Ed 193: ZZQ Gets a Sister, How To Support Our Black Community, Valentine’s Day Plans
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Hey, y’all! 👋
We’ve been feeling pretty smitten with a lot this month already:
Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Co. gave away loads of Cold Coffee cans from their vending machine on Morris St over the last week. (We happened to catch them restocking one aft and scored a six-pack. TY, caffeine gods. 🙏)
Richmond’s new Black-owned bookstore, The Book Bar, opened with lots of bibliophiles and balloons at the door.
CiderCon gathered cider makers and cider lovers for days of cider-loving fun. (Still thinking about the Buskey Cider Jalapeño Lime Cider, btw.)
We spotted a parlor popping up in Church Hill, where Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co. is building a new home to serve its sweet treats.
And speaking of things we love, here’s where you come in. The Richmond Experience donates a portion of each annual membership purchased to rotating nonprofits every month. Holli Fund was on the calendar for our January donation, and because of your support, we were able to donate $125 last month and help the organization in its mission to assist food service workers in crisis. THANK YOU!
How was all that for a mid-week pick-me-up? Now, let’s talk about what Richmond has in store for us next.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Sunny; high of 58°, low of 37°
Thursday: Mostly sunny; high of 58°, low of 31°
Friday: Sunny again (!!); high of 60°, low of 44°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 1 - 4 pm: Dog Kissing Booth at the Richmond SPCA
Thursday, 6:30 - 9 pm: Galentine’s Stem Bar
Friday, 6 - 7 pm: Murder Mystery Dinner — Til Death Do Us Part
CITY GUIDES
1. ACTIONABLE WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR BLACK COMMUNITY — NOW & ALWAYS
2. LOVE IS FOR EVERYONE: FUN HAPPENINGS AROUND CUPID'S HOLIDAY
3. YOUR GUIDE TO VALENTINE'S DAY IN RVA
4. 7 LOCAL PLACES TO SHOP FOR YOUR VALENTINE
RICHMONDER(S) TO KNOW
Jay and Alexis Carpenter: This weekend marks one month until we “spring forward” and start hanging with the sun later into the day. That said, we’ve got time on the brain, and a Handley watch is a great way to keep track of it. The Carpenters, “inspired by the athleisure trend,” launched Handley Watches to add a simple, yet versatile, option to the time-keeping market. Order one for yourself, or order one for your Valentine; just remember to turn the clock ahead on March 13.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including where to day-drink, last-minute Valentine’s Day shopping inspo, who’s bringing tacos to the Arts District, and more.
THE LATEST:
Image: @thewestendmom
Image: @thewellartgallery
Image: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Image: @eazzyburger
CRAVINGS
Eazzy on the stomach: As if we couldn’t love ZZQ and Ardent Craft Ales more, the beloved barbecue and beer spots are joining forces to open a burger joint this summer. The restaurant, Eazzy Burger, will set up shop in its sister restaurant’s backyard, taking over Ardent’s former sour ale barrel warehouse. Diners can expect a simple and tasty selection of eats, including meaty and meatless burger options, chicken sandwiches, and cheese fries. BBL; we’re gonna go get in line. (Instagram)
A little old place where we can get together: For, like, breakfast or brunch, we mean. SB’s Lakeside Love Shack is opening another location in the Fan’s former Brunch spot, with a soft opening on Valentine’s Day and an official launch next month. The menu will include the kitchen’s staples, such as Big as a Whale Breakfast and Bang Bang on the Door Eggs Benedict. (Richmond BizSense)
In the festival spirit: The third annual River City Spirits Festival takes place at Stony Point Fashion Park this weekend. It’s a rain-or-shine event, but it’s shaping up to be perfect day-drinking weather, with clear skies and a high of 67 in the forecast. Grab your friends and (responsibly, duh) enjoy the many libation offerings from local distilleries, breweries, and wineries. And PS: Code RVAX knocks five bucks off the price of your ticket, or you can use this link and snag the same deal. (Instagram)
It’s the table-side guac for us: Juan’s Cantina and Rooftop is coming to town. The delish spot will take over Sonora Rooftop & Sports Bar and dish out a menu of table-side guacamole, tacos, burritos, and more. Owner Juan Carrillo is excited for the new Richmond set-up, where he says he can “get away with some cool, eclectic stuff.” (Richmond BizSense)
CAUSES
Black is Beautiful: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery brought back the beloved “Black is Beautiful” imperial stout this month. The drool-worthy drink is conditioned on Southeastern Roastery Coffee + Coffee Lab beans and inspired by Weathered Souls Brewing’s initiative to “raise awareness to the injustices that many people of color face daily.” All net proceeds from the release support the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, so open a tab, then block your calendar for the first full week of March. (Hardywood)
Big hearts for little ones: Little Hands Virginia just opened its February volunteer hours, and after all, it’s a great month to ~show some love~. The organization “makes sure babies in Central Virginia have the essentials to thrive from ‘Day 1’” and offers flexible location and timing opportunities. Sign up here. (Instagram)
Our favorite kind of group work: The Well Art Gallery is showcasing Black History Now II, a group art exhibit that centers “themes and motifs of the present state of Black history.” Take in the beautiful pieces, ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures, graffiti, and installations, and join the ongoing dialogue the gallery encourages. (Instagram)
Local artisans, Basic beer: Basic City Beer Co. hosts the next RVA Makers Market this Saturday—just in time for you later Valentine’s Day shoppers. Support Richmond creators, and sip on something like the Scratch & Sniff Milkshake IPA: pineapple upside down cake with vanilla beans and lactose. Don’t mind if we do! (Instagram)
Weekly Giveaway
Riverbend Roastery
We’re coming up on Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Super Bowl LVI, and another week of Olympic Games. You’ll need a caffeine fix to stay alert—coffee’s on us.
This week, we’re giving away $10 to Riverbend Roastery. The Church Hill favorite offers everything from delicious drinks to tasty eats. Grab your order, and enjoy it in the newly renovated café or find a spot at nearby Libby Hill Park.
To enter to win: Tell us your favorite Winter Olympic Games sport to watch!
Last week: Congratulations to last week’s winner, Katelyn S., for winning our Galentine’s Party at Pop of Confetti giveaway!
Member Perks
Mix & Match Design Co.
The time for spring cleaning is right around the corner, but if you’ve already mustered the strength to unbundle yourself from the warmth of a blanket and get a head-start on tidying up, we’re very impressed. Keep that momentum going with a little redesign.
Members of The Richmond Experience get 10% off Design Chat, a new, on-demand texting service with Chaney of Mix & Match Design Co. Receive personalized advice, furniture recommendations, and more right from your phone. To redeem, use code RVAX10 when you sign up!
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We'd like to welcome 27 new members this week: Chris J., Ally Y., Sheryl G., Laura G., Heather P., Caroline K., Tim K., Husayn T., Mado L., Jamie P., Jodi A., Valerie J., Rachna P., Vasco P., Cindy C., Madeleine N., Blake M., Chloe B., Sarah H., Victoria B., Abby J., Walter M., Reveler Experiences., Maja G., Mary B., Sally S., Natalie S., and Isabella 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 193 of The Weekly Insider.
Have a great week!
- 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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