Ed 233: Bloody Marys, Brunch Pop-Up, Cheesecake Cafe
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Hi, readers!👋
How’s it going over there? Thanksgiving week is comin’ in hot, and it seems like some time off is just what everybody needs right about now. It’s been a heavy few days with the news out of Charlottesville, and we hope you get a long moment (or five? -ish?) to take advantage of a factory reset of sorts. Put on your cozy clothes, eat something(s) delish, hug your friends and fam – just generally unplug and take care. We’ll be doing the same.
If you’re looking for things to fill up your upcoming OOO days, we’ve got some City Guides for that. And if you’re looking for us next week, we’ll be popping in here and there, but you’ll catch us in your next Insider on Wednesday, November 30. So, before we (sort of) sign off for a bit, let’s get you in the know with some light reading.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a “fun and whimsical environment” downtown, where to get your cheesecake fix, a roundup of spots that will help you with Thanksgiving din this year, and more.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Mostly sunny; high of 56°, low of 31°
Thursday: Sunny; high of 59°, low of 27°
Friday: Sunny; high of 49°, low of 26°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: Holiday Cookie Workshop
Thursday, 6:30 - 7:30 pm: Holiday Cocktails: Eggnog & Other Delights!
Friday, 5 - 9 pm: Richmond Holiday Light Show
CITY GUIDES
1. RVA SPOTS THAT WILL HELP YOU WITH THANKSGIVING DIN THIS YEAR
2. 6 WAYS TO GET OUT & ABOUT WITH THE KIDDOS THIS FALL & WINTER
3. GET OUTTA TOWN: 15 DAY TRIPS WITHIN 1.5 HOURS OF RICHMOND
RICHMONDER(S) TO KNOW
Susan and Matt Aprahamian: They’re the founders of Wish for More Birthdays – a birthday candle company that donates all its net profits to the American Cancer Society, in an effort to fund cancer research and help afford cancer patients many more trips around the sun.
THE LATEST:
DRINKS, EATS, EVENTS
Planning something special?: A shiny and new event space in Manchester had its grand opening last week. Copper Hall – originally built as the Mechanics & Merchants Bank in 1920 – boasts the perf combo of historic and timeless character for the backdrop of your wedding or other special occasion(s). The 2,500-square-foot spot has coffered ceilings, marble columns, expansive windows (for all the beautiful natural light to pour in), and the added charm of the historic walk-in bank vault. (Instagram)
Downtown gets a dose of Moxy: Marriott-branded boutique hotel Moxy Richmond Downtown opened its doors last week, offering a new spot for locals to drink, eat, work, play, and relax. If you’re looking for a swanky staycation location, this may just be it. There are smart TVs, personalized room layouts, game nights and trivia nights, and more to enjoy in the “fun and whimsical environment” that focuses hard on ensuring guests have a great time. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Mixing things up: One thing that always comes with the holiday hustle and bustle is booze, and The Valentine is putting itself in the mix this spirited season. The museum with a focus on RVA’s “diverse, powerful” stories recently announced the upcoming release of its own Bloody Mary mix. At the Valentine’s Meat Juice Bloody Mary Mix launch party this Thursday, November 17, attendees will be treated to a tasting of the concoction – originally thought up and patented in 1870 when it seemingly cured Mann Valentine’s wife Ann’s illness at the time – and the opp to purchase take-home bottles. But if you can’t make the shindig, don’t worry: The museum will sell more bottles in its gift shop while supplies last. (The Valentine)
When’s brunch?: Longoven and Recluse Roasting Project are teaming up to host you for a brunch pop-up this Saturday, November 19. Grab your crew and head to Altamont Ave for some delish roasts from the coffee shop’s alley doorway and equally delish bagel sammies from the Scott’s Addition restaurant’s window. Orders are limited, so make sure you snag what you’ll want via Longoven’s and Recluse’s Insta bios. (Instagram)
Sit down for Sunday dinner: If you’re looking for date-night ideas for this Sunday, November 20, consider snagging your tix for the Chef’s Dinner at Brun. The intimate gathering for 30 guests will include a menu from celeb chef Antonio Henderson, including five courses: a mini baked brie, arugula and grilled peaches, braised short-rib, crispy snapper, and a seven-layer cookie or bread pudding for dessert. Tickets are $100 each, and dinner starts promptly at 6 pm – so don’t be late saving your spot or getting to your spot. (Instagram)
We’re cheesin’ over this: Verseau Bistro has plans to officially set up shop by the end of this month. The spot by the owner of Say Cheese… cake! will open up at Stony Point Fashion Park and feature a menu of charcuterie, coffee, and, of course, cheesecake (of the pumpkin vanilla swirl, white chocolate cranberry, s’mores, and New York-style varieties, to name a few). (Richmond magazine)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🍰Shyndigz has plans to relocate. (Richmond BizSense)
🎅Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity is hosting its Home for the Holidays Crawl in Scott’s Addition. (Instagram)
Weekly Giveaway
Richmond Ballet: The Nutcracker
Next month, get your Dance-of-the-Sugar-Plum-Fairy on and enjoy a night with the Richmond Ballet and its production of The Nutcracker.
Brand new scenery designed by Alain Vaës, a new Chinese dance choreographed by Ma Cong, and refreshed costumes make their much-anticipated debut this December. While the stunning designs delight with their vibrant colors and fantastical imagery, they extend from the same storybook vision for which Stoner Winslett’s production is so beloved. Don’t miss your chance to experience this next magical evolution to The Nutcracker this holiday season!
This week, we’re teaming up with the Richmond Ballet to give away two tickets to The Nutcracker on its opening night – Friday, December 9, at 7 pm – at the Dominion Energy Center.
To enter, tell us: What is one of your favorite holiday memories?
Last week: Congratulations to last week’s winners, Lena M., Kerri A., Nikkia J., and Jordan J., for winning our The National giveaway!
Member Perks
Lady Rose Specialty Teas
At tea time, everybody agrees: To keep the cozy, holiday vibes going, a warm cuppa does the trick. Using 100% natural herbs sourced both globally and locally, Lady Rose Specialty Teas provides customized herbal infusions and tea products to promote self-love, empowerment, and holistic wellness.
Members of The Richmond Experience get 20% off with code LADYROSERVA.
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SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We'd like to welcome 22 new members this week: Oliva M., Billy B., Doug B., Ashleigh S., Caroline T., Brett D., Jessica J., Jared R., Jennifer L., Lilac R., Kayla G., Desiree H., David W., Kaitlyn N., Carly L., Adam G., Amanda C., Zoe R., A C., Andrew W., Emmie L., and Courtney 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 233 of The Weekly Insider.
Have a great week!
- The Richmond Experience
Thank you to Rhythm of Love for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!