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May / June 2018
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Barnes & Diehl would like to welcome back to the firm Anne Roddy.
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nne Roddy grew up in California and she
received her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Public Law from the University of California, San Diego. After college, Anne moved to Richmond, Virginia and received her law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. Anne is currently president elect of the Chesterfield Bar Association, and she is active in the Metro Richmond Women’s Bar Association as a Legislative Committee Member. She is the Young Lawyer Representative on the Domestic Relations Council of the Virginia Bar Association. Anne has served on the Richmond Bench Bar, most recently as the Chesterfield County Representative. Anne has worked in mid-sized firms and she was a solo practitioner. She represents parents and family members in divorce, custody, and visitation matters. Anne is a certified Guardian ad litem. In that capacity she is an advocate for children and for incapacitated adults. “I have handled countless matters acting as a guardian ad litem for minor children, as defense attorney for children and adults, as well as counsel for parents and counsel for grandparents and other third party petitioners. I have appeared in divorce, custody and visitation matters, delinquency cases, protective order hearings, Department of Social Services cases, and in contested adoption matters. My cases have involved juvenile court appearances through to appellate court arguments.” “My experience in every capacity within the courtroom gives me a unique ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each case to best represent my clients. I have significant experience in multiple jurisdictions that allows me to help my clients determine the best avenue for success. Defining goals and reducing anxiety levels is a vital step in the process. I enjoy my time in the courtroom but seek to reach amicable resolutions out of court, where possible.” Recently, Anne coordinated the Chesterfield County Public Safety Wills for Heroes Program. The program coordinated local attorneys, notaries, and witnesses to provide wills and legal documents to public safety personnel at no cost. Over two hundred wills were prepared. “It felt wonderful to provide a valuable service to those in the community who are consistently serving others and ensuring our safety.” Anne is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of California.
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CONTENTS MAY / JUNE 2018
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58 10 West End's Best
RichmondNavigator.com
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WEST END LIFE
20 Staycation
PET FOCUS
28 Pet-friendly Richmond 28 Bone Voyage
HEALTH
32 Latest in Cancer Treatment 34 Sitting: The Silent Killer 36 Worried About BPA?
SENIORS
20
37 Constance Gets a Ticket
FLAVOR
41 In Search Of: Hot Dogs 44 Tastebudz 47 Happy Hour Guide 50 Outdoor Dining
THINGS TO DO
52 Calendar of Events
22
TRAVEL
54 Chincoteague 58 Norfolk 62 Berkeley Plantation 63 Guide to Safe Senior Travel
HOME 66 Putting the Personal
Touch on Your Kitchen
68 Party on the Patio
12 West End's Best
26 RichmondNavigator.com
From the Editor
Contributors
I love travel. Whether it’s a day trip nearby or a trip halfway around the world, if I get the chance to go, I want to go. That’s why this issue is one of my personal favorites. The idea for our staycations feature was to encourage our readers to really plan a fun-filled vacation and go to Richmond this year. Make your hotel reservations. Pack your bags. Get in the car and go. The nice thing is you won’t spend that much time on the road. You can be at your destination within 30 minutes of less (for most of you). There is so much to see and do in this area. If you’re like me, you’ve probably been telling yourself that one day you’re going to see this or go there and yet the time just slips by and you never actually do it. So this year do it! The staycation feature is just to get you thinking in the right direction and give you some ideas. You may have some other sites that you’d like to see. Just don’t put it off. Go, see, do. If you do want to get out of town, we’ve got a couple of great destination ideas in our articles on Norfolk and Chincoteague. The Chincoteague piece was written by Victor and Kathy Gottlieb. They’re a most interesting couple. If you ever listened to our now defunct radio show, River City Live, you will remember them as the Singing Gottliebs. I think you’ll enjoy their little preview of their favorite Virginia destination. This is the first article for this magazine that actually comes with its own soundtrack. If you’ve never been to the Eastern Shore, why not do it this year. There is so much to discover. Speaking of discovery, I really enjoyed my personal re-discovery of Norfolk. The city has changed so dramatically in the past decade or so. The nice thing about Norfolk is that it’s not only a vacation destination in itself, but it offers a variety of diversions for those of you who vacation at Virginia Beach each year. There’s more to this issue, including a great vacation idea for your pet. Plus, our “Pet Friendly Guide to Richmond” is also filled with some excellent suggestions for places you and Fido (or Mr. Whiskers) can enjoy together around town. If your idea of a great getaway involves getting out on the patio with friends, our “Party on the Patio” piece might be the first thing you’ll want to read (after you finish this fascinating letter, of course). There’s so much to see and enjoy around town and around Virginia. So this summer, make sure you really do it.
Steve Cook,
Steve@RichmondNavigator.com
In Our Next Issue:
We’re not done with the travel. In our next issue, we’ll visit Winchester for our Small Town Virginia feature. Technically, Winchester is a city, but it offers a quaint small-town appeal. We’ll also feature the top summer music festivals around the state. And our Family Friendly dining guide will help to answer the question, “Where are we going to eat tonight?” We’ll also show you some really cool she sheds and man caves in our Home section. All that and more – coming in the July/August issue of West End’s Best Magazine. 14 West End's Best
RichmondNavigator.com
Ashley Jefferson
Ashley is a travel and lifestyle writer from Washington, D.C., who loves scripting articles for the not-so-rich Millennial. A welcome addition to the Richmond Navigator Media family of writers, she authored our articles “Life Along the Canal” and “Enjoy a Lofty Lifestyle at Tobacco Row” in this issue of West End’s Best/River City. She currently lives in downtown Richmond with her fiancé and their dog, Asha.
Whitney Kiatsuranon
A native Richmonder, Whitney enjoys freelance writing, hiking along the James and exploring the city like a tourist. When she is not trying new restaurants and socializing over wine, you’ll find her at home in the Fan being an ordinary goofball with her two kids. While she loves her hometown at any time you’ll find her enjoying some of her favorite places such as NYC, Charleston or her all-time favorite (so far) Saint Martin. All of the adventures she seeks on a day-to-day basis make for interesting articles on beauty, food and fitness.
Melanie Rasnic
Melanie Rasnic is a Richmond area native and a big fan of all things RVA. She graduated in 2014 from VCU with her bachelor’s degree in science, and in 2017 from Alderson Broaddus University in West Virginia with her master’s in physician assistant studies. She is thrilled to be back home and promises to never leave Richmond for that long again.
John Stoner
John has been drinking craft beer for decades, since before craft beer was called “Craft Beer.” He says he has never had an IPA that was too hoppy for him. John has visited breweries and beer festivals all across the country, and has brewed beers that have won awards in national beer competitions. He knows a bit about wine as well, calling himself “knowledgeable about wine and passionate about beer.” He’s also a recovering attorney, but, he implores, “Please don’t hold that against me.”
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WEST END LIFE
CAR WASH NOW OPEN IN THE WEST END PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER William J. Davis, Jr. VICE-PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER Cheryl T. Davis EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Steve Cook ASSISTANT EDITOR Tammy Wersinger CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michael Lay GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ryan Hooley DIGITAL MANAGER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joey Wharton DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jimmy Davis PHOTOGRAPHERS Jimmy Davis, David Masucci, Joey Wharton, Josh Young ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BigStockPhoto.com CONTRIBUTORS Zach Brown, Averill P. Byrd, Kathy Gottlieb, Victor Gottlieb, Whitney Kiatsuranon, Lisa Puster, Melanie Rasnic, John Stoner, Angela Weight, Constance Whitney INTERN Cosima Pellis ADVERTISING West End’s Best Magazine is published bimonthly by Richmond Navigator Media 6301 Harbourside Drive, Suite 100 Midlothian, VA 23112 P: 804-639-9994 E: Info@RichmondNavigator.com
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ABOUT OUR COVER
16 West End's Best
.com
Living in the lap of luxury. How about a weekend getaway to the beautiful Jefferson Hotel, pictured on our cover? Our Staycation series is designed to help you plan a vacation, or at least a weekend getaway, to Richmond. There’s so much to see and do. In this issue, we offer several suggestions for history lovers, art lovers, foodies and families. Photo courtesy Jefferson Hotel.
RichmondNavigator.com
A Legacy of
Furniture By Zachary Brown
W
hat began as a hunt for perfect kitchen islands led to the establishment of Legacy Amish Furniture, the first retail store to offer furniture constructed with Amish craftsmanship in Hanover. It seems like an embellished reaction to finding exactly what you’re shopping for, but owner Mike Ridenour, who also owns Trinity Renovations, does not see it that way. After seeing Amish craftsmanship for himself while he and his wife, Stephanie, were vacationing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he was awed by what he found. “It was not just the larger tables and chairs,” he remembers. “It was everything down to the drawers and cabinet doors which looked amazing and were built to last a hundred years.” Having been introduced to what Mike refers to as a “new level of craftsmanship” with the Amish furniture, he became determined to utilize it with Trinity Renovations. However, upon discovering that there were no Amish furniture retailers in the Hanover area, he found himself with an idea that would not be satisfied until Central Virginians could shop for the furniture for themselves. However, it was not an easy task, as the Amish are not known for their embrace of technology. “It’s not as simple as making a phone call and placing an order,” Mike admits. Making the trip to Pennsylvania regularly to ensure Legacy’s stock remains filled can be trying, but Mike says that he has come to appreciate 18 West End's Best
even that aspect of the business. “Having to have face-to-face meetings with the craftsmen has helped develop not only a solid business relationship, but allowed us to develop a close friendship.” However, the trip and the general toil that comes with establishing a new business has all proven worth it. Legacy offers all real-wood furniture, crafted with expert hands that you would be hard-pressed to find locally. “The average age of furniture you might buy normally would be three to seven years, but the stuff we’re offering is furniture you will be able to hand down to your grandchildren,” Mike says. And so far, it seems shoppers have been in agreement. “The response has been fantastic,” he explains. “I think people are tired of cheap, veneer furniture. It might be good for a starter set, but people want something that is going to look great and last.” Legacy Amish Furniture has a simple philosophy: Have passion for your product and engage with craftsmen who can equal or exceed that passion. This leads Mike to the key takeaway for Legacy shoppers. “Our customers don’t ever suffer from buyer’s remorse,” he notes. “The furniture they buy will display its value for years and years down the road.” For more information, check out their Facebook page or website at legacyamishfurniture.com, 804-442-2007 7500 Jackson Arch Dr, St. G, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
RichmondNavigator.com
Meet Sundeep Deorah,
MD, MPH, FACS
Virginia Urology, Reynolds Crossing Office
Dr. Deorah is one of the many highly skilled physicians at Virginia Urology utilizing the latest technologies to provide the best possible patient care. Specializing in urological oncology, Dr. Deorah takes advantage of minimally invasive robotic surgical technology to diagnose and treat tumors in the urinary system, including cancer of the prostate, bladder and kidneys. His interest also includes the treatment and management of kidney stones.
M.D. Degree All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, 2000
Certification American Board of Urology, 2014
Fellowship Urologic Oncology & Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 2011-12
Membership Endourological Society American Urological Association Mid Atlantic Section-American Urological Association Society of Urologic Oncology Fellow of American College of Surgeons Richmond Academy of Medicine
Reynolds Crossing Office: 6900 Forest Avenue, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23230 | Phone: (804) 330-9105 | Fax: (804) 521-1061 Virginia Urology’s Six Other Convenient Locations: Stony Point | Midlothian-St. Francis | Hanover Medical Park | Prince George | Emporia | Tappahannock
Photo courtesy: Science Museum of Virginia
STAYCATION GUIDE
STAYCATION WITH THE KIDS
20 West End's Best
rates, dining ideas and other activity suggestions, visit RichmondWest.House.Hyatt.com. After a good night’s sleep, the kids will, no doubt, be ready to eat breakfast. Head into the city and check out the Dairy Bar in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition. The Dairy Bar (1602 Roseneath Road) is a Richmond tradition — a place where friends and families have met for more than 70 years to fill their bellies and enjoy company that warms their hearts. Choose from their classic or country-style breakfasts, one of their freshly stuffed omelets or a perfectly made breakfast sandwich. With its proven reputation for good food, the Dairy Bar is sure to please the pickiest of little eaters. Hope you brought your bathing suits, because it’s time to head over to the Children’s Museum (2626 W. Broad St.) The kids can learn through play at one of their many activities and exhibits located within the museum, or they can play in the Backyard (geared towards kids 3 and under). However, the real gem is in the front yard, where youngsters can spend hours learning and having fun with water features including a splash pad. Once they’ve burnt off all their RichmondNavigator.com
Photo courtesy: Children’s Museum of Richmond
I
f you’re looking to spend some quality time with the kids without leaving the area, why not plan a staycation at The Hyatt House in the heart of Short Pump? Located in the Short Pump Town Center mall, The Hyatt House (11800 W. Broad St.) offers amenities like you might have at home…only better. Check-in on a warm Friday evening and splash around in their seasonal infinity pool. Once you’re out of the pool, it’ll be time to feed the little ones. For dinner, Metro Diner (11525 W. Broad St.) is only about a half-mile away and is always a kid favorite. Breakfast is served all day and that includes their delicious pancakes and waffles. Of course, if you don’t feel like having to pile in the car, there are several wonderful restaurants located within the Town Center. While you’re perusing your dining options and the shops, the little ones can take a train ride around the mall. After all the food and fun, and the kids are asleep, the grown-ups can grab a bottle of wine in the 24-hour market in the hotel, then relax, sip on your wine and enjoy all the luxury that one can only find at Hyatt House. For
by Whitney Kiatsuranon
Photo courtesy: Science Museum of Virginia
energy and their breakfast, chances are they are going to start whining for lunch. No worries, get em’ all dried off and head across Broad Street to Sabai (2727 W. Broad St.) for a truly unique culinary experience. Once inside, you will feel as if you have left the country and are in the heart of Thailand, with Thai favorites like moo sam chan and satay gai. The spices and flavors are unique to anything in the area, and the tiki-inspired drinks are sure to make your staycation feel just as tropical as if you were sitting on a beach in Phuket. Once you have completed your cultural lunch date with the kiddos, head back across Broad to the Science Museum of Virginia (2500 W. Broad St.) to spend the rest of the afternoon filled with more educational fun. SMV offers amazing science demonstrations and revolving exhibits throughout the year. The kids will not want to miss Going Places, the museum’s new transportation exhibit. “We often take transportation for granted, rarely, if ever, stopping to marvel at the technological advances that allow us to travel half way across the world in a day,” says Jennifer Guild, SMV’s communication and curiosity manager. “Going Places gets families to stop and think about whatever their mode of transportation is and how it impacts their lives, and it shows how en-
hancements in technology and human ingenuity have improved the way we travel.” When you’re done exploring the museum and all the exhibits, head over to the museum’s Dome and catch a film on the giant screen. Just like any other movie theater, you can purchase candy, popcorn or soda, and relax while you beat the heat in the air-conditioning. The grown-ups may even be able to sneak in a quick nap while the kids are occupied. Check their website (SMV.org) for show times and updates on exhibits.
