Ed 297: Tarragon Chicken Salad, Bicycle Library, Roller Derby
Happy March, folks!
You know that thing where you see the kitty cut is set to be the haircut of the year and then you find a picture online to show your stylist and chit-chat with her about your springtime plans and then you love the way you look when she finishes and shows you in the mirror and then you get home and your hair actually looks more like kitty WHAT?
Well, that was my very situation with last week’s edition of the Insider! I took her in for a little trim and touch-up, she was lookin’ great, and then, the next morning… I realized she was still linking to Ed 295! And the sign-off was celebrating our 300th edition…?! Her hair was a damn mess!
But we’re back in business. I’ve updated my cosmetology cert, I’ve taken a deep breath, and now we’re really testing out a revamped email campaign. (Am I making any sense?)
Once again, if you’re *originally* reading this intro on our website, forget everything we just said — but make sure you’re signed up for our emails!
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including Alice in Wonderland igloos, a new way to tour the Arts District, America’s daffodil capital, and more.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Rain; high of 64°, low of 49°
Thursday: Showers; high of 56°, low of 40°
Friday: Cloudy; high of 58°, low of 46°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: CHARCUTERIE WORKSHOP AT HARDYWOOD RVA
Thursday, 6:30 - 8 pm: SALLY BEDELL SMITH: AUTHOR EVENT & BOOK SIGNING
Friday, 7 - 10 pm: KICK OFF TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY
CITY GUIDES
1. THE FAMILY CALENDAR: MARCH 2024
Image Source: Charles Yang
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Charles Yang: He’s got his wheels turning on RVA E-Bikes! Library, a partnership with Wheel Simple Bicycle Repair that allows riders to check out a bicycle for up to two weeks from the local library. Rentals are completely free and currently include a Linus Ember e6100 Step Through model and Linus Felix e6100 Step Over model.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Island Shrimp Co.
Image Source: Christopher’s RunAway Gourmay
Image Source: Institute for Contemporary Art
Image Source: Gloucester County
SOCIAL NEWS
Vacation’s all I ever wanted: Island Shrimp Co. kicked off its First Fridays series last week. Every first Friday of the month, the paradise come to life at Rocketts Landing will offer live music to enjoy with your Baja Fish Tacos (beer battered fish, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, cabbage, peppadew aioli, avocado, wonton crunch), Pineapple Daiquiri (Rhum Agricole Blanc, pineapple brandy, pineapple), or whatever you’re in the mood for. Reservations are highly recommended, so start planning for the next one, happening Friday, April 5! (Island Shrimp Co.)
Attn, Wahoo Richmonders: ICYMI, iconic Littlejohn’s is headed back to the Corner to set up shop again in its original location (1427 University Ave). Former swimmer *and* swim coach for University of Virginia, Bill Smyth, is leading the charge, as co-owner, to restore the sandwich shop, along with two others. The team plans to reflect the restaurant’s original menu items and atmosphere, while mixing in a few added details, too. With construction underway now, the new-and-improved Littlejohn’s will (potentially) be open this spring. (UVAToday)
Here come the cucumber cravings: Christopher’s RunAway Gourmay will open its carts again for the warm-weather months on Monday, March 18. Forecast permitting, from Monday through Friday, between 11:15 am and 2 pm, stop by 12th St and Marshall St, 8th St and Main St, or 12th St and Main St, and treat yourself to lunch for ten(ish) bucks. Personally, we love the Tarragon Chicken Salad (savory chicken breast salad with golden raisins), Lemon and Dill Tuna Salad (spicy tuna salad with cucumber), Marinated Cucumbers, and Sesame Pasta — if you’re looking for recs. (Instagram)
We’re all mad here: Juan’s Rooftop & Cantina is easing into dining-alfresco season with its Wonderland Igloos. Cozy up this spring in a magical, Alice-in-Wonderland-themed enclosure, featuring whimsical decorations and a special menu. Reservations are available now. We’re thinkin’ this would make a great brunch option, FYI. (Instagram)
What’s trending this month?: We mentioned in Ed 285 that the former owner of The Shaved Duck is bringing a new concept to the Fan, and the time has come for its doors to officially open! Trouvaille, an Italian restaurant, focuses its menu on seasonal offerings and cocktails and its space on a casual, fine-dining feel. Stop by and try the Ricotta app (crostini, chili peppers, and honey) followed by the Duck Breast entree (broccolini, cashew butter, Banyuls syrup, and pomegranate seeds). And if you’re looking for other new hot spots to try, we’ve got some ideas! (Trouvaille)
It’s bussin’: The Valentine recently introduced the Valentine Love Bus, a partner project between the Richmond-history museum and Gallery5. Now through May, you can hop on this free shuttle during First Fridays and scope out the Arts District. The shuttle stops at the Valentine, Gallery5, Institute for Contemporary Art, Elegba Folklore Society, and Broad St and 6th St. (Instagram)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🛼River City Roller Derby kicked off its 2024 season, and its next home bout is on Saturday, March 30. In the meantime, stay up-to-date with the org’s happenings through its cleverly-named Bruiseletter. (Instagram)
🌼Rumor has it that Gloucester, VA — just over an hour from Richmond! — is the daffodil capital of America. Party for its petals at the Gloucester Daffodil Festival on April 6 and 7. (Instagram)
Image Source: Gather & Hem
Weekly Giveaway
Gather & Hem
Had a chance to read The Trendspotter, yet? Let’s whet your appetite:
Located in the Miller & Rhoads department store building is Gather & Hem, a chic cocktail lounge welcoming travelers and locals alike. This re-imagined concept offers craft cocktails and appetizers, like Chesapeake Baked Oysters (a blend of the classic Rockefeller with the traditions of the Chesapeake Bay, this local oyster is shucked, topped with fresh spinach, Virginia ham, hollandaise, and nutmeg; laid over a bed of spiced rock salt).
This week, we’re giving away $15 toward your tab at the swanky spot! Maybe start with a Shrub Me the Right Way (Bombay Sapphire, Cointreau, lime, raspberry shrub)?
To enter, tell us: Is it “daylight savings time” or “daylight saving time”?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Megan E., for winning the Niche Pilates Studio giveaway!
Image Source: Brillard Boating
Member Perks
Brillard Boating
Spring is only two weeks away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start daydreaming about (and planning for!) summer, too. Brillard Boating offers 2.5- or 4-hour boating excursions. The crew picks you up from Osbourne Park and Boat Landing (next to The Lilly Pad) and drops you off exhausted and tan when the fun is done. Life jackets are provided, and gas is always included. In other words, Brillard Boating has the boat and the captain; you just need to bring the party people!
Members of The Richmond Experience can use code SALE25 for $25 off when you book a summer charter by April 15.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 21 new members this week: Adrienne T., Anna O., Nicholas L., Michael F., Jess S., Kelcey T., Graycen B., Jamie B., L M., Amber M., Rochelle J., Kendra N., Ashley T., Chris S., Giorgia B., Hollie R., Kelly W., John D., Natalie W., Bik G., and Annena E., 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 297 of The Weekly Insider.
BYE!
- The Richmond Experience
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