PREVIEW: DAVY JONES’ PICKS FOR THE RICHMOND FOLK FESTIVAL
RiverCity
RichmondNavigator.com
September / October 2018
In Search Of:
BBQ MEET RIVER CITY’S
DRINK TO LIFE! NEW SOMMELIERS TOSS OLD RULES
FOUR-LEGGED NEIGHBORHOODS: AMBASSADORS NORTH BOULEVARD CORRIDOR
M
ยก AuthENtic MExicAN ! FRESH | FAST | DELICIOUS
2617 W. Broad St. Richmond (804) 257-9930 LalosCocina.com
523 E Main St. Richmond (804) 644-0740 chicanoscocina.com
7610 Left Flank Rd., Mechanicsville (804) 559-6745 ThePatronRestaurant.com
Contents
RiverCity SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2018 PRESIDENT // PUBLISHER
William J. Davis, Jr.
VICE-PRESIDENT // PUBLISHER
Cheryl T. Davis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Steve Cook
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Ashley Jefferson COPY EDITOR
Tammy Wersinger CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Michael Lay
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ryan Hooley
DIGITAL MANAGER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Joey Wharton
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mike Doherty, Dave Masucci, Tom Rathgeb, Emily Sanders, Joey Wharton, Josh Young
06
MOUNTED UNIT
13
22
N. BOULEVARD
IN SEARCH OF: BBQ
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BarberStock.com, BigStockPhoto.com CONTRIBUTORS
Davy Jones, Jody Rathgeb EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Cosima Pellis
SALES CONSULTANT
Emily Sanders
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Jimmy Davis
ADVERTISING RiverCity Magazine is published bimonthly by Richmond Navigator Media 6301 Harbourside Drive, Suite 100 Midlothian, VA 23112 P: 804-639-9994 E: Info@RichmondNavigator.com ONLINE // SOCIAL RichmondNavigator.com Facebook.com/RichmondNavigator Twitter.com/RichmondNav
04
RiverCity Flow
18
Sports Bars
06
Meet RiverCity’s Four-legged Ambassadors
20
Raising the Bar: Four Young Sommeliers Toss the Old Rules
10
Backstage with Davy Jones: A Conversation with Uilleann Piper Jarlath Henderson, plus Davy’s Picks for The Richmond Folk Festival
14
Tastebudz
16
In Search Of: BBQ
22
Happy Hour Guide
23
Craft Beer Directory
24
GENERAL // EDITORIAL INFORMATION E: Info@RichmondNavigator.com A PUBLICATION OF
A Division of Advertising Concepts, Inc.
Articles and contents of this magazine are not necessarily the opinions or thoughts of RiverCity Magazine, Advertising Concepts, Inc. or the publisher. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. About Our Cover:
The North Boulevard Corridor
2 RiverCity September / October 2018
BBQ is the focus of this issue’s In Search Of feature and we thank photographer Dave Masucci for capturing this 8 by 10 color glossy picture of Poe’s Pub’s Famous Babyback Ribs. Also in this issue is a feature on the Richmond Police Department’s Mounted Unit, wine advice from four young sommeliers and Richmond Folk Festival picks by Davy Jones.
From the Editor
RICHMOND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE
Designer House
NOTE FROM EDITOR: You all know how much I hate writing editor’s letters. Perhaps because I seldom have anything interesting to say. Hence, now that we have the talented Ashley Jefferson as our assistant editor, I was more than happy to dump — make that present her — with this opportunity to introduce herself to our readers. — Steve Cook, Editor
Growing up, my dream was to be Mariah Carey. I thought she was the coolest. She had amazing style, a phenomenal voice and the best music videos. (That ‘Honey’ video was epic!) So, in the 10th grade when I entered into a singing contest, it was only natural of me to select a Mariah Carey song. But what was also natural was my horrible singing voice. During my performance, I missed every single note, rift and run. And when the song was over and a few people booed, my singing career came to a screeching halt. Luckily for me, I had a back-up dream. (I always have a Plan B.) And that was to be a lifestyle journalist. In college, I majored in communications and wrote a few op-eds for the newspaper. And after school, I penned a few articles for NBC Washington and wrote professional product reviews for major companies like Neutrogena, L’Oreal and even GMC! By the time I moved to Richmond three years ago, my writing career was on cloud nine. So, when Richmond Navigator asked me to be a contributor, I thought to myself, absolutely! This is right up my alley! I began researching Richmond, visiting museums and talking to people who knew more about the topics given to me. I was living my childhood dream. Then one day, I received a letter from a reader about two articles I’d written entitled “The Roots of Richmond” and “Affordable Luxury Coming to Fulton Hill.” In his letter, the gentleman wrote about a few inaccuracies he thought he saw in both articles, most of which pertained to Fulton Hill. And though I cited my sources (The Historic Valentine Museum), and named the people that I interviewed (Thank you, all!), there was one phrase that offended him the most that I definitely should not have written. “Ridden with crime, [Fulton Hill] was neglected by even its own residents.” After reading his letter, I took some time to do even more research and was stunned by my findings. I learned that Fulton Hill was not neglected by its own residents. Contrarily, for many reasons, its residents were made to feel as though they had been neglected by the City of Richmond. And this was not OK. No one should ever be made to feel that way. But what was even more unacceptable was my neglect to research and report the entire round of a story the first time, interviewing people from all sides and not just the dominant one. In doing so, I compromised my credibility and journalistic integrity. And for that, I do apologize. Since then, I’ve written more articles and was even promoted to Assistant Editor. (Thanks, Steve!) But now with this new responsibility and a new lesson learned, I will work my hardest to make sure each word is my best and that whenever possible, all sides of a story are represented. I am living my dream. And I want to make Richmonders proud while doing so. Thank you all for accepting me into your fold. And a special thank you to the residents of Fulton Hill for giving me a second chance to impress you. I’m so excited to get started!
TOUR HOLLY LAWN
Sept. 17 - Oct. 14, 2018
Photo courtesy of Richmond Magazine.
