Sweet tooth? Head below to read about a handful of new spots serving up something to satisfy those cravings. (Photo by Eileen Mellon)
Natural Evolution
Health and wellness have been lifelong passions for University of Richmond alumna and co-founder of the lifestyle eatery Organic Krush Michelle Walrath. After launching her dream business dedicated to organic and mindful eating, the Long Island native has returned to Richmond, rolling out a second area location in the Well-Being Center on the campus at UR, where the dream began. (Richmond magazine)
Packing a Punch
Capers are a small but mighty force of flavor in the kitchen. Writer and former professional cook Stephanie Ganz explores the briny, bulbous Mediterranean buds that make their presence known in any dish. P.S.: You’re definitely going to want to add Chef Lauren Vincelli's caper-studded focaccia with lemon zest to your bread-baking repertoire. (Richmond magazine)
How Sweet It Is
After being furloughed last March, chef Ernie LaBrecque launched the buttermilk doughnut pop-up Beaunuts, dishing out “beaux” in flavors such as key lime pie and banana pudding. In almost a year, he and wife KB’s Southern-inspired cake-like creations have gained a dedicated following — look for the team to debut the venture’s permanent home on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 404 N. Sycamore St. in Petersburg.
The Treat Shop, known for its sweet specialties — funnel cakes, honey buns and doughnuts, to name a few — debuted a second location in Wood Lake at 14736 Village Square Place earlier this week.
There is never a wrong time of year for ice cream, and Shockoe Bottom parlor Sweet Spot agrees. Located at 6 N. 18th St., the shop started scooping last weekend, fully stocked with 48 flavors, vegan-friendly sorbet, gourmet matcha cones and more.
Game Day
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, simply tune in for the commercials or just need an excuse to eat some finger-licking-good wings, we’ve tracked down some delectable ways to spend Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7.
- Miss Lumpia: Look for pop-ups featuring this authentic Filipino fare in the future; for now, get a sneak peek by ordering pancit and lumpia by Feb. 5.
- Yellow Umbrella Provisions: Looking for the ultimate Sunday snack spread? Buffalo chicken dip — check. Ham biscuits — check. Smoked sliders — check. Place orders by Feb. 3.
- Southbound: Get 25- and 50-piece smoked chicken wings to go, and you best believe there is Alabama white sauce to join. Get orders in by Friday, Feb. 5.
- Intergalactic Tacos: Enjoy dry-rubbed or al pastor wings, along with nacho trays, including a vegan soy-rizo option.
- ZZQ: Smoked, seared or whole wings; Texas-style chili by the quart; and, of course, plenty of brisket. Deadline for orders is Monday, Feb. 1.
Fresh on the Scene
Wine (and snack) enthusiasts will soon be able to visit Second Bottle Wine and Snack Shop in Church Hill. The retail space and market at 324 N. 27th St. is aiming to open by early March. (Richmond BizSense)
Peruvian pollo a la brasa eatery Canastas Chicken recently introduced a third area location. Check out the new digs at 7037 Forest Hill Ave. in South Side Richmond.
Originally set to be Krusty Crab Seafood, Mr. Pulpo, a seafood- and sushi-focused concept, recently opened in the shuttered Metro Grill space in the Fan for dine-in and takeout service.
Cheers to That
After releasing two renditions of Black Is Beautiful stout — part of a nationwide initiative started by Weathered Souls Brewing in San Antonio that aims to raise awareness of social justice issues — Hardywood Park Craft Brewery recently donated over $13,000 in proceeds from its stout sales to Richmond Black Restaurant Experience. The weeklong celebration highlighting Black-owned restaurants and businesses throughout the region is set to return in March.
ICYMI
Have you noticed a black flag with a slithering cobra in a Church Hill storefront? In just a few weeks, Richmonders will officially be able to order the smash-style creations from Cobra Burger on a consistent basis. (Richmond magazine)
Make some room in your fridge, because there’s a new addition to the local libation lineup: hard seltzers. Get acquainted with RVA-based offerings, along with seltzers from across the state, as the booze industry sees a spike in the effervescent beverages. (Richmond magazine)
The father-and-daughter team behind Millicita’s White Sauce are bringing their version of the double-dip-inducing Mexican-American creation to local store shelves. (Richmond magazine)
Midlothian Chef’s Kitchen, the brainchild of former Quirk Hotel Executive Chef David Dunlap and his wife, Brittany, hosted its grand opening Jan. 27. (Richmond magazine)
Starting this weekend, Secco Wine Bar Chef Julie Heins is introducing “Take and Bake” brunch to go, a feast for two including cinnamon rolls, a half pound of house bacon, pecan granola with maple labneh and poached pears, and more. Pro tip: Rock the PJs, opt for an add-on bellini kit, and ring in Sunday Funday in style.
Today, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney announced that eligible small businesses including restaurants can now apply to receive an outdoor heat lamp after 200 were recently donated to the city. (News release)
The fourth annual plant-powered extravaganza Vegan 72 is taking place now through Sunday, Jan. 31. Peep participating restaurant menus for vegan specials, including sweet potato and apple pie shortbread bars from Soul N’ Vinegar and a Vietnamese-inspired banh mi at 821 Cafe.
Upcoming Events
We strongly encourage everyone to make safe and smart decisions and adhere to municipal and business guidelines related to the pandemic.
- Breakfast Day, Pop’s Market on Grace (Jan. 29): Look for homemade bagels, biscuits and plenty of breakfast sammies.
- The Flavors of Morocco, Mise en Place (Jan. 29): Chef Christine Wansleben leads a virtual cooking class exploring popular Moroccan dishes.
- French Weekend at Fine Creek, Fine Creek Brewing (Jan. 29-31): A release of the brewery’s French pilsner, along with a star-studded menu of French-inspired specialties
- V72 Food Truck Day, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (Jan. 30): A gathering of food trucks offering vegan-friendly menus
- Sincero Pop-up, Hatch Cafe (Jan. 30): Get a preview of the forthcoming Hatch Local food hall vendor, serving up empanadas, tacos and flautas.
- Vegetable Gardening in Central Virginia, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Jan. 30): Cultivate that green thumb with this virtual lesson on successful soil.
- Osteria dei Mascalzoni, The Jasper (Feb. 2): Fresh, house-made pastas available for takeout as part of the Friends and Family kitchen series
- At Season’s Peak: Citrus, Publix Super Market at Nuckols Place (Feb. 3): Explore the powerful punch citrus brings to a variety of dishes and cuisines.
- Free Farmstand Wednesday, Carter Jones Park (Feb. 3): Every Wednesday, find Seasonal Roots produce along with soup and bread at this mutual aid farm stand.
- Kalispera Pop-up, Hatch Cafe (Feb. 4): Spanakopita, tiropita, baklava and more are on the menu at this Mediterranean pop-up.
In Other Food News …
- President Joe Biden recently made a stop at Washington, D.C's Call Your Mother Deli for a bagel, opting to go the toasted route, and the choice has caused quite a stir among bagel traditionalists. (Washingtonian)
- In more bagel-related news, powerhouse Ohio-based ice cream maker Jeni’s Homemade dropped new pints this week inspired by breakfast flavors, but one in particular stood out: everything bagel. Is the stop-you-in-your-tracks concoction that combines two of life’s tastiest pleasures actually good? I’ll report back soon. (Eater)
- As the restaurant industry continues to navigate dining amid the pandemic, hospitality workers weigh in on the difficulties and what they wish patrons knew. (Food & Wine)