Photo: Michael Lay
After all your exploring, you may be thinking that Richmond couldn’t possibly surprise you any more in one day, but on the contrary, you and your family will be pleasantly surprised with your dining experience at The Circuit Arcade Bar (3121 W. Leigh St.). Order a sandwich at the kiosk, and you’ll be called when dinner is ready. The food is not the primary reason folks May / June 2018
hangout here. The arcade offers over 50 classic games that are sure to bring out the kid in you, as you teach your little ones all the wonders that an arcade can hold. It’s a fun place where grown-ups and kids alike can meet on some common ground, grab a meal and have a good time. Don’t worry, it won’t get too crazy on your Saturday night out with the kids, as there is a strict curfew. Anyone under 21 must vacate the premises by 9 p.m. After a good night’s sleep and check-out at the Hyatt House, everyone is probably going to be ready to eat… again. I suggest Lunch.Supper! (1213-15 Summit Ave.) for their amazing brunch, but I would get over there early. Brunch starts at 9 a.m., and like most of the Richmond hotspots, there is often a wait to be seated. All in your party will be pleased with the choices — from chicken and waffles, French toast and breakfast bowls to salads and sandwiches. Kids will enjoy being able to stretch their legs while they wait for brunch in the Urban Roost beer garden, where they can play corn hole or giant Jenga. Check the website (LunchOrSupper.com) for updates on events throughout the season. Exploring this wonderful city can be a daunting challenge, but it’s worth the effort for both those who are visiting us as well as for the many who call Richmond home. West End's Best 21
Photo courtesy: The Jefferson Hotel
STAYCATION GUIDE
Staycation for History Lovers By Steve Cook
I
t’s hard to travel in any direction in Metro Richmond without running head-long into history. Hence, it would be impossible to put together the consummate weekend getaway for history lovers. Your personal interests would dictate how and where you’d spend such a weekend. But if you asked me how I’d spend my history-filled weekend, here’s what I’d tell you. The first thing I would do is make reservations for the Jefferson Hotel (101 W. Franklin St.; JeffersonHotel.com). “Authentically opulent. Eternally relevant.” I stole that apt description from the Jefferson’s website. You may be tempted to check in on Friday evening and never leave your room, but we have lots to see and do. First things first, let’s get you some dinner. Personally, there’d be no better way to begin than by taking in the Happy Hour in Lemaire, the hotel’s posh restaurant. Having a drink and appetizer amidst the polished-marble columns and the dark-wood furnishings just drives home the fact that you’re embarking on a very special weekend. No one will have to know that you’re taking advantage of Lemaire’s fantastic Happy Hour, which, on Friday nights features $5 Manhattans and Cosmos. After drinks, Uber over to The Franklin Inn (800 Cleveland St.) on the corner of Cleveland 22 West End's Best
and Franklin. The Franklin Inn opened as a neighborhood restaurant back in 1930. In 2010, new owners decided to restore the inn to very much what it had been in its heyday. Renovation began under the strict guidelines of the federal and Virginia historic commissions. Today, you can enjoy the charm of the Inn as well as a delightful, yet somewhat simple, menu, which you can peruse at TheFranklinRVA.com. Let’s make it an early night. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. As Saturday morning dawns, you’ll be up and ready to hit the streets. But first, a good breakfast is in order. As you descend the grand stairway, you might envision yourself as Scarlett O’Hara (or Rhett) at Tara. Despite rumors to the contrary, the set of Gone With the Wind was not modeled after this stairway. Actually, the Jefferson’s is much nicer. TJ’s, on the lower level of the hotel, opens at 7 a.m. on Saturdays. Choose from an omelet, a Benedict or perhaps something from the griddle. If the weather cooperates, Saturday morning would be the perfect time to take advantage of one of The Valentine’s (Richmond’s history museum) daily walking or biking tours of Downtown Richmond, historic Church Hill or even Hollywood Cemetery. Did you know that RichmondNavigator.com
Hollywood is second only to Arlington National Cemetery as the most visited cemetery in the nation? It serves as the final resting place for two American presidents, six Virginia governors, two Supreme Court justices, 22 Confederate generals and thousands of Confederate soldiers. Check the Valentine’s online calendar (TheValentine.org) to determine which tours are available on the weekend of your visit. Another option is to take a Segway tour of Hollywood. Segway of Richmond typically offers the tour on Sundays. But, you may be able to arrange such a tour for another time. Phone them at 804-343-1850 for more information. If the weather does not cooperate, visit what may be the city’s number one historical attraction, the State Capitol Building (1000 Bank St.). The Capitol was conceived by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Clérisseau in France and completed in 1788. It’s open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Self-guided and guided tours are offered. Go to VirginiaCapitol.gov for details. Following your morning activities, head for the hills. Church Hill, Libby Hill, Union Hill and Fulton Hill are where Richmond was born. Unless you live here, or really know these neigh-
Photo courtesy: Saint John’s Church
events. Yes, on Sunday, get ready to feast on the Jefferson’s fabulous brunch. This is one occasion when even the foodiest of foodies smiles at the term “all you can eat.” You’ll find such exquisitely prepared items as freshly made waffles with fruit toppings, various egg specialties and assorted Danish pastries. But it’s the lunch items that I’ll be heading for, such as the seafood display with smoked salmon, mussels, scallops, poached shrimp and oysters on the half shell or the chef’s weekly choice of carving stations featuring roasted prime rib, New York strip loin, turkey, lamb or glazed ham. Of course, there’s so much more. But you’ll just have to check it out for yourself. By the time brunch is done and you’ve checked out of your room, you may want to head home and take a nap, but should you still have a little more explorer left in you, we have a list of recommended attractions below. One thing is certain. By the time you arrive home, you’ll know you had a Richmond staycation of historic proportions.
borhoods intimately, it’s difficult to know where one hill stops and another begins. Standing on Libby Hill, William Byrd, II, the founder of the city, looked down on what is now known as the James River and realized how similar the view was to the Thames, back in London. Byrd was especially reminded of one area, today a suburb of London, known as Richmond. The Hill Café (2800 E. Broad St.) would be a great lunch spot. The café — one of the oldest in a section of the city that has seen tremendous renovation, transformation and growth in recent years— offers comfort food in a cozy, casual setting. Of course, there are other wonderful dining options in this area. (Check our dining guide at the end of this piece.) Walk three blocks west of the café, to 2401 E. Broad, and you’ll be standing in front of St. John’s Church…the “church” in “Church Hill.” It was here, on March 23, 1775 at the Second Virginia Convention, that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other important figures in the American Revolution listened as Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Liberty or Death” speech. If you come back on Sunday afternoon, you can hear a reenactment of this stirring speech, which is said to have ignited the Revolutionary War. HistoricStJohnsChurch.org offers further details. Depending upon how much time you spend in Church Hill, you may have enough time to head about 18 miles south of the city to Henricus Historical Park. You’re going to be enjoying a very special dinner near there a little later.
In September, 1611, just four months after landing at Jamestown, Sir Thomas Dale moved upriver and established the colony’s second settlement, Henricus. Sitting high on a bluff overlooking the Powhatan (James) River, Henricus was much more ideally situated than was Jamestown, and Dale confidently expected that it would replace Jamestown. However, an Indian uprising 11 years later put an end to Henricus. It was never resettled. The recreated 1611 “Citie of Henricus,” an outdoor living history museum with 12 recreated colonial structures, demonstrates history through hands-on encounters with period-dressed historical interpreters. Henricus is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. We told you that dinner was going to be very special. Tonight, you’ll be dining in an establishment that offered respite for the weary traveler between Richmond and Petersburg long before the Revolutionary War. The Half Way House (10301 Jefferson Davis Hwy.) was built in 1760. Even today, the kitchen is housed in a structure that is separated from the quaint manor house, where you can feast on traditional American fare from seafood to steaks. Perhaps the most popular dish is the house special, which features a small filet along with either the jumbo gulf shrimp or the Chesapeake crab cake. Reservations are strongly recommended. After a full day, it will feel so nice to return to your luxurious room at the Jefferson. As wonderful as your dinner has proven to be, tomorrow you’re going to finish your staycation with one of the city’s most spectacular weekly dining May / June 2018
Other Attractions
The American Civil War Museum and White House of the Confederacy (1201 E. Clay St.; ACWM.org) Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (122 W. Leigh St.; BlackHistoryMuseum.org) Chimborazo Medical Museum (3215 E. Broad St.; NPS.gov) Virginia Historical Society (428 N. Blvd.; VirginiaHistory.org) The Valentine (1015 E. Clay; TheValentine.org)
Other Church Hill Dining Options
Alamo BBQ – Texas-style barbecue and tacos (2202 Jefferson Ave.; AlamoBBQ.com) Liberty Public House – Sandwiches, salads, steaks and seafood (418 N. 25th St.; LibertyRVA.com) Metzger’s Bar and Butchery – German inspired cuisine (801 N. 23rd St;MetzgerBarAndButchery.com) Nile – Ethiopian fare (306 N. 29th St.; NileRVA.com) Proper Pie Co. – Sweet and savory New Zealandstyle pies (2505 E. Broad St.; FB – ProperPieCo) The Roosevelt – New Southern fare (623 N. 25th St.; RooseveltRVA.com)
West End's Best 23
STAYCATION GUIDE
Photo courtesy: VCU Institute of Contemporary Art
STAYCATION FOR ART LOVERS
By Steve Cook
T
he River City should be any art lover’s dream destination. We have the nation’s top public university art school, and we’re home to one of the world’s premier art museums. We have a vibrant downtown arts district, where you’ll find many diverse galleries. So, let’s plan an Art Lover’s Weekend Getaway. Our suggested itinerary has been designed to give you a taste of Richond’s beauty, talent and creativity. We’ve made reservations at The One Bed and Breakfast (1 N. Boulevard), a couple of blocks from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Polly Brooks and her husband Sean have been operating their 100-yearold mansion as a bed and breakfast since 2011. There are three upstairs suites, but Polly recommends The Cellar. Although the name may sound dark and foreboding, nothing could be further from the truth. With five windows, the Cellar offers bright yet cozy accommodations in 750-square-feet of living space. And if you seek privacy, the Cellar has its own separate entrance. After exploring the amenities in your room, as well as the whimsically decorated commons area upstairs, where a continental breakfast is served each morning, get ready to do a little more exploring as you head south on the Boulevard to the VMFA (200 N. Boulevard). The museum has extended hours on Thursday and Friday evenings (‘til 8:30 p.m.). This might be a great time to tour the Faberge’ and Russian Decorative Arts Collection, featuring 280 Faberge’ objects. You can do that either before or after you enjoy a fantastic meal at one of the most unique restaurants in all of Richmond — Amuse, located on the third floor of the museum. The floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as the patio balcony, provide a great view of the Robins Sculpture Garden below. 24 West End's Best
The staff at Amuse is as creative as the artists whose works fill the galleries. With each new major exhibit comes an inventive food-andcocktail menu inspired by that exhibit. Napoleon: Power and Splendor, is scheduled to run from June 9 to Sept. 3. As we go to press, Liz Skirpan, manager at Amuse, informs me that the staff has not yet finalized their Napoleon-themed menu. But check the website (VMFA. museum) for updated information. You can be sure that whatever they come up with will tickle both your sense of aesthetics as well as your taste buds. After a restful night’s sleep, you may choose to simply enjoy the continental breakfast at your B&B. However, there are several excellent spots for brunch, all within walking distance or just a short drive away. One of my favorite spots is Pik Nik Craft Cocktail Bar (2301 W. Main St.). Pik Nik offers a fantastic brunch on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The scallops are the best I’ve had anywhere. Chef Alex Bailey recommends the organic chicken with a fried egg and a watermelon salad on the side. He also suggests you try a variation of one of his crepes. You can have them filled with vegetables, meat or seafood. Order what you want, but you have to try the waffles. Since the VMFA opens at 10 each morning, seven days a week, and since there’s no way you could have seen it all the night before, you’ll probably want to spend more time there, then head over to the city’s Arts District. Your next stop after leaving the museum is at the corner of West Broad and Belvidere streets, the recently opened VCU Institute of Contemporary Art (601 W. Broad). This very modern building, designed by New
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Sea Pig (sea scallop wrapped with catfish then wrapped with Applewood smoked bacon, served with creamy rosemary grits and roasted brussel sprouts and finished with roasted tomato truffle sauce). As an art lover, you’ll want to spend your Saturday evening enjoying the city’s vibrant performing arts scene. There’s so much from which to choose. For a fairly comprehensive listing of upcoming performances, read our spring/summer Performing Arts Guide in the May/June issue of Richmond Navigator Media’s River City Magazine. You can read it online at RichmondNavigator.com. You still have one more day of your staycation, and we have just the place for you. While they don’t call it brunch, the Can Can, a beautiful French brasserie (3120 W. Cary St.), offers their Coffee House breakfast from 7 until 11 a.m. every day, including Sunday. Select from the quiche du jour, or perhaps a delicious patisserie — including their Grand Brioche (served only on the weekends) — is more to your liking. You’ll also find fruit, croissants, crepes and coffee, including cappuccinos, espressos and French-press offerings. The Can Can showcases works of art on their walls, many of which are available for purchase. If you see a piece you like, just ask, “Can Can?” The answer may well be, “Oui oui.” Finishing off your weekend with an original work of art just might be the perfect way to end your Art Lover’s Richmond Staycation.