Smoke Pit Grill Café | Fabulous Boutique open during tour hours
M-F 10am-3pm Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. 1-5pm 4015 Hermitage Road Richmond
Thirsty Thursdays September 20, 27 October 4, 11 5:30-7:30pm GOLD SPONSOR
Anne Carter and Walter R. Robins, Jr. Foundation MEDIA SPONSORS
Happy Hour Garden Party House Tour Hors d’oeuvres • Live Music Wine • Hardywood Beer TITLE SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
Elizabeth G. Schneider Charitable Trust The Peachtree House Foundation PAINT SPONSOR
LIGHTING SPONSOR
BEER SPONSOR
Tickets & Information: WWW.RSOL.ORG
Ashley Jefferson,
Editorial@RichmondNavigator.com RichmondNavigator.com
River City 3
RiverCity Flow SEPTEMBER 15
Burr of the Moment
Bill Burr is an American comedian or a comedian from the North American Union, depending on when you read this. He grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts and did fairly poorly in school, despite the fact that he applied himself. Known for his recurring roles on Breaking Bad and the second season of Chappelle’s Show, Bill developed a comedic style of uninformed logic that has made him a regular with Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon. One of the most popular comedy podcasts on the web, Bill’s Monday Morning Podcast, is an off-the-cuff, twice-weekly rant that has become a fan favorite. 7p.m. / Tickets $37-$42 / 6 N Laurel St./ AltriaTheater.com
Photo: Joseph Llanes
SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14
Richmond Symphony Orchestra League Designer House Tour See 27 spaces in the gorgeous Queen Anne-style home, Holly Lawn, transformed by top designers. This bi-annual event, which raises funds for the Richmond Symphony, kicks off on with a special preview gala on September 17 featuring live music by the Symphony. See the website for full schedule of related events. Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 5 p.m./ House tour $30 / 4015 Hermitage Road / RSOL.org
OCTOBER 6 & 7
A Jackson Ward Tradition
Nearly 40,000 people visit historic Jackson Ward to reminisce about the days when 2nd Street was the heart and soul of Richmond’s African American community and was known as “the Harlem of the South.” The music, art, food, laughter and fun will be bigger and brighter this year, as Richmond celebrates 30 years of reuniting the Jackson Ward community! The 2nd Street Festival features four stages of live musical entertainment along with a Kidz Zone, popular food vendors, a marketplace and Artists Row to shop, and the Richmond metropolitan Antique Car Club. See website for schedule / Free / 2nd Street in Jackson Ward / VentureRichmond.com
OCTOBER 12
Mosaic/Ardent Brewing Beer Pairing Dinner Enjoy a special five-course dinner consisting of fresh, local and delicious fare from Mosaic restaurant, paired with some of your favorite brews from Ardent Craft Ales. 6:30 p.m. / $50 / Mosaic restaurant, 6229 River Road, 804-288-7482 / MosaicEdibles.com
OCTOBER 12-14
Richmond’s Big Gig SEPTEMBER 29
Dog Days of Fall
It’s the Inaugural Richmond Dog Festival! Feel free to bring lawn chairs . There’ll be live music and tents to kick back under, as well as a chair check service. Your four-legged friends are the guests of honor – must be socialized and leashed. This is a rain or shine event! 11a.m. – 4p.m. / $1 suggested entry donation to Enrichmond / 17th Street Market/ Enrichmond.org
The Richmond Folk Festival continues its celebration of the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional craft and food. The Festival, sponsored by Venture Richmond, features more than 30 performing groups on seven live music stages with continuous music and dance performances, along with a Virginia Folklife demonstration area, children’s activities, a folk arts marketplace, regional and ethnic foods and more. See website for times / Free / 2nd to 7th St., Byrd St. to the James River/ RichmondFolkFestival.com
4 RiverCity September / October 2018
OCTOBER 14
Singing in HARMONY
The HARMONY concert features two world-acclaimed A Cappella groups, The Maccabeats, a Jewish group formed in 2007 at Yeshiva University, and Naturally 7, an American beat-boxing vocal group. HARMONY is the fusion of spectacular vocals and distinct singing styles. By bringing this unique musical collaboration to Richmond, the hope is to provide an opportunity for individuals of all ages to experience live A Cappella music.
and photographs from the museum’s world-class collection. The gallery walls will be transformed with fresh paint and expressive reflections on Virginia’s past. Using the mural aesthetic, artists will blend the present with the past creating a first of its kind display for a history museum in the Commonwealth. View live painting by the artists from September 10 to October 12 Members free; Non members included with admission to Museum – Adults – $10, Seniors (65+) – $8, Youth (6-17) – $5 / Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N Boulevard, 804-340-1800 / VirginiaHistory.org
NOVEMBER 2 & 3
Urbanna Oyster Festival
2:30p.m. / See website for ticket pricing (Etix.com)/ 6 N Laurel St. / AltriaTheater.com
Waterfront exhibits give visitors a hands-on opportunity to discover how the industry operates today. Local vendors offer these bivalve delicacies prepared in a number of different ways. Don’t forget to try the wine and oyster pairings and the Virginia craft beer tastings .
See website for schedules and additional information / UrbannaOysterFestival.com
NOVEMBER 10
Who’s Cider You On Anyway?
OCTOBER 23 – 27
Hugo First
Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering, “Les Miz is born again!” Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.
Richmond kicks off Cider Week VA right! As the first event of this statewide celebration, the Richmond Cider Celebration draws cideries and attendees from across Virginia. Feel free to bring lawn chairs . There will be a free chair check service to hold your chair till you’re ready to watch the band. Your four-legged friends are welcome – must be socialized and leashed. 11a.m. – 4p.m. / $1 suggested entry donation to Enrichmond / 17th Street Market / Enrichmond.org
Oct. 23, 24, 25 7:30p.m.; Oct. 26 8p.m.; Oct. 27 2p.m. / See website for ticket pricing (Etix.com) / 6 N Laurel St. / AltriaTheater.com
NOVEMBER 16 – 18
54th Annual Craft + Design Presented by Altria OCTOBER 27 – APRIL 14
Fresh Paint: Murals Inspired by the Story of Virginia This unprecedented exhibition for all ages at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture brings together original large-scale artwork created by current Virginia-based artists with historical objects, books, letters, diaries,
This museum-quality show has garnered a reputation for showcasing the finest in contemporary craft, including ceramics, precious metals, glass, wood and recycled materials. Patrons’ Preview Party (Nov. 16: 6 – 9 p.m. ); General admission shopping (Nov. 17 & 18: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m). See website for tickets and additional times / Main Street Station Renovated shed, 1500 E. Main St. / VisArts.org
RichmondNavigator.com
River City 5
RIVER CITY LIVE
by Ashley Jefferson
Down under the Chamberlayne overpass, across from a loud and active railroad track, sits a tattered stable, housing several horses and their horsemen. It is easy to drive past the stable, which faces a very busy Brook Road, especially since its curb appeal resembles that of an abandoned warehouse. But once you walk inside, you’ll be welcomed by Richmond’s Finest and their four-legged partners. Greeting visitors at the door are Scooter, Rio and Toby, three of the finest police horses on the force. All of whom seem to be excited to have visitors, Toby in particular. Toby is an 8-year-old Draft horse who is as sweet as pie. Standing across from him is his rider, Officer Gene Carter.
Photo: Josh Young
Officer Gene Carter in the saddle with Toby, an 8-year old horse who has been paired with Carter since 2016. “There’s not a bad bone in his body,” Carter says of Toby. “I have an awesome relationship with this guy. He will do anything for me.
6 RiverCity September / October 2018
Rio (below), a 17-year old, has been with the Mounted Unit for 12 years and is partnered with Sergeant Jeremy Nierman (inset below). “He’s the old guy of the group,” says Nierman. “He really just enjoys what he does.”
“Toby is the horse I’ve had since the beginning,” says Officer Carter. “He’s a real sweet horse and the one I learned to ride on.” Officer Carter has been a member of the Mounted Unit since 2016. Toby has been with him every step of the way. Horses and officers train for about three months before they are ready to take on the tasks of the Mounted Unit. The intense training is vital to building a strong and healthy bond between the two. And because everyday on the job is different, it’s imperative that the horse and its officer have total trust in one another. “There’s not a bad bone in his body,” shares Officer Carter. “I have an awesome relationship with this guy. He will do anything for me.” And apparently, the officers will do anything for their horses. In the early mornings, the officers come to work to tend to their four-legged partners before they begin their daily tasks. Once assignments are distributed, they go out into the city as pairs.
