Ed 113: Black Pride, Free Ice Cream, Cocktail Kits
Image Source: @racheladawson
Hey there, Alicia here.
This new mural feels all too appropriate at this stage of life here in Richmond. Love, evolve, and repeat. We hope you’re still doing exactly that by continuing to support our Black community and staying safe as we navigate COVID-19!
In this edition of the Weekly Insider, we’re sharing details about the city’s Black Pride weekend celebrations, where you can get free ice cream this Thursday, the new Mexican restaurant and rooftop bar coming to downtown Richmond later this year, where to order local chef-inspired home cocktail kits, and more.
Ready? Here’s the scoop…
THE LATEST:
Image: @gelati_celesti
Image: @barchefcocktailkit
Image: @rootsnk
Image: @triplecrossing
SOCIAL NEWS
We all scream for (free) ice cream! National Ice Cream Day isn’t actually until this Sunday 7/19, but Gelati Celesti is starting the celebrations early. They’ll kick things off with the grand opening of their new Swift Creek Location, where customers can get a free scoop of ice cream from 3 - 10 pm on Thursday 7/16. Enjoy “Christmas In July” on Friday 7/17, when they serve up 4 of their most popular holiday flavors at all locations. Swing by on “Make It A Sundae Saturday” on 7/18, when customers get a free sundae upgrade with the purchase of any size serving of ice cream. And of course, don’t miss National Ice Cream Day itself on Sunday 7/19, when any customers who order a scoop (or two) at regular prices can win all sorts of treats, including Gelati Celesti shirts and gift cards.
A classic downtown glow-up: from thrift shop to rooftop. Richmond BizSense reported that the folks behind Kabana Rooftop are preparing to open Sonora Cantina & Rooftop at 11 W. Broad St. It will be a Mexican rooftop bar and restaurant that will focus on traditional Mexican dishes, but not tacos. The vibe is expected to be casual and fun, with an 800 sq. ft. rooftop offering plenty of outdoor seating. The restaurant itself will total about 3,500 sq. ft. Can’t you hear the margs shaking already?
Meal kits are out, cocktail kits are in. Mike Love, the owner of The Professional Bartending Academy here in Richmond, just launched a new concept called Bar Chef Cocktail Kits, the first-ever cocktail kit paired with a themed weekly Virtual Happy Hour. Bar Chef Cocktail Kits conveniently ships biweekly cocktail kits filled with fresh ingredients, craft cocktail recipes, and bar equipment that pair with Virtual Happy Hours to learn the art and history of cocktail creation. Upcoming Virtual Happy Hours will include “Vodka Week” on 7/15 (vodka spritz, vodka gimlet, and a mystery cocktail), “Aperitif Week” on 7/22 (Aperol spritz, Americano, and a mystery cocktail) and “Whiskey Week” on 7/29 (Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and a mystery cocktail). Cheers to learning — and sipping! — something new.
Looks like we’re putting down Roots in Short Pump. Richmond BizSense reported that the Charlottesville-based restaurant Roots Natural Kitchen will soon open its second Richmond location in the West End. The fast-casual restaurant serves colorful, nutritious, chef-inspired salads and grain bowls in a variety of combinations, as well as offering create-your-own options. More details here.
Consider Urban Hang Suite the new Falcon’s Nest… or, uh, something more clever than that. Richmond’s insanely popular Falcon Smash IPA has only ever been sold on-site at Triple Crossing Brewing taprooms — until now. Urban Hang Suite announced last week that they’d be the first place to carry this classic RVA craft beer in cans outside of the brewery, adding, “THIS. IS. A. BIG. DEAL!” Four packs are available now, with a limit of two per customer.
Speaking of beer news… More than 1,000 breweries worldwide have come together as part of the Black Is Beautiful brewing project, an effort to raise awareness for the injustices people of color face daily. Each brewery that elects to get involved is committed to donating 100% of the beer's proceeds to local foundations that support police brutality reform and legal defenses for those who have been wronged, donating to a local organization of their choice that supports equality and inclusion, and committing to the long-term work of equality. Among the breweries joining the cause, you’ll find local RVA collaborators including The Answer, Fine Creek, Hardywood, Lickinghole Creek, Main Line, Strangeways, and The Veil.
And have you seen the Poe Museum lately? RVA Magazine shared that when the owners boarded up its windows and doors last month, they used it as an opportunity to collaborate with Mending Walls RVA and create messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The result is beautiful and inspiring.
HAPPENINGS
The inaugural Black Pride RVA celebration is happening this weekend with the theme “Pride With A Purpose.” If you’re unfamiliar, Black Pride RVA promotes the health and wellness of Black LGBTQ+ persons through celebration, education, and empowerment.
Due to the pandemic, the weekend’s events will be virtual, including:
Welcome to Pride on Thursday 7/16 at 7 pm
Black Pride Awards on Friday 7/17 at 7 pm
Day of Purpose Virtual Market Place on Saturday 7/18 at 11 am
Pride Kickback Party on Saturday 7/18 at 9 pm
Rites For Rights Guided Meditation on Sunday 7/19 at 1 pm
Follow @blackpriderva on Instagram and Facebook for more details!
Weekly Giveaway
A Pizza,
A Drive-In Movie,
& A Sleepover
Wishing you could get away, but not ready to go anywhere just yet? Our friends at Aloft Richmond West Short Pump want to give you a spectacular summer staycation experience — so mark your calendars for July 24, because they're giving away a package including one car admission to watch "The Lion King" at the Drive-In Movie series at West Broad Village, a pizza of your choice from Mellow Mushroom delivered right to your car, and a one-night stay at the Aloft boutique hotel!
To enter to win: Tell us your go-to item at the movie theater concession stand. Mine are Milk Duds or nachos. Mmm.
Last week: Congratulations to Patrick D. for being our giveaway winner of the week! We hope your pups love their treats from Cool Canines PCS.
Member Perks
The Glaser Group
You probably already knew that The Glaser Group offers complimentary moving boxes (and a moving truck!) to their clients.
But did you know that if you buy or sell a home with The Glaser Group, you can get a $1,000 rebate? It’s true!
In order to qualify, you just need to be a current RVAx member and to notify the agent prior to starting the home buying or selling process.
If you fit that description, go ahead and complete this form and send it to your agent — and get ready to start counting your extra cash.
And bonus: If you refer a friend or family member to The Glaser Group and they end up buying or selling a home with them, we’ll give you (our member) a $250 gift card!
new + trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey new members!
We'd like to welcome 32 new members this week: Carolyn S., Theresa B., Jess H., Megan P., Courtney W., Carolyn C., April S., Beth D., Michael C., Graham M., London S., Anna D., Sierra S., Michaela H., Ann B., Jessica K., Deita M., Lauren S., Jami B., Daminica M., Caitlin M., Liz G., Amy W., Sam S., Pam K., Kelli M., Sam S., Kayleigh H., Sydney O., Momo B., Ryan D., and Zachary D. , 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 113 of the Weekly Insider.
Stay well friends,
Alicia @ The Richmond Experience
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