Photo courtesy: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
York-based Steven Holl Architects, creates an imposing and beautiful gateway to the city’s Arts District. Let’s start there. Next, take a stroll east on Broad, and you’ll pass several popular galleries, which dot the north and the south sides of the street. If you plan your getaway for the first Friday of the month, most of the galleries in the neighborhood will be open late. First Fridays is a signature event in the city’s Arts District. Check their Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming First Friday exhibits (RVAFirstFridays on FaceBook). Most of the galleries along Broad are open until 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information on the local galleries, visit RVAArtsDistrict.com. You’ve had a long and busy day, so our dining suggestion for the evening is near your accommodations. Hopefully, that will allow you to squeeze in a little time to rest up. However, if you’re trying to pack as much as possible into your weekend getaway, why not head over to Cary Street for a bit of shopping in some of the city’s most unique boutiques. Carytown begins just a block from your B&B. Visit CarytownRVA.com for further information. Make an early dinner reservation at Spoonbread Bistro (2526 Floyd Ave.). Chef Michael Hall brings his unique blend of Southern cuisine with French finishings to this charming Fan eatery. You’ll enjoy perusing the menu, which includes such delights as Black Molasses Roasted Duck Breast, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and the chef’s favorite, The Cat
May / June 2018
West End's Best 25
STAYCATION GUIDE
Staycation
Photo: Joey Wharton
For Foodies
By Whitney Kiatsuranon
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f you’re looking to explore the various delicacies that have proven to be the pillars of this fine city’s burgeoning dining scene, be sure to make plans for a foodie weekend. I’d recommend you stay at the Delta Downtown (555 E. Canal St.). Just a short walk or drive from an array of dining destinations, the hotel offers a very accommodating shuttle service that will whisk you to many of the nearby restaurants. After you check in and explore the opulence that is your room with its exquisite views of the James River, your tummy will tell you it is time for dinner. Mom’s Siam 2, in the heart of Shockhoe Bottom (1309 E. Cary St.), is sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for delicious Thai food or mouth-watering sushi, you’ll find something to make this dining hotspot a marvelous culinary destination. I always order the dumplings and the fresh spring rolls with the pad Thai. Once your belly is full, you’ll be at the center of Downtown Richmond’s Friday nightlife, so pick a spot and get your groove on or head back to the Delta for a latenight dip in the pool before bed (the pool is open ‘til 11 p.m.). Regardless of which option you choose, I am sure you will want a latenight snack. If you’re on the concierge level (ask for details when making reservations), you’ll have 24-hour access to complimentary snacks and beverages. But should you be in the mood for some freshly baked cookies, may I suggest Red Eye Cookie (RedEyeCookie.com) or Insomnia Cookies (InsomniaCookies.com)? With one phone call or click on the internet, you can have freshly baked, warm cookies delivered right to your door. They’ll even bring milk and ice cream if you’re feeling really indulgent. 26 West End's Best
Contingent upon your post-dinner activities, you may wake up feeling rested and wonderful or slightly groggy with a mild headache. Either way, let’s do breakfast at Perly’s (111 E. Grace St.), featuring classics like the Fillmore Frittata and the Breakfast Bagel Sammy. Perly’s offers Richmond’s traditional Jewish dining experience with a modern twist that receives nothing but rave reviews from national publications and Richmond natives, alike. After breakfast, it will be time to explore Richmond as a true lover of food and drink. Start with a walk in the park. Saturday mornings find many locals heading to Forest Hill Park (enter at 42nd Street and New Kent Road) and the South of the James Farmer’s Market. Here, you will discover locally sourced produce, the freshest of meats, local honey and lots of artisans from around town offering their crafts, creations and art. You may even find a wine tasting or two. And even though there may be a long wait, it’s worth standing in line to get one (dozen) of Mrs. Yoder’s famous donuts. After a morning at the market, it will be time for more food. Your belly may beckon for something that will put a little meat on your bones and nothing will satiate your appetite more than the traditional Southern cooking that you’ll find at Southern Kitchen (1726 E. Main St.) — from the hand-breaded oysters to owner Ms. Shane’s famous Southern Rolls (three rolls filled with collards, cabbage and chicken with a delectable delight sweet and sour sauce). When you eat here, it’s like you’re eating at grandma’s kitchen table, and you better get your elbows off the table. How would any true foodie burn off such a sensational lunch? I’d rec-
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Photo courtesy: Southern Kitchen
LOVE IT
ommend you take the Richmond Brewery Tour (RichmondBreweryTours.com). Let their knowledgeable and energetic staff drive you on an exciting tour, as you experience some of the city’s finest craft beers. There’s a tour leaving from the Capital Ale House (623 E. Main St.) at 4:15 p.m. Be sure to book in advance at their website. You’ve had a full day. Perhaps you’d like to rest up back at the hotel. Enjoy the pool or the fitness center, and then get ready for one of the city’s most unique dinners at The Broken Tulip in Richmond’s shopping district, Carytown. The Broken Tulip (3129 W. Cary St.) gives you the option of dining at either 6 or 8:30 p.m. and offers one of Richmond’s few social eatery experiences by bringing the community-table dining experience to the forefront of our dining options. The table fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended as diners can’t seem to get enough of their seasonal, locally sourced and rotating menu. I recommend the 8:30 p.m. option, so you will have time to roam Carytown and hit up some of the local favorite watering holes along the strip. The Jasper (3113 W. Cary St.) is new and very popular. After dinner, head back towards downtown. Make time to visit a little place that Richmond foodies hold near and dear to their hearts … and their bellies. Shyndigz (1903 W. Cary St.) is a cake lover’s holiday. With their oversized portions and succulent creations, you will quickly understand why this cake and dessert shop is the place to be. My go-to is the strawberry Nutella with a glass of prosecco. After all your dining and libations, I am sure you will be
ready to hit the pillow and dream of what’s for brunch tomorrow morning (or afternoon). No one does brunch the way Millie’s Diner (2603 E. Main St.) has been doing it since 1989. Be prepared to take a lounge chair, grab a drink and wait because Millie’s is not only famous for its amazing brunch but also for one of the longest Sunday brunch lines in Richmond. Yes, it is that good! Between the Devil’s Mess (open-faced omelet of spicy sausage, onions, green peppers, garlic, tomatoes and mild curry, finished with melted white cheddar and avocado) and the Huevos Rancheros (two fried eggs over tortillas with black beans, spicy tomato Ranchero sauce, melted white cheddar, salsa and sour cream), there is no wrong choice on the menu. My go-to dish is the spicy black bean and cheddar burrito served with salsa and sour cream. Each dish pairs well with your choice of beverages — from coffee and mimosas to Bloodies and their famous Evil Keevil (a combination of orange, pineapple and cranberry juices, mixed with Malibu Coconut and Cruzan White rums and lime). If you still have the time and appetite, fill the rest of your staycation Sunday afternoon with a food tour from River City Food Tours. Currently, they’re offering a culinary tour of Carytown, which starts at 2 p.m. Sunday. Visit their website, RiverCityFoodTours.com, for information and to purchase tickets. However you choose to spend your staycation fit for a foodie, I can guarantee that in this town you will find no lack of resources to help you gloriously eat your way through the River City. May / June 2018
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West End's Best 27
PET FOCUS
It Was a Bark and Warm-y Night The Richmond Navigator Guide to Pet Friendly Dining, Shopping and Other Fun Stuff By Whitney Kiatsuranon
W
ith longer, warmer days upon us, leisurely strolls and patio dining are sure to be late spring and early summer activities that many of us will enjoy. It’s also likely that if you’re a dog owner you’ll want your best friend to accompany you. Whether you’re in the mood for BBQ, a burger, a sip of wine or just a cup of Joe, I’ve picked a few places where both you and your four-legged friend will be welcomed. Let’s start here in the West End: Bar Louie, in the Short Pump Town Center (11788 West Broad St.) allows you to bring your pup and enjoy their varied menu. While you can’t bring the dog into the restaurant in order to access the patio, there is a direct outside patio entrance. Just beyond Bar Louie, Carytown Burger & Fries Short Pump (200 Town Center West) welcomes pets on their patio. And Deep Run Roadhouse at 12379 Gayton Road also offers a pet friendly patio, although you’ll need to order at the counter inside. I’m sure Muttsy will be happy to wait outside for a chance to enjoy some of the area’s best barbecue. Café Cattura located at 5811 Grove Avenue welcomes four legged companions to accompany their human types for those crisp, chilly springtime evenings by the fireplace. If you’re in the mood for flatbreads and wine and an all-around good time, you and Spot will be happy here. Your Pekingese will feel very welcomed on the patio at the relatively 28 West End's Best
new Beijing on Grove at 5710 Grove Avenue. And, If you and your Corgi enjoy shopping for fine wines or craft beers, head on in to Corks & Kegs at 7110 Patterson Avenue. Your pet will enjoy meeting theirs. For more pet-friendly dining options, head into the city. Take Fido and enjoy the patio at Boulevard Burger and Brew, (1300 North Boule-
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vard). From there, you and Fifi can meander on down the Boulevard and catch a Flying Squirrels game on one of their “Bark in the Park” nights during the season. Director of broadcasting, marketing and media, Jay Burnham says, “We’re thrilled to be able to provide a ‘FUNN’ safe space for all kinds of pups! Every Monday home game is dedicated to dogs with giveaways and dog-friendly promotions. Head south on the Boulevard and hit the shops as well as some excellent restaurants in Carytown, one of the city’s most pet-welcoming districts. Home Sweet Home (3433 W. Cary St.) can delight your senses with all things grilled cheese. Or if you and your Chow Chow are in the mood for authentic Thai chow, visit the patio at Mom’s Siam (2811 W. Cary). Most of the stores in Carytown are very dog friendly. On any given Saturday morning you can find many of your retail and grocery needs at the super funky South of the James Market (SOJ) in Forest Hill Park. This producers-only market offers everything from fruits, and vegetables to meat, dairy products and eggs. You and your Bordeaux may have to wait in line a bit to enjoy Mrs. Yoder’s freshly made sourdough doughnuts, a perennial favorite at SOJ. You and your
furry friends can shop together for apparel, pottery, photography, jewelry and more ...all handmade by local artisans. Plus, enjoy coffee and breakfast? Sign me up. Perhaps your English Pointer can direct you to Stony Point Fashion Park (9200 Stony Point Parkway), which offers a delightful dog-friendly shopping environment, in a park-like atmosphere featuring beautiful fountains and local architectural features. There, you’ll find some of the most sought after retailers and restaurants in Metro Richmond. Finally, if you seek something special for your pup, you both can go shopping at the Lora Robins Gift Shop in the SPCA, located at 2519 Hermitage Road. The shop offers many wonderful gifts for pets and pet lovers. Your purchases directly benefit orphaned pets in their shelter. The SPCA Calendar of Events page at their website (RichmondSPCA.org) can keep you updated on pet-friendly events including local restaurant’s SPCA nights where a portion of the proceeds are donated to the shelter to keep all the animals in their care happy and healthy. That should make both you and your furry friend very happy.
May / June 2018
West End's Best 29
PET FOCUS
Bone Voyage Holiday Barn, the Perfect Vacation for Your Pet
I
s your four-legged family member thinking about taking a vacation this summer at a pet resort? We asked the folks at Holiday Barn Pet Resorts for tips on what you and your pet should look for in picking the right resort. After all, they’ve been caring for pets for 46 years. Michael Hughes, “Head of the Pack” at Holliday Barn, offered some important suggestions for a “furtastic” vacation! It boils down to three basics. The resort should ensure that your pet will be healthy, comfortable and happy. Healthy One of the first things to consider is your pet’s health. “To maintain a healthy environment, it is essential that we clean and disinfect daily,” says Hughes. “We even wash and replace bedding daily.” He adds that good ventilation, comfortable air conditioning and heat also are important for your dog’s health. In addition to a healthy environment, it is important that all pets at any resort are up to date on all of their vaccinations. Holiday Barn even has a policy that at least five days must have elapsed since a pet has visited a veterinarian’s office for any reason. This helps keep guests healthy.
Happy Holiday Barn offers an extensive menu of play packages to satisfy your pet’s need for fun! Your dog may choose to play catch, enjoy an “exploratory” walk, take a swim or simply enjoy a hug from one of the friendly counselors. “Dogs that like to play with other dogs may want to sign up for our day camp,” suggests Hughes. “Vacation is also a great time to visit our spa for a soothing bath or trim. Dogs can also register for dog training with our personal trainer, and cats may book a session in our popular outdoor ‘catio’.” Take a Tour Hughes says that it is important to tour Holiday Barn before you bring your pet for the first time. “We’ll ask you questions about your pet’s personality and help you select vacation options that are purrrfect for your pet,” he says. “We give tours daily between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary.” Come next fall, when your pet is asked where he or she went for vacation, you’ll want the happy answer to be, “Holiday Barn.” Holiday Barn has two convenient locations:
Comfortable You want your dog to be comfortable on his or her vacation. “Many pets love our luxury suites,” Hughes says. “Each suite is tastefully decorated and features a television and bed and includes five walks a day.” Other guests, he adds, might prefer deluxe-kennel lodging, which is a small room with a private potty patio. Cat guests enjoy beautiful and spacious multi-level “condos.” Special feline features include built-in aquariums, a discreet potty and windows. People often comment that their pet’s vacation is going to be better than their own! 30 West End's Best
Glen Allen 3800 Mountain Road Glen Allen, VA 23060 804-672-2200 South of the James 614 Johnston Willis Drive Richmond, VA 23236 804-794-5400
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May / June 2018
West End's Best 31
HEALTH SPONSORED CONTENT
“The Latest and Greatest” in Cancer Treatment Technology
Few events in life can cause greater anxiety or concern than beginning an aggressive treatment program in one’s battle against cancer. Yes, we’ve all read that tremendous strides have been made in such treatments in recent years. However, when cancer is something that we or a loved Dr. Lang Liebman, M.D. one are personally battling, the subject becomes much more than merely academic. With that acknowledgement, it is nonetheless encouraging when we hear a leading oncologist speak of a new and innovative treatment delivery system as being the “latest and greatest in technology to treat cancer.” That’s how Lang Liebman, M.D. with Radiation Oncology Associates, describes Varian Medical Systems’ TrueBeam advanced medical linear accelerator. TrueBeam uses the latest in technology to deliver radiation treatments to cancer patients. Simply put, the beauty of the system is in its imaging and tracking capabilities that, says Dr. Liebman, “allows us to be more precise and more accurate.” The Richmond native who earned her undergraduate degree from Davidson College and her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia, says that typically doctors do a special radiation planning CT scan before beginning a program of treatment in order to create a roadmap for treatment. Prior to the TrueBeam system, further x-rays are done once a week. However, the problem is that based on its location, the tumor could be subject to almost constant movement. For instance, she explains, “The problem in treating a woman with breast cancer is that the heart is so near the left breast. Even if the patient were to take too deep a breath (during treatment), it could expose her heart to the radiation.” However, TrueBeam is constantly monitoring both the tumor as well as surrounding tissue and other parts of the body. “The system delivering the radiation can automatically shut off if the heart or other critical organs become exposed,” Dr. Liebman says. “It allows us to avoid healthy tissue.” Putting the advantages of the system in terms that most of us who have
ever driven a car can understand, she explains that doctors can use GPS tracking to follow the tumor. “We can monitor the prostate, for example, before and during treatment and start and stop the radiation when the target is where we want it.” The precision of Varian’s TrueBeam system is measured in increments of less than a millimeter. This accuracy is made possible by the system’s sophisticated architecture, which synchronizes imaging, patient positioning, motion management, beam shaping and dose delivery. The system performs accuracy checks every ten milliseconds throughout the entire treatment. Such accuracy, says Dr. Liebman, “allows us to feel more confident that we are accurately treating our patients.” In addition to tracking the tumor’s movement, TrueBeam can also produce high-quality 3-D images of the tumor and surrounding anatomy. These images are used to fine-tune a patient’s position, enabling accurate tumor targeting. Through enhanced tumor targeting, doctors can treat some tumors with higher doses, Dr. Liebman says. In some tumors, this can allow for faster treatment. Although cautioning that every patient and every tumor is different, she adds, “I have seen some patients with a small lung cancer who previously we would have had to treat them every day for up to seven weeks. Now with the use of TrueBeam, certain cases require as few as three treatments. This results in better patient satisfaction, the ability to treat patients who otherwise might not have been able to tolerate treatment, and in some cases improved outcome.” There is no treatment technology superior to this. Dr. Liebman says she has been using the latest version of this system for just over a year in her practice at Richmond Radiation Oncology Center in the Bon Secours Cancer Institute at 6605 W. Broad St. She also says that installation has begun on a system at St. Francis Cancer Center at 14051 St. Francis Blvd., and this should be operational in 2018. “My partners and I are thrilled to have this new technology,” Dr. Liebman says. “It allows us to feel more confident that we are accurately treating our patients and that we can treat a smaller area in order to cut down on side effects and improve patient outcomes.”
