The Trendspotter: April 2022
We’re back again with your monthly dose of must-know news, The Trendspotter! This content series features monthly roundups of the newest and hottest businesses (namely, restaurants and bars!) around RVA.
Mother Nature is hitting her balmy-temps stride, and we’re in the celebrating mood. Here are a few places and events we’re getting out and about to see this month.
— by Kelsey Heintz, Managing Editor
Benchtop Craft Brewing Co
What it is: The new(est)comer to RVA’s brewery scene, tapping into the city’s Manchester neighborhood with a soft launch last weekend and a grand opening this Friday, April 8.
Why we love it: This spot (its original location a little down and to the right of us, in Norfolk) is bringing its “dankest IPAs, crispiest lagers, and funkiest foeders” our way. Not to mention — but we can’t not — the house kitchen, Silly Thoughts, will be slinging hot dogs topped with things like house-made chili and pickled carrots.
Where to find it: 434 Hull St (Old Town Manchester)
Café Beignet
What it is: A NOLA-inspired food truck that’s “parking it” at a new Shockoe Bottom brick-and-mortar and planning its grand opening for later this month.
Why we love it: Owner Brittany Williams introduced her doughy-and-sugary treats on wheels to RVA in early 2021 and quickly found a ~knead~ for a storefront. She plans to expand the restaurant’s menu to include Cajun cuisine, like red beans and rice, gumbo, and maque choux.
Where to find it: 3 N 17th St (Shockoe Bottom)
MPM Tiki & Sports Bar
What it is: An Asian fusion, tropical-themed sports bar, combining the best of the best from three Richmond favorites: My Noodle & Bar, Pik Nik, and Mom’s Siam.
Why we love it: There are mouth-watering eats, there’s live music, and there are plenty of TVs for you to watch whatever game(s) you’d like. Enjoy your, say, crispy pork belly or MPM noodles while you soak in the island vibes, and consider this spot a little piece of beachy paradise right here in RVA.
Where to find it: 11275 US-250 (Short Pump)
Richmond Restaurant Week
What it is: A bi-annual celebration of Richmond’s best, locally-owned restaurants, with proceeds benefiting hunger-relief organization Feed More.
Why we love it: For $35, you can enjoy a three-course meal at one of your favorite spots in town and support a great cause while doing so. Dozens of local restaurants participate, so consider giving yourself more than one night off from meal-prep at home and enjoying a couple bites out instead, if you can. As Richmond Restaurant Week puts it, you “contribute to the local economy and help eliminate hunger just by enjoying a great meal.” Say no more.
Where to find it: Various locations; click the link below to ~learn more~
RVA Fashion Week
What it is: A seven-day celebration — from April 25 to May 1 — of the vision, fulfillment, and further potential of Richmond’s “gifted, diverse fashion and arts community.”
Why we love it: This event is the brainchild of a small group of VCU students (from fashion and design to marketing and business majors), and it’s now been going strong for 13 years. RVAFW highlights the Richmond area’s top models, designers, producers, choreographers, and stylists, and in turn, boosts local businesses and nonprofits. We, quite literally, love to see it.
Where to find it: Various locations; click the link below to ~learn more~
Sharing new trends each month!
Check back the first week of each month for a new edition of The Trendspotter to find out which businesses you need to know about (and check out!) in RVA.
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