Ed 109: Hot Wings, Caffeinated Dessert, Mega-Park
This edition of the Weekly Insider is proudly brought to you by River City Food Tours.
Image Source: @airva_drone
Hey there, Alicia here.
For more than two weeks now, Richmond has been host to protests for racial justice and police reform. Our Black community continues to need support from us all — you can find actionable ways to do so here.
And the city entered Phase 2 of the state’s gradual reopening plan this past Friday. Whether you’ve chosen to venture out to local businesses yet or not, we’ve got everything you need to know about navigating COVID-19 in Richmond here.
To be totally honest, it still feels a little weird to be talking about anything other than the two topics above in the Weekly Insider or on our Instagram. But somehow our city continues to grow, despite all that our community is grappling with — with new businesses opening, new local offerings appearing, and more.
There’s something sort of hopeful about that, don’t you think?
We do.
THE LATEST:
Image Credit: @drink_ironclad_coffee
Image Source: @hotforpizzarichmond
Image Source: @landlopers
Image Source: @thecockyrooster_
SOCIAL NEWS
A new pizza shop is coming to Carver from the guys behind Cobra Cabana. Hot For Pizza will soon open its doors at 1301 W Leigh St, where Mike Platania at Richmond BizSense reports that they’ll serve pies with a thin-yet-chewy crust somewhere between Greek- and Connecticut-style pizza, along with hot sandwiches and grinders. The spot will have seating for around 30, and plans to offer both delivery and takeout. Keep an eye on their social for the opening day menu and announcements.
The Fan just got a new spot for chicken (and chicken-less) wings. The Cocky Rooster quietly opened last week at 2523 W Main St. They’re now open daily from 11 am - 9 pm serving a menu of fried and smoked chicken wings, chicken tenders, boneless chicken wings, vegetarian wings, and vegan wings — along with 14 different sauces and 6 different rubs to choose from. They also have regular and sweet fries, served rubbed or saucy. Things are heating up, all right.
Prepare for a caffeinated sugar high: espresso soft serve is now a thing you can order in Richmond. Ironclad Coffee Roasters introduced Bare-Knuckle Espresso soft serve last weekend, adding a generous amount of freshly-pulled double shots of their Bare-Knuckle Espresso to a creamy vanilla soft serve base. You can even add an additional double shot on top for an “Über Affogato.” We’re not drooling, you’re drooling.
Mark your calendars! Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden announced its reopening plans. The garden will reopen first to members June 25 - 28; July 2, 3, and 5; and July 9 - 12. Then they plan to reopen to the public on July 16 with some adjustments — tickets will be available online only in limited quantities, and they will be timed (visitors will choose an arrival time and be limited to a two-hour visit). Initially, they plan to reopen Thursdays through Sundays, from 10 am - 5 pm.
Speaking of getting outside, did you hear the Canal Walk is expanding? Venture Richmond announced that the Riverfront Canal Walk extension project will complete the missing connection from the area in front of Casa Del Barco to S 10th St, then expand along the north side of the Haxall Canal between S 10th and S 11th St. The newly extended stretch will reportedly be open to the public soon!
East End parks are expanding, too — into a new mega-park. Wyatt Gordon at Greater Greater Washington reports that Richmond Parks & Rec received a new plan to add three new foot bridges to link Libby Hill Park, Chimborazo Park, and Gillies Creek Park together with walking and biking paths to creative one cohesive community green space. (Also: Did you know that the 40-acre Gillies Creek Park was home to Central VA’s only certified BMX race track? Neither did we!)
HAPPENINGS
Play catch on the field with dad for Father's Day. This Sunday, June 21, bring dad to the ballpark to play catch on the Flying Squirrels’ famed playing surface. The Diamond is currently accepting a limited number of reservations for 30-minute time slots, so hurry and snag your spot before they run out.
You can also add a special Father's Day To-Go Picnic Package including 2 pounds of vinegar-based pulled pork BBQ, 1 pound of pulled chicken BBQ, family-sized Stouffer’s macaroni & cheese, family-sized coleslaw, a dozen buns, and 7 oz. of BBQ sauce. Pre-order by this Thursday at 5 pm.
Weekly Giveaway
Soul N’ Vinegar
In case you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting yet, Soul N’ Vinegar is a small grab-and-go food shop offering “diverse food for diverse peoples,” particularly focused on providing nutritious, affordable packaged meals for those in their Church Hill neighborhood, at the corner of 29th and R Streets.
We’re giving away a $20 gift certificate to Soul N’ Vinegar for one lucky winner to use on anything from their housemade healthy meals to their famous “Bangin’ Pimento Cheese” and beyond.
TO ENTER: Let us know what local business you’d like to see a giveaway from next!
Last week: Congratulations to Caroline R. for being our giveaway winner of the week! We have no doubt you will enjoy your RVA Happy Hours At Home kit.
Member Perks
Sweetest Stitch
Sick of your sweatpants yet? Upgrade your WFH wardrobe with an online order from local boutique Sweetest Stitch for some fresh finds that are comfy, yet sneakily cute.
They’re offering both free in-store pick-up and free shipping — no minimum necessary. Shop online or call (804) 404- 9925 to place your order.
Members can use code RVAX20 to get 20% off every purchase.
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey new members!
We'd like to welcome 7 new members: Jack G., Renee S., Miranda D., Jessica P., Ian G., Cecile M., and Rae R., we're so glad you're here!
It takes a village so let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, feedback, tips, or recs! Thanks for reading edition 109 of the Weekly Insider.
Stay well friends,
Alicia @ The Richmond Experience
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