Ed 294: Richmond Stories, Dracula Tickets, Pilates Studio
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Happy Valentine’s Day, Insiders!
During this season of 💙love💙, we’re thinking about just how much we appreciate you members! We especially like to linger on the kind messages we get from you, and one that came across my desk recently is sweet *and* highlights a local biz — another thing we love to love:
“Hey, guys!
Love the newsletter. I recently came across a new restaurant called Global Fusion; it’s right in the Fan next to Goatacado. You guys definitely need to check out this place. They have an amazing Cuban sandwich, and the owner is super passionate about gourmet sandwiches.
No affiliation with them other than being a fan of the sandwiches, and I wish more people knew about the place. Left a good review, but it saddens me to see the place kind of empty during the lunch hour when it should be packed.
You should stop by for sure!”
Consider it a deal, dear reader. And if you OTHER dear readers have recs, too, send them our way — you better believe we’re always down for a Cuban sandwich and then some.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a Carytown parking PSA, a new cocktail lounge, where to order ramen for delivery, and more.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Sunny; high of 51°, low of 31°
Thursday: Partly cloudy; high of 60°, low of 27°
Friday: Cloudy; high of 52°, low of 35°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 5 - 10 pm: VALENTINE’S DINNER AND A MOVIE
Thursday, 5 - 8 pm: HARDYWOOD BOOK SWAP
Friday, 5:30 - 7:30 pm: A COMMON HOUSE CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY
CITY GUIDES
1. HOW TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY IN RVA
2. WHERE TO BUY FLOWERS FOR ANY SPECIAL OCCASION (OR JUST BECAUSE, TBH)
Image Source: The Valentine
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
The Valentine: Founded by and named after Mann S. Valentine, Jr., the Valentine is the only museum focused on the history and culture of the Richmond region, working to engage, educate, and challenge a diverse audience by highlighting the River City’s stories. Peruse the current exhibitions, attend one of the history talks, or explore the museum otherwise and get to better know RVA.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Ruby Scoops
Image Source: Gather & Hem
Image Source: 9 Muses
Image Source: Niche Pilates Studio
SOCIAL NEWS
Let’s get straight to the pint: Ruby Scoops is celebrating Black History Month with a series of delish collabs. All throughout February, the ice cream and sweets shop will highlight five local black chefs and the flavors they say represent them best. Head over and enjoy:
Leah’s Grape Cobbler (sugar cookie dough dough ice cream with grape jam and black pepper oregano shortbread)
Blackfolkfood Chocolate (Ruby Scoops signature 63% chocolate case with swirls of Blackfolkfood-seasoned guava ripple)
Lillie Pearl Banana Pudding (vegan banana ice cream with candied walnuts, banana sauce swirl, and vegan cookie chunks)
High On The Hog (bacon salted caramel ice cream studded with candied bacon)
Bissap Sorbet (hibiscus, warm spices, ginger, lime, mint, and passion fruit) (Instagram)
Parking PSA: GRTC has a reminder for anyone parking in bus stops: Don’t! “You can block people getting on two, three, or four buses at a time, even if you’re just there for 15 minutes.” Not only is it a hassle for bus riders, it’s a safety hazard, too, says GRTC. Folks who use some sort of walking assistance cannot easily maneuver busy streets if a bus is forced to pull over elsewhere, for example. (Instagram)
Sip sip hooray: Gather & Hem is now open downtown. The cocktail lounge in the heart of Richmond features a menu of cocktails, beers, and wines to pair with shared plates in a chic environment. Enjoy a snack at the spot within the old Miller & Rhoads department store building after work or before a show. Whatever you choose, says the lounge and eatery, “let's elevate the ordinary and make every moment extraordinary together. (Instagram)
What’s your 20?: The Boathouse, Island Shrimp Co., and Casa Del Barco have dropped the automatic 20% service fee on all checks. Often pooled and evenly distributed among the restaurant staff, HOUSEpitality Family, who owns each restaurant, instituted the service fee amidst COVID-19’s peak to ensure employees would receive an adequate wage. Now that things have become more stable, and given the mixed feedback from patrons, the restaurant group was ready for a change. And to celebrate, it’s offering 20% off the entire menu on Tuesday, February 20, at all locations for The Boathouse, Island Shrimp Co., and Casa Del Barco. Make your resy now! (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Some a-Muse-ing news: 9 Muses opened in Scott’s Addition on Saturday. The retail market exclusively sells work from local artists, musicians, and other creators and currently highlights more than 20 Richmonders. Shop comics, pottery, jewelry, apparel, and much, much more in-store and online ASAP. (Instagram)
Find your niche: Niche Pilates Studio will open its new spot this Friday, February 16. The studio is situated off W Main St in the Fan and offers reformer classes, mat and yoga classes, and a pilates gym. Party with some grand opening promotions this weekend when you pay a visit. (Niche Pilates Studio)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🍜You can now order delivery from Slurp! Ramen. (Instagram)
🕺In honor of Harry Styles turning 30 this month, Hardywood dropped You’re So Golden — a juicy, golden double IPA. (Instagram)
🗳The city voted in favor of a rezoning request in Rocketts Landing, which could lead to the redevelopment of a lightly used riverfront property. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Image Source: Tulsa Ballet
Weekly Giveaway
Dracula
Get swept up in a gothic romance this month as the Richmond Ballet presents Dracula with the Richmond Symphony at Dominion Energy Center, Friday, February 16, through Sunday, February 18. A bold, dramatic ballet, the Virginia premiere of Ben Stevenson’s Dracula takes the classic tale of the titular vampire and his brides to all new heights. Snag tix at etix.com or by calling the Richmond Ballet Box Office at (804) 344 - 0906 x224 — or from us.
This week, we’re teaming up with the Richmond Ballet to give away two tickets to the Dracula performance on Sunday, February 18, at 6:30 pm! Enter freely and of your own free will!
To enter, tell us: What is one rec our social media manager, Paige, made on the Live Like A Local podcast? (Haven’t listened, yet? Check it out here or here!)
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winners, Matt C. and Rachel V., for winning the SMOKED! General: A Whiskey, Wine & Global Smoked Cuisine Experience giveaway!
Image Source: Adam Kliebenstein for The National
Member Perks
The National & Virginia Credit Union LIVE!
Want the hook-up on even more tickets for shows around town? We can help with that.
Members of The Richmond Experience get special access to free and discounted concert tickets at The National and Virginia Credit Union LIVE!
Tickets listed as “All In” offers are all-inclusive of any online service fees. Free ticket offers are subject to a small processing fee at checkout, which will cover up to four tickets. All offers end at 10 pm EST the day before the event date, so don’t wait!
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 17 new members this week: Alana C., Angela F., Haylea D., B G., Olivia K., Claudia S., Carthen S., India W., Amy Z., Elizabeth C., Kimberly P., Anita W., Sarah F., Milagro C., Drew P., M S., and Jenna G., 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 294 of The Weekly Insider.
XOXO!
- The Richmond Experience
Thank you to AR Workshop for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
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