The Trendspotter: August 2021
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, event series, and more around RVA.
Scrambling to soak up the last moments of summer with visits to the city’s hottest new businesses? Have no fear: Here are the top five spots you NEED to check out this August.
— by Alicia Valenski
Ato’s Sisig & Grill
What it is: The first Filipino truck in Richmond that serves the Philippines' famous sisig (a next-level pork dish that we aren't even going to try to describe — you just have to taste it!)
Why we love it: We’ve followed this food truck all over the city for the melt-in-your-mouth sisig, of course, but also for grilled Pinoy favorites like Chicken Inasal, Inihaw na Liempo, Lechon Kawali, Lumpia, and more… Just one look at the long lines extending from this food truck, no matter where it’s parked, should tell you all you need to know.
Where to find it: Ato’s JUST announced that they will soon be settling down with a permanent residency at Strangeways Brewing on Dabney Rd, which we are thrilled about! Until then, they’ll be finishing up some prior commitments this month with the following pop-ups:
Saturday, August 7 from 3:30 - 7:30 pm - Strangeways Brewing on Dabney Rd
Thursday, August 12 from 5 - 9 pm: Main Line Brewery
Saturday, August 14 from 3:30 - 7:30 pm: Strangeways Brewing on Dabney Rd
Thursday, August 19 from 4:30 - 7:30 pm: Strangeways Brewing on Dabney Rd
Saturday, August 21 from 1:30 - 7:30 pm: Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop
Friday, August 27 from 4 - 10 pm: The Veil Brewing Co. in Scott’s Addition
Sunday, August 29 from 4 - 7 pm: Bon Air Community Association
Coco & Hazel:
NEW Second Location
What it is: Officially opening on Tuesday, August 3, this is the second location for locally-owned (and locally-loved!) sweets shop Coco + Hazel.
Why we love it: Indulgent is an understatement when it comes to the specialty milkshakes, cookies, coffee creations, and more at this decadent dessertery.
Where to find it: 2733 McRae Rd (Bon Air)
Davvero Gelato
What it is: Delicious and authentic gelato that just happens to be dairy-free and vegan — but we swear, you wouldn’t know it if you tasted it. The oat milk base is that creamy and flavorful.
Why we love it: This gelato is the realest of deals, which comes as no surprise since owner Layne Montgomery is a graduate of the Advanced Gelato Course at Carpigiani Gelato University in Anzola dell'Emilia near Bologna in Italy. Spotting this pushcart (whose name is Vera, by the way!) at a local farmers’ market pretty much always means that we’re about two minutes away from having a cup of gelato in hand. And would you look at this flavor list?!
Where to find it: Thursdays from 4 - 7 pm at the South of the James Market at Forest Hill Park; Saturdays from 8 am - 12 pm at the RVA BIG Market at Bryan Park; and Sundays from 3:30 - 8 pm at Libby Hill Park
Market on Meadow
What it is: Combining retail sales, a shared kitchen, and a takeout operation, Market on Meadow was founded by three local vendors —
Polpetti, serving hand-made Italian foods such as fresh pastas, and sauces, and creators of their farmers market famous “Polpetti Pockets." They will also have a custom sandwich station for more lunch options.
Auntie Ning's, a Filipino-owned business that got their start with a food truck at the farmers’ markets, cooking up quality Filipino food in the RVA scene with their lumpia, pancit, lechon, adobo, empanadas, and much more.
Column 15, a Black-, Filipino-, and women-owned coffee roastery specializing in freshly roasted craft coffee and nitro cold brew, with additions of the well-known "coffee ice spheres" to keep your drink cool. Food-wise at Meadow, they will be serving unique nitro pancakes in pizza boxes.
Why we love it: Market on Meadow provides an artisan atmosphere similar to a stroll through your local farmers’ market, where it’s easy to snag delicious options from multiple local vendors all in one place.
Where to find it: 719 N Meadow St (The Fan)
Pinky’s
What it is: This coastal Mediterranean restaurant is the newest addition to RVA’s beer district and provides fresh, bold, delicious fare.
Why we love it: The space is beautiful while the menu is generous in providing options for every diet (especially gluten-free diets!), and the cocktail list is thoughtfully curated to make sure you enjoy their libations.
Where to find it: 3015 Norfolk St (Scott’s Addition)
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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