The Trendspotter: July 2021
We’re back 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.
Summer is in full swing, and as temperatures continue to rise, new businesses are still opening all over Richmond! Without further ado, here are the top five spots you NEED to check out this July…
— by Alicia Valenski
Image Source: The Richmond Experience
Aloha Catering Co.
What it is: Hawaiian street food from local chef Lauren LeVine, who grew up in Makakilo, on the west coast of the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Why we love it: Lauren’s passion for crafting traditional Hawaiian fare as authentically and ethically as possible has led to a truly exquisite selection of delicacies, from her take on creative meals like Spam Brûlée’d Musubi (fried Teriyaki-marinated Spam on a bed of jasmine rice, wrapped in Nori, split in half and topped with Kewpie) to traditional desserts like Hawaiian Shave Ice (if you can, try the Tigers Blood flavor — a popular Hawaiian pairing of strawberry, coconut, and watermelon).
Where to find it: Pop-ups only, for the time being — you can catch her this month…
Saturday, July 10 from 12 - 5 pm at Tabol Brewing (Northside)
Saturday, July 24 from 12 - 5 pm at Strangeways Brewing (Dabney Rd)
Follow @alohacateringco on Instagram for details about future pop-ups until this concept finds its own permanent home!
Image Source: The Richmond Experience
Hardywood Pizza Kitchen
What it is: A new pizzeria operating out of Hardywood’s downtown Richmond location, led by chef Dave Draper and chef Joe Sparatta (of Heritage and Southbound).
Why we love it: In fairness, a lot of pizza spots use fresh ingredients and handmade dough to craft their pies. But Joe and Dave, along with the rest of their culinary team, are dedicated to creating next-level pizza and do everything from hand-crushing tomatoes for their fresh sauces to salt-curing egg yolks for a unique pizza topping and more. And you seriously can taste the difference!
(Also a bonus: You can order straight from your phone and have the pizza delivered right to your table. Score.)
Where to find it: 2410 Ownby Ln (Scott’s Addition)
Philly Vegan
What it is: A new family-owned-and-operated biz that recently opened in Southside to, in their own words, “bridge the gap between plant-based and traditional food by putting a vegan twist on some old favorites.”
Why we love it: By “old favorites,” they mean mouthwatering menu items like Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Philly Cheesesteak Fries, Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, and more — all of which are vegan but (we can confirm, having tried ‘em!) you wouldn't know it from the taste.
Where to find it: 1126 Hull St (Manchester)
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken
What it is: A new locally owned restaurant that just opened the doors of its first location in Ashland in May to serve up Nashville hot chicken sandwiches — so popular that it’s already expanding to additional locations in Short Pump, Herndon, and more.
Why we love it: Spicy chicken sandwiches are having a moment across the country (see Popeye’s, Burger King, and pretty much every other fast-food chain for proof), and Hangry Joe’s is bringing the trend home to Richmond with a local offering you’ll have to taste to believe.
Chefs and owners Derek Cha and Mike Kim spent more than a year researching and taste testing to perfect their recipe for the best possible Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, which you can now try for yourself at your spice level of choice: Plain, Mild, Medium, Hot, or Angry Hot.
Where to find it: 10040 Sliding Hill Rd (Ashland)
Wildcraft Focaccia Company
What it is: A new Southside bakery and cafe opening soon to offer naturally leavened, garden-to-table sourdough and focaccia works of art.
Why we’re excited about it: Owner Tom Parfitt first started experimenting with focaccia art as a way of making vegetables more appealing to his daughter. Now after 25 years in the food industry (as sous chef at Zeus Gallery Cafe, owner at Seven Hills Market, and leader of the University of Richmond culinary program’s baking and pastry arts arm), he’s opening his own place to experiment with topping, toasting up, and stuffing these delicious breads.
Where to find it: 1303 Hull Street (Manchester)
When it’s expected to open: End of July 2021
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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