurant from Brittanny Anderson boasts happy hour all day, $1 oysters and live music.
- Grace Turns One, Grace (Sept. 27): Jessica Wilson’s sustainability-driven space marks a year with a ticketed spread of seasonal bites, wine, cocktails and music.
- Harvest Festival, Shalom Farms (Oct. 1): Explore the North Side farm via a tour, dinner, drinks and live music.
- Tasting Thursday, Blue Bee Cider (Oct. 1): Visit the RVA cidery and sample sips made from heirloom varietals.
