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Last Week’s Food News in RVA!

Helping you learn all about the latest and greatest food news in Richmond, VA!

Post originally appeared on RichmondMagazine.com.

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Does the sight of this Italian hero (from Coppola’s Deli) make you hungry? Head below to discover some of the city’s best restaurants, bakeries, beverages and more, as chosen by our readers. (Photo by Eileen Mellon) 

‘Extra Crispy’

Whether you’re Team Flat, Team Drum or Team Vegan, when it comes to wings, the founders of Cluck N’ Roll believe it’s all about keeping it crispy. The pop-up from a trio of industry employees is tossing sauces from peanut butter and jelly to the staple Beet the Reaper, offering a fresh spin on the classic app/snack/meal. Catch them tonight at Hatch Cafe with a boneless wings event. (Richmond magazine) 

And the Winner Is …

It’s that time of year again, and our Best & Worst survey results are in, celebrating all the places, people and dishes that make Richmond the city we hold near and dear. In our Food & Drink categories, find new coffee shops to add to the mix, fun watering holes, gluten-free sweet treats, and spots to visit for a mimosa pitcher and a bangin’ breakfast. (Richmond magazine)

In on the Secret

Calling all history buffs, food lovers, trivia nerds and those who enjoy a little unusual outlook on things: From the extraordinary story of vanilla to the power of comfort food during wartime, local author Matt Siegel dives into the wild, weird and wonderful world of food history in his forthcoming debut book, “The Secret History of Food.” (Richmond magazine)

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‘A Total Showstopper’

“Vibrant,” “floral” and “showstopper” are all words Kate Stephenson, personal chef and founder of the namesake meal service Kate Uncorked, uses to describe the prized spice saffron, which makes a little magic in her recipe for Persian chicken and rice. (Richmond magazine)

Whiskey Revival

Out with the old, in with the new — well, sort of. In this month’s Open Tab, we keep the rocks glasses handy and explore a cocktail that embodies both tradition and possibilities: the Old-Fashioned. Stir it up with recipes from Belmont Food Shop, Brenner Pass and Virago Spirits. (Richmond magazine)

ICYMI

A garlic-tinged chapter has closed in Richmond as the city bid farewell to the Oregon Hill Italian refuge Mamma Zu. (Richmond magazine)

Got bao buns? Noah Rock does aboard his namesake food truck, Noah’s Rockin’ Buns, which recently hit the road dishing out the fluffy favorites. (Richmond magazine)

Cool down and sweeten up with five local desserts from a key lime pie cupcake to a cake made entirely from fruit. (Richmond magazine)

Warning, Food Network “Clash of the Cones” spoiler alert: During the second episode of the ice cream-centric competition show, North Side ice cream parlor owner Rabia Kamara of Ruby Scoops snagged another W, for back-to-back victories. Last week she impressed Kevin Bacon; this week, rapper and actor Ludacris.

Officially in action and complete with an outpost of The Beet Box for smoothie-and-go vibes, The Stables Market at Libbie Mill opened its doors over the weekend.

After almost a dozen years in business, Fresca on Addison is changing hands. The vegetarian eatery from daughter-and-dad duo Jimmy Sneed and Jenna Sneed Chew opened in 2010 and was a key player in paving the way for more plant-friendly options on the city’s dining scene. The business will remain family-owned, taken over by husband-and-wife team Rasool and Angela Al Hasini of Carytown Gyro. An Instagram post promises that Fresca favorites will remain, but says to look for more Mediterranean additions.

Speaking of markets, former Upper Shirley Vineyards chef Carlisle Bannister is joining the neighborhood market gang. Aiming for a fall debut, The Supper Club plans to open at 417 N. Ridge Road featuring butcher-cut meats, local produce and prepared meals. (Richmond BizSense)

Philly Vegan in Manchester is reopening this weekend with a pay-what-you-can system from Thursday to Sunday, inviting those who may need it to come in and enjoy a meal on the house. The owners are encouraging guests to spread the word.

Past Richmond magazine contributing writer Laura Sant is not only well-versed in food, she’s well-versed in art. Check out this pretty rad map from Sant featuring RVA watering holes and the beverages they’ve become known for.

Pop-up turned soon-to-open brick-and-mortar JewFro is offering a sneak preview of the new restaurant with its Rosh Hashanah Dinner packages available for two, four or 10 people. P.S.: There’s one week left to order.

The pop-up Susie & Esther, known for its laffa, hummus, and other Jewish and Mediterranean-inspired specialties, is taking things up a notch by adding private dinners and events to its repertoire.

Since launching in February, RVA Community Fridges, which aims to address food insecurity, has been keeping busy. The organization from founder Taylor Scott will unveil its seventh community fridge on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. with a grand stocking event at 4700 Oakleys Lane.

The Housepitality Family restaurant group, owners of neighboring eatery The Boathouse, plan to take over the shuttered Conch Republic space at Rocketts Landing with a new venture. Stay tuned for details. (Richmond BizSense)

Upcoming Events

  • Plant Party, Gallery5 (Aug. 27): Learn about seeds and make customized mixes with a cocktail in hand.
  • Flower Picking, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery (Aug. 27-29): BYOS — bring your own shears — and score a free bundle of blooms.
  • Fulton Hill Fish Fry and School Supply Drive, Ms. Girlee’s Kitchen (Aug. 28): Live tunes, $5 fried fish sammiches and an opportunity to give back
  • Smash Castle Pop-up, Hatch Cafe (Aug. 28): The SmashedRVA pop-up channels its inner Harold and Kumar for a menu featuring White Castle-style burgers.
  • 1st Annual Back to School Drive, The Beet Box (Aug. 28): An event to raise funds for RPS
  • Horne Dogs Pop-up, Don’t Look Back South (Aug. 30): Fried hot dogs, classic and chili-topped iterations, and more during the debut of this pop-up
  • Chopt Gives Day, Chopt Short Pump (Aug. 31): Soft opening of the new location at 11301 W. Broad St., Suite 109, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Shalom Farms
  • Fried Chicken and Caviar Champagne Dinner, Blue Atlas (Sept. 1): Three C’s join forces for a night inspired by Momofuku’s David Chang.

