Ed 254: Patio Concert Series, Spring Market, Roasted Snails
Happy Wednesday!
We don’t know about you, but we’re still reeling from all the fun Richmond had at the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k over the weekend. The signs and costumes were almost too good, and we loved seeing everybody go all out for the annual springtime event.
Also this weekend, new spots were opening all around town, so we’ve got a lot to tell you about, and since we’re rounding out another month, we need to bring you up to speed on a couple of our favorite things, too. No time to waste!
Keep scrolling for that and RVA’s latest social news, including Mt. Joy tickets, wine and oysters, Mother’s Day gifts, and more.
THINGS WE’RE *WAY* LOVING THIS MONTH
Paige:
Odyssey: I stopped by this new seafood hot spot for dinner a couple weeks ago, and the roasted snails dish (piquillo, bresola, and toast) made my list of “Top Five Things I’ve Ever Eaten.”
Kelsey:
Bark Park: Now that we’ve officially left winter behind, my pup and I are overdue for some dog park visits. The Bark Park — located on the lower terrace of Chimborazo Park — is one of my go-tos when a walk around town isn’t cutting it. The space is huge and has a section for big doggos and a section for small doggos.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Mostly sunny; high of 72°, low of 47°
Thursday: Partly cloudy; high of 74°, low of 54°
Friday: Rainy; high of 63°, low of 57°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 9 am - 4:15 pm: BUTTERFLIES LIVE!
Thursday, 6 - 9 pm: APRIL 2023 UNHAPPY HOUR
Friday, 7 - 9 pm: KARAOKE NIGHT AT STARR HILL ROOFTOP & BEER HALL
CITY GUIDES
1. DOZENS OF THINGS YOU CAN DO THROUGH THE RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Chloe: She’s the iconic sculptural head that’s been sitting pretty outside the VMFA for a handful of years. The piece is one of many by famous Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, whose long series of similar works “features young girls, with closed eyes, whose dream-like qualities transform their surroundings.” Chloe celebrates her installation anniversary this month, which is as good a reason as any to get over to the E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden and take her in — along with the rest of the beautiful grounds. (This aft is supposed to be gorg, you know.)
THE LATEST:
SOCIAL NEWS
The new-new(-new-new-new): Last weekend was a *big* one for openings in Richmond. Buckle up for this chunky rundown:
The Veil Brewing Co. opened its new taproom at 1509 Belleville St, featuring its in-house food concept, Nokoribi.
The owners of Pepe’s, Hibachi Box, and Y Tu Mamá launched their latest food concept, Hibachi House (and they’ve got plans for Cochiloco soon — a new spot for burritos, tacos, and margs).
“Richmond hoagie emporium,” Stanley’s, opened in Robin Inn’s former digs, and the pool room is ready for you.
Slurp! Ramen had a more traditional soft opening, announcing its presence like a surprise Beyoncé album drop. (Peep this v interesting Axios Richmond read for more on that post-pandemic approach, by the way.)
Resolution Wine had its grand opening on Saturday, featuring wine, food, and more.
Set reminder: Mt. Joy is coming back to Brown’s Island, and if last year’s ticket sales are any indication of what to prepare for this year, you’ll want to have your online-shopping fingers at the ready. Tickets are on sale this Friday, April 28, at 10 am, and the show is on Friday, September 15. Adult bevs will be available for purchase, and the island will host food trucks aplenty. Don’t forget a small lawn chair, if you’re so inclined! (Etix)
Happy anniversary, happy anniversary!: Buskey Cider recently announced that it’ll be parking a permanent food truck at its Scott’s Addition home, and launch day for that fantastic piece of news is this Saturday, April 29 (Buskey Cider’s seventh anniversary!). Urban Myth Street Food will offer a 100% gluten free menu of Southern- and Asian-inspired eats. The traditional gifts for a seventh anniversary are copper and wool, but your presence will be present enough; stop by from noon to 10 pm to grub and guzzle (responsibly). (Instagram)
Attention, shoppers: Done with your spring cleaning and ready to celebrate with a little update to your space? Pizza Bones is hosting its annual Spring Market this Sunday, April 30, from 1 to 5 pm. Grab some ‘za, sip on some wine from the Friend Bar, and peruse the local vendors’ tables and tents for clothes, prints, ceramics, and more. Then, of course, stop by some of our other Church Hill faves for even more springtime fun — Spotty Dog just celebrated its fifth birthday in the ice cream biz, and we can confirm that Party Cake is a perfect pizza-lunch-or-dinner chaser. (Instagram)
Music to our ears: As if Friday Cheers doesn’t already have us excited for the start of May, the Richmond Department of Public Works and Main Street Station are partnering to offer a month-long concert series. Every Thursday next month, music lovers can catch a *free* show on the back patio of Main Street Station from 5:30 to 8 pm. The participating artists each have ties to RVA and offer a variety of genres, from jazz to rock. (ABC8 News)
She is your mother; you listen to her: And treat her well this May! Not sure how? We spotted some great ways to go about it:
The Queen’s Library Tea Room is putting on a Royal High Tea Experience on Thursday, May 11, at 10 am. (Eventbrite)
RVA Cheese Girl is hosting a board-making class (featuring wine and other beverages!) at Ellwood Thompson’s on Thursday, May 11, too, at 4 pm. (Instagram)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🚩 Freak Flags is hosting their first pop-up of 2023 this weekend. (Instagram)
🦪 Jardin just announced its plans to bring back Oyster Fest for a second year. Spots went quickly before, so make your plans ASAP. (Instagram)
🍴ICYMI: Smashed announced it’s opening a brick-and-mortar, and Luxe New American Bar & Grill is coming to Shockoe Slip. (Instagram, Instagram)
Image: @shelflifebooksrva
Weekly Giveaway
Shelf Life Books
You saw that Chop Suey Books recently rebranded to Shelf Life Books, right? With Independent Bookstore Day coming up this weekend (Saturday, April 29!), we’re excited to shop local there and all around town at our other favorite bookish spots. But, as with any fun occasion, we can’t wait to celebrate. SO:
This week, we’re crossing off a title from your TBR list! You tell us what you want to read and we’ll ship it to you straight from Shelf Life Books.
To enter, tell us: What’s your favorite piece of Richmond history?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Sarah T., for winning our The Float Zone giveaway!
Image: Bugle Call Coffee
Member Perks
Bugle Call Coffee
Need something to pair with all your great reads? How about a cuppa home-brew? Bugle Call Coffee has new arrivals that ought to do the trick.
Members of The Richmond Experience get 20% off your first order here. Use code RVAX to redeem!
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 12 new members this week: Will C., Donald B., Tracey B., Megan W., Lauren D., Kathy F., Erika H., Ben T., Tori V., Cortney O., Meredith M., and Danielle Y., 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 254 of The Weekly Insider.
Same time next week!
- The Richmond Experience
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