Ed 269: 100% College Acceptance, Romantic Getaways, Jet Skis
Powered by Cirrus Vodka — it’s the Jala-Piña Mule Kit for us. Buy it here, or make plans to have one at the tasting room here. Or (definitely) both!
Hi, hi, hi!
It’s true: The Pumpkin Spice Latte murmurings have begun, and the drop date is supposedly even earlier this year – August 24. There’s a Spirit Halloween already set up in my nearest shopping center. And I… even… needed a sweatshirt the other day.
But we can’t let them do this to us! It’s still summertime, and the first day of fall is more than a month away. There are new restaurant openings, concerts to attend, WARM-weather drinks to be had. We must continue to soak. It. All. IN.
I love you, Pumpkin Spice. But I’ll TTYL.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a globally-inspired menu, honey macchiatos, mini falafel gyros, and more.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Mostly sunny; high of 89°, low of 70°
Thursday: Scattered t-storms; high of 86°, low of 67°
Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 89°, low of 68°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 5:45 - 8:45 pm: HARDYWOOD 804 RUN CLUB WEDNESDAYS
Thursday, 5 - 9 pm: FIDOS AFTER 5
Friday, 7 pm: PRIDE AT THE MARKET
CITY GUIDES
1. 4 ROMANTIC, NEARBY GETAWAYS TO TAKE WITH YOUR SO
2. WHERE TO GO FOR FREE WINE TASTINGS EVERY WEEK (PLUS OTHER ~NOTES~)
RICHMONDER(S) TO KNOW
Cristo Rey Richmond High School Class of 2023: This year’s entire senior class at Cristo Rey Richmond High School earned college acceptance! The school opened in 2019, so this is an especially high note for the first graduating class to end on. *Congrats, grads!* Richmond magazine has the full story here, but we especially love this tidbit from Lynn Waidelich, principal and chief academic officer at Cristo Rey. “This class of students took a significant leap of faith by choosing to enroll in a school that didn’t yet exist. They stuck with us as we learned the ins and outs of running a high school. They … endured virtual learning [during the COVID-19 pandemic]. They built a community and traditions that will last well into the future. They took honors and AP classes. They wrote essays and read novels. They honed their voices and developed their problem-solving skills. They completed 896 applications to 530 different colleges, and they were awarded over $15.2 million in financial aid. They showed us what is possible for our students, and they did so with humor, determination and a little bit of swagger.”
THE LATEST:
SOCIAL NEWS
Now OPEN: We caught at least *four* major openings recently, and we’re salivating over it all here! Your lunch and dinner (plus!) plans ahead:
For your next cup of Joe: Reviresco Coffee Co. opened its colorful door at the end of last month, and the yellow-striped awnings and bright blue entrance have us all, “CUTE!” Pop by the micro coffee café roastery near the Museum District from 6:30 am to 2 pm, Monday through Saturday, for things like the (seasonal!) honey macchiato, chocolate chip muffins, and more. (Instagram)
For non-tradish hot dogs, smoked meats, sandwiches, and more: Global Fusion has you covered. The new spot opened in the Fan on Friday, celebrating with menu discounts, giveaways, and delicious grub galore. Open from 11 am to 8 pm daily (except for Tuesdays), Global Fusion is there when you’re in the mood for globally-inspired cuisine. Cuba, France, Greece, and Korea are just some of the places represented on the menu. (Instagram)
For mini falafel gyros: Head to Hatch Local Food Hall. Greek on Cary, which has a stand-alone spot on Cary St (where else?), just opened its kitchen at Hatch, as well. Stop by the Manchester set-up until 9 pm (or 10 pm, depending!) throughout the week, and scratch that dining-hall itch. (Instagram)
For stocking your supply cabinet: Make or Made debuted its offerings on Saturday. The crafty shop is another new resident of the Fan and sells packaging and shipping needs and supplies for macramé, polymer clay, vinyl, laser cutting, sublimation, jewelry, and more. And, considering the name — of course — you can also find handmade goods in-store, if you’re more into buying than making, per se. (Instagram)
They moved!: Not only have new hot spots been opening all around town, but some of our seasoned faves are changing locations. Update your address book ASAP:
Visit your auntie’s new digs: For a while, you could find the best authentic Filipino food in RVA at the Market on Meadow, but now Auntie Ning’s has plans to set up shop at ChefSuite. The full-service ghost kitchen operator on Broad St currently offers eats from It’s Worth the Wait, Kobi’s Soul Food, Latin Quarter, On a Roll Italian Subs, and Sunrise Caribbean Cuisine, and Auntie Ning’s will move in soon, expanding its menu and sharing some special sweets. (Instagram)
Packing and unpacking: After about one year in Shockoe Slip, Sprezza has cleared out its restaurant, with plans to move to the Fan. Owner Angela Petruzzelli says the neighborhood is where she first lived when she moved to Richmond, so the change “feels right.” While she and her staff work toward an opening date (TBD!), Sprezza will host a few unique pop-ups. Keep an eye on social media for updates. (Instagram)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
☕️Sugar & Twine has reopening-ish and expansion news. (Richmond BizSense)
🚧Willow Lawn is in talks to undergo a major update. (Richmond BizSense)
Weekly Giveaway
Bar West
You caught our guide for $10(ish) lunches around town, right? If not, let’s catch you up a bit:
Hot off the (food) press is Bar West’s 3 for $12 menu, offering a sandwich, soup or salad, and a side. There’s a Brioche BLT, there’s seasonal fruit, there’s chopped salad — like, there’s your lunch.
This week, we’re giving away a $15 gift card to Bar West! Enough for that combo and a little something to wash it down.
To enter, tell us: What president was a licensed bartender?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winners, Haley L., Brianna M., Brandi L., and Cole K., for winning The National giveaway!
Member Perks
Virginia Watersports
Channel your Alex Hitchens-and-Sara-Melas energy this summer and get out on the James. Virginia Watersports provides an exciting and safe jet ski experience — and puts you on the river at Osborne Park and Boat Landing, right near The Lilly Pad!
Members of The Richmond Experience get 15% off a jet ski rental with code: RVAJETSKIX15.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 19 new members this week: JT N., Tonia E., Michelle B., Mark H., Jenna L., Michele L., Jackson H., Kyle B., Wendy G., Richard H., Alex F., Danielle R., Hope K., Nancy S., MacLaine B., Madison A., Nicole P., Barbara H., and Lisa S., 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 269 of The Weekly Insider.
XOXO!
- The Richmond Experience
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