Head below to learn more about some of the latest pop-ups on the scene, including Japanese-inspired Young Mother. (Photo courtesy Young Mother)
Proving Grounds
Living a nomadic lifestyle as businesses go, pop-ups are culinary testing grounds and a growing force on the Richmond food scene. This week we visit a handful on recently debuted mini food adventures, from street fare that channels island vibes to Italian dishes rooted in tradition and a journey in Japanese cuisine. These roving concepts are looking for a spot on your dining agenda. (Richmond magazine)
Something to Stalk About
A sure sign of spring, asparagus is currently appearing at farm stands and supermarkets and having its moment. While the tender stalks are great for grilling, Blue Atlas sous chef John Hartman likes to keep it simple, using the raw veggie in an asparagus salad that’s a seasonal stunner. (Richmond magazine)
Off to the Races
Saturday is the Kentucky Derby, the annual horse racing affair that has been celebrated for almost 150 years — often with a mint julep in hand. This month we explore the history of the classic cocktail, a lot of which happened right here in Richmond. Suggestion: Head this way for a little history lesson and to check out recipes from Julep’s New Southern Cuisine, Jake’s Place and Linden Row Inn’s Parterre for a Derby Day celebration of your own. (Richmond magazine)
Get Crunchy
Looking for granola with a little flair? The Definitive Virgo launched in 2016, offering a fresh spin on the crunchy bites. Find the Richmond-based purveyor dishing out a variety of flavors of its “healthy-adjacent” snack at the RVA Black Farmers Market and online. P.S.: The OMG, aka orange-mango-ginger, is my go-to flavor. (Richmond magazine)
Spring Baking Queen
Cue Kool & the Gang’s "Celebration" and give a huge round of applause to Richmond baker Keya Wingfield: On Monday, the Mumbai native competed in the season finale of Food Network's "Spring Baking Championship" and took home the top prize. In an Instagram post she says, “For months I’ve known I’d get to post this post. And I still don’t have the right words ... but not too shabby for a WOC immigrant who never even saw an oven until 2005! I’ll take it! For the first time ever in my life, I’m going to take ownership for my hard work. I’ve always been one to deflect my successes out of humility, and while I’ll always be humble, this one time I’m going to celebrate myself for a change!” Learn more about Wingfield's experience on the show in our recent article about local competitors on culinary shows.
ICYMI
Pasta lovers, rejoice: We’ve tracked down five attention-worthy, carb-heavy concepts that should be added to your RVADine wish list. (Richmond magazine)
Welcome garlic breath in all of its glory — ramps are here and on local chefs’ prep lists. Writer Stephanie Ganz and I gathered a roundup of ramp-adorned bites from gnocchi at Dinamo to a dish on the spring tasting menu at Longoven. (Richmond magazine)
Mark your calendars and raise a pint, the Richmond Pink Boots Society is set to tap its 2021 collaboration beer on Wednesday, May 12, at Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop in Scott’s Addition. Bonus: For every pint sold, Starr Hill will donate $1 to Pink Boots Society, which supports women in the brewing profession.
On Saturday, the Brookland Park corridor will host its annual culinary tour of the North Side neighborhood, dubbed Taste of Brookland Park. From noon to 5 p.m., catch eateries and treat shops from ice cream palace Ruby Scoops to Nomad Deli & Catering Co. P.S.: The cafe-meets-barbecue concept The Smoky Mug will officially light the pit this weekend.
Don’t Look Back South is rolling out the Taco Park, an area behind the Forest Hill Avenue restaurant dedicated to picnic benches, margarita sipping and plenty of tacos.
Richmond Bakers Against Racism is returning with a Spring Bake Sale to benefit Asha for Women and the Organization of Chinese Americans Central Virginia Chapter. Preorders kick off on May 1, and there will also be cakes and pies available for purchase day of.
New fridge, who dis? Aiming to address food insecurity, RVA Community Fridges recently introduced its fourth fridge, and the first plant-based edition, at The Well Art Gallery at 1309 Hull St. in Manchester.
For the first time since March 2020, patrons in Virginia are now able to sit at restaurant bars — sort of. Last week, Gov. Ralph Northam amended an executive order, allowing patrons to sit inside with 6 feet between parties and 6 feet between bar seats. (News release)
Petersburg’s Virginia State University is a major institution for agriculture, and it recently received a $600,000 grant to explore microfarms as part of a three-year study. (Chesterfield Observer)
Upcoming Events
We strongly encourage everyone to make safe and smart decisions and adhere to municipal and business guidelines related to the pandemic.
- Sincero Pop-up, Hatch Cafe (April 30): Tacos, flautas and churros, oh my.
- Kicked up Keto, Mise en Place (April 30): Learn how to whip up keto-friendly dishes during this online class.
- Spring PlantFest Plant Sale, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (April 30-May 1): Get in touch with your green thumb during one of the largest regional plant sales.
- Seeds and Wine, Hazelwitch Farm (May 1): Take a trip to the Mechanicsville farm for an outdoor planting paired with sunshine and wine.
- Keller Williams Funk It! Grass It! Lick It!, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery (May 1-2): Field tickets for the concert are sold out, but grab a brew or check out Keller’s Seltzer, a hard seltzer inspired by the bluegrass musician.
- Spring Artisan Market, Main Line Brewery (May 2): Local purveyors, live music, food trucks and more join forces for this afternoon event.
- Grains Week, Common Grain Alliance (May 3-7): Hit the web for a multiday seminar on grains led by cookbook authors, historians, breeders, brewers, distillers and more.
- Food Truck Rally, The Diamond (May 6): A lunch-only rendition of the weekly gathering of area food trucks
In Other Food News …
- A Hampton Roads chef is the recent recipient of an anonymous gift that helped him regain hope ... and his smile. (The Virginian-Pilot)