Morgan Botwinick, owner of Whisk bakery, has sold her Strawberry Street ice cream shop, Scoop. Read below for more deets. (Photo by Eileen Mellon)
Painting a Partnership
Sometimes you need to lean on a friend or, in this case, a neighbor. Fellow South Side superstars Laura Lee’s, Kendra Feather’s newest restaurant, and nearby event venue Canvas have joined forces. The beneficial partnership allows the two businesses to work together to offer community dining experiences and, most importantly, support the ’hood. (Richmond magazine)
Batter Up
Okay, maybe waffles and milkshakes aren’t the most ideal way to kick off 2020, but life’s about balance, and Brewer’s Waffles in Manchester beckons. Writer Piet E. Jones crossed the river to check out the latest establishment from Brewer’s Cafe owner Ajay Brewer and partners on Hull Street. Find out which waffle Jones’ son wolfed down before Dad could snag a bite. (Richmond magazine)
ICYMI: Best in Class
Our most challenging task this year? Narrowing Richmond’s bustling culinary scene with hundreds of restaurants down to a select group of the city’s top 25. In case you missed it in the midst of the holiday madness, last week we revealed the year’s best restaurants. Our squad of voracious writers noshed their way through the region's menus, paying close attention to service, atmosphere and, of course, the food. Among these fresh front-runners and pioneers who seem to get better with time, find out which restaurant was dubbed “Most Well-Rounded” and the one making the “Best Use of a Lazy Susan,” among other superlatives. (Richmond magazine)
Hot for Carver
The three dudes behind the vegan- and metalhead-friendly Carver restaurant Cobra Cabana, which turned 1 in September, have known each other for almost two decades, transitioning from buds to business partners. The trio is ringing in the new year with a new venture and a new business partner — they announced plans to open a ’za spot called Hot for Pizza at 1301 W. Leigh St., the space formerly occupied by the short-lived Sheep Hill Bistro.
The Scoop on Scoop
After opening Scoop, the ice cream shop on Strawberry Street that debuted in June 2018, owner Morgan Botwinick, also of Whisk bakery, is passing on the sweet endeavor to longtime small-business owner Paula Demmert. Demmert actually owned the beloved Video Fan store that occupied Scoop’s building for over 30 years. According to a release, Demmert says, “I am very excited to be back on Strawberry Street. In a lot of ways it feels like coming home."
Poe’s Pub, Nevermore?
The fate of the long-standing Edgar Allan Poe-inspired eatery Poe’s Pub in Shockoe Bottom is up in the air after owner Michael Britt put the restaurant on the market for $1.2 million. Known for its regulars and hosting live music, Poe’s has been open since 1994. (Richmond BizSense)
New Kids on the Block
Braised oxtails, jerk and curry chicken, plantains, and sorrel juice have made their way to downtown. Irie Ting Jamaican Grill opened its doors on Dec. 21, igniting the flavors of the Caribbean inside the tropical outpost at 100 E. Cary St. that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Yes, mussels are indeed on the menu at The Angry Mussels — a venture from Anthony Koutsoukos, the former owner of Mama Cucina that opened quietly over the holidays — but no, seafood will not be the primary culinary focus. The heart of the restaurant, located in the former Kitchen on Cary space at 1329 E. Cary St., lies in authentic Italian fare.
RVA Love
Urban Hang Suite, the community-oriented coffee shop and social collective in Jackson Ward from radio personality, podcast host and Richmond Black Restaurant Week co-founder Kelli Lemon, recently received quite the shout-out from Black Enterprise, which says the cafe is “redefining the culture” for people in Richmond since it opened in November 2018. P.S.: Lemon recently amped up the wine offerings at Hang Suite through RichWine, which specializes in biodynamic, organic and natural wines and plans to offer tastings, tours and dinners in the future.
Upcoming Events
- New Year’s Feast With Manny Eats, 1903 E. Marshall St. (Jan. 4): A pop-up from a local chef featuring passed apps and stations
- Food Truck Party: Kathmandu MoMo & Spice, Vasen Brewing (Jan. 4): Did you know Nepali and Indian food pairs well with a hazy IPA? Now you do.
- Beaucoup Beaujolais! An Evening of Natural Wine With Alice Feiring, Laura Lee’s (Jan. 5): Learn, sip and discuss the world of natural wine with one of the top experts on the subject.
- Cooking as a Second Language: Food From Pakistan, HI Richmond Hostel (Jan. 5): An exploration of Pakistani food and culture
- Richmond Rum Society, Beijing on Grove (Jan. 6): Rum fans unite for the first installment of the weekly meetings.
- Kudzu Ramen, Weezie’s Kitchen (Jan. 6): Cure the Monday blues at Weezie’s as Kudzu returns for its designated Monday night pop-up.
- Beer Tasting: Cider From Around the World, The Butterbean Market (Jan. 7): Get your snack on and sample ciders from the U.S. and Europe.
- Supper Club, Julep’s Southern Cuisine (Jan. 8): Dine for a cause with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Richmond SPCA.
- Barista Fundamentals, Lamplighter Summit Avenue (Jan. 8): An in-depth and hands-on class providing basic barista knowledge and practical skills
- Chocolate Truffle Making Class, Chocolates by Kelly (Jan. 9): Learn how to make truffles from master chocolatier and store owner Kelly Walker Wombold.
- Late-night Your Choice, Plantbar (Jan. 9): A build-your-own terrarium class with a splash of wine, sangria, champagne or beer
In Other Food News …
- Over 2,000 cafeteria employees from dishwashers to prep cooks working at Google campuses in California have voted to unionize, an effort two years in the making. (Vox)
- A sandwich joint in New Orleans, a spot serving Filipino fare in D.C. and the home of superior plant-based fast food in the Big Apple are among the establishments gracing the list of most important restaurants of the past decade. (Food & Wine)