For more information, call 804-266-7762 or visit RadiationOncologyAssociates.co. 32 West End's Best
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welcome to your
playground.
acac Short Pump
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804.464.0990
I
adults-only rooftop bar, lounge, heated pool and hot tub.
2201 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen
I
acac.com
antiques | vintage | mid-century modern | furniture | lighting | collectibles | art
West End Antiques Mall &Project1 Home Furnishings
60,000 sq ft 250+ dealers layaway & delivery mon - sat 10-6 sun 12-6 westendantiquemall.com
2004 & 2012 Staples Mill Rd Richmond, VA 23230 near the intersection of Staples Mill & W Broad in the Crossroads Center May / June 2018
project1home.com West End's Best 33
HEALTH
SITTING ............................
The Silent Killer by Linda Alexander
P
rolonged sitting…It’s the new smoking. As I sit here in front of my computer, my thoughts turn to, well, sitting…and how it’s killing us. And it’s my job, as a fitness coach and personaltraining studio owner, to get you moving because it could mean your life. Studies have shown that we sit as much as 13 hours per day. Dr. James Levine, director of the Mayo ClinicArizona State University Obesity Solutions Initiative, who coined the phrase, “sitting is the new smoking,” says that prolonged sitting can increase your risk of developing serious illness, such as cancer, heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol and even depression. For every hour we sit, according to Dr. Levine, we lose two hours of our lives. The World Health Organization has identified physical inactivity as the fourth biggest preventable killer on the planet, with an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year. As humans, we are built to move, and moving in return helps keep us healthy. As a fitness coach, I see the adverse effects of prolonged sitting every day. An estimated 80 percent of our clients come in with some sort of pain or symptom due to lack of movement and mobility. When you sit too long, your glutes (your butt) shut down and become weak. This forces other muscles to compensate for your glute weakness 34 West End's Best
and often results in lower back, knee or hip pain. The upper body is affected as well, causing headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and shoulder pain. Worse yet, you are still prone to suffer from these weaknesses even if you participate in a consistent exercise program. When you prevent your muscles from activating, by sitting most of your day, they don’t perform at
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100 percent and will become dormant. You can’t train a dormant muscle. My job as a coach is to help individuals understand that being healthy isn’t just about working out, getting your 10,000 steps, or eating well. It’s about moving more often, taking care of your entire body and mind, thus creating a lifestyle to live happier, healthier and longer. Here are a few tips to help decrease sitting in your life: • Reduce the actual time you sit each day; aim for only three to four hours • Move after every 30 minutes of sitting for at least two to five minutes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Linda Alexander is owner of Oxygen and Iron Personal Training Studio in Midlothian, where her focus is to inspire people to transform their lives through positive mindset, movement and simple whole-nutrition strategies in a supportive community environment. With over three decades of helping others, Linda recently published her first book We Are Not Done- becoming your best self, a simple guide to help women become the best versions of themselves.
• Pay attention to your posture • Exercise at least 30 minutes daily • Perform 10 to 15 minutes of mobility or stretching exercises daily
We are ultimately responsible for our own health. It’s up to us to make it our top priority. It’s time to stand up, be more active and become the best version of you. I would love to help you sit less, wake up your glutes and build longterm healthy habits to become a happy, healthier you. Contact me at the studio or get my book We Are Not Done – becoming your best self, available on Amazon.
SOURCES Oxygen and Iron Personal Training Studio Owner: Linda Alexander Phone: 804-423-1375 linda@oxygenandiron.com Website: oxygenandiron.com Facebook: facebook.com/oxygenandiron/ Twitter: @worknoutla Instagram: oxygenandiron
May / June 2018
West End's Best 35
HEALTH SPONSORED CONTENT
Worried about BPA? by S. Tyler Perkinson, DDS
Over the past several years, concerns have arisen over the use of BPA in products, including the materials that dentists use for fillings and sealants. BPA has been shown to trick your body into thinking it’s one of your body’s hormones, which can lead to many problems, especially in infants and children. To understand what BPA is, you need to understand what plastic is. Plastic is a polymer, which means that it is made up of lots of little molecules called monomers that are joined together. One of the monomers that was used commonly to make reusable water bottles and baby bottles was BPA. As soon as people realized that BPA could be dangerous, scientists began to look into how it was being used, and manufacturers scrambled to find new formulas for their products. This is when you began to see “BPA free” on many products. What does this have to do with dentistry? Dental composite, the material that is used for white fillings and children’s sealants, is a plastic that is embedded with small particles of glass to make it stronger and prettier. Many people aware of the risks of BPA began to ask what monomers were used in dental composite. It turns out that BPA is not used and never has been used in dental composite, although the monomers in dentistry are related to BPA. The primary monomer used in dentistry is called BisGMA, although there are dozens more. If you imagine BPA as a small round molecule, imagine BisGMA as a much larger molecule with BPA as its core but with long arms attached
to it. This leads to an important question: if BisGMA shares some of its structure with BPA, does it also share some of it’s negative health effects? Fortunately, the answer is no. Just like alcohol and water act very differently on the body even thought they share a chemical group, BisGMA and its many close cousins don’t act on the body like BPA. None of them have been shown to mimic hormones like BPA does. After several years of study, the FDA released a statement that the use of BPA in products like water bottles were safe. They determined that while BPA alone did have a negative effect in some cases, once they were joined together in their final plastic form, they tended to stay in the plastic and not drift out in levels at which they could cause problems. By that time, BPA had been phased out of most products anyway. So, are dental composites safe? The answer is double yes. BPA isn’t as dangerous as we once feared, and dental composites don’t contain BPA or other dangerous components. S. Tyler Perkinson, DDS, practices in Virginia Family Dentistry’s PattersonParham office, located at 8516 Patterson Avenue in Henrico. Virginia Family Dentistry is a group practice of more than 50 doctors specializing in Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Dental Implants, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Cosmetic and General Dentistry. With 14 convenient locations in the Richmond Metro Area, we can assist you in creating your youthful smile. For a location near you, visit VAdentist.com.
Our four West End locations: Short Pump (804) 364-7010; West End Orthodontic & Pediatric Specialty Center (804) 351-5432; Patterson/Parham (804) 364-7090; Staples Mill (804) 672-4900 — VAdentist.com
LET US PUT A LITTLE SPRING IN YOUR STEP
DIGI
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CA E UR S E N ER FIT
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TOE PROPUR
TH OF O ICS! OT
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ALL BREED DOG SHOW WITH OUTDOOR DOCK DIVING
Thursday June 21st thru Sunday June 24th
GET UP YOUR FEON ET THIS
at the Richmond Raceway Comlex on Laburnum Avenue
SPRING
Exhibits Inside and Outside All Types of Dogs Free admission to all shows and only $5.00 per car parking
ENTER YOUR DOG INTO THE DOG DIVING SHOW 36 West End's Best
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SENIORS ADVENTURES IN AGING
CONSTANCE GETS A TICKET
I
by Constance Whitney
was driving down a fairly deserted side street late one evening and only semi-stopped at the stop sign. Blue lights in my rearview mirror, a professionally courteous officer and a slip of paper later, I had my first ever driving offense in hand. I stared at the form as the officer pulled away and thought ‘this moment will forever change my life.’ It wasn’t about the ticket, or the fine, or the embarrassment of messing up my previously squeaky clean driving record; it was about the lecture the cop had just given me. I was 17. To truly understand the story, it is important to know that I was a privileged, spoiled, intelligent kid with over-indulgent parents who loved me with every fiber of their being. I got outstanding grades in school, had a wide circle of friends, was a member of several teams and organizations and had developed definite plans for my brilliant future. I was the poster child for “a good kid.” And then I rolled through the stop sign. After checking my license and registration, the officer calmly explained to me, in lingo that my 17-year-old mind would absorb, that I had almost killed a person. It was late, the street wasn’t well lit, and the person had every reason to believe that they could safely cross the street at the crosswalk because there was a stop sign and therefore the cars would stop. Not only, the officer explained, was this a person, but the child in the stroller she was pushing was a person too. They both had an expectation that, since I had been given a driver’s license — after taking the requisite coursework, completing the required hours of student driving and passing both a written and practical test — I would adhere to the word of the law, and I would stop my 2,000-pound vehicle where I was supposed to, when I was supposed to. And I didn’t. The fact that there was, in fact, no person there, let alone a person pushing a stroller, was completely immaterial. During those few minutes when I truly believed the story being told, the officer got through
to my laissez-faire self-absorbed head and changed my life. From that moment on, every time I’ve come to a stop sign, I remember, just for a nanosecond, that officer’s story. And I stop. Fast forward a few decades. I was driving down West Broad Street a few weeks ago headed home. The light was red. I was about three cars back from the intersection; there were at least five cars behind me. To the right of me, at the stoplight by Caroline Ale House, was a blue Ford with what looked to be three teenage girls in it. The two passengers were staring at their cellphone screens, the driver was holding the phone to her ear and talking. I turned to the left of me where a nondescript silver car was being driven by a younger-ish male, who was typing away on his cellphone. Both drivers were completely oblivious to what was going on around them, to other drivers and to possible pedestrians, including a possible person pushing another person in a stroller. I have every reason to believe that both drivers were “good kids” with definite plans for their brilliant futures. And yet, despite the very clear laws in Virginia, the constant PSAs on TV and the lectures delivered by parents and educators, they were doing exactly what I did all those years ago — they were skirting the law, with possible devastating ramifications. How I wish I could have gotten through to their laissez-faire self-absorbed heads that night, that I could have somehow flipped on blue lights, pulled them both over and told them about the person with the person in a stroller that they almost killed. Would it have made the impression on them that it did on me? Would my words somehow have been heard when so many others clearly were not? We’ll never know. The light turned green, and we all went our separate ways. Though I may not have made an impression on them, I have a feeling that the vision of the car of girls and the single boy will take root in my memory just as solidly as the person pushing another person in a stroller across the street.
May / June 2018
West End's Best 37
MORE THAN JUST
BREAKFAST | SAT. & SUN. 9-11AM BRUNCH | DAILY 11AM-2PM
GIFT CARD SPECIAL! BUY $50, GET $10 May 1st-13th & June 1st-18th
BakersCrust.com
Read All Our Publications Online
.com
Short Pump Town Center 11800 W. Broad Street 804-377-9060
804-639-9994
Carytown 3553 W. Cary Street 804-213-0800 38 West End's Best
RichmondNavigator.com
Bringing You the Best of Local Food Dining & Drinks, Recipes & News
ISO: Hot Dogs ..........................41
tastebudz............................44
Happy Hour Guide........................ 47 Beer Budz............................49 Outdoor Dining......................50
THE DOG HOUSE AT THE DIAMOND THE BOULEVARD This popular diamond classic combines a top quality hot dog with chili, diced onions and cheese to hit all the right flavor notes you’ll recall from family cookouts and youthful outings at the local ballpark.
Photo: Josh Young
DINE IN - TAKE OUT - DELIVERY - CATERING ORDER ONLINE 
WWW. C ARY TOWNBURG ERS .COM
CHECK OUT OUR
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ONLINE AT
Join Us On Our Patio! CARYTOWN
3500 W. Cary St. Richmond
40 West End's Best
SHORT PUMP 200 Towne Center W. Blvd. Henrico
LAKESIDE
5404 Lakeside Ave. Henrico
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Hot Dogs We asked our readers to tell us about their favorite hot dog joints. We heard from a lot of you and discovered some places that we might not have even thought of for hot dogs. It seems that the fans of Joey’s Hot Dogs in Innsbrook are, perhaps, the most loyal, or at least the most vocal. Congratulations go out to Johnny Wade, our winner in the promotion. Johnny will be receiving a gift certificate to a great area restaurant.
