The Trendspotter: January 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.
New year, new businesses! Here are the top five can’t-miss, just-opened spots you need to check out in Richmond this January.
— by Alicia Valenski
Jardin
What it is: An approachable and intimate wine bar in The Fan from the same folks behind beloved Church Hill restaurant Grisette.
Why we love it: As they put it, “We don't sell collectibles or investment bottles, we sell wine to drink now. We're happy to get somm-nerdy with you if you'd like, but you don't need to know anything about wine to enjoy our shop, bar, or garden.”
Where to find it: 1520 W Main St (The Fan)
Triple Crossing @ Winterfield Crossing
What it is: The third location for popular local brewery Triple Crossing, aka the folks behind the Falcon Smash IPA that Richmonders love so much.
Why we love it: In addition to offering very similar on-site draft and canned beer offerings to their other brewpubs, this new Midlothian location features an elevated dining experience designed by an in-house executive chef—find the food menu here.
Where to find it: 1101 Winterfield Crossing (Midlothian)
BigWife's Mac & Cheese
What it is: From a pop-up concept in summer 2021 to a brick-and-mortar spot in 2022, BigWife’s Mac & Cheese will be a (you guessed it!) a mac and cheese-focused restaurant.
Why we love it: Though this new spot comes from the owners of upscale restaurant Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse, it’s on the total opposite end of the spectrum in terms of fanciness! You can expect an affordable menu of mac and cheese dishes and an approachable environment in the former home of Growlers To Go in Scott’s Addition.
Where to find it: 1017 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Scott’s Addition)
Hatch Local Food Hall
What it is: Imagine all of your favorite food trucks and pop-ups in one place—that’s pretty much what’s coming when the Hatch Local food hall officially opens its doors this January.
Why we love it: We can look forward to a coffee bar, full-service bar, curated market, event space, and outdoor dining ft. seven local vendors: Buttermilk + Honey, Oro, Sincero, Royal Pig, Fat Kid Sandwiches, Odyssey Fish, and The Beet Box. Like a food court, but fancier—and with way better food.
Where to find it: 400 Hull St (Manchester)
Slurp! Ramen
What it is: Another successful “from pop-up to brick-and-mortar” story, this time starring a stellar ramen concept from the folks behind The Jasper.
Why we love it: The tonkotsu and miso ramen noodle bowls we tried from The Jasper’s Slurp! Ramen pop-up were out of this world, so we can’t wait to have a permanent option to order them all the time once this new storefront opens its doors.
Where to find it: 2416 Jefferson Ave (Union Hill)
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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