Ed 140: Wafflewiches, Kitchen(s) Updates, V72x2
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Image Source: @jlpullinger
Hey there! Alicia here 👋
I consider myself more of an herbivore.
My husband is definitely a carnivore.
And yet there’s tons of exciting #rvadine news for both of us this week, which I’ve laid out in this edition of the Weekly Insider — from massively meaty burgers with mountains of melty cheese, to a six-day plant-powered vegan food festival, and all sorts of deliciousness in between.
(Are you picturing me as a triceratops and Andrew as a T-rex right now because of the herbivore/carnivore comment? Or is that just me? Man, I gotta get out of the house once in a while.)
Anyway! Here in edition 140, I’ve gathered up all the latest openings, upcoming events, and food news you need to be the most in-the-know person in all of your RVA-based group chats — plus, the chance to win a chef-driven Valentine’s Day dinner for two, as well as a discount on a local food tour almost guaranteed to give you the meat sweats.
Read on for the tasty details.
THE LATEST:
Image: @rvacheesegirl
Image: @cobraburger
Image: @veganactionorg
Image: @msgirleeskitchen
SOCIAL NEWS
It’s opening day for MCK! Midlothian Chef’s Kitchen, conceptualized by award-winning local chef David Dunlap, officially opens today (Wednesday, January 27) for dine-in and pick-up in the heart of Midlothian. The restaurant will serve weekday lunch, weekday brunch, and dinner every night — along with happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.
But beyond that, MCK will also be launching some creative offerings for the community, including cooking classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for kitchen tips and tricks from a professional chef; beer and wine dinners detailing how food can be paired with wine and beer for a unique interactive dining experience; gorgeous private events spaces and catering services; and prepared meals subscriptions available each week.
More kitchen news. Specifically pertaining to Hatch Kitchen, Richmond's premier food and beverage incubator — also known for offshoots Hatch Cafe (their cafe, event space, and pop-up venue) as well as Hatch Local (their new food hall coming to Manchester this spring).
First off, it was announced that local charcuterie artist (is that a phrase or did I just make that up?) RVA Cheese Girl is now operating out of Hatch Kitchen, so it will be easier than ever to get your hands on her Instagram-worthy boards and boxes.
Beyond that, Hatch Local announced the first two confirmed vendors that you’ll be able to find at their food hall when it opens this spring: Buttermilk & Honey (a fried chicken concept from Chef Michael Lindsey at Lillie Pearl) and Sincero (led by Alex Bobadilla and Karen Negvesky ft. authentic Mexican cuisine like tacos, tortas, tostadas, and more). Are you drooling yet?
Picture a cheeseburger in a graduation cap. That’s what I’m picturing, at least, when I think about the fact that former Hatch Kitchen tenant Cobra Burger is graduating to its own brick-and-mortar space in Church Hill, formerly occupied by Dutch & Co. The burger joint’s owners posted on Instagram, “We are beyond humbled to be going into such an iconic location. We will do our damnedest to bring the heat for the people in Church Hill and the rest of RVA.”
Eileen Mellon at Richmond Magazine reported that Cobra Burger will open for take-out and delivery only initially, with a walk-up window for pick-up. Hours and opening date have yet to be finalized, but the general messaging is that Cobra Burger hopes to open quickly… Or as they put it in their Instagram bio, “as soon as we g—d— can.”
SBSB: Shockoe Bottom Sunday Brunch. That’s what’s coming from Ms. Girlee’s Kitchen starting this Sunday, January 31, according to the restaurant’s recent Instagram PSA.
The wafflewiches photographed in this announcement were fluffy and golden brown with bacon, cheese, and a fried egg on the inside, fresh strawberries on the outside, a healthy drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar. And you can order ‘em via GrubHub, DoorDash, or UberEats for delivery right to your doorstep, or get $5 off when you order directly from the Ms. Girlee’s website for pick-up.
Your Sunday plans just improved dramatically. You’re welcome.
