You can find these bad boys, aka fried deviled eggs, aka a test of self-control, at Lemaire, a multi-category winner in this year's Richmond magazine Best & Worst of local food and drink. For the full list and all the winners, see below. (Photo by Eileen Mellon)
Take Me to Funky Town
Sour, funky, tart and atypical, Tabol Brewing’s beers will bring a festival of flavors when the brewery opens in late September/early October. Instead of stainless-steel vats, guests will find foeders and puncheons and old-world style brewing methods similar to wine making. Tabol is not only embracing a style of beers not widely seen in the city, they are also setting up shop outside the suds-heavy Scott’s Addition neighborhood — the brewery is located off of Chamberlayne in North Side. Learn more about Tabol's unique style and how two soccer fans and home brewers decided to take the leap to brick-and-mortar brewing. (Richmond magazine)
The Life Aquatic
Alewife: a word we first heard uttered by chef-restaurateur Lee Gregory last November in relation to his forthcoming solo venture, and in early September, the James Beard Award-nominated chef is set to open Alewife's doors at 3120 E. Marshall St. in Church Hill. The fish-centric restaurant will focus on sustainability and bring some seafood to the plate you may not have tasted before. In this exclusive sneak peek at Alewife, discover what inspired Gregory, why he chose this location and how the experience has forced him to grow. (Richmond magazine)
Taking the Leap
Swan Dive, the newest venture from former Black Sheep chef and co-owner Kevin Roberts, opened in mid-June, reincarnating the former Betty on Davis space. The Parisian bistro-inspired menu offers a variety of sandwiches, salads and an affordable prix-fixe menu every night. Food critic Todd Kliman tested the waters at the new restaurant and shares the lowdown on Swan Dive. It seems that although the eatery offers heart and a homey vibe, consistent delivery will be the true test of its success. (Richmond magazine)
No. 1 in Your Hearts
Looking for a vegan restaurant? Wondering where to sip on a creative cocktail? Want to impress visiting friends and family with an unforgettable meal? The cream of the crop, the top dogs in dining and beverages, and crowd favorites, all chosen by you beautiful Richmond folks, are conveniently compiled in this year's Best & Worst of local food and drink. (Richmond magazine)
Gluten-free Goodies
Gluten- or dairy-free baked goods often get a bad rap, but Joanna Chaves, owner and baker at 7 Muffins a Day, is here to change all that with creations including decadent cupcakes, soft cookies, challah bread, and tomato-and-basil cornbread. What the treats lack in gluten and lactose, they make up for in flavor. Learn how 7 Muffins a Day got its start (and that name) and find out where to locate their products. (Richmond magazine)
Spirits in September
Did you know that last year Virginia experienced more than 400 percent growth in distilleries? And that Virginia ABC sales broke records for the 20th consecutive year? Me, either, until last night at the third annual Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow at the VMFA. It seems folks are thirsty for Virginia spirits, and from Richmond alone there was James River Distillery, Belle Isle Moonshine, Cirrus Vodka, Reservoir Distillery, fresh-on-the-scene Virago Spirits and, for good measure, Strangeways Brewing in attendance showcasing their products. September is officially Virginia Spirits Month, so get crafty with some cocktails and try a new Virginia-made spirit. Cheers!
Way South of Little Italy
Out with the old, in with the new: RVA Hospitality Group is making major moves along Broad Street, recently revealing plans for Bar Solita — the name is inspired by the Nolita neighborhood (north of Little Italy) in New York City — at 123 W. Broad St. in the former Grafiatto space that closed in June. Bar Solita is the third venture for the restaurant group along the Arts District/Downtown corridor, joining Tarrant’s Café and Max’s on Broad. The vibe is completely different from any of their other spots, and diners can expect Mediterranean-inspired eats, two private upstairs dining spaces and a massive bar. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Eye Caramba
A couple of months ago, we eyed a "coming soon" sign at 204 E. Grace St. in the former Kenn-Tico space, and now the restaurant is coming to life. Ay Caramba is set to host its grand opening Friday, Aug. 31, from 5 to 11 p.m., and diners can expect authentic, home-style Mexican fare.
Flip It and Reverse It
When things aren't working out, sometimes you need to assess and reevaluate. That's exactly what Jay Bayer, Michele Jones and Jason Alley, owners of Flora restaurant at 203 Lombardy St. in The Fan, plan to do starting Sept. 12. No more Oaxacan-style cuisine or late-night dance parties — the plan is to transform Flora into a pop-up and event-only space called "Flora Presents." First to debut is "In Haus," from former Yaki chef Daniel Harthausen, dishing out Korean noodles and dumplings. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Fall Feels
There are two types of people in this world: those anxiously awaiting the opportunity to bust out scarves, crisp fall colors and pumpkin anything, and those grasping onto the last days of summer, refusing to put the sandals in the closet and cover up the grill. If you’re the former, it seems Buskey Cider is with you. On Friday, Aug. 31, they're dropping their Maple Spiced Cider crafted with maple wood spirals, real vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks and maple syrup.