“These horses have a very calming effect on people, because of their size. Somebody that may be a little more active with an officer on the ground is less active when a horse is beside them. They de-escalate things. Everybody is safer.” – Officer Gene Carter
“In the mornings, we come in, get our assignments, then groom and saddle the horses,” shares Officer Amanda Acuff. Officer Acuff is one of the Unit trainers. She joined the Mounting Squad in 2011 with much riding experience. Her partner, Scooter, is a lively, 14-year-old, Quarter Horse who, like Officer Acuff, joined the Unit in 2011. “If we’re riding close by, like if we’re in Jackson Ward or Northside, we’ll ride out from here,” explains Officer Acuff. “We’ve ridden all the way to Carytown and Shockoe Bottom from here. Other times, we’ll trailer out to Southside and other areas. But typically, we can go anywhere we are needed.” The Mounted Unit is needed, in more ways than one. Since 1894, the Richmond Police Mounted Unit has patrolled throughout the city, maneuvering through a variety of terrains, performing crowd control during major events and assisting with search and rescue missions. However, their most valuable role is their ability to build positive community re-
Photos: Josh Young
RichmondNavigator.com
River City 7
Officer Amanda Acuff with her horse partner, Scooter, who joined the force in 2014. about to set off on patrol (top) and in the stables preparing for their shift (middle). Officer Carter and Toby (bottom) getting ready for the day.
lations. According to a 2014 study by Oxford University, a mounted officer is six times more likely to be approached by a citizen than an officer on foot. This fact holds true right here in Richmond. Both Officers Carter and Acuff agree that by sheer virtue of their high visibility, the public is encouraged to approach them, speak with them and engage with their horses. It is because of this, that the Mounted Unit is considered Ambassadors for the City. “People actually come out of their homes to say hello to us,” shares Officer Acuff. “If they hear us walking, they’ll come out to talk to us, as opposed to someone in a police car, or even a bicycle officer. They are more apt to come talk to us because of the horses. It’s all about the horses.” Officer Carter agrees, “From kids to adults who would never, ever come out to talk to a police officer; people flock to these guys. So it’s a big icebreaker and a way to open up a line of communication, which is really unique in policing. It’s really awesome for us to have that.” Even when times are a little hard the horses are there to help de-escalate the situation in an almost therapeutic way. “These horses have a very calming effect on people, because of their size,” shares Officer Carter. “Somebody that may be a little more active with an officer on the ground is less active when a horse is beside them. They de-escalate things. That’s why they are also good for crowd control, because they de-escalate situations. Everybody is safer.” But not every horse can become a police horse. Only one out of ten will fit the bill. Horses that are very inquisitive, patient, forgiving and even a little lazy are perfect for the job. These are the types of horses that, in times of confusion, tend to listen to the direction of their riders rather than their natural instincts. “The horses feed off of our energy,” says Officer Acuff. “They are very intuitive animals. Horses are flight animals by nature. If a threat is brought to the herd, they will run. But these guys are trained to trust us. They only run when we say. And they will stay when we want them to stay.”
Photos: Josh Young
8 RiverCity September / October 2018
The experience the horse has in its earlier years also assists with the selection and training process. Toby worked with the Amish. So, he was used to traffic. Scooter was a school horse before he became a police horse. So, he was comfortable around groups of people. But no matter how perfect a horse is for the job, there will come a time when he must retire. Most police horses will only serve for 10 years before they go off to enjoy the rest of their lives. Officer Acuff explains, “Horses can live up till 30 years old. So, we want to retire them when they are still medically sound and in shape. We don’t want to work them into the ground.” There is one horse who isn’t yet ready to let the force go. Rio, a 17-year-old Warmblood, has been with the Mounted Unit since he was five years old. Manned by Sergeant Jeremy Nierman, Rio is one of the more mature horses, possibly stuck in his ways, and seems to have no plans of leaving anytime soon. “He’s the old guy of the group,” says Sergeant Nierman of Rio. “He’s been around for about 12 years and he really just enjoys what he does.” But like all the other officers before him, Rio will have to retire at some point. And when that time comes, the officers will get first dibs on taking them home. Officer Carter already has plans to take Toby home. “I will take him home when I retire. I hope to be an officer long enough so that I can take him home when I retire.” As for Rio, once he decides to retire, he’ll head off to a farm where he’ll be free to roam while doing some therapy work. But pretty soon, all of the police horses will be able to graze on farm-like terrain. According to Friends of the Richmond Mounted Squad, the non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to support the horses of the Richmond Mounted Squad, construction for a brand new equestrian center will begin this fall. Located on Crestview and Government road, on the back side of Historic Church Hill, the center will include a 12-stall barn, training rings, parking area, locker rooms, turnouts for the horses, grazing pastures, meeting rooms and many more amenities. The center will also be handicap accessible. But for now, these horses will continue to live happily in their tattered stable and work in their city. From the looks of it, they really seem to love it.
Photo: Tom Rathgeb
NEIGHborhood Policing by Jody Rathgeb
The Richmond Mounted Police Unit has been a stable presence The current barn at 801 Brook Road was built in 1970 and has outlived in Richmond since 1884. Now, its stability is about to be boostits usefulness. The problems, according to Leslie Buck, FRMS president, ed with literal stables. are many. The old structure is Soon, the unit will break made of concrete block, which ground on a new barn facility at is freezing in winter and swelGillies Creek Park on the city’s tering in summer. The horses east side. must stand on concrete, and The unit, one of the oldest of there is no grass for them when its type in the country, patrols they are turned out for exeron horseback in various parts cise, only a small gravel yard of the city. It is also useful in in which they must take turns. crowd control, since officers sit Recurrent flooding is also a An artist’s rendering of the proposed new stables complex. high, and people tend to move problem. And for the human more readily when a horse “suggests” it. During search and rescue, horsoccupants, there is no locker room and only one office into which four es can explore terrain unreachable by vehicle. And their positive impact desks are crammed. “This is a stressful situation for the horses and evon public relations is immeasurable. Most people react favorably to eryone,” Buck notes. horses and are more likely to engage with a police officer riding one. FRMS has been raising money in many ways. The group has held an In the 1940s, the unit was large enough to include 35 horses. Today, annual Richmond Ride for 25 years. It also holds socials, runs an onthere are three, with plans to bring on a fourth. The horses, after trainline store and has gone to Richmond City Council four times to have ing, go on patrol daily and work for about 10 years before they a new barn put into the budget. So far, group representatives are retired. Their hard work, while less costly compared have been successful in getting government funding for the to equipment needed elsewhere, can incur needs and exbuilding and fencing, and lately have been concentrating penses that the city can have difficulty providing quickly. their efforts on being able to stock the barn with mainteEnter the Friends of the Richmond Mounted Squad — nance items and amenities. a nonprofit organization designed to support the unit, parAfter false starts in both a location and design, plans are ticularly its horses. Over the years, the volunteers of FRMS now set. The new 12-stall barn will include a wash stall, have raised money for horses, saddles, equipment repair farrier’s area and community/utility room among other and medical care. They also help remind the Richmond City amenities. A ground-breaking is anticipated this fall. Council of its duties to the horses. However, the group’s main project has For a horse that wants to relax after work with a rub-down and a soft been focused on finding a new home for the unit. surface in which to graze, it will be a dream come true.
RichmondNavigator.com
River City 9
BACKSTAGE with DAVY JONES
A Conversation with Uilleann Piper
JARlAth HENdERsON A Special Richmond Folk Festival Backstage Story
F
by Davy Jones
or the world’s most exciting practitioners of traditional music, playing means looking backward and forward at the same time…diligently embracing and re-exposing
musical roots while following artistic instincts that break new sonic ground. Jarlath Henderson knows a thing or two about inhabiting that sacred space. Hailing from Northern Ireland, he’s as celebrated a uilleann piper as you’ll find, having won the 2003 BBC Young Folk Award at the record-setting early age of 17. And while he’s recorded with some of Celtic music’s biggest names, he’s also charged forward to explore how traditional Irish music can be voiced, releasing a daring and moving debut album in 2016, called Hearts Broken, Heads Turned, in which he incorporates electronic elements and varied instrumentation to give old songs new life and depth. He’s truly one of the must-see artists at this year’s Richmond Folk Festival, which is set to bring three thrilling (and free, with a donation) days of music, arts and culture from near and far, starting on Friday, Oct. 12. Henderson and I spoke over the phone recently about his upcoming performance, his journey with his instrument, and what it means to honor the past while forging ahead into the future.
What will the arrangement be for your performance at the Richmond Folk Festival?