Joey’s Hot Dogs
4028 Cox Rd, Glen Allen; 804-651-4108; JoeysHotDogs.com
Photo: Dave Masucci
Lots of readers wrote and told us how much they love Joey’s Hot Dogs. Our contest winner, Johnny Wade, raved, “They are the best in Richmond area and consistently good!” “They have the best taste,” said Faye A. and Joe L. summed it up this way, “It feels like a hot dog joint.” Owner Joey Mirable’s family has been recognized as the oldest living family of hot dog purveyors in the state of Virginia by The Virginia Folklife Program. Joey’s father had his own “hot dog joint” long before most of us were born, in fact, since 1939. Today, Joey’s son Joey, Jr. has joined the business as an apprentice and is preparing to one day become the “Joey” of Joey’s Hot Dogs. In addition to the Joey Dog (pictured here), served all the way with mustard, onion and homemade chili, Joey also offers the New York Hot Sausage, a veggie dog and a turkey frank. As his menu says, you can “Order ‘em all the way with mustard, onions, and home made chili or mess ‘em up with cheese, ketchup, and sauerkraut.”
TD’S Smokehouse Barbecue
8919 Patterson Ave.; 804-741-9804; TDsSmokehouse.com Scott Bond has made TD’s one of the West End’s favorite go-to spots for great barbecue pork, chicken, ribs and beef brisket. But did you know that he offers one of the best hot dogs in town, as well? Scott starts with Nathan’s Famous all-beef hot dogs, which is a great place to start. Add TD’s thick, rich chili and you got yourself a dog. Or go all the way with chili, cheese and slaw.
May / June 2018
West End's Best 41
Hot Dogs Sam’s Hot Dog Stand
9502 Chamberlayne Road (Hanover Commons Shopping Center), Mechanicsville; 804-559-7267; SamsHotDogsRVA.com “The dogs are the type that you used to get 30 years ago at the baseball parks,” wrote Dave W. “The chili’s are amazing. And the people that operate the business are the greatest.” We received a lot of raves for both the food and the folks at Sam’s Hot Dog Stand. Judy Williams and her husband Scott own the franchise, located in Mechanicsville. What makes Sam’s dogs so great? We heard lots of reasons, but everyone loves the chili, including Judy, who said that the main reason they chose to align themselves with Sam’s Hot Dog Stand was the chili. Sam’s all-beef hot dogs come with your choice of nearly 15 toppings. The chili dog with mustard, onion and coleslaw is one of the most popular. If you choose to top your dog with their delicious sauerkraut, why not order a side of Judy’s own homemade potato salad?
Photo: Dave Masucci
Wildwood Bar-B-Que
2740 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan; 804-372-9574; WildwoodBarBQue.com There are lots of wonderful reasons to head across the river and into beautiful Powhatan County, not the least of which is Philip Foster’s Wildwood Bar-B-Que. This cozy little country restaurant offers North Carolina-style barbecue, including ribs, chicken, brisket and pork. What you might not know is that Wildwood also offers a variety of tempting, tasty hot dogs. Try their Jumbo All-Beef Hot Dog with relish, mustard, ketchup and onions. Add some chili and cheese, or if you want to experience what Philip calls a “flavor explosion,” give the Bar-B-Que Slaw Dog a try.
Photo: Wildwood BBQ
42 West End's Best
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Hot Dogs Sonic Drive-In
5805 W. Broad St; 11250 W. Broad St., Glen Allen; SonicDriveIn.com For over 65 years, SONIC, the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant has been delighting guests with their signature menu items, which today, include their cheeseburgers, slingers and hot dogs. They serve over three million customers a day? That’s a lot of dogs. Their Foot long Chili Cheese Coney is a grilled hot dog topped with warm chili and melty cheddar cheese and served in a soft, warm bakery bun.
Photo: Sonic
Melito’s Restaurant
8815 Three Chopt Road; 804-285-1899; Melitos.com For over 35 years, Melito’s has been known for its “World Famous” hot dogs. In fact, the dogs are so famous, you might not know that they also offer a wide variety of fare such as meatloaf, rib eye, baked spaghetti and crab cakes. All of Melito’s dogs come with homemade chili, mustard and onions, but if you really feel like putting on the dog, try the Junkyard Dog with chili, bacon, coleslaw, sweet relish, cheddar, mustard and onions.
Photo: Melito’s Restaurant
May / June 2018
West End's Best 43
tastebudz with Steve Cook
As you read this today, you may be thinking that all I do is talk about cocktails and other adult beverages. It does seem that a lot of the people with whom I have spoken recently have been inclined to tell me about their beverage programs. I guess it’s the time of year. So, let me give a disclaimer. If you choose to have a little something to wet your whistle, be sure to wet your whistle responsibly. Now, on to our TasteBudz:
Photo: Josh Young
Photo: Jimmy Davis
PICKELED MARY: Every time I try to write about the Pickel Barrel Restaurant (12912 Plaza Dr.), located right at the Goochland County line, my spell check keeps correcting me. Pickel is the way they have purposely chosen to spell it. It’s not their typo or my typo. Well, I’m fighting with spell check again because I want to tell you something else that I love about this cozy little place that specializes in fantastic country-style home cooking. Today, I’m not going to talk abut the cooking (although, if you love meatloaf, country-fried steak, fried chicken and meals like that, you should check it out). I’m going to talk about the coldest Bloody Mary in town. You may not know that the Pickel Barrel now has a bar, as well as outdoor dining on the patio. You can enjoy a beer, glass of wine or your favorite cocktail with your meal, or just belly up to the bar. On these upcoming sizzling summer days, when you need a pick me up, just remember what I’m telling you. They serve their Bloody Mary in a frozen mug, and they even throw in a dill pickle. Oh, and one more thing about this drink, the Pickel Barrel offers it for just $3 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. 44 West End's Best
MYTH BUSTER: Perhaps you’d heard the rumor — as false as it is — that Chez Max, the popular West End (10622 Patterson Ave.) restaurant, specializing in classical French cuisine, had closed its doors. Take heart! Chez Max is alive and well, and now under the ownership of Brian Moore, who took over control of the operation in mid-March. Brian says he was very familiar with the restaurant through his position as sales manager with wine distributor The Robins Cellars. After working in that industry for the last 30 years, he decided to fulfill his childhood dream of owning a restaurant. Brian says he started looking at cities such as Atlanta, Denver, Raleigh and Charleston as possible locations for his venture. However, he discovered that Richmond, where he had lived from 2008 to 2016, had all the factors he considered to be important to the success of his business. “When you check the demographics and look at that zip code,” he says, “you find residents with a high personal income. The area checks all the boxes [of determining factors]. It has universities, churches, strong industry and a growing population.” With that awareness, Brian moved back to the area and acquired the restaurant. In homage to the original owners and to the restaurant’s storied traditions, he kept the name, Chez Max, as well as the menus made popular by the restaurants’ original chef. He’s also retained the services of Skip Frazzano, who served as a sous chef at Chez Max for two years before becoming its executive chef.
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While there have been few changes to the menu, Brian’s experience in the wine industry has played a role in one adjustment. He has increased the number of wines by-the-glass from 8 to 24. He also tells me, “ We will continue to upgrade our services. There are future plans to do wine dinners and wine tastings.” He describes the planned dinners as “seven to nine-course functions with wine pairings.” Brian has also enlisted the services of Creative Visual Design to upgrade the restaurant’s website over the next couple months. For more information and to learn of any upcoming events, visit the website: ChezMaxVA.com or call the restaurant directly at 804-754-3464.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY: Looking for something fun and different for those sultry summer nights? How about a little salsa dancing? Did you know that Havana 59, both downtown (176 N. 17th St.) and in the West End (8902 W. Broad) offers salsa every Thursday night for ages 21 and up? The fun begins at 8 p.m., when salsa dance instructor Clara Toro hosts an hour long class. From 9 until Midnight, enjoy yourself on their open salsa dance floor.
Of course, you’ll always find great budget-busting Happy Hour specials on select beers every day (Monday through Friday) from 3 to 7 p.m. Before I move on, I would like to editorialize for a moment. Big Al’s Sports Phone was the best radio talk show in town. He’s knowledgeable, personable, interesting and fun…and he’s not paying me to say this.
GO FOR THE GUSTO: Speaking of Big Al, I have heard him through the years, on the radio raving about Gus’ Italian Café in Mechanicsville (7358 Bell Creek Road). Even though that’s not exactly the West End, it’s well worth the drive if you’re looking for a cool, little, out-of-the-way neighborhood-type watering hole. Of course, the food is good, too, but I want to tell you about the excellent choices on their cocktail/drink menu. This is not just a beer and pizza joint, although you can enjoy both. They have 14 craft beers on draft. But if you’re looking for a place to sip on a refreshing warm-weather concoction, head over to Gus’. Try their $7 mojito featuring Bacardi lite, club soda, simple syrup and fresh mint. Or you might want to taste the Moscow Mule with Absolut Vodka and ginger beer. That’s one of my absolute favorites. Who knew you could find such a great cocktail selection at Gus’. They also have all your favorite bourbons and whiskeys. One more thing. You need to check out their Happy Hour, which we’ve listed in this issue’s Happy Hour Guide. The drink specials are very good, but if you have the afternoon munchies, how about a personal pizza with up to two toppings, or a half-pound of spiced shrimp for five bucks? They’ve got other appetizer specials, as well.
You know, all this talk about food has me hungry. Plus, writing can really work up an appetite. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to go eat. If you want to share any of your restaurant’s news or just a great dining experience, I want to hear it. Email me at Tastebudz@ RichmondNavigator.com.
FRUGAL FOODIE: Let me tell you about one of my favorite neighborhood hangouts — Big Al’s Sports Bar, located at 3601 Cox Road. Big Al’s has some great nightly specials. For instance, Monday night is Burger Night. Grab a burger with chips for just $4. On Thursday nights, the wings are just 60 cents each and on Wednesday nights you can rip Al off for a steak and baked potato for just $8.99. That’s an 8-ounce sirloin filet.
Read Tastebudz Online each week at RichmondNavigator. com. If you have any restaurant news or recommendations, email us at TasteBudz@RichmondNavigator.com.
May / June 2018
West End's Best 45
TRY SOMETHING
FRESH THIS SPRING!
NEW SOUTHERN CUISINE
2003
AUTHENTIC GREEK COMFORT FOODS ❖ MEZZES ❖ PIZZA FRESH SEAFOOD ❖ PASTA ❖ DESSERT ❖ CATERING 1903 Staples Mill Rd Richmond, VA 23230
A Fresh Mix of Flavor in an Elegant Atmosphere
thegreektavernarva.com
420 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA Monday - Saturday 4:30pm-Close • Sunday Brunch 10am-3pm
804.477.6216 HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY - THURSDAY 11AM - 9:30PM ❖ FRIDAY 11AM - 10PM ❖ SATURDAY 11:30AM - 10PM ❖ SUNDAY CLOSED
Book on Yelp or Call 804.377.3968 for reservations | Juleps.net
Where Good Friends, Good Food & Fun Come Together!
NEW HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS!
Watch Your Favorite Sports Here! KARAOKE Every Saturday Night!
Delmonico Steaks • Fresh Seafood • All Your Favorite Italian Dishes Catering Service Available • Free WiFi
Mon-Thurs. 11am - 10pm | Fri. 11am - 12am | Sat. 11am - 2am | Sun. 11:30am - 10pm
7358 Bell Creek Road • 730-9620 46 46 West West End's End's Best Best
RichmondNavigator.com RichmondNavigator.com
HAPPY HOUR GUIDE B.J.’s Brewhouse
Gus’ Italian Café
12010 West Broad St. | 804-298-2950
7358 Bell Creek Rd. | 804-730-9620
Offering handcrafted beers, deep dish pizza and much more in a fun setting. From 10 p.m. until close on Sundays through Saturdays, their Happy Hour food prices are in effect. Every Tuesday ‘til 9, enjoy wine, by the glass or bottle at half price.
A Mechanicsville institution serving awesome pizza and wings. In addition to daily Happy Hour specials, on Wednesdays, enjoy $2 off on premium wines by the glass. On Thursday and Sundays buckets of beer are $13.50 all day and on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Mimosas and Bloody Marys are $3 each.
MONDAY – FRIDAY: 3 TO 7 P.M.
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 3 TO 7 P.M.
• Mini deep dish pizzas - 1/2 price
Beer, domestic draft pints - $3
• Domestic Bottled Beer - $3
Beer, domestic (tall) 23–ounce - $3.75
• Premium Rails (or Highballs) $5
Beer, domestic bottles - $2.75
• House Wine, by the glass - $5 • Shareable appetizers (root beer ribs, mozzarella sticks, sliders, spinach/artichoke dip and avocado egg rolls) - $6
Rail drinks - $4
• Chips and Dip $3
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 3 TO 6 P.M.
• For information on additional daily specials, check our West End’s Best Happy Hour Guide at RichmondNavigator.com
Buffalo wings (6) - $5 Bang Bang shrimp - $6 6” Pan pizza - $5
Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue
Hush Puppy basket (10) - $4
8205 W. Broad St.; 804-346-4227 In addition to some of the city’s best barbecue, Buz’ West Broad location also has a full-service bar.
1/2 pound spiced shrimp - $5 Cajun Tuna bites - $6
EVERYDAY 3 TO 6 P.M. Beer – Virginia drafts - $1 off
The Iron Horse Restaurant
Margarita Monday – Buz-a-Ritas - $5 (3 to 9 p.m.)
100 S. Railroad Ave. | 804-752-6410 | IronHorseRestaurant.com
Tequila Tuesday – Featured flights of tequila’s (3 to 9 p.m.)
Upscale dining in a warm, casual atmosphere. The Iron Horse present live music on most weekend nights and on first Thursdays. There is never cover charge. Check their Facebook page for upcoming performances.
Whiskey Wednesday – Featured flights of whiskeys (3 to 9 p.m.) Thirsty Thursday – Craft beer buckets - $17.50 (3 to 9 p.m.) Fill’er Up Friday – Craft beer pitchers - $3 off (3 to 7 p.m.) Game Day, Saturday & Sunday – Craft beer buckets - $17.50 (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) Domestic beer buckets - $10.75 (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 3:30 TO 5:30 P.M.
Beer, domestic bottles - $2.50 Beer, draft (10-oz) - $4.50 Wine, Cabernet Veneto or Pinot Grigio - $5
Greek Taverna 1903 Staples Mill Rd. | 804-477-6216 Authentic Greek dining at its best, with traditional favorites you won’t find anywhere else in Richmond. MONDAY – FRIDAY: 4 TO 7:30 P.M. • Beer, select drafts - $1 off • Wine, House red and white, glass - $1 off; carafes - $3 off
All happy hour listings are subject to change. Please drink responsibly.
