Ed 336: RVA Survivor Competition, Oven-Roasted Feta, Free Wine Tastings
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Hiii!
I saw Salty Oldman’s bio on an RVA Mag opinion piece this morning: “A veteran writer from Richmond who’s seen it all. Don’t take what I write too seriously — I certainly don’t.” I like that last line, especially. I think that’s the energy I want to take into 2025.
If you had a rough year, I feel you. If you had a great year, I feel you, too. I started 2024 with a diagnosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and I ended 2024 by going in with my friend on this here biz. Oh, and that RVA Mag piece I referenced was about (one of) the latest WTF news headlines: those recent drone sightings here and there. So, like, yes, personally, nationally, globally, and everything in between, this year’s been… somethin’.
As always, I hope you’re taking care of yourself as you go through it all. This’ll be our last Weekly Insider for 2024, and when we catch you up top here again on January 1, I’ll look forward to getting back down to clown with you in the new year. It’s gonna be fun — see you then.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a modern Basque-inspired spot, $5 beers, Church Hill BBQ, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Rain likely; high of 63°, low of 45°
Thursday: Partly sunny; high of 54°, low of 35°
Friday: Cloudy; high of 47°, low of 34°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 7 - 9 pm: HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Thursday, 5 - 7 pm: SOBER HAPPY HOUR
Friday, 6 - 7 pm: THE LUMINARY CEREMONY
CITY GUIDES
1. 12 UNDERRATED THINGS TO ENJOY IN THE RICHMOND AREA FOR UNDER $15(ISH)
Image Source: @survivorrva
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
SuRVAvor: Season 47 of Survivor ends this week, but our thirsting for Jeff Probst — er, uh — *for good, clean fun will be replaced with our excitement for Season 1 of SuRVAvor. Contestant apps are due this Sunday, December 22, for the RVA-based take on the famous reality TV competition, and creator Gregory Friedberg just announced he teamed up with the owners of Sharp’s Island to host the inaugural game there. Contestants and crew will camp overnight on June 7 — if they can hack it, that is.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: @restaurantadarra
Image Source: @belmontfoodshop
Image Source: Library of Virginia
Image Source: Alamo BBQ
SOCIAL NEWS
A delish work in progress: Restaurant Adarra has officially opened its doors. The modern Basque-inspired spot for eats and drinks is taking a “controlled” approach to its first few weeks, they say. Reservations are available but limited, walk-ins for bar seating are welcome, and if you don’t get a spot with either/or, try again — “we will be expanding as we feel comfortable,” as they put it. (Instagram)
How to spend a Texas Beach day: Brazen has plans to open The Fan in January. The 40-seat restaurant will offer lunch and dinner, including a menu of braised meats and veggies, along with vegan and gluten-free options. Think: chili wings, crispy salads, oven-roasted feta, and a helluva lot more. The spot is owned by four friends, some of whom previously worked at Tarrant’s, The Daily Kitchen & Bar, Lunch.Supper!, Pinky’s, L’Opossum, Edo’s Squid, and Maple & Pine; all of whom started brainstorming this partic adventure at Texas Beach. (Richmond magazine)
Books and baked goods: Library of Virginia will soon have a new cafe. Can Can Brasserie closed its operations over there earlier this year, after the original spot’s ownership change-over, and now Whisk is moving in. While maintaining its original location in Shockoe Bottom, the new set-up at the Library plans to serve coffee, baked goods, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and salads. (Richmond BizSense)
People are still getting in the pop-up(esque) spirit. Pink Room and Little Nickel are the latest to post about their options. Pink Room is hosting its Christmas Pajama Party all this weekend — December 19 through 21. Wear your hottest x-mas PJs and stop by for some retro party snacks, cookies, and martinis (at least). And at Gingerbread Cove at Little Nickel, enjoy festive cocktails, holiday music, special decorations, now until the new