From “bar-style” pies to loaded hot dogs and plant-based junk food, check out the lineup of pop-ups and weekend events below. (Photo by Eileen Mellon)
Sweet Carolina
Boasting a culinary diary packed with stories rooted in the Southern coastal states, Robyn Carter of Carolina Girl Catering offers a one-way ticket to the low country via shrimp and grits, gumbo, and more comfort-food classics. A North Carolina native, Carter relocated to Richmond from Austin, Texas, and is connecting with her new community through pop-up events and, eventually, a brick-and-mortar restaurant. (Richmond magazine)
For the Love of Diners
Reliable sources for wallet-friendly dishes, breakfast all day and retro mugs brimming with coffee from bottomless pots — a few of my favorite things — diners are a special place. Writer Genevelyn Steele also has heart-eyes for these old-school haunts, recently tracking down some local go-tos for chocolate-chip pancakes, burgers, fried fish and more. (Richmond magazine)
Take Pride
These Richmond neighborhoods are throwing a double dose of pride celebrations this Saturday, Sept. 18.
Returning for year three, the Scott’s Addition Pride Crawl kicks off at noon and features over a dozen of the neighborhood’s boozy businesses from The Veil Brewing Co. to Blue Bee Cider. Snag a passport to keep track of your libation journey, which grants access to a special drawing.
In Carytown, make pride pit stops at the legendary watering hole and karaoke dance palace Babe’s for dollar-off drinks, or head to Pho Luca’s for discounted apps to soak up all the hooch. Bonus: Also joining the Carytown Pride Crawl is Safe Space Market.
Cooking and Comedy
Beloved food nerd Alton Brown makes a return to Richmond on Oct. 28 during his fall tour, “Beyond the Eats.” Catch the Bill Nye of the culinary world and longtime host of shows including “Iron Chef America” and “Good Eats” at the Carpenter Theatre for a show that promises a smorgasbord of cooking, comedy and audience interaction. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m.
ICYMI
Richmond is home to the first-ever winner of Food Network’s “Ben & Jerry's: Clash of the Cones.” Impressing judges from Ben and Jerry to rapper Ludacris, the owner of North Side’s Ruby Scoops recently took home the ice cream crown. (Richmond magazine)
Initially introducing a menu dedicated to fried chicken at their downtown restaurant Lillie Pearl, husband-and-wife duo Mike Lindsey and Kimberly Love-Lindsey recently rolled out a Short Pump eatery that embraces the crispy concept: Buttermilk and Honey. (Richmond magazine)
The culinary director of craft butchery Jackie Wayne Beef Co. is a big fan of sustainability and Texas-style chill. (Richmond magazine)
Last call for tickets to the annual Birdhouse Market Farm Dinner on Sept. 19, a local feast presented by Richmond chefs featuring produce from area purveyors with proceeds benefiting the midweek market.
It seems good things come in threes at Bell Greek restaurant. With one location in Midlothian, and a second opened in Chester in 2018, the family-owned eatery is now eyeing the West End. Look for the third location to debut at 7011 Three Chopt Road in the coming months. (Richmond BizSense)
The market game is strong in Richmond, and another is planning to join the party. Look for DevoeDid Events to unveil a grab-and-go concept, the Southern-tinged market Hickory & Oak, in the months to come at 10614 Patterson Ave. Also on the market horizon: A project from Upper Shirley Vineyards’ Carlisle Bannister and a smoky venture from Redemption BBQ.
After a three-year run, Don’t Look Back South is shutting its doors. The last day to score a potato taco or crispy carnitas at that location is tentatively set for Oct. 30.
Upcoming Events
- Fall Fest, Starr Hill Brewery (Sept. 16-19): Channel autumn vibes via an Oktoberfest lager and a maple brown ale.
- Tim’s Pizza Pop-up, Hatch Cafe (Sept. 17): Friday pie day returns with a weekly dose of the pop-up that dishes out squares and rounds.
- Community Health Block Party, Brewer’s Cafe (Sept. 18): Free COVID-19 testing and vaccines (with coffee drinks and juice for those who get a shot) available during the two-hour event from 10 a.m. to noon
- Brookland Park Block Party, Brookland Park Boulevard (Sept. 18): Shop, snack and sip the North Side neighborhood. Fun fact: Cherry-vanilla sarsaparilla floats are totally a thing at Ninja Kombucha.
- Sincero Pop-up, The Veil Brewing Co. (Sept. 18): Tacos and beer
- Texas BBQ Meat Market, The Smoky Mug (Sept. 18): Saturday, smoked meats, specialty cocktails
- Sour Aesthetics Release, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (Sept. 19): A special release of the collab between Hardywood and Uncap Everything — a sour ale with peach, guava and a twist of lime — featuring art and tunes
- Pride Richmond Moon Market, Stone Brewing Co. (Sept. 19): A celebration of local LGBTQ+ makers with a portion of draft proceeds benefiting Diversity Richmond
- Unlocking RVA Brunch on the Plaza, Kanawha Plaza (Sept. 19): Brunch takes on a whole new meaning during the outdoor dance and dine party.
- Horne Dogs Pop-up Part Two, Don't Look Back South (Sept. 20): Hot dogs all ways, from deep-fried to topped with baked beans
- Uniquely Different Sweets, Publix Apron Cooking School (Sept. 23): Learn to whip up everything from baked Alaska to mango hand pies.
- Plant-based Junk Food in Richmond, Vasen Brewing Co. (Sept. 23): National company Vuture Food brings the comfort with vegan chicken sandwiches and loaded fries.