• Mixed drinks, upscale rails - $1 off • Also Happy Hour food at the bar and discounts on select appetizers • Wednesday’s (All Day) ½ price bottles of Greek Wine
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.
For a more extensive guide visit RichmondNavigator.com/flavor/happy-hour-guide
March / April 2018
West End's Best 47
RICHMOND’S PREMIER CHOPHOUSE
• Serving Sizzling Steaks Nightly from 4:30pm • Serving Lunch Mon - Fri 11am - 2:30pm • Serving Sunday Brunch Buffet 10am-2pm Hondos at Innsbrook
4120 Cox Rd • 804-968-4323 www.HondosPrime.com
MORE THAN WEST END’S BEST
NEW MODERN SOUTHERN Read All Our Publications Online
Live Music Fri-Sun | Sunday Brunch 10-2:30 | Sunday Supper Family Style 5-8:30
804-639-9994 48 West End's Best
IronHorseRestaurant.com | 804-752-6410 | 100 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland RichmondNavigator.com
r e e B udz B by John Stoner
Springtime! Time to jump in your car and take a
Champion Brewing Company - RVA
drive through the country to a brewery or a bottle shop that you haven’t been to before! Beer Budz has done some of the research for you, and is happy to suggest a few new discoveries for you.
401 E. Grace St.; 804-344-5108 ChampionBrewingCompany.com
Bottleworks 3078 Stony Point Road 804-320-4677 BottleworksRVA.Wixsite.com/ bottleworksrva Photo: John Stoner
With over 300 wines and far more beer selections, plus wine-of-the-month discounts, and local foods, it’s certainly a shop to check out! This friendly neighborhood wine and beer shop has tastings every Friday. There are sixteen rotating taps for growler fills for at-home consumption, at $7 and up for a 32-ounce growler, and $14 and up for a 64-ounce one. The tap list is kept up to date on their Facebook page. Bottleworks is also the local delivery point for an online farmers’ market.
AMMO Brewing 235 N Market St, Petersburg 804-722-1667 AmmoBrewing.com
Charlottesville’s Champion Brewing Company opened its Richmond outpost in an old bank building – the vault doors are wide open for your inspection – at the corner of 4th and Grace Streets. They have almost too many events to list: yoga, trivia nights, Latin music and dancing on Sundays, monthly comedy shows, frequent concerts, plus lots of pinball games, comfortable chairs upstairs, and an on-site kitchen. Oh, and excellent beers, most of which are brewed on location. (A couple of favorites from the original location also make it onto the tap list.) The last time in, Beer Budz enjoyed the Rye Pale Ale and the Chimborazo Map (a session IPA).
Reason Beer 1180 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville; 434-260-0145 ReasonBeer.com If your Spring afternoon drive takes you to the west of Richmond, you should stop in at Reason Beer, one of the newer breweries in Charlottesville. The brewery is located on U.S. 29. Nestled in an industrial park, Reason makes well-balanced and satisfying beers. Not surprising, perhaps, as the brewer worked for several years at the Maine Brewing Company. The tasting room is quiet and pleasant, and they have music most Thursdays. Beer Budz’s favorite beer at Reason is their Black, a black IPA.
Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery
Down in Historic Petersburg, this brewery puts out a lot of very flavorful small- Photo: John Stoner batch beers. Many are malt-forward beers that are refreshing and make you want to stay a while longer and have another. On Beer Budz most recent visit, we especially enjoyed the Gose Without Saying, a Montmorency cherry gose, and the Two Pixies, a spiced beer with cherries, maple syrup, vanilla beans, and cinnamon. They have a small kitchen that makes sausages and curries, and their Sunday brunch is a favorite with the locals. They’ll have a special brunch on Mother’s and Father’s Days, and they’re already looking forward to their Second Anniversary party in July.
4100 Knolls Point Dr., Goochland; 804-314-2093 LickingholeCreek.com Lickinghole Creek was the first farm brewery in Virginia, and they grow some of their own ingredients, including barley, wheat, and hops. It’s a beautiful location to enjoy a beer, read a book, and watch the sun set across the fields. Their Nuclear Nugget (an Imperial IPA with honey) works great in that role. The draft room is open Friday through Sunday, while the rest of the week, you can buy bottles and merchandise. They have frequent bottle releases for some of their small-batch variants. And it’s the only brewery that Beer Budz knows of that has a Frisbee golf course!
May / June 2018
West End's Best 49
Outdoor Dining By Lisa Puster
Ahh, the soothing rays of a late afternoon sun or the refreshing
breeze under a starlight canopy complement an already delectable dining experience at each of these popular local restaurants.
Photo: Jimmy Davis
Buz and Ned’s
8205 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23294 | (804) 346-4227 | buzandneds.com Many will tell you that this is the best BBQ in town. Buz and Ned’s serves their famous, pitperfected BBQ pork, pulled BBQ chicken, beef brisket, and ribs, indoors or out. Join them on their large, pet-friendly patio and bring your whole posse since it seats up to 60 with 10 people at each of their six picnic table.
Baker’s Crust Artisan Kitchen 11800 W. Broad St. (Short Pump Town Center); 804-377-9060; BakersCrust.com
Eat well. Be happy. So say the folks at Baker’s Crust. With freshly baked breads, fresh farm-to-table salads, free-range burgers, artisan sandwiches and so much more, you can be assured that you will always eat well. And when you dine on the patio, enjoying the sun shine and watching the lively Short Pump crowd, there’s almost a 100% chance you’re going to be happy.
50 West End's Best
Iron Horse Restaurant
100 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland; 804-752-6410; IronHorseRestaurant.com With its frequently changing seasonal menus, Iron Horse Restaurant offers an excellent dining option any time of year. However, there’s something special about dining on the sidewalk patio alongside the tracks in friendly Downtown Ashland on a warm spring afternoon or on a pleasant summer evening. The exceptional cuisine, the impeccable service and the beauty of the town combine to make this a top choice for al fresco dining.
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Hondo’s
4120-B Cox Rd. Glen Allen, VA 23060 | 804-9684323 | HondosPrime.com Hondo’s is the ultimate dining destination if you are looking for prime steak, succulent seafood, or a sophisticated happy hour in a classy, upscale atmosphere. Dine on one of their two pergola-covered, fan-cooled, lantern-lighted patios for a more casual, outdoor dining experience.
Photo: Jimmy Davis
Photo: Lola’s
Photo: Jack Smith
Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro
1840 Manakin Rd. Manakin, VA 23103 | 804-784-2000 | LolasFarmhouseBistro.com Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro, built in 1865, is one of the more historic dining destinations in the area. Their charming stone, brick, and iron patio, with a cozy firepit, surrounds the beautiful gardens for a perfect outdoor dining experience. The house’s quaint French porch also provides additional outdoor seating.
Mosaic
6229-A River Rd. Richmond, VA 23229 804-288-7482 | MosaicEdibles.com/Richmond Mosaic, located in the River Road Shopping Center in the elegant Westhampton neighborhood of the near West End, serves globally-inspired, healthy, eclectic cuisine. Dine inside for a more upscale dining experience or outside on their beautifully landscaped, brick patio complete with umbrellas and outdoor heaters to keep you cool on sunny days or warm on cool nights.
May / June 2018
Photo: Jimmy Davis
West End's Best 51
Events Calendar compiled by Cosima Pellis
MAY 12
Mother’s Day Tea at Maymont MAY 9
The Illusionists This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists – Live from Broadway has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. 7:30p.m. / Tickets available at the Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center box offices, by phone at 800-514-3849, and www.ETix.com / Altria Theater, 6 N Laurel St. / AltriaTheater.com
Dress in your favorite spring fashions to enjoy afternoon tea at one of the most picturesque spots in Richmond. Enjoy this time honored tradition with your mother, daughter or special friend as elegant Victorian ladies, distinguished gentlemen and attending servants see to every detail. Tea sandwiches and little cakes, special music and a visit to Maymont mansion make this a very memorable afternoon.
MAY 12
Unforgettable songs from Leonard Bernstein’s Broadway hits including West Side Story, On the Town, Candide, and more – led by award-winning Broadway music director Rob Fisher and performed by three Broadway stars including Brooke Shields. Joining Shields will be Broadway’s Ross Lekites, who has starred in West Side Story, and who is taking a night off from Broadway’s Frozen to perform here; and Mikaela Bennett, a newcomer whose rich soprano voice is taking New York by storm.
MAY 19
2p.m. to 4p.m. / $25 per person; $20 for Maymont members / 1700 Hampton Street / Maymont.org
Bernstein on Broadway
MAY 11 - 13
Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
9a.m. to 5p.m. / $12 adults; $11 seniors; $8 children ages 3-12; free for children under age 3 / Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue/ LewisGinter.org
52 West End's Best
Dominion Energy Riverrock What better way to celebrate the Richmond riverfront than at the nation’s largest outdoor sports and music festival? Dominion Energy Riverrock, organized by Sports Backers and Venture Richmond Events, LLC, puts the James River and downtown Richmond on display. From music to mud pits, bikes to beer, SUPs to pups, and climbing to kayaks, it’s uniquely RVA! Rock the day and night away, watch professional athletes thrill the crowd, and maybe even get a little dirty yourself. This isn’t your typical festival, but, then, we’re not your typical town!
8p.m. / Tickets $35; $60; $75 / Sandler Center, 201 Market St, Virginia Beach/ VaFest.org
The Bon Secours Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration is a three-day event with many opportunities to honor and spend time with mom and loved ones. The long weekend kicks off on Friday with National Public Gardens Day. Enjoy the popular Butterflies Live! featuring live music, children’s garden activities, shopping, dining, and more. On Saturday, treat your mom to an experience she’ll love, give her a tour of A Million Blooms. Sunday is the popular Mother’s Day Concert.
MAY 18 - 20
See website for specific times / Free / Brown’s Island, S 9th St./ RiverrockRVA.com
VisArts Play Day Each year, Visarts opens its doors for Play Day, their spring open house. Beer and food will be available. Plan to enjoy kids’ games and activities, a reading by a local children’s book author, family yoga and more. Play Day is a rain or shine event. Extra parking is available at Binford Middle School. Noon to 3p.m. / Free / Visual Arts Center, 1812 W Main St. / VisArts.org
MAY 25-26
MAY 18
Desirée Roots Centeio presents the Ladies of Jazz You won’t want to miss this performance by Desirée Roots Centeio as she brings to life the ladies of jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne. 7 p.m. / $10 / Henrico Theatre, 305 Nine Mile Rd, Highland Springs/ Henrico.us
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RVA East End Festival The RVA East End Festival is an inclusive community celebration highlighting the diverse neighborhoods and unique quality of Richmond’s East End. The festival serves as a fundraiser for music education in East End public schools. See website for times / Free / 100 N 17th St. / Enrichmond.org
days, the historic waterfront festival offers a weekend packed with thrilling activities on land and sea to include tall ships and the Parade of Sail, artisan foods and beverages, work boat races, unique and unusual performances, one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast, family games and activities, national and regional entertainment, and much more.
MAY 28
Memorial Day Wine and Cheese
See website for times / Free / Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, Norfolk / FestEvents.org
Celebrate with a gourmet wine and cheese pairing at James River Cellars Winery. Sample selected James River Cellars wines with their delicious cheese companions. 12p.m. to 5p.m. / Tickets $10 / 11008 Washington Highway, Glen Allen, 804-550-7516/ JamesRiverCellars.com
JUNE 22-23
2018 Funhouse Festival Grammy®-winning singer-songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist Bruce Hornsby and Virginia Arts Festival are bringing back Funhouse Fest, the outdoor music festival that gathers award-winning artists for a weekend of music-making in an intimate summer setting. Named after Hornsby’s 1998 song “Funhouse,” the festival is curated by Bruce Hornsby, who will be performing alongside notable musicians throughout the weekend, as in past years. See website for times and tickets or call (757)2822822 / The lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, 326 Francis St. W, Williamsburg / FunhouseFest.com
JUNE 9
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival
MAY 31
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Soul2Soul The World Tour 2018 Following an 80-date North American run of sold out shows, Grammy Award winning superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are showing no signs of stopping as their critically-acclaimed Soul2Soul The World Tour 2017 extends into 2018 The performance has consistently stunned audiences across North America with its sharp production, deep catalog of hits, and McGraw and Hill’s palpable chemistry. 7:30p.m. / See website for ticket pricing or call (800)745-3000 / The Richmond Coliseum / RichmondColiseum.net
JUNE 3
Join us at the festival for a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’ and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALLYOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry. Enjoy seminars in the tasting theater and live music all day. 2p.m. to 6p.m. / Tickets $45 on-site; $39 advance; $59 VIP / Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E Laburnum Ave. / BeerAndBourbon.com
11a.m. to 6p.m. / Free / West Broad Street between Henry and Adams Streets / BroadAppetit.com
JUNE 8-10
42nd Annual Norfolk Harborfest The largest, longest-running, free maritime festival in the nation! For three memorable
XL 102 Big Field Day XL 102 is bringing the biggest alternative music festival in the RVA back to Innsbrook After Hours! Featuring Moon Taxi, J Roddy Walston and the Business, Manchester Orchestra, Dashboard Confessional, and Awolnation. Gates open 2p.m., Show 3p.m. / See website for ticket prices / Innsbrook After Hours, 4901 Lake Brook Dr. Glen Allen / XL102Richmond.com
JUNE 12
Words on Fire: Poetry Happy Hour at Firehouse Kick off your evening with a dose of hot verse at Firehouse Theatre! Featuring showcases work by local poets, an open mic sign-up, a cash bar with happy hour specials, and lots of good vibes and people. 6p.m. to 8p.m. / Free / 1609 Broad St, Richmond / RiverCityPoets.com
Broad Appétit You’ve waited all year for the return of Broad Appétit, which once again features the best local restaurants our fine city has to offer – and all at $3 a plate! Bring your appetite and cash and plan on grazing your way down Broad Street. There will be plenty of Virginia wines and beers to wash down the delicious offerings, as well as great vendors to visit and music to please your ears. Remember to bring your re-usable shopping bag and gather up your favorite in-season produce from local farmers and food providers.