RVA Love
Key lime, Hanover tomato, pork chili verde, and lemon meringue are just a few of my top choices at the Church Hill eatery Proper Pie Co. Their savory and sweet pastries are a crust-enclosed source of happiness, and USA Today recently took notice, dubbing Proper Pie a must-stop for tasty pies in the good ole commonwealth. P.S.: The shop officially reopens after its annual month-long summer hiatus on Wednesday, Sept. 5. You know where to find me.
In Case You Missed It
Live in The Fan? Enjoy a cold brew? If you answered yes to both of those questions, you are in luck. Canon & Draw Brewing, located at 1529 W. Main St., has announced that every Wednesday Fan residents can get $5 beers at the brewery. Added bonus: mention your Fan-itude to a bartender, and they’ll hook you up with a Fan Resident card pre-loaded with five bucks. #winning
Last month we filled everybody in on the new line of beers from Hardywood Founders called Suncrush, a series of sessionable ales with lower ABV meant to be enjoyed outside. This month the fellas are dropping their newest flavor, ginger lime, a playful twist on the Moscow mule.
Front Porch Cafe at 2600 Nine Mile Road recently started Waffle Weekends. From 8 to 11 a.m. every Saturday, stop in for a sugar fix to accentuate your caffeine buzz with waffle combos ranging from $4 to $6. The Church Hill Chai waffle with chai glaze, whipped cream and Finca Monteverde espresso has caught my eye.
Work downtown and looking for a new spot on your weekly lunch tour? Belle is bringing back lunch offerings starting on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. Pro tip: Call ahead for grab-and-go grub.
Get your boozy cupcakes while you can: Lush Cupcakes is taking a vacay from Sept. 3-10.
Upcoming Events
- The Long Weekend Beer Release Party, Strangeways (Aug. 31): Kick off the three-day weekend with three new brew releases, food trucks and games.
- One Year Anniversary, Intermission Beer Company (Aug. 31-Sept. 1): Honey Hibiscus Saison and Virginia Center Common releases, appearances from Firesides Food truck and Thandie Catering, guest taps from Potter’s Cider and Big Ugly Brewery, and live music for the brew-versary
- Summer Send-off, Blue Bee Cider (Sept. 1): Get your last glass of frosé before summer comes to a close. The three-day celebration features cider releases and food trucks aplenty.
- Tuckahoe Creek Americana Festival, Hardywood West Creek (Sept. 1): Beer will be flowing, bands will be jamming, and Mean Bird, Dank Eats, The Return of the Mac and Gelati Celesti will be dishing out treats for the daylong fest.
- Fall Vegetables 101, Strange’s Florist (Sept. 1): A free class on how to plant the perfect fall garden
- Cider Fest, Castle Hill Cider (Sept. 1): Down for a mini road trip? The seventh annual cider fest is only about an hour away and features Richmond’s Court House Creek Cider and Blue Bee.
- Scattered, Smothered & Covered, Center of the Universe Brewing (Sept. 1): Make a trip to Ashland from 5 to 8 p.m. for some COTU brews, live tunes and food trucks.
- Weekend Cocktail Workshop, Graduate Richmond (Sept. 2): Learn tricks of the trade and how to whip up tasty cocktails for free.
- Native Wit, Sub Rosa (Sept. 2): Two seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. for a four-course, family-style meal celebrating local products and farms, featuring Danielle Westbrook of Rappahannock.
- Sunday Brunch Market, Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen (Sept. 2): First market of the season from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring local vendors, a wine and beer garden, and music from the Ukelele Society
- Recovery Roast Cupping, ICA (Sept. 4): Learn the history of coffee and how it's roasted, and sample a variety of blends from Lamplighter Coffee Roasters. Advance registration is encouraged.
- Italian Feast, Sur la Table (Sept. 5): Re-create garlic polenta, seared pork tenderloin and panna cotta at home after attending this hands-on cooking class.
In Other Food News ...
- Do all small companies end up getting acquired by the big guys? Moxie, the pop that's been enjoyed since 1884, bottled in the small town of Bedford, New Hampshire, and considered wicked tasty by New Englanders — it's even the official state beverage of Maine — was recently acquired by Coca-Cola. (The Washington Post)
- I'm one of those people who will call anything an adventure: a visit to a brewery, hitting up the farmers market, a day trip to the beach. Accordingly, I subscribe to a daily newsletter from Condé Nast Traveler and continually plot my next excursion. They recently released a list of can't-miss foods from each state, and let's just say I'm looking up plane tickets to get my hands on a Marionberry pie from Oregon.