We’ll be touring this time as a three-piece, trying for a very dynamic sound with three people, so it’s going to be fun. I’m going to have a guy, Hamish Napier who plays keys, and he’s also a vocalist, a singer I respect and sing with a lot. He also plays flute, as do I. Hamish is great. And then I’ve also got a guy called Pablo Lafuente, a guitarist and violinist. Myself, I’ll be playing some guitar, some pipes and whistles and singing.
Do you enjoy the folk festival format — where you have an opportunity to connect educationally with an audience?
I do. It’s a really interesting one. I haven’t been to the festival before, so I’m really intrigued. I’m looking forward to seeing exactly how it all plays out. But I have gigged in North America, and it’s been really cool just how perceptive and interested the audiences are, and really keen to get some sort of an education as well as a musical performance.
Can you talk a little about the journey the uilleann pipes have been on since their invention?
The journey goes back to probably about 600 BC, [which] is one of the first documented forms of bagpipes. But the uilleann pipes themselves began to come to be as an instrument in the mid- to late-1700s. And since the 1960s, there’s been such a great rise. There are now pipers in Japan, pipe-makers in Japan and everywhere else around the world you can think of. And actually, this year it’s quite cool to
10 RiverCity September / October 2018
“It has to be for the People.” — Jarlath Henderson
be coming to Richmond because the instrument’s just been given UNESCO World Heritage status. That means I’m almost a museum piece. So there you go.
would sing all the time on car journeys. But when I started playing the uilleann pipes and traditional music in general, it wasn’t really that cool where I was... Although I did sing and I knew how to sing then, I kind of held off the singing for fear of making my life any harder [laughs]. You’re not exactly Mr. Popular going to school and playing the uilleann pipes… It was really only when I got to 18 to [my] 20s that I was more willing to sing publicly. That’s been my journey with singing. It was kind of a secretive one to start, and I never imagined that my debut album would be so song-heavy – or an album of songs – because I was more known as a piper first and foremost.
How were you introduced to the instrument?
My father played, so there was music in the house. My mom played too… I guess I was exposed to it in the house. And then I went to the Armagh Pipers Club, which is a really well-renowned organization not too far from where I grew up. And I was lucky enough to be taught there, and then I actually went on to be a tutor there. [They teach] all sorts of instruments, but uilleann pipes is one of the main ones.
Can you describe the set of pipes you’ll be playing in Richmond?
Did your singing develop alongside your pipes playing?
I got these pipes in 2002. They were made by a man called Dave Williams, but sadly he died about eight months after finishing my set. I was lucky. There were about 12 years worth of people on his waiting list
In one way, it was before that. I have two sisters, and my mother sings and my father sings, so I was always aware of singing. We
RichmondNavigator.com
River City 11
Davy Jones’ Folk Festival Picks Mavis Staples
who were very, very, very disappointed, obviously, about his untimely death... They’re also a very beautiful set of pipes... [Williams] considered them to be the finest set that he’d made, or up there with the three finest sets that he’d ever made. So I’m very lucky to have them. I call them Eleanor, in a loving way, kind of the same as the Shelby Mustang from Gone in 60 Seconds. You literally develop a love-hate relationship with an instrument that you play all the time. Whenever you’re exposing seven reeds made of cane to all sorts of temperatures all over the world in all sorts of humidities and expecting them to work, you [have] an almost spoken dialogue with your instrument, where you’re going, “C’mon guys. You can do this. Don’t let me down now.”
Few figures in American music today can step onstage and bring as much joy to an audience as Mavis Staples. Her place in the canon of gospel and R&B has long been established, thanks to her tenure in the legendary Staple Singers, yet she’s written a bright new chapter in recent years thanks to a string of inspiring and successful albums produced by fellow Chicagoan and Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, including last year’s If All I Was Was Black. Whether her setlist highlights new material or timeless classics from the civil rights movement, your soul will surely be filled to the brim by standing near.
Claire Lynch
With one of the clearest and most acclaimed voices in bluegrass today, Claire Lynch promises to provide one of the sweetest serenades of the 2018 Richmond Folk Festival. At the age of 12, she moved from Kingston, New York to Huntsville, Alabama, and the storied musical career she’s followed since has included multiple GRAMMY nominations and International Bluegrass Music Association awards, as well as the United States Artists Walker Fellowship. To get a sense of just how exceptionally her singing makes a melody soar, be sure to give a listen to her latest fulllength, 2016’s North by South, which features contributions from bluegrass greats like Jerry Douglas and Béla Fleck.
Orquesta El Macabeo
Do you enjoy inhabiting that space between the past and future of traditional music? As a musician, I think you move from either being very sure of yourself to very unsure of yourself constantly, and it’s very hard to be sure of yourself. But within the traditional music world, in general, just like in any niche market, like bluegrass, there are the hardcore fans who really want things to be the way they were. But after a certain amount of time, it becomes more of a historical representation of a time gone by rather than an accurate representation of now. At the end of the day, it’s just a form of folk music, and it has to be for the people. It’s an interesting place to be.
Hailing from the Puerto Rican municipality of Trujillo Alto (Puerto Rico), Orquesta El Macabeo has performed a decidedly daring take on salsa since their formation in 2008, bringing past experiences to the beloved genre in forms as varied as punk rock, ska, and reggae. (Their 2015 EP Eutanasia reimagined tracks originally recorded by influential Spanish punk bands La Polla Records and Eskorbuto.) Such a singular approach makes their set a must-see for purists and newcomers alike -- both will get an up-close, horizons-broadening view of what tradition can sound like when it’s filtered through the highly personal lens of a closely bonded band of players following their strengths and convictions.
12 RiverCity September / October 2018
P R E S E N T E D
B Y
T H E
U R B A N N A
O Y S T E R
F E S T I V A L
Oyster Lovers Experience VIP
$100 P PERSOER N Limite d
EXPERIENCE THE URBANNA OYSTER FESTIVAL AS AN EXCLUSIVE VIP OYSTER LOVER!
availabtickets le!
Friday, November 2 or Saturday, November 3, 2018 Every VIP ticket holder will receive the following: Six beer tastings Two oyster shooters Six oyster tastings Discounts at local businesses November 2018 – April 2019 VIP seating at Saturday’s 11:00 am Shucking Contest Artist-signed 61st Urbanna Oyster Festival poster
PURCHASE TICKETS AT WWW.URBANNAOYSTERFESTIVAL.COM
LI RA M IN 2 IT O I D 1 ED R R AN T SH E I IN Q D C K U I R U E E. E P. TS D . .
Access to three hospitality tents throughout Urbanna during the festival –Town Marina, Craft Beer Tent & Wine Tasting Tent Exclusive VIP tables and seating Support from a festival concierge to help you navigate the event Private restroom facilities Bottled waters Six wine tastings
tastebudz FLAVOR
with Steve Cook
So much has happened since the last time we got together, I know I don’t have room to tell it all. But, here’s a piece of advice. If you check RichmondNavigator.com every Thursday afternoon, you can read our weekly TasteBudz Online update. Do that and all your friends will be amazed at how much you know. They’ll probably start picking up the tab when you eat out just so they pick that beautiful brain of yours.
CORNBREAD IN THE BOTTOM: While on a leisurely stroll around Shockoe Bottom, I stumbled upon MiniBar Richmond (14 N 18th St.). I wasn’t really hungry when I walked past. But the vibe of the place was so nice, I had to peek my head in for a quick look around. Ten minutes later, I was sitting at a bar-side table with a signature cocktail known as The Code, some French fries and a plate of corn bread. The drink was delicious; slightly sweet and fruity. The fries were crispy and perfectly salted. And the cornbread was buttery, fluffy and had a delicious honey glazed sauce drizzled on top. Everything at Mini Bar Richmond was yummy. But the cornbread was definitely the star of the show.