JUNE 23
JUNE 28
June Unhappy Hour Join the Poe Museum for our June Unhappy Hour! This event will feature live music, a cash bar, light refreshments, and Poe-themed fun for the whole family! Be sure to visit the new exhibit: Poe: Beyond The Horror.
JUNE 16 - 17
Father’s Day Celebration at Lewis Ginter Enjoy a weekend of opportunities to honor and spend time with dad. Visit the popular Butterflies LIVE! Exhibit, plus these activities: On Saturday, have fun with crafts and activities in the Children’s Garden. On Sunday, enjoy a free concert. Food available for purchase. 1 to 4p.m. / Free / Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., 804-262-9887/ LewisGinter.org
May / June 2018
6 to 9p.m. / Admission $8; Members and children 6 and under free / Poe Museum, 1914 E Main St., 804648-5523 / PoeMuseum.org
JULY 4
Liberty or Death Reenactment Patrick Henry’s stirring speech comes alive. The event is free and open to the public, but you may purchase a ticket to reserve a seat at the forefront of history! 10:45a.m., 1 p.m. / Free, may purchase a ticket to reserve a seat / St. John’s Church, 2401 East Broad St./ HistoricStJohnsChurch.org
West End's Best 53
Travel Navigator Your Guide to All Things Travel
moRE than a dream by Victor and Kathy Gottlieb
“…Chincoteague Island, you’re more than just a dream. You’re more than just a vision. You’re paradise to me. I can’t wait to get there. I never want to leave, and I know the blue herons are waiting there for me.” 54 West End's Best
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Photo: Daniel Alan
Photo: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce & Certified Visitor Center
Assateague Lighthouse is operational and one of the most impressive landmarks in Virginia. Visitors may climb to the top for a spectacular panoramic view of Assateague Island, local waterways and marshes. The island is also bicycle-friendly, its level landscape manageable to bikers of all ages.
Victor: Pardon me for quoting the chorus from one of my own songs, “The Chincoteague Island Song” but that’s really how Kathy and I feel about Chincoteague — a beautiful island on the eastern shore of Virginia. My history with Chincoteague goes way back to when I was a kid in Baltimore. It was one of our favorite vacation destinations. I loved the island then and still do because it remains a classic, un-spoiled, small American town, which also happens to be a resort island a few miles off the eastern shore, adjacent (by bridge) to Assateague Island. Assateague has a stunningly beautiful white sand beach and is home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Editor’s Note: Several years ago, when this magazine sponsored the weekly River City Live radio program, Victor and Kathy Gottlieb (better known as the Singing Gottliebs) were regulars on the program. Victor would sing, as often as we would let him, his Chincoteague Island Song. When it came time to assign a writer for our Small Town Virginia feature
Kathy: Some people might be fa-
miliar with the children’s book, “Misty of Chincoteague”, which is a story about one of the wild ponies for which the island is famous. There is debate about how the ponies arrived on Assateague Island. According to a legend, the ponies swam to the shore when a Spanish galleon was wrecked. The ponies roam free on Chincoteague, I knew there were on Assateague, and sometimes you only two people to whom the assign- can see them standing in the marsh when you drive on the road to the ment should go. beach. Once a year, there is a worldfamous Pony Roundup and Swim, when ponies are herded across a channel from Assateague to Chincoteague and then “paraded” through the streets to holding pens where some are auctioned off to good homes. A real, small-town carnival is held at the same time, and proceeds benefit
the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. The 93rd annual event, which will be held July 25 to 26, is so popular that some people make their plans to attend a year in advance.
Victor: My father, an avid fisherman, loved to go flounder fishing off Chincoteague and we would schedule our vacations according to flounder fishing season. We would rent a small boat out of (the former) Captain Bob’s Marina and spend our vacation days fishing, playing in the surf on Assateague and eating the freshest, most delicate and tasty flounder sandwiches that you can imagine at one of the local restaurants. At the end of our vacation, we would head home with some beautiful memories, plans to return soon and a cooler full of flounder fillets.
Kathy: The island has other
Photo: Chincoteague Chamber of
Commerce & Certified Visitor Center fun events like the Chincoteague Seafood Festival on May 5 and the Chincoteague Oyster Festival on Oct. 6, both at Tom’s Cove. The Chincoteague salt oyster is one of the finest oysters you could ever hope to eat — briny, fresh from the sea and delicious. There’s an “Art Stroll” from 5 to 8 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, from April to November, when special art and music events are hosted by the local galleries and shops. People go from one interesting event to the other — no need to drive, because these shops are within walking distance of each other.
May / June 2018
West End's Best 55
Photo: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce & Certified Visitor Center
Photo: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce & Certified Visitor Center
Finish your perfect day with a beautiful Chincoteague sunset such as this one captured over Tom’s Cove Campground, or wander the picturesque and historical downtown, enjoying the sights and, perhaps, an after-dinner ice cream treat from The Island Creamery.
Victor: Chincoteague’s charming streets are filled with many interest-
Kathy: But don’t forget to try the coconut, pistachio and blueberry (sea-
ing shops and friendly people. They have an old-time movie theater, lit up with neon. You can see people strolling up and down Main Street in beachwear, browsing in and out of shops and eateries, breathing in the fresh salt air and living in the tropical moment. If you could freeze time and just soak in that moment forever, you would surely be tempted. Chincoteague is near Wallops Island, which launches rockets into outer space on occasion. If your timing is right, you might be able to see a Wallops Island rocket launch from a bench in a waterside park on Chincoteague or from the NASA Wallops Visitor Center, which is located a few miles before you reach the causeway that takes you to Chincoteague. The next scheduled launch is for some time in May, when an Antares rocket will blast off on a commercial, re-supply mission for the International Space Station. The exact date has not been set. Some people come to Chincoteague and Assateague just to see the incredible variety of resident and migrating birds (more than 300 species). There are guided and self-guided nature walks, rental boats, boat tours and fishing party boats, which, if you want, will do all the work for you except holding the fishing rod. There’s also a lighthouse, which you can climb, porpoises, seagulls, pelicans, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and saltwater taffy. A new Hawaiian-themed family water park is scheduled to open in Chincoteague in May. Kathy and I stay at The Island Motor Inn Resort (4391 Main St.; 757336-3141). It is right on the water, and the owners could not be friendlier. Seeing the welcoming faces of the gracious staff who remember us is a real treat.
sonal), which are equally delicious!
Kathy: I particularly love being able to sit on the balcony and look out over the back water, even if the weather is too bad to venture out. We also would recommend the Refuge Inn at 7058 Maddox Blvd (757-336-5511).
Victor: Don’s Seafood Restaurant (4113 Main St.; 757-336-5715) is a local favorite. Steamers (6251 Maddox Blvd.; 757-336-5300) is also popular and has all-you-can-eat specials. Right next door to Steamers is The Island Creamery (6243 Maddox Blvd.; 757-336-6236). Try the homemade “Marsh Mud” ice cream, our favorite flavor. 56 West End's Best
Victor: Chincoteague is not a short hop from Richmond, but well worth it. Take the Chesapeake Bridge Tunnel from the Virginia Beach area to the Eastern Shore. Be sure to check out the visitor’s center on the bridgetunnel and watch the freighters as they go by. Upon exiting the bridge tunnel, you arrive at the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, where the land is perfectly flat with acres and acres of farmland. It’s about 100 miles north, up Route 13, to the turn off at Route 175, then roughly another 11 miles past the NASA Wallops Visitor Center and over a causeway that takes you to Chincoteague. Give yourself plenty of time. The speed limits are not high and each small town you pass has a stop light. Chincoteague sprays for mosquitoes, but Assateague is a protected area and they do not spray. Either place, it makes sense to use bug repellant, especially on Assateague. The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce is a great resource, and they are happy to share. Use their expertise to help plan your vacation — especially if you want to attend a popular event. If you’re not the planning type, don’t worry about special events and migrating bird schedules. Just being in Chincoteague at any time is a special event. Great natural beauty and wildlife, incredible seafood — it’s enough to make you start singing my song: “There’s an island, off the eastern shore. It has everything we want and so much more. It has the water. It has the sun. It has something for everyone, and the blue herons are waiting there for me. Chincoteague Island…” You can listen to my song on YouTube — search Chincoteague Island Song.
~•~•~•~•~
Many thanks to Evelyn Shotwell, executive director with the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and to Sarah Needs at the Nasa Wallops Island Visitor Center, for their valuable assistance (visit ChincoteagueChamber. com and Nasa.gov/Centers/Wallops/Home for more info).
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West End's Best 57
TRAVEL
You Won’t Believe the
“New” Norfolk
I
by Steve Cook
was all set to do our annual May article on summer beach travel. You know, I was going to say something about there being lots of sand and sun and waves and all that. Trust me, it would have been a marvelous article. But before I could write it, something happened. I spent a few days in Norfolk. First, a confession: When I received my invitation from Erin Goldmeier, media relations manager for Visit Norfolk (VisitNorfolk.com), to be part of a press trip, I was less than thrilled. About a dozen years ago, I lived in Hampton, and I used to drive over to Norfolk looking for something fun to do. I spent many a day watching plastic grocery bags being blown down nearly deserted downtown streets by the almost continual breezes that come off the Elizabeth River. In my opinion, Norfolk was a dud. If the city had not done a complete 180, you’d now be reading about how sandy the beaches are and how wet the water is in Virginia Beach. Instead, I’m dying to tell you about the “new” Norfolk, Virginia. The Norfolk that I visited this past March is not the same city that I remember from 12 years ago. This is a city filled with vibrancy and energy and nightlife and fun and virtually anything that you’d want to find in a vacation destination. Now, I’m not going to tell you to forget the beach. Old habits die hard. And, indeed, I still love Virginia Beach. Whether it’s the main resort strip or the quieter Sandbridge or Chic’s beaches, Virginia Beach is a wonderful beach town. But, then, you already know that. What you might not know is that just a few minutes away, in my opinion, is one of the most exciting cities on the East Coast. I had to keep reminding myself where I was. It kind of felt like Baltimore, especially with the new and improved version of Waterside. But, it was cleaner and more user friendly than Baltimore. It really is its own, unique city, and I think that if you’ll take the time to check it out, you just might come away as impressed as I was. 58 West End's Best
Not only should you check out Norfolk at night, after your fun-filled day of sand and sun, but if you’re staying at the beach for more than a couple of days, why not take one day and spend it in Norfolk. Let me tell you about some of the highlights of my visit. After checking into the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel (777 Waterside Drive; SheratonNorfolkWaterside.com), and checking out my spacious room overlooking the lovely Elizabeth River, I walked over to meet the other travel writers at The Main (100 E. Main St.; TheMainNorfolk.com) — Norfolk’s ultra-cool, super hip downtown Hilton Hotel, located at the corner of Main and Granby Streets. The last time I saw Granby Street, there was nothing to see. As I approached the Hilton, I kinda felt like Marty McFly coming Back to the Future! This area was bustling. The only thing that hadn’t changed was the breeze. The Main’s Grain Rooftop Beer Garden I met my group in Saltine, overlooks the Elizabeth River. an absolutely gorgeous restaurant and raw bar on the first level of the hotel. The fresh seafood — and lots of it — beautifully displayed at the raw bar was the first thing that I saw upon entering. I always have been a sucker for a crab leg and raw oysters. Everything was as fresh and as tasty as it looked. I was especially fond of the she-crab soup and the excellent crab cake. If you visit Saltine between 5 and 7 p.m. on any weekday, oysters are just 50 cents each and the jumbo peel-and-eat shrimp are a buck. After lunch, I took a tour of the hotel. I don’t think there’s a hotel in New York, Chicago or Las Vegas that rivals the opulence and uniqueness of The Main. The lobbies and public areas are a marvel, showcasing more
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than $2 million worth of art, including a faux stairwell designed to simulate M.C. Escher’s stairwell. Seriously, if you get anywhere near Norfolk, you need to pay this hotel a visit. On Wednesday night, I had the opportunity to visit the hotel’s Grain Rooftop Beer Garden. The outdoor patio, overlooking the river, was closed — 32-degree weather and 20-mile-per-hour breezes tend to do that. But, I can only imagine how much that joint will be jumping in the summertime. Grain offers more than 100 beers on tap, plus the full-service bar features a good selection of wines and craft cocktails. If you’re a real wine lover, though, you’ll probably opt for Varia, an upscale Italian restaurant in the hotel. Their “wine studio” is filled with more than 100 hand-selected wines. More than 50 can be ordered by the glass. I visited NEON, Norfolk’s art district, a couple of times during my stay. The name is an acronym for New Energy Of Norfolk, but there’s a lot more than Kelsey Witt’s vibrant Daisy Mural energy. Passion and creativity also brightens the NEON district. permeate this area. Long time cultural institutions, like the Chrysler Museum of Art and Harrison Opera House, anchor the District, while new art venues like Glass Wheel Studio and Work|Release provide artists a place to make, create and show. There are plenty of excellent places to dine in NEON, too. The cuisine at Nouvelle (217 Grace St.; NouvelleNorfolk.com) for example, is phenomenal. I had the fresh flounder with saffron rice and butternut squash. The flavors melded perfectly. I also enjoyed a great lunch at Todd Jurich’s Bistro (150 W. Main St.; ToddJurichsBistro.com). Todd has been cooking in his downtown Norfolk restaurant for more than 25 years — long before the area became the cool, trendy neighborhood it is today. Fresh seafood is a menu highlight, but Although Todd Jurich’s Bistro menu highlights seafood, there’s something for every taste, from lamb and pork to unique salads.
there’s also plenty of steak, lamb, pork and chicken options. My Mediterranean Salad was packed with fresh shrimp, calamari and anchovies. I was not prepared to be impressed with Fruitive (1501 Colley St.; fruitive.com), a “plant-based 100-percent-organic” restaurant in Norfolk’s cool Ghent neighborhood. They use the word organic a lot and as a longtime junk food junkie, I’m often frightened by that word. But, I was pleasantly surprised. We started our breakfast with a refreshing beet juice cocktail. I hate beets, but I loved the cocktail. Next came a sampling of the charcoal lemonade. The jury’s still out as to whether charcoal is good for you. Regardless, the drink was rather pleasant — totally unique. I ordered what was perhaps the most delicious breakfast dish I’ve had since my mother used to cook up her unorganic flaked fish on toast. The avocado herb toast featured flax and spelt bread topped with avocado, basil pesto mayo, oregano, sea salt and black pepper. It was simple and simply amazing. I did more than eat, however. For instance, I visited the Chrysler Museum of Art (1 Memorial Place; Chrysler.org). Who knew that the son of the car company founder was such an art collector? Not I. I have to admit, it was quite a thrill — even for someone who really doesn’t know art — to be standing about six inches from an original Renoir. Even if you only have an hour or so to visit, here are two things to know. It’s all free, and they have one of America’s top glass art collections. If that doesn’t thrill you, just go take a look. Norfolk Botanical Garden (6700 Azalea Garden Road; NorfolkBotanicalGarden.org) is another great spot, especially to take the kids. It provides 175 acres of roses, camellias and crape myrtles, as well as a very popular Butterfly House and a threeacre Children’s Garden. Time didn’t permit me to do all that I wanted, but I’m anxious to go back and visit Waterside, Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin. I also want to see the zoo. Discover all the wonder that the city has to offer at VisitNorfolk.com. Or better yet, visit Norfolk for yourself. You’ll make a new discovery at every turn, and you may even find that there is so much to do and to see and to taste that next year you may try to squeeze in some time to get to the beach while vacationing in Norfolk.