Dogs are just about the only thing I’m interested in jogging for. And that’s good news, since registration is now open for the 19th Annual Dog Jog & 5K Run benefitting the Richmond SPCA. The event hosts at Holiday Barn Pet Resorts have reimagined this event to keep it COVID-safe for all participants, creating a fun, interactive, and lifesaving (truly!) self-guided experience, which you can take part in on any of the fundraiser's three days.
Run, walk, or jog with your dog by your side on the Dog Jog and 5K Run official courses at Deep Run Park — or on your favorite trail, in your neighborhood, or wherever else you like.
Early bird pricing is $35 per person, and the first 500 registered participants will receive a limited edition Dog Jog and 5K Run cotton short-sleeved t-shirt; a Dog Jog & 5K Run medal for you and your pet (new in 2021!); a goodie bag full of exciting gifts; and free access to the RaceJoy app to guide your race, track your time and make you eligible for 5K Finisher prizes.
Don’t wait around and miss out on all of those goodies (and early bird pricing)! Register now here.
Trivia team, assemble! For three Wednesdays only (at 7 pm on January 27, February 3, and February 10), Stonewall Sports is inviting you to join their Virtual Trivia Drop-In League via Zoom for the chance to connect with your community AND win awesome prizes.
Here’s the link to join today (Wednesday, January 27 at 7 pm) via Zoom. They recommend that players plan to have access to both a computer (for Zoom participation and answer submissions) and a cell-phone (to communicate with their team). Don’t have a team to play with? Find one here!
HAPPENINGS
144 hours of plant-powered pleasure. That’s how I’d describe v72x2, a virtual vegan food festival happening January 26 - 31 in partnership with Richmond VegFest and Vegan Action.
All you have to do is download and print your v72 passport here, then visit any of the 28 participating restaurants to try their v72-exclusive vegan menu items and mark them off of your passport as you go. (Mark off five restaurants during the six-day festival duration and you’ll earn a free treat from v72 dessert sponsor, SCOOP!)
Click here for a quick guide to the operating hours of all 28 participating restaurants.
And click here to find out what tasty vegan items each spot will be offering (with links to each spot’s website so you can order directly).
Bon appétit!
Weekly Giveaway
Mosaic Catering & Events
Valentine’s Day is coming up fast, and planning for a romantic date during a pandemic can be a little challenging. That’s why we were thrilled to learn that Mosaic Catering & Events is offering Valentine's Day Dinner for Two for pick-up!
The three-course menu starts with a burrata salad; followed by a second course of either braised short rib, gruyere chicken breast, or Moroccan-spiced chickpea cake; and ending with a flourless chocolate torte with fresh berries and a raspberry coulis.
We’re giving one lucky RVAx member this very dinner for two (valued at $60!) to brighten up their Valentine’s Day weekend.
To enter to win: Tell me your Valentine’s Day candy choice! I’m a sucker for chocolates (particularly caramel or peanut butter filled ones… Mmm.)
Last week: Congratulations to Rachel U. for winning our Urban Hang Suite giveaway!
Member Perks
RVA BBQ Tours
Foodies, we’ve got a new way for you to explore Richmond: Join RVA BBQ Tours for the city’s newest culinary caravan!
During this COVID-friendly food tour, you’ll drive your own vehicle, following experienced tour guides around Richmond as you sample our city’s killer BBQ scene, all while listening to podcast interviews with Pitmasters you are about to visit.
Tickets for this uniquely tasty experience are $59 per adult, $25 for kids 11 - 17, and free for children under 10.
On each mouthwatering tour, you can expect 2+ hours of entertainment, education, and delicious food (aka, a generous portion of BBQ at three of Richmond’s hidden gem BBQ joints, plus a special dessert). You’ll go home feeling full, for sure.
Members can use code RVAX10 for 10% off all RVA BBQ Tours. Visit rvabbqtours.com to book yours now!
new + trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey new members!
We'd like to welcome 11 new members this week: Matthew D., Robert M., Laura P., Michael I., Melanie C., Rachel F., Katie S., Caitlin F., Jared H., Annie B., and Kayla 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 140 of the Weekly Insider.
Stay well friends,
Alicia @ The Richmond Experience
Thank you to Dr. Whyte Smile for powering this edition of the Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
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