TIME AND TIME AGAIN: Let me begin by issuing a Mea Culpa. No, that’s not an aging movie star. That’s my way of saying that I blew it when providing info to our graphics people as to the operating times for one of the city’s coolest restaurants — The Stables at Belmont (201 N. Belmont). I had indicated that the restaurant is open on Mondays. I’m sorry for all of you folks who don’t get out on any of the other six days of the week. But The Stables, serving delicious New American fare and offering craft cocktails and an excellent wine list, is closed on Mondays. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. On Friday and Saturdays, they stay open ‘til 11 and on Sunday, you can enjoy their brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Ashley Jefferson, our new assistant editor here at Richmond Navigator, filed a couple of TasteBudz reports recently. She’s not exactly a wet-behind-the-ears newcomer to town, but she is still discovering some of the treats that the city has to offer. I’m always happy to hear her perspective. Here goes:
THREE CHEERS FOR 3 MONKEYS: Every time I visit 3 Monkey’s Bar & Grill (2525 W. Main St.) for brunch, there is a line to get in the door. Fortunately for me, I only had to wait 10 minutes the last time I went. But it’s quite often that the wait can be longer. Regardless, it is definitely worth it. The crab dip, jumbo lump crab omelets and steak and eggs breakfast are perfect enough for every surf and turf loving family to enjoy. And the mimosa pitchers were definitely the syrup on the waffle (or icing on the cake). Thanks Ashley. We’ll hear more from you next time. I have had some fascinating conversations recently with some of the local restaurant folks. There are so many new things on the horizon, here in Richmond.
14 RiverCity September / October 2018
JOYLESS PREVIEW: Do you remember the old Joy Garden Chinese restaurant at 2918 W. Broad? Well, there’s no more Joy. It closed down about two years ago after nearly 60 years in business. However, the cheers will soon be heard for a brand new place that’s taking over the same address. The address is about the only thing that’s the same, however. The place has a whole new look, and it’s a cool, sleek look, at that. It’s all thanks to Mike Ledesma, the owner and chef of the new Perch restaurant, which should be opening in a few weeks. I was at a little sneak peek preview of Perch a week or so ago. Located on the outskirts of Scott’s Addition, Perch will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I had the opportunity to speak with Mike as well as Kristel Poole, who’ll be serving as the GM and beverage director at Perch. Kristel tells me that the restaurant will be a place where Hawaiian and Filipino cuisines meet Virginia. Mike, as you may know, is of Filipino heritage. He was born in New York City, but learned the culinary arts in Hawaii. The open-kitchen area features a specially made wood-burning oven as well as a chef’s counter, which can be reserved for custom designed eight- or nine-course dinners, with pairings. One more thing: When you enter Perch (once it’s open, of course), you may be as in awe of the 11-foot door. Why an 11-foot door? Mike says that’s the size of his longboard surfboard. The door, it would appear, is there as somewhat of an homage to his days spent riding the waves in Hawaii. In fact, Mike has collaborated with Three Notch’d Brewing Company to produce a Toes on the Nose Gose. While I’m somewhat ignorant on such things, I do know that toes on the nose is a surfing term. I also know (or so I’m told) that the pink guava gose is available in Three Notch’d’s tasting room.
SPEAKING OF BEAUTIFUL SCOTT’S ADDITION RESTAURANTS: One of our favorite Taste Budz, Brandon Pearson opened his new place at 3103 Leigh St. since we last spoke. Aloi, which Brandon, who is quite the artist, had a hand in designing, is a gorgeous and inviting spot featuring local, seasonal and contemporary American Cuisine. Brandon tells me that Aloi will soon be starting a special Happy Cocktail hour. The details were not finalized as we go to press, but I’m sure that if you stop in, they’ll be glad to fill you in.
LES GRIS: I had an interesting conversation with Donnie Glass and three other young recently certified Richmond sommeliers recently. A small portion of that conversation is featured in our Raising the Bar piece in this magazine. Donnie is working to complete his new restaurant, Grisette, and have it open by the
end of the year. “I hope sooner, he told me. His concept is quite interesting. Grisette is a French word, referring to working-class women of the 17th century. “Think Rosie the Riveter,” he said, “but with more Les Miz and guillotines.” Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of hungry men? Donnie says he wants a place where those in the food service industry and other working folks can afford to eat regularly. Bring it on, Donnie. Bring it on.
CRUISING FOR A BREWSING: We have another new Taste Bud, Joni Watling. Joni is an old friend, who has just recently moved from Minnesota to Richmond. And as any good Minnesotan girl, she can turn the world on with her smile. She files this bit of news about a new brewery headed into town. I cut my beauty sleep short Wednesday morning to get a sneak peek of Tabol (pronounced “table”) Brewing on the Northside. They are making good progress on converting the 8,000 squarefoot former glass fabrication shop on Dawn street into an attractive, small batch brewery and tasting room. Unfortunately, because it was before 9 a.m., they were pouring Commercial Coffee instead of beer. It was a little torturous since I was surrounded in the front room of the brewery by towering oak barrels, aging soon-to-be released ales and sours. It felt like they were taunting me, but maybe I was just dreaming. With an anticipated ten beers on tap, the grand opening is projected for late September or early October, so stay tuned for more details. Stay tuned, as well, for more news from Joni as she discovers all the culinary wonderment that abounds in Richmond.
That’s going to do it for this issue. We’re always happy to hear from our Taste Budz out there in magazine land. So happy, in fact, that we’re going to do something special. Send us your restaurant experience and if we publish it in this magazine, we’ll give you a gift certificate as a token of our appreciation. Just send your restaurant news or dining experience to TasteBudz@RichmondNavigator.com.
Read Tastebudz Online each week at RichmondNavigator. com. If you have any restaurant news or recommendations, email us at TasteBudz@RichmondNavigator.com. RichmondNavigator.com
River City 15
BBQ There are certain subjects about which most everyone has very decided opinions. One of those oft-debated issues is, who has the best barbecue. Based on the feedback that we get from many of our readers, here are a few places whose names often come up in the discussion as offering great barbecue in the Metro area.
Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue
1119 N. Boulevard; 804-355-6055; BuzAndNeds.com After 25 years in the business, Buz Grossberg is still using the same process and recipes today that put his barbecue on the map over two decades ago. It’s all 100-percent wood-smoked meats, and his meticulous attention to detail shines when it comes to Buz and Ned’s variety. Pictured here are the spare ribs, baby-backs, and beef ribs (clockwise,) served with slaw, hush puppies and baked beans). All pay tribute to Buz’s goal of serving authentic and delicious barbecue. Photo: Josh Young
Poe’s Pub
2706 E. Main St.; 804-648-2120 Facebook.com/poespub1 Poe’s Pub has been a friendly neighborhood hangout for RiverCity folks living and working in Church Hill, Shockhoe Bottom and beyond for nearly 25 years. One reason for Poe’s longevity and popularity is the food, and Poe’s Famous Babyback Ribs set the pace. Served with fries and cole slaw, these beauties can be ordered as a full rack or half rack, depending on your appetite...or if you’re sharing. You can even add a side of fried catfish filet to create a down-home, Southern riff on surf-and-turf. Photo: Dave Massuci
16 RiverCity September / October 2018
ZZQ
3201 W. Moore St.; 804-528-5648; ZZQRVA.com A slice of Texas in the heart of Scott’s Addition. When Food and Wine Magazine names you as the best BBQ in Virginia, you must be doing something right. Sink your teeth into their tasty brisket or try the pulled pork shoulder, the pork spare ribs or their smoked sausages. Or go for the Tres Hombres, which includes the chopped brisket, the pork and the sausage. Sides include jalapeno mac & cheese, Texas Caviar, Terlingua Cole Slaw and buttermilk potato salad.