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TRAVEL
Berkeley Plantation
A Destination for Local Tourists By Averill P. Byrd
S
o many locals make the mistake of never visiting historic landmarks in their hometowns. But sometimes, you stumble upon a gem – a place that surprises you and offers a unique glimpse into the long and complex history of a place, and even of the country, that you just can’t pass up the opportunity. One such place is Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, just 40 minutes outside of Richmond. It has been described by guests as “a hidden treasure,” a place where history “comes alive.” The magnificently restored property sits on the bank of the James River, with a three-story mansion and sprawling grounds and gardens. Here, you step back in time as tour guides in period costumes welcome you to the estate. They take you through the historic events that took place in this space — from the first official Thanksgiving and the birth of a man who would be among those who signed the Declaration of Independence to the occupation by Union troops during the Civil War, the composition of “Taps” and Berkeley’s own winding journey to its restoration. It came to the ownership of the Jamieson family though their patriarch John, who had served as a drummer boy in the Union army and had once encamped at Berkeley. Decades later, he chanced upon the notice of sale and purchased the property with the vision of someday restoring it. This landmark boasts of a deep connection not only to Virginia’s past, but also to its present community and future development. And while
people come from far and wide to visit Berkeley, the local community has a special place in their heart. Its current owner is John’s grandson Jamie, who grew up on the property and desires to continue a close relationship with Berkeley’s neighbors and friends. This includes offering free admission to Charles City residents, offering progressive tours with nearby Shirley and Edgewood Plantations, working with volunteers to help guests with research and partnering with the Chickahominy Tribe to mount the annual Virginia Thanksgiving Festival, which they have done for the past 50 years. Each season brings a slew of exciting events. Every Tuesday from June through August, children 16 and younger are admitted for free. There are also Nature Hunts across the grounds and along the James for families, space for picnics, a chance to “meet” historic figures who’ve graced Berkeley, a corn maze and pumpkin patch in the fall, seasonal special rates for homeschooling families, ghost tours at Halloween, Christmas events and workshops, and much more — catering to visitors from all walks of life and all corners of the globe (including your favorite four-legged friends). How many slow Saturdays have you spent looking for something fun, new and interesting to do? For a short drive and a small fee, you will find, as John Jamieson did, that Berkeley is not only a place worth visiting, but one that is worth returning to. Berkeley Plantation is open daily. For more information, visit berkeleyplantation.com or call 804-829-6018.
Photos: Gary Smith
62 West End's Best
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Bon Voyage A Senior’s Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel By Melanie Rasnic
W
henever I ask friends who are nearing retirement what they are most looking forward to doing, the word travel inevitably comes up. And rightfully so. After decades of hard work and sacrifice, it’s time to live a little, have an adventure or two! It’s time to embark on what my ex-husband termed, after his parents’ eighth trip to Italy, “Operation Zero Inheritance.” While traveling, especially out of the country, can be daunting at any age, retirees often have additional concerns to plan for before booking a trip. That’s especially true when it comes to health issues. So, before heading out, there’s a list of medical-related chores you need to check off: • Schedule a checkup with your health-care provider and discuss any concerns, including the risks of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and dehydration. • Consider making a document that lists your health conditions, food/drug allergies, emergency contacts, provider’s info, current meds and a copy of your insurance card. • If you are traveling with medications, bring extra doses in case of travel delays (your provider can assist you with this). • If you’re leaving the country, consult the embassy’s website to make sure your meds aren’t
illegal (example: Sudafed, Adderall), or to be sure equipment such as CPAP machines and syringes are allowed. You may need to file a special form for permission. • Carry all meds in their original containers and keep them with you in a carry-on bag. Be aware of temperature fluctuations to avoid damaging your meds, and store appropriately. • If crossing time zones, adjust your dosing schedule with your provider’s help. A reminder may be set up by phone or email with a downloadable app ahead of time. • Bring a copy of your prescriptions, perhaps even new prescriptions in the event your meds are lost or stolen. Bring your provider’s contact info along just in case. • Check the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers for more information and be aware that Medicare does not cover you outside the US.
In addition to your health concerns, there’s plenty more to plan for before boarding that plane. Here are a few more tips to help ensure a safe, healthy and comfortable trip • Check your passport’s expiration date. Some countries won’t accept them if they’re within six months of expiring. • Bring a good digital camera for capturing May / June 2018
memories, as well as extra batteries/chargers. • Neck pouches, tucked into your clothing, can help keep your passport and wallet safe while sightseeing. • Sunscreen. Don’t forget your scalp and ears, and reapply often. • Comfy walking shoes! Consider Velcro or slip-on shoes for easy removal in airports. • Don’t forget items such as electrical adaptors, a small flashlight, nail clippers, night light, etc. • Use caution when walking around at night, and try to stay in well-lit areas and/or groups for safety. • Inquire of a concierge or another trustworthy source about interesting and reputable day trips or other excursions.
With just a little bit of research and reading, you can find exciting trips at a reasonable cost (https://money.usnews.com/money/ personal-finance/spending/articles/201702-02/15-ways-to-travel-in-retirement-on-afixed-budget). Most of all, enjoy yourselves! You’ve certainly earned it, and besides, inheritances are so overrated. I mean, how can you even put a price on those breathtaking photos and tchotchkes from your journey? Cheers to your happy and safe travels! West End's Best 63
HOME
Putting the Personal Touch on Your Kitchen
64 West End's Best
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Photos courtesy: heythereHOME.com
by Angela Weight
W
hether you’re looking at a complete remodel or simply considering some user-friendly updates, here’s what’s cooking in kitchen trends this year. One of the standard rules for today’s design is that there aren’t any… rules, that is. Avant-garde designers are straying far from the matchymatchy color schemes in favor of styling that reflects individual personalities and inspirations. “Matching is not essential to beautiful home decor. In fact, it is downright boring,” declares Corey Willis, interior designer and founder of the popular website HeyThereHome.com. For example, while kitchen cabinetry colors in the past were limited to stained wood or white, today’s kitchen cabinets can be deep violet, sea green or even salmon. Also, the dual-toned trend continues its popularity, with homeowners incorporating two different colors and/or finishes in their woodwork. Willis recently remodeled her own kitchen, painting her perimeter cabinets white while choosing a dark walnut for her island. She tied the look together using the same drawer and cabinet pulls throughout. More organized homeowners are ditching their upper kitchen cabinets altogether for the practical and inviting look of open shelving. They can even give smaller rooms the appearance of more square footage. But let’s face it, open shelving isn’t for everyone. If you’re used to being pelted with falling tumblers or Tupperware lids whenever you open a cabinet, it’s probably best to keep it all behind closed doors. The simplistic look of open shelving allows for a new kitchen focal point, the range hood. It’s stepping into the limelight, in copper and other worn metals, to break up the monotony of upper-level storage. While bold hued cabinets are taking center stage, countertops are stepping into the background. Soft grey undertones like “greige,” grey-green, grey-blue and greylavender pair well with their vibrant counterparts. Rimless, one-piece counter and sink designs, with both pieces made from the same material, create a seamless visual. And quartz, granite’s non-porous, stain-resistant cousin, still gets top ratings for material. Underfoot, subway tile is being replaced with the punchy
playfulness of statement tile. Companies like Granada Tile offer hundreds of vibrant, colorful patterns from simple geometric to elegant Mediterranean to country quilt designs. Beyond cabinets and tiles, homeowners are installing smart appliances that do way more than cooking and cleaning. The Samsung Family Hub Smart Refrigerator allows you to see its contents from your smartphone and perhaps never need to make another grocery list! And the Insinkerator Involve Instant Hot Water Dispenser makes waiting for pasta water to bubble a thing of the past. Design trends and technology advancements come and go like the weather. But one thing’s for certain, the kitchen will always be the heartbeat of a home, where families reconnect, bellies are fed and the day’s events are recounted. So, don’t fret if your cabinets are the wrong color or your refrigerator has just an average IQ. The activities you enjoy and the memories you create in your kitchen will prove to be timeless in the end.
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West End's Best 67
P
arty on the atio
S
By Lisa Puster
pring has sprung, and summer is not far behind. For me, there’s nothing better than grilling and relaxing on the patio when the weather is nice. A small grill and a picnic table might be all you need. But there’s so much more that you can do if you really want to party on the patio!
Photo courtesy: SONOS
MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. To create a full outdoor sound system, you’ll need enough speakers to adequately cover your listening area. Depending on your space, you might opt for traditional speakers, wireless speakers or outdoor speakers that look like part of the landscape. My favorite portable, wireless option is the SONOS smart speaker system, which uses your home’s Wi-Fi to stream music inside and outside. 68 West End's Best
Photo courtesy: SkyVue
TAKE IN A MOVIE. If you’re passionate about both enjoying the great outdoors and watching your favorite shows, consider investing in a weatherproof outdoor television, which will allow you to do both at the same time! Manufacturers like SunBrite and SkyVue make LCD televisions up to 80 inches that are ensconced in housings designed to keep the elements out and temperatures within normal operating range. However, you should be prepared to pay a premium price of $2,000 or more for a a quality model, plus the cost of installation. LET THERE BE LIGHTING. Patio lighting is all about creating atmosphere. Encourage your guests to relax by using subtle “downlighting” attached to trees, aiming the lighting down through the foliage to create a moonlit effect. If you don’t have mature trees but you do have a pergola, the ceiling can support many different outdoor light-
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HOME ing options. Looking for easy lighting for a last-minute party? Wrap rope lights around beams or columns, string globe lights or add either flameless candles or LED portable lanterns for a little ambiance.
BIG Green Egg
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s grilling an art form? Do you strive to be the ultimate grill master? Are you looking to upgrade to something bigger and better than your basic backyard grill? If you answered yes to any of these questions, have I got the grill for you!
PERHAPS A PERGOLA. Pergolas are great for larger backyards, decks and patios when you want to break up outdoor living spaces. Having an outdoor pergola structure can add more dimension to your patio or deck. Years ago, I wanted a screened porch but didn’t have the budget, so I added a pergola instead, to provide both dimension and protection from the sun to my outdoor living area. Pergolas are perfect to add shade and style to either a deck or patio, since they come in a variety of sizes, materials and designs. HEAT UP THE NIGHT. When the sun goes down, extend the use of your patio into the evening with a fire pit. The four most popular firepit types are wood burning, propane, gel fuel and natural gas, available as portable, temporary and permanent structures. One of the best gifts I’ve ever given someone was a portable, wood burning, natural rust patina fire pit with a cut out logo of their favorite NCAA team. The patina finish ages beautifully and the pit is perfect for tailgating or a night on the patio. Discover the wide selection of firepits at Bon Air Hearth and Patio.
Check out the Big Green Egg, the world’s largest producer and international distributor of the highest-quality, ceramic, kamado-style, charcoal grill. The Big Green Egg stands alone as the most versatile barbecue and outdoor cooking product on the market, with more capabilities than all other conventional cookers combined. Big Green Egg grills provide a wide range of cooking options, including cooking temperatures ranging from 200° to 750°, due to the easily adjustable dampers and the exterior temperature gauge. The Big Green Egg is a smoker, grill and oven all in one and can be used year-round for all your culinary delights, including appetizers, entrees and desserts. With seven convenient sizes to choose from, there’s an Egg to fit every lifestyle, along with a variety of “Eggcessories” and related products, making the Big Green Egg the ultimate cooking experience, and you the grill master you always knew you could be! Learn more about Big Green Egg Grills at BonAirHearthPorchAndPatio.com and PlaMorPools.com.
outdoor furniture, prevent water and sun damage, as well as mold and mildew. Shop for patio furniture at BonAirHearthPorchAndPatio.com. NOW YOU’RE COOKIN’. Backyard grilling is an American tradition that summons us outside. If you’re looking for something more than a basic grill, consider one of these popular outdoor kitchen options: Kitchen Kits – Prefabricated kitchen islands that normally include a grill, some counter space, and a variety of add-ons like storage or a freezer. Price range: $3,000 to $10,000. Modular Outdoor Kitchens – A mix-and-match kitchen approach where each pre-made modular piece is combined to create a complete kitchen. Price range: $5,000-$15,000.
Photo courtesy: Bon Air Hearth Porch and Patio
RELAX AND SIT A SPELL. Why entertain inside when you can bring the indoors out? Adding an outdoor living area can broaden your home entertaining options and create beautiful memories for years to come. Whether you’re scoping out the market for a new outdoor dining set or for cozy seating, make sure to choose weather-proof or indoor/outdoor fabric, such as Sunbrella®, to extend the life of your
Custom Built-In Outdoor Kitchens - Built on-site by a professional landscape company, these kitchens allow you to choose materials that coordinate with your existing patio or can be incorporated into a larger landscape design. Price range: $15,000 to $60,000. Peruse the selection of outdoor cooking options at BonAir-
HearthPorchAndPatio.com.
May / June 2018
West End's Best 69
We can make your outdoor entertaining and relaxation dreams come true.
Visit our showroom to get the jump on ordering from our expanded 2018 furniture lines. Be sure to visit the grill center to see how easy it is to become an outdoor chef.
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