In Other Food News …

  • In Richmond, as well as Colorado, Georgia, Illinois and Oregon, workers for Nabisco Snacks, which produces Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies, are on strike, citing 16-hour days and a pension plan that hasn’t been restored despite increased sales. (The New York Times)
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Latest Richmond Food News!

Trotter roulade with peanut-chile crisp, peaches and buttermilk from a pop-up event at Metzger Bar & Butchery last weekend. Hungry for a weekend food event? Head below for lots of options. (Photo by Eileen Mellon)

Post originally appeared at RichmondMagazine.com

Farmers markets are a special place, and that’s exactly where the owners behind Auntie Ning’s Filipino food truck, Polpetti Italian catering and Column 15 Coffee all originally met. Fast-forward a year, and the trio of food businesses, while still on the farmers market circuit, can be found under one roof at The Market on Meadow. (Richmond magazine)

More in Store

Best friends and business partners Ezaddin “Dean” Alasad and Faisel Suort have been making big market moves in the past year. Blending big-box grocery store and neighborhood bodega vibes, the duo are responsible for Northside Gourmet Market, a revamp of Oregon Hill’s Fine Food Market and a slew of other shops on the way. Did we mention they’re the largest local distributor of Richmond’s own Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches? (Richmond magazine)

The Next Generation

Celebrating Black and brown culinary culture and diversity, a special event from acclaimed chef Kwame Onwuachi and Food & Wine will make its debut in Virginia next week. Dubbed The Family Reunion Festival, the event is a four-day adventure featuring family-style lunches, cookouts, wine tastings and seminars with appearances from chef Carla Hall, pitmaster Rodney Scott and more. (Richmond magazine)

Into the Woods

Foraging for food is second nature to Petersburg native Corey Bullock. The former Longoven chef recently revived his pop-up series, Euterra, a showcase of his deep-rooted adoration and understanding of the woods, where the menu — which has included a sycamore bark cookie and cicada condiment — is kept secret until after the meal. (Richmond magazine)  

ICYMI

Most recently of Can Can Brasserie, the brothers behind Brookland Park Market have reopened their business as a full-service restaurant. (Richmond magazine)

Taking neighborliness to a whole new level, downtown restaurateurs Mike Lindsey and Kimberly Lindsey-Love of Lillie Pearl have assumed ownership of nearby Pop’s Market on Grace after the eatery initially announced its closure. (Richmond magazine)

Whether you like it hot, plant-based or in snack size, we’ve got a killer collection of local fried chicken sammies. (Richmond magazine)

Industry experience and a passion for food are the driving forces behind Twisted Carrot Farm from VCU grad Sarah Hoffman. (Richmond magazine)

Where does Peter Chang like to vacation and what necessities does the celebrated chef keep in his fridge? Head this way to find out. (Richmond magazine)

Closed since the pandemic, the Mamma Zu’s space in Oregon Hill is up for lease for the first time in nearly 30 years. Stay tuned for more coverage about this loss of a Richmond dining institution. (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

Cue “All Night Long,” because the farmers market venture turned brick-and-mortar space Up All Night Bakery has officially announced that it will open its walk-up window on Sunday, Aug. 29. Located at 5411 Lakeside Ave., it will take over the space that housed shuttered juice bar and cafe Pulp.

After unveiling the Manchester edition of Stella’s Grocery last week, the Giavoses have struck again. The Continental Manchester — the sister restaurant to the Westhampton outpost — is now open for a “very soft” first week at 609 Hull St.

Ben and Jerry’s Clash of the Cones” may sound like the latest release from the Vermont ice cream connoisseurs or possibly a new “Star Wars” spinoff, but in fact it’s an upcoming show from Food Network that stars a Richmond business owner. On Monday, Aug. 16, tune in to catch Rabia “Ruby” Kamara of North Side’s Ruby Scoops in the ultimate flavor competition. 

Save the date: Tickets for Real Local RVA’s 5th Annual Farm Tour — a four-hour adventure on Sept. 18 with pit stops at Shine Farms, Hazel Witch Farm and Real Roots Food Systems, along with snacks and tunes — are currently on sale.

Changes are on the horizon at Billy Pie. Starting last week, the Patterson Avenue ’za spot put a pause on Thursday-Sunday takeout service to focus on future plans, which include indoor dining, craft cocktails and some new menu items.

The Fountain Lake concession stand in Byrd Park is now home to a series of rotating culinary concepts, thanks to Richmond Black Restaurant Experience. Each week the gazebo, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will host a different Black-owned food business or vendor, from Tasty Cuisine by M& D to Cheddar Jackson. Paddle boats, anyone?

RVA Love

For its 10th anniversary, The Local Palate magazine decided to take a trip down memory lane and check in with some previously featured people and places. Flip through the most recent issue to peep a story featuring The Roosevelt, which celebrated a decade in Church Hill in July and has played a big role in igniting the restaurant scene in the city.