Discover the Culinary Artistry of Chef Evan Campbell. 210 N. Belmont | 804-588-9231 | TheStablesRVA.com From 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday | Sunday Brunch, 10 to 3 p.m. Happy Hour: Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. RichmondNavigator.com
River City 17
FLAVOR
On the Rox
119 N 18th Street (Richmond); 804- 303-9444; OnTheRoxVA.com
by Ashley Jefferson
‘Tis the season of football. And while the best seats to watch the game are down on the 50 yard line, a spot at the best sports bar in town is definitely a close second. But what makes a sports bar so great? What does a bar have that will keep you coming back, game after game? Well, we’ve searched high and low for the best sports bars in Richmond. And while many of them stand out from the crowd, a few of them are in a league of their own.
Voted one of the best new restaurants in 2012, On the Rox is a great addition to the historic Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond. TV’s aline the walls like the typical sports bar. But this place is better known for their food. They’re best known for their Sunday brunch, which is very good. Try the watermelon limeade mimosa’s along with your chicken and waffles, and morning fries. And periodically, you’ll hear live music and karaoke night. It’s a great place to go for date night.
T-Miller’s Sports Bar & Grill
500 E Broad Street (Richmond); 804-643-3400; Facebook.com/tmillersrva/
Legends Grille
1601 Willow Lawn Drive #840 (Richmond); 804-562-8043; LegendsGrilleVA.com Rain delays are no match for Legends Grille. This Willow Lawn staple offers outdoor seating for those who want to play in the sun, and indoor seating for those who want to chill by the bar. With a plethora of great bites, beers and drinks, this place is perfect for decompressing after a tough day on the field...or at work.
This High-End sports bar is perfect for away games, especially since it’s adjacent to the Richmond Marriott. Each day, their staff chef prepares some of the best food in the city within the confines of their modern, upscale atmosphere. During the day, the bar is pretty relaxed and laid back. However, during game time, the energy shifts and this upscale bar becomes as exciting as any other. Their 18 high definition televisions assist in this lively transition, especially since their TV sports package features almost every game that is broadcasted throughout the country. If it’s on the air, you can watch it at T-Miller’s.
18 RiverCity September / October 2018
Home Team Grill
1630 W Main Street (Richmond); 804- 254-7360; HomeTeamGrill.com Home Team Grill bills themself as “a great place to gather any time of the day.” And this is pretty accurate. Their menu features homemade soups, fresh salads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and entrees. Plus, they have a bar area that offers a variety of beers and a full selection of wine and spirits. There’s literally something here for everyone. Perfect for family and other large groups, if you need to feed the whole team, head over to Home Team Grill.
Dine In • Carry Out • Delivery • Order Online
Celebrating the
Flavors of Life!
MORE THAN
A Locally Owned American Grille with a Sports Theme that Everyone in the Family Can Enjoy
RiverCity
•••••• •••••• •••••• ••••
KINGS OF
WINGS
Our Traditional Chipotle Bourbon took first place! •••••• •••••• •••••• ••••
Read All Our Publications Online
804-639-9994
Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 11am – 11pm • Friday and Saturday 11am – 12am • Sunday 11am – 10pm 1601 Willow Lawn Dr. #840 • Richmond, VA 23230 • (804) 562-8043 RichmondNavigator.com
River City 19
der s Photo: Emily San Photo: Mike Doherty
To Life! Four Young Richmond Sommeliers by Steve Cook Toss The Old Rules I’ll have to admit, I’m a coward when it comes to ordering a bottle of wine in a restaurant. I know very little about wines, except that some are red and some are white and some have bubbles. On a recent afternoon, I mustered up my courage and met with four of the city’s newest (and arguably, most personable) sommeliers. Now, to be honest, my goal was to pick their brains so that when I was out to dinner with friends, I could sound impressive with my knowledge of wine. I confess, I was hoping they could help me to become the wine snob I had always dreamed of becoming. Being even more honest (than in the previous paragraph), these four folks opened my eyes to what apparently is a new era in the en-
joyment of wine, at least new to America. But more about that later. First, let me introduce you to my four new friends in wine places. We met in the Church Hill home of Randall and Lyne Doetzer. Both have recently completed the training, passed the tests and have become certified level two sommeliers. For more than 21 years Randall has also been a chef in Richmond (at such places as Julep’s and Nota Bene). He is planning to open a new restaurant in the not-too-distant future, but that’s all he’ll say about that for now. Lyne shares her knowledge and love of wine with guests at The Stables at Belmont, one of the city’s relatively new and very popular Museum District restaurants. The other two experts at the table are Donnie Glass and Brian Artis, who are also
20 RiverCity September / October 2018
level two sommeliers. Donnie is preparing to open a restaurant, himself. Grisette, he
says, should be open by the end of the year. He explains that the name has reference to French working-class women in the late 17th century. “Think Rosie the Riveter but with guillotines,” he jokes. Brian is the wine director at Can Can Brasserie, which is also one of the city’s more popular restaurants. Our goal in this informal gathering was for them to share some wine, describe it and tell me how I could impress others. I’m glad I didn’t mention the part about trying to impress, because right from the outset, as we sipped a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from La Lunotte vineyards in France, it was clear that in today’s world of young sommeliers, it’s not about snobbery, at least not for these four. Randall, early on in the conversation, mentions that drinking wine is about the social aspects. “You drink to life,” he says. All agree. Lyne says, “I try to have fun with it. Donnie responds, “My job is to put something in their glass that they will like. Don’t overthink that.”
Brian shares his philosophy when it comes to serving guests, “Sometimes we may not have exactly what they want. But I play around with it and find something they like.
Drinking wine is actually more about who you’re with than what you’re drinking, I learn. “Good company is just as important [as the
Photo: Mike Doherty
e Cook Photo: Stev
ohert y M ike D Photo:
wine],’’ says Randall. “If you’re out with people you don’t like, it doesn’t matter what I do.” I ask if their increased knowledge of wines tends to make them more judgmental of others. No, they say. Their job is to help steer guests in a direction that will enhance their enjoyment of a wine pairing, not to judge. “I find a respectful way to warn someone that they are about to make a poor decision,” Donnie says. “If someone is having spicy food and they’re about to order a high tannic wine, I try to be delicate and not make them feel stupid. I might say, ‘Just a heads up: The heat in that food is really going to pull the alcohol out of the wine. You might not enjoy it.’ If they’re ordering by the glass, I’ll offer to give them a little taste.” As the wine continues to flow, the four young sommeliers talk about the change in philosophy among wine experts. “Wine is
so much less stuffy with the new generation of wine professionals,” Donnie says. “We just want you to enjoy it. It’s so much less stodgy.”
In response, Lyne says, “I like to take the pretense out of it. I like to have fun.” Evidently, it’s a new day in America. I say America because all four have had the opportunity to visit and drink wine in Europe, especially France and Spain. They agree that the experience there is somewhat different.
Americans, Randall claims, are into superlatives. “They want the biggest, the best. Dude, go to Europe and hang out there,” he advises. “A lot of
times they don’t order by the name. You have what they’re pouring. You just enjoy it.” “It’s not the same with them at all,” Brian agrees. “No one walks around looking at labels. It has nothing to do with the label; it’s the people.”
Lyne relates her and Randall’s experiences in Spain, enjoying a refreshing Txakoli wine. “It’s a white wine from the Basque region,” she explains. Randall elaborates, “When it’s 90 degrees outside and you want something to quench your thirst, you have a Txakoli, the same way Americans reach for a Coors Light.”
