Ed 115: Best Of Richmond, Ice Cream News, BBQ Tours
This edition of the Weekly Insider is proudly brought to you by Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop!
Image Source: @jwill584
Hey there 👋 Alicia here!
One of the most frequent messages we receive on social media goes something like, “Hi! I’m new to Richmond, and I’m wondering if you could suggest a good ____ in the area.”
When we get those messages, Samantha and I either a) respond right away if we can immediately think of a solid recommendation, or b) spend a weird amount of time researching a satisfactory answer, whether that means intense Googling, some light Facebook stalking, or asking our friends and family for input.
But we realized that there might be a better way.
So, we are putting together the ultimate (free!) newcomers’ guide to Richmond, and we want YOU to tell us which local spots should be included, from dentists to florists to mechanics and beyond.
If you consider yourself a Richmond-savvy person (or even if you don’t, but you’re super bored) you can click here to submit your responses between now and August 15.
It should only take about 5 minutes to complete. And please feel free to skip any questions you don’t have an immediate response for. No research required here!
We’ll even send you a copy of your answers once you’re done, so you’ll have a whole PDF of your personal recommendations on hand the next time someone asks you for them.
Now, on to this week’s social news — including info like the new sushi spot coming to Scott’s Addition, how The Jasper plans to pivot due to the pandemic, where and how you can participate in a socially distant BBQ crawl, and more…
THE LATEST:
Image: @jasperbarrva
Image: @rvabbqtours
Image: @mendingwallsrva
Image: @smorgasburg_dc
SOCIAL NEWS
Drumroll, please: The results for Style Weekly’s annual “Best of Richmond” reader poll are in! In 2020, a whopping 35,477 individual voters cast 159, 473 votes to determine the Best of Richmond in sections including Goods & Services, People & Places, Arts & Culture, Nightlife, and Food & Drink. Start preparing those congratulatory messages to your favorite local spots now as you scroll through to find out who took the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (and honorable mention!) in each category, from “Best Place To Get Your Ass Kicked - In A Good Way” to “Best Fried Thing That Is Not French Fries” and more.
You’ve heard of a bar crawl, but what about a BBQ crawl? Enter RVA BBQ Tours. Just launched this month, these drive-your-own-vehicle guided tours are a great way to explore Richmond’s killer BBQ scene. Each caravan-style tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and includes generous portions at 3 of Richmond’s hidden gem BBQ joints, plus a special dessert — as well as podcast interviews with the Pitmaster at each restaurant you’ll visit, which you can listen to between stops to get your mouth watering. Expect 2+ hours of entertainment and plenty of delicious food as you take a scenic drive around our city!
Surprise! Ice cream will soon be served at a new spot in Northside. Ruby Scoops just announced that it is expected to open at 120 W. Brookland Park Blvd. in the coming months. This DC-based company (specializing in local small-batch frozen and baked goods) is owned by VCU alum Rabia Kamara, and while its products used to be sold at farmers markets and events in the DMV area, the new Northside scoop shop will be its first brick-and-mortar location. Can’t wait to give it a taste!
The Jasper is pivoting due to the pandemic, but don’t panic. Richmond BizSense reported that owner Kevin Liu hopes to reinvigorate a sense of excitement and urgency for customers at The Jasper (and in turn, to boost sales) by pivoting to a “ghost kitchen” model. That would mean limited-time-only pop-up concepts featuring get-‘em-before-they-run-out delivery and pick-up options like burgers, ramen, Mediterranean food, and more. So, be sure to keep an eye on The Jasper’s social media channels to see what their first pop-up concept will be, or get ready for some serious foodie FOMO.
Richmond artists are coming together to capture this moment in our city’s history — with our very city streets as their canvases. The Mending Walls project was launched by RVA muralists Hamilton Glass and Matt Lively (who, together, are responsible for nearly two dozen works of public art across the city). Their goal is to see “artists of different cultural backgrounds banding together through public art to fuel connections and empathy to help start the tough conversations.” You can find their completed works so far at 3311 W Broad St, 300 E Broad St, and at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, with 13 more murals on deck — and many more public installations to come, overall.
Sushi is coming soon to Scott’s Addition. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Lucky AF, or “Lucky Asian Fusion” (hey, we see what they did there!), plans to open this fall in the spot formerly occupied by Aloi restaurant at 3103 W Leigh St. The menu will be overseen by Chef Hai Truong, featuring some simple sushi options, Pan-Asian dishes, and a daily happy hour. In addition to putting as much emphasis on patio dining as possible, Lucky AF will also offer take-out and delivery.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s been insanely hot outside, and water bottle donations are in high demand. Daily Planet is asking those who are able to donate bottled water and pre-packaged, single-serving snacks for distribution among members of the Richmond community who are experiencing homelessness during this aggressive heat wave. You can drop off donations in the Daily Planet parking lot (517 W Grace St) between 8:30 am - 12 pm now through this Friday, July 31 — or call 804 -783-2505 ext. 203 if you need to coordinate a different drop-off time.
Weekly Giveaway
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Both of the Hardywood locations (in Richmond and in West Creek) have been awesome spots to enjoy a brew or two outside while still following social distancing guidelines.
Hardywood has also been doing a great job with beer pick-up, local delivery, and shipping throughout VA and DC.
So whatever your level of comfort is in terms of beer consumption as we navigate Phase 3 together, we’re offering a $25 gift card to Hardywood so you can enjoy some beers on their patios, pick ‘em up to bring home, or have them delivered right to your doorstep.
To enter to win: Tell me whether you prefer your beer in a glass or if you drink it straight from the bottle / can! I like mine from the bottle or can, with a koozie on it to keep my beer cold / hands dry.
Last week: Congratulations to Delis B. for being our giveaway winner of the week! We hope you enjoy your new insulated cooler bag and 4-pack of Ninja Kombucha.
Member Perks
The Neighborhood Harvest
Struggling to stick to healthy and nutritious foods this summer? Yeah, we were too — until we found out we could get fresh greens and local produce delivered straight to our door.
The Neighborhood Harvest delivers organic hydroponically grown lettuces, seasonal produce, meats, dairy, and deli items directly to your door, contact-free.
And good news: In addition to waiving the $30 sign-up fee for RVAx members(!!!), when you use code RVAX60 you’ll also receive a discount of $5 off orders of $60 or more!
new + trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
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Hey new members!
We'd like to welcome 76 new members this week: Rachel B., Taryn L., Andrew M., Dan M., Michael M., Brandon N., Kelsey F., Cammy L., Jackie H., Lauren W., Reilly G., Lindsay M., Jennifer K., Daniel A., Pat F., Karla V., Sarah N., Michael A., Liz S., Chad W., Lindsay M., Adriana M., CJ Y., Gabby J., Erin H., Rachel Y., Jennifer P., Shaun S., Rachel J., Lindsey B., Sarah W., Sarah B., Kelly O., Ruby Claire L., Jenna P., Laur O., Robin M., Madison P., Amy O., Kyle H., Grace H., Sydney S., Gail R., Sydney R., Erin D., Megan C., Carlos A., Haley W., Margaret B., Cody P., Madeline P., Bronwyn C., Chelsea A., Molly A., Katie H., Meagan D., Katie V., Bo A., Kristen M., Laura M., Star C., Jaria M., Janie H., Tammy G., Sunny G., Desiree L., Puja K., Kelsey B., Jennifer O., Mary B., Amishi A., Tianna T., Nayelli G., Laura S., Bobby A., Alicia S., and Jessica C., 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 115 of the Weekly Insider.
Stay well friends,
Alicia @ The Richmond Experience
Thank you to Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop for powering this edition of the Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
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