Ed 127: Halloween Happenings, Krusty Krab, Popcorn Party
Image Source: @thejonyee
Hey there! Alicia here 👋
Before we get into this week’s social news (and there’s plenty of it!), I just want to take a moment to address a misstep I made in last Wednesday’s edition of the Weekly Insider.
I received thoughtful feedback from an RVAx member last week regarding a tonal shift in the way gentrifying neighborhoods are talked about in the Weekly Insider (for example, calling Manchester an up-and-coming neighborhood or saying that Brookland Park is on the come-up in recent editions).
This RVAx member noted that these phrases, while seemingly innocuous, indicate a sense of urban colonialism which is dangerous to a lower-income community.
And they were absolutely right.
I recognize that what I say (and how I say it) in this newsletter each week has an impact, and I sincerely apologize for this poor choice in words. I’d also like to thank the RVAx member who brought this to our attention for giving us the chance to learn, grow, and continue to find ways to mitigate the negative impacts of gentrification in our city.
As we always write at the end of the Insider, it takes a village, and hearing from people who know better than us in various areas on how we can be the best resource possible for Richmonders is so crucial! Please continue to offer us your feedback, whether on issues like this or on anything else.
Now, let’s talk about some exciting things going on in the River City this week!
THE LATEST:
Image: @jasperbarrva
Image: @fireflourfork
Image: @nikotheshepsky
Image: @jinglebellerva
SOCIAL NEWS
Trade in that lemonade for some hot apple cider instead. The Jasper sure did! Instead of their infamous Carytown lemonade stand, you can swing by a new hot apple cider stand on Fridays and Saturdays from 3 - 7 pm and on Sundays from 2 - 5 pm. If you’re not an apple cider afficionado, there are plenty of other intoxicating options on The Jasper’s takeout cocktail menu, which you can check out on Instagram.
And don’t forget, The Jasper is still doing dining pop-ups each week — handmade pasta with Osteria Dei Mascalzoni on Tuesdays, hummus night with Susie & Esther on Wednesdays, Slurp! Ramen on Thursdays, Live, Laffa, Love with Susie & Esther on Fridays, Pizza Bones on Saturdays, and The SMASHper burgers on Sundays. It’s honestly hard to choose which one to order, they’re all so delicious!
Spongebob Squarepants fans are about to feel some type of way. Richmond BizSense’s Jack Jacobs reported that The Fan will soon be home to a seafood grill and bar called the Krusty Krab at 301 N Robinson St, in the 4,000 sq. ft. space that formerly housed Metro Bar & Grill. However, owner Yenci Lemus specifically told BizSense that “the name wasn’t a reference to the burger joint by the same name seen in the Nickelodeon cartoon Spongebob SquarePants and therefore wouldn’t be themed as such.” It will, however, be serving up seafood, hamburgers, sandwiches, and even pizza. (Will they call it The Krusty Krab Pizza? It’s too soon to say.)
How about pairing some gourmet popcorn with your next Halloween movie? Lammar Marie’s Gourmet Popcorn is a local, black-owned, veteran-owned business famous for its out-of-this-world popcorn options (dare I say, pop-tions?). They’ve got sweeter flavors like dark chocolate sea salted caramel, pumpkin spice, and snickerdoodle, or savory flavors like buttery white cheddar, buffalo ranch, or loaded baked potato.
Anyway, the news here is that the fine folks behind Lammar Marie’s have spent the past few months undergoing renovations and curating their growing collection of wines. Their new-and-improved tasting room features COVID precautions including six-feet-apart floor decals, sneeze guards, and safely specified seating arrangements — and it opens back up to the public this Thursday, October 22! Stop by between 12 - 7 pm to check it out for yourself, or place your order online if you’d feel safer having a private popcorn party.
Rise and shine! A new “Chipotle-style” breakfast spot is coming to the West End. Once again, Jack Jacobs at Richmond BizSense got the scoop. He reported that Lamplighter Coffee Roasters co-owner Zach Archibald expects to open Surrounding Counties Specialty Coffee Explorers Club on Sunday, November 1 at 8801-A Three Chopt Rd. Surrounding Counties will be a quick-serve restaurant, or as Archibald put it, “It’s a Chipotle of breakfast. There’s no seating inside; it’s in-and-out.” Guests waiting in the cafeteria-style line will find a food selection built around poached eggs, grits, and oats, and prices will be in the $6 - $10 range.