Both describe the joys of relaxing in a tapas restaurant. “It’s a very Spanish thing,’’ Lyne says. “You sit around having snacks, chatting and drinking low alcohol wines.” One of the group mentions that Richmond doesn’t have a really good tapas restaurant, to which Randall completes the sentence, “… yet.” Hmmm. They all recommend both Mas and Quality Pie in Charlottesville as offering that sort of European experience. As our conversation and tastings continue, I realize that I need to write a book or turn this into a movie. I’ll never have room to share even half of the things I’m learning. But in closing, I will share just a few tidbits that I garnered. I’m not trying to impress you. I’m just sharing some suggestions with good friends, because that’s what it’s all about.
RichmondNavigator.com
10 tips to ordering & drinking wine: 1) A good white wine goes with almost anything. 2) Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Wine experts love to share. 3) Choose low-alcohol wines. It allows you to linger with friends over several glasses. 4) A cheap wine is not necessarily a bad wine. An expensive wine is not necessarily a great wine. 5) Get acquainted with wines from France’s Loire Valley. Their wines are undervalued, and you’re apt to find some great deals. 6) When pairing, apply this rule of thumb: If it grows together, it goes together. 7) Go to Europe and hang out. 8) Get to know the producers, the soils they grow in and the climate. 9) Enjoy with friends. 10) Drink to Life!
River City 21
Happy Hour Guide Pik Nik
2301 W. Main St.; 804-358-2514; PikNikRVA.com Eclectic American fare and a cool bar scene featuring unique and interesting appetizers (generous portions, too) Monday through Sunday 3 to 7 p.m. Mojito - $5 Old Fashioned - $5 Margarita - $5 Negroni - $5 Appetizers – 2 for $10 (includes chicken taco, beef sliders, vegetable dumpling chaat, mussels and more)
Bacchus
2 N. Meadow St.; 804-355-9919; BacchusOnMain.com For nearly two decades, Bacchus has been serving authentic Italian fare at this cozy, neighborhood restaurant. In addition to Happy Hour features listed below, enjoy two pastas and a bottle of wine for just $35 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Monday through Friday 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wine, glass – ½ price
Temple
Beer, draft - $2 off Well drinks - $3
2713 W. Broad St.; 804-367-4990; TempleRVA.com Dine on Laotian cuisine in a sleek, modern setting. The emphasis is on soups and small plates. Monday through Saturday 3 to 7 p.m. Beer, drafts - $2 off Wines, by the glass - $2 off Sangria - $5
River City Roll
939 Myers St.; 804-331-0416; RiverCityRoll.com
Croaker Spot
1020 Hull St.; 804-269-0464; CroakerSpot.com This bustling Manchester restaurant is known as the “Soul of Seafood,” to locals as well as a number of stars and dignitaries who make this a must-stop when they’re in town. They have a cool bar scene, too. Monday through Friday 3 to 7 p.m. Select cocktails (includes Long Island, Orange & Blue, Croaker’s Kool Aid) - $5
Is it a boutique bowling alley or a casual, yet upscale restaurant? It’s both, plus a pretty cool Happy Hour, too. Monday through Friday 5 to 7 p.m. Select Drafts - $4 Select wines by the glass - $5 Select cocktails - $6 Appetizers – select at discounted prices
If you are a restaurant or beverage manager, please send your Happy Hour specials to Steve@RichmondNavigator.com. Our Happy Hour Guide is provided as a service to our readers. This is not an advertisement, nor is any compensation involved. All happy hour listings are subject to change. Please drink responsibly.
22 RiverCity September / October 2018
2018 CRAFT BREW DIRECTORY There’s no doubt about it, Richmonders love their beer and their beer makers. Here is our guide to some not-to-be-missed in-town breweries. Ardent Craft Ales
804-359-1605; 3200 W. Leigh St. ArdentCraftAles.com The mission of Ardent Craft Ales is twofold, first, to create innovative beers and introduce others to historic brewing methods and beer styles. Secondly, they aim to produce and celebrate exceptional and ambitious beers with the ever-growing craft beer community.
Isley Brewing Company
804-716-2132; 1715 Summit Ave.; IsleyBrewingCompany.com Isley is the home of “Choosy Mother,” Richmond’s original peanut butter beer. Since 2013, owner Mike Isley has been offering Richmonders delicious beer in a fun and lively tasting room.
Legend Brewing Company
804-353-0536; 1529 W. Main St.; CanonAndDraw.beer From Brad Cooper, the founder of Chesterfield’s Steam Bell Beer Works, comes Canon & Draw, brewing beers with an emphasis on craftsmanship and artistry. This relatively new entry on the city’s beer making scene has garnered praise for its River City Tap Water, an easy-to-drink (5% ABV) adjunct lager. Located in a cozy, Fan district storefront, Canon & Draw offers an intimate and lively tasting room experience.
804-232-8871; 321 West 7th St.; LegendBrewing.com Open since 1993, Legend Brewing Company has an amazing beer list as well as an extensive menu in their 180-seat restaurant, a 200-seat deck and a small beer garden. Legend offers both lagers and ales. Currently, they’re working on an “Urban Legend Inspirations” series, and “Norfolk Experiment,” an imperial stout, will be released in October.
Castleburg Brewery and Taproom
Strangeways Brewing
Champion Brewing Company
Three Notch’d RVA Collab House
Canon & Draw Brewing Company
804-353-1256; 1626 Ownby Ln.; CastleburgBrewery.com The owner and brewmaster of Castleburg Brewery, Karl Homburg, has a purist attitude when it comes to brewing beer. Because of this, Castleburg’s beers offer honest, back-to-basics flavor.
804-344-5108; 401 E. Grace St.; ChampionBrewingCompany.com With a production brewery dubbed “The Missile Factory,” 15,000 barrels of beer are produced a year here. Champion will offer three new releases coming out in September: “The Pils Are Alive,” a dry-hopped pilsner; “Canis Lupulus,” a barleywine-style ale; and “Fruit Casket,” a double India pale ale.
804-303-4336; 2277A Dabney Rd.; StrangewaysBrewing.com Strangeways strives to provide craft beer that is unconventional, out of the ordinary, and thought provoking. There are two tasting room spaces as well as an outdoor Biergarten. Choose from at least 36 beers on tap at any given time.
804-269-4857; 2930 W. Broad St.; ThreeNotchdBrewing.com Many of their beers are brewed in collaboration with restaurants, homebrewers, musicians, artists, and more. Three Notch’d has just released a yummy sounding “Dark Dessert,” which is a mint chocolate milk stout. And coming in mid-September, is their “As You Are,” a pineapple and mango gose.
Triple Crossing
Final Gravity Brewing Company
804-264-4808; 6118 Lakeside Ave.; OGGravity.com Final Gravity Brewing Co., a nanobrewery in the same space as Original Gravity, provides supplies for at-home brewing. You’ll find a variety of brews on tap at any given time, and they even provide arcade games, dartboards, outdoor seating and snacks.
Garden Grove Brewing
804-918-6158; 3445 West Cary St.; GardenGroveBrewing.com While Garden Grove Brewery has its roots in classic styles and traditions of brewing. They value experimentation and exploration. Coming up soon: an East Coast Lager and a Honey Wheat Ale.
804-495-1955; 113 S. Foushee St. & 5203 Hatcher St. TripleCrossing.com Triple Crossing offers a tasting room, a patio, and a brewery on Foushee and a brewpub with brick-oven pizza, a huge patio and another brewery in Fulton (Hatcher St.).
The Veil Brewing Company
1301 Roseneath Rd.; TheVeilBrewing.com The Veil focuses on hop forward beers, high gravity, barrel aging, lagers, wild ales and spontaneous fermentation. They offer many inventive brews on tap daily, such as the “Dub Razz Tastee,” which is a kettle sour with double raspberry.
