Ed 154: Taco Park, Cinco De Mayo, Mother’s Day
Hey there! Sam here 👋
I'm excited to be filling in today! Though, I wish it were under different circumstances. I am stepping in for Alicia this week while she takes time to grieve the sudden passing of her sweet pup, Luna 💔 If you've been a reader for any period of time here, you know how much Luna meant to Alicia and Andrew, so to say this has been a devastating shock for their family truly doesn't even begin to describe how they are feeling. Please send her a virtual hug if you have a moment. And if you're feeling generous, please consider donating to the Great Pyrenees Rescue Society in Luna's honor. 100% of the proceeds go to the dogs under the care of this volunteer- and foster-based 501c3 animal rescue group dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of Great Pyrenees dogs, where they rescued Luna.
We love you, sweet Luna girl, and we love you, Alicia.
It's been nearly a year to the date since I've crafted a Weekly Insider, and yes, I'm feeling a little rusty. So do yourself a favor, buckle up and keep your arms and legs inside the ride vehicle at all times, ha!
This week we are dishing on the best spots to celebrate Cinco De Mayo after work today, the last-minute ways to celebrate Mother's Day, and more. Let’s go!
THE LATEST:
SOCIAL NEWS
Taco Park might be our favorite park in Richmond. While not *technically* a park, this forthcoming outdoor patio behind Don’t Look Back South does sound very promising to breathe in the fresh air, take in the sunshine, and of course, eat tacos! You can get a sneak peek of the park here which certainly looks outdoors-y and parklike.
Speaking of parklike, Brambly Park is putting trivia on tap. The new event series kicked off yesterday and will happen every Tuesday starting at 6 pm. If you’re looking to change it up for your usual brewery and restaurant trivia nights, this might be a good option.
Northside friends, the time is coming. Why does Scott’s Addition get to have all the fun with trendy apartments within walking distance to breweries? Not anymore! Jonathan Spiers over at Richmond BizSense reported that rezoning requests have been submitted to convert adjoining brick buildings that sit across the street from Tabol Brewing into a mixed-use apartment building! According to the article, the new apartments would offer commercial space on the first floor along with a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. And, a portion of the apartments will be reserved for those making less than the median household income (two cheers for affordable housing!).
Need last-minute Mother’s Day plans and a gift? We’ve got you covered:
Picnic + wine pairing: Local wine shop, Barrel Thief, and cold salad connoisseur, Dave’s Al-A Cart, teamed up to create a Mother’s Day picnic spread complete with a wine pairing! Picnics can be purchased here for $50. Pick-up is from 2 - 5 pm on Saturday, May 8.
Luau on the patio: Head out to The Lilly Pad Cafe for a Mother’s Day tiki luau bash complete with tropical tiki drinks, tropical food specials including teriyaki burgers, Hawaiian pizzas, and chicken and grilled pineapple kabobs! Live music from Dee Oh Gee and Table Gravy starting at 5 pm.
Free, LOCAL, same-day gift delivery: Take that, Amazon! Enjoy free delivery on the Lokii app this week only with code MOMMA. lokii is Richmond’s very own online local shopping app with same-day delivery which is not only clutch on holidays, but every day too. Download the app here.
Need gift inspo? Check out our MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE.
This is the in-home workshop we’ve all been waiting for. Loveleigh Charcuterie announced yesterday that they’ll be offering in-home charcuterie workshops! Learn the art of the salami rose, how to make a prosciutto ribbon, the perfect chèvre cut, and more. Gather your besties, grab the rose, and get ready to learn some very impressive charcuterie skills. Inquire about date options on their website here.
HAPPENINGS
Happy Cinco de Mayo! We’ve rounded up the most fun spots to celebrate today so let your boss know you’ll be cutting out early:
Casa Del Barco: Opening early at 11 am (lunchtime margs, anyone?) with happy hour specials 4 - 6 pm including half-off apps, El Barco margaritas, and select drinks.
Kabana Rooftop: Snag frozen and classic margaritas for $9 from 4 - 9 pm with flavor options like mango, guava, coconut, or CBD infused. Taco platters by Pacq’s Kitchen are $12.
En Su Boca: Happy hour is 4 - 7 pm with $1 off beer and wine, $4 rail highballs, $6 house margaritas, $10 queso, guacamole & salsa combos, and $2.00 off any burrito.
Sonora: Live music by Mikealis 6 - 9:30 pm with $5 house margs, $20 pineapple margs served in a pineapple, $2 tacos, $6 nachos, and $10 Coronaritas.
Barrio: Opening early at noon with happy hour 4 to 5:30 featuring $3 house margaritas, 16 oz Tecate cans, and rail drinks along with guacamole and queso specials.
Want to skip the party and just eat tacos? Here are 23 OF THE BEST TACO SPOTS IN RICHMOND FOR AUTHENTIC, FUSION, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.
Weekly Giveaway
Vacation Vibes @ Island Shrimp Co
Vacation Vibes, Island Shrimp Co. and Casa Del Barco’s summer rooftop DJ series, is kicking off this Saturday with all the tropical party vibes you’ve been looking for! The party is happening every Friday and Saturday from 9 pm to midnight with two adjoining rooftop bars. Float back and forth seamlessly between the tropical atmosphere of Island Shrimp Co. and the spicy fun over at Casa Del Barco. Reservations are recommended.
To get this party started, we’re giving away a $30 gift card to Island Shrimp Co
To enter to win: Tell us your favorite vacation beverage! For me, I can’t pass up an Orange Crush. There’s just something about the sunshine and fresh-squeezed fruit (and booze!) that hit the spot.
Last week: Congratulations to Elizabeth G. for winning two tickets to see the Flying Squirrels take on the Harvard Yard Goats on Friday, May 7. Pro tip: Get there early for Friday for happy hour from 5:30 - 7:30 pm and enjoy drink specials, including $2 12-ounce domestic beers at all concession stands.
Member Perks
Triangle Rock Club
With their state-of-the-art indoor climbing facility, fitness center, and yoga studio, Triangle Rock Club is an adventure-packed workout and community gathering place that you don’t want to miss! Climbing walls up to 47-feet tall with an additional 15,000 square feet of terrain ensures plenty of variety during your visits. Triangle Rock Club will is the largest indoor climbing center in Richmond!
RVAx members get 50% off their Intro to Rope Climbing course plus a free, 2-week pass. Use code: RVAX.
new + trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We'd like to welcome 35 new members this week: Monica B., Polly C., Ellen S., Chris A., Anna L., Ali F., Kevin C., Claire B., Lenna H., Rob P., Michael S., Benja G., Lacey F., Jess G., Meghan M., Laura O., Sean H., Emily W., Leslie S., Alex S., Brittney H., Mandy Z., Rebecca W., Melissa A., Kristina P., Emmitt A., Caitlin P., Jamie M., Ben T., Karey B., Kelly C., Meredith F., Madison S., Maddie C., and Lauren T., 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 154 of The Weekly Insider.