Winter will be here before you know it, and these local restaurateurs are ready for it. Jingle Belle: A Woke Holiday Story will kick off on Wednesday, November 4 downtown at Belle. This temporary holiday pop-up bar, brought to you by Soul Taco, will celebrate the inclusivity and sharing of cultures and traditions. Keep an eye on Instagram for more details as they unfold.
Better hurry, HGTV-lovers — this weekend is your last chance to check out Richmond’s 69th Annual Parade of Homes. This is a unique and totally FREE opportunity to tour some of our area's finest new homes in the Greater Richmond area including Counties of Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, King William, New Kent, and Powhatan. This Saturday October 24 - Sunday, October 25 from 12 - 5 pm, all 37 homes will be available for virtual viewing or for on-site viewing (following the most current safety guidelines and protocols set forth by the state of Virginia). You can check out the 2020 tour map here.
You have until next Thursday, October 29 to submit your nominations for this year’s ICONS& YP Workplace Awards. Chamber RVA recognizes that 2020 is a year unlike any other, which calls for an event unlike any other. ICONS 2020 will honor and recognize the young professionals in our community that have taken this year and made the most of it. Whether that was in their workplace, in the small businesses they own, or in the larger Richmond community — we have brilliant and creative folks in RVA who have pivoted their businesses, led through crisis, or stood up against injustices across our nation. The awards ceremony on Thursday, December 3 will be held in a virtual format – safe and inclusive- while highlighting what makes RVA great- and the incredible young professionals in it. Nominate a local ICON today.
HAPPENINGS
Hike with your hound(s) for a good cause at Pocahontas State Park. This Saturday, October 24 from 11 am - 2 pm, you can your pup(s) can head out for either a 0.5-mile, 1.5-mile, or 3-mile guided hike at Pocahontas State Park.
After you’ve logged your miles, you’re invited to stick around for beers from Center of the Universe Brewing, food from Cotton's Kitchen, live music from Buckville Hootenanny, and a local shopping experience with nearly a dozen RVA-area pet supply vendors.
This event is in support of FETCH a Cure, a 501 ©(3) non-profit organization focused on improving the quality of life for our pets. Working with pet owners and the veterinary community, FETCH is furthering pet cancer awareness, education, and treatment.
Click here to register in advance and receive 50% off of your park entry fee. Show your e-ticket at the Pocahontas State Park Welcome Station and pay only $5 to enter (which also helps to keep attendance at a safe number for the event).
Weekly Giveaway
Väsen Brewing Company
Chillier weather is on the horizon as we get deeper into autumn, which means it’s time to bundle up with fall favorites from local spots — like this new waffle-knit beanie from our friends at Väsen Brewing Company in Scott’s Addition.
The folks at Väsen (pronounced “vah-zin”) make unconventional ales and celebrate those who share an appreciation for the outdoors and spark positive change in their communities.
We’re giving one lucky RVAx member one of these cozy beanies (valued at $20), along with a #drinkintheoutdoors crew neck t-shirt ($25), a logo sticker ($5), and a $20 Väsen Brewing Company gift card.
To enter to win: Tell me one of your favorite fall activities! Personally, I’m a sucker for apple picking or for leaf-peeping drives through VA’s fall foliage.
Last week: Congratulations to Meg D. for winning a City Tour with RVA TukTuk!
Member Perks
L&M Company
If you’re anything like our team at RVAx, then leggings are probably a major part of your work-from-home wardrobe. And when it comes to purchasing leggings (and pretty much anything else we buy!), we opt to shop local.
Sisters Lucy and Michele launched L&M Company in Richmond, VA in 2018. L&M incorporates premium fabrics with thoughtful designs to offer three styles of leggings that are made right here in the US.
So, whether you need pants for work, working out, play dates, happy hour, or lounging, L&M has your bottom covered.
Members at The Richmond Experience can use code RVAX for 20% off their entire order at L&M Company. Shop now!
new + trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey new members!
We'd like to welcome 32 new members this week: Jessica C., Cait L., Tig B., Jenny K., Amy K., Alyx B., Zachary W., Denise S., Jared K., Alex R., Sydney B., Samantha S., Helenah G., Catherine K., Jenny W., Melissa M., Kara W., Jami L., Marc R., Jill M., Meagan F., Karla S., Erin K., Jamie G., Julie B., Kristen C., Cindy F., Abby A., Stephanie H., Ksenia T., Lorrie C., and Megan M., 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 127 of the Weekly Insider.
Stay well friends,
Alicia @ The Richmond Experience
Thank you to AR Workshop Richmond for powering this edition of the Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
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