Vasen Brewing
804-588-5678; 3331 Moore St. VasenBrewing.com With Belgian and American craft beer influences, Vasen Brewing has a 20-tap draft system, complete with sessionable beers as
Hardywood Craft Brewery
804-420-2420; 2408-2410 Ownby Ln. Hardywood.com Co-founders, Patrick Murtaugh and Eric McKay, got their start as home brewers and are committed to high quality beers that can be traditional or experimental.
well as a few new beers premiering weekly.
RichmondNavigator.com
River City 23
The North Boulevard Where Mature Adults Work and Play
Photo: Joey Wharton
by Ashley Jefferson
N
historic Hofheimer Building, The Hof Garden is a Biergarten and pizza othing is better than a little celebration after a hard week of work. kitchen that serves some of the best craft beers from Virginia and Europe. But where do you go when you’ve come to an age where loud clubs “We have 26 taps on the rooftop and 18 more down in the tap room,” and drunken nights no longer appeal to you? Ely shares. “And besides pizza, we also serve As it turns out, you don’t have to go very far. sausage and cheese platters to touch back to Stretching between West Broad Street and Inour German roots.” terstate 95, North Boulevard is lined with bars, Such fare differs greatly from the chicken lounges, restaurants and galleries perfectly taiwings, sliced pizza and French fries that are lored to the 30-and-over scene. often served in neighboring communities. “I moved to Richmond because of this area,” Guests of The Hof Garden want more than sussays Travis Ely, a local resident. “I was about 30 tenance. They want an experience. And they minutes away and I didn’t like driving in. I startcome in droves to get it. ed working here and meeting new friends and The Hof Garden is open every day from 3 people and had conversations that I couldn’t p.m. to midnight. But according to Ely, by dinhave out in the county. So, I had to move.” The Hof Garden’s rooftop serves up bands (top), nertime, the place gets pretty packed. Aside from being a local resident, Ely is also spectacular sunsets and 26 beers on tap. “From 9 o’clock on, we have wall-to-wall the head bartender at The Hof Garden, one of people,’’ he says. “Sometimes, we have to stop folks at the door.” the area’s most popular gathering spots. Located on the rooftop of the
24 RiverCity September / October 2018
Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen & Bar offers “traditional Chinese dishes with a modern twist,” including classic Cantonese items and multi-regional Chinese cuisine.
But no need to worry. When The Hof Garden is filled to capacity, the overflow has more than enough alternative options to choose from. On the first floor of the same building, award-winning chef, Peter Chang, has opened his namesake restaurant, offering “real” Szechuan-style cuisine. Just around the corner, Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen & Bar offers “traditional Chinese with a modern twist,” including classic Cantonese and multi-regional Chinese cuisine with lush drinks and a dose of schmoozing, reminiscent of a scene often found in places like New York and Miami. And if beer, burgers and fries are all you want on the menu, Boulevard Burger & Brew is only steps away. Known for their beer, burgers and boozy shakes, the stand-alone restaurant brings you back to a time before fast-food chains and assembly-line kitchens sprinkled every
city block — something that the 30-and-over crowd can appreciate. But it’s not just restaurants and bars that open their doors to the mature clientele. Movieland at Boulevard Square is still one of the city’s most popular theaters. And the area’s newest attraction, River City Roll, offers carefully curated American cuisine, delicious cocktails and 20 lanes of bowling, exclusively for the 21-and-over crowd. Flower shops, antique furniture stores, gyms and galleries are alive during the day. There’s even a thriving hair salon right on North Boulevard that bustles with energy and happy clients. “When we opened in December of 2014, all of these businesses weren’t here. Not even Starbucks,” explains Shaketa Tyler, co-owner of Strands, Inspired by K & Co.
Known for their beer, burgers and boozy shakes, Boulevard Burger and Brew channels the drive-in, fast food burger experience of a time before chains and assembly-line kitchens dominated the landscape
RichmondNavigator.com
River City 25
Photo: Joey Wharton
Movieland at Boulevard Square was the first new theater built in Richmond in more than forty years when it opened in early 2009. Featuring 17 stadium-seated auditoriums, Movieland is a themed adaptive reuse of a 19th Century former locomotive assembly plant.
Flying Squirrels and VCU that would keep the Flying Squirrels in Strands, Inspired by K & Co. is a full-service hair salon situatRichmond for at least 30 years, as long as a new ballpark ed on the southbound side of the corridor, between several was constructed. The cost of the project was estimated other privately owned specialty shops. The salon has to be between $50 and $60 million and would help been in the area for just under four years and has generate revenue for the school and city services. seen the neighborhood through its recent changes. However, since that agreement, not much has And according to owners Shaketa Tyler and been done. Sakia Jones, their salon is in the absolute perfect Jim Nolan, press secretary for Richmond’s location. mayor, Levar Stoney, says the two are still work“This is a good area to be in because it’s like ing together. a central up-and-coming area,” says Tyler. “It’s “VCU and the Richmond Flying Squirrels always busy. This area is great for growing busihave a memorandum of understanding to work nesses. There’s always someone walking by or drivtogether toward a new home for baseball for the ing past.” Rams and the Squirrels,’’ Nolan explains. “The mayor Jones agrees. “With the Redskins training camp nearsupports the MOU (Memorandum of Unby, there are people from all over the world derstanding) and will work toward finding that come here to cheer on the Redskins and a long-term solution that keeps baseball in support our businesses,’’ she says. “A lot of the Richmond.” business owners look out for each other, so Todd “Parney” Parcell, vice-president and you can always mingle with other business COO of the Flying Squirrels, agrees. owners. We go out and eat here often. It’s just a “We continue to diligently work with VCU great place to work and play.” and our other community partners, but have Jones also thinks that the new PULSE bus no further updates at this time,” he adds. line will help her area and the city of RichAnd while the community still waits for the mond overall. ballpark to be finished, everyone continues on “The PULSE gives the city a different vibe, with business as usual. Both Tyler and Jones a vibe of a city that’s growing and flourishing. mention that when they aren’t busy servicing For a while, the city was very stagnant. But it’s clients or searching for new stylists for their not like that anymore. It’s growing,’’ Jones exbusy salon (which is currently hiring), they plains. “I’m seeing how Richmond is kind of both take advantage of the local businesses catching up with what’s going on up north in like The Hof Garden and Fat Dragon. And at D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. RichThe Hof, Ely continues to pour some of the mond is now coming into that.” best drinks in town. One thing that Richmond is not catching up Ballpark or not, when it comes to business on is the development of the new baseball field. and fun for the 30-and-over crowd, the North Back in 2016, an agreement was made be- River City Roll’s adult cocktails and top-notch cuisine Boulevard continues to hit it out of the park. tween the City of Richmond, the Richmond define this bowling venue for the 21-and-over crowd.
26 RiverCity September / October 2018
For nearly 25 years, Poe’s Pub has been a friendly neighborhood hangout for the folks in Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom and Beyond.
Isn’t it time you made Poe’s Pub your neighborhood hangout? 2706 E. Main Street (at the foot of beautiful Libby Hill Park)
648-2120 • Like Us On Facebook
Great Beer. Great Food. Great Views.
legend.
MORE THAN RiverCity
Join us every Sunday for Brunch starting at 11AM with a great brunch menu. Jazz Brunch 1st Sunday of every month.
restaurant and bar hours:
Mon.–Thu. 11:30 am–11 pm | Fri.–Sat. 11:30 am–Midnight | Sun. 11 am–10 pm
Bluegrass/Americana Music Every Sunday Night! 321 W. 7th Street | (804) 232-3446 | LegendBrewing.com
28 RiverCity September / October 2018
Read All Our Publications Online
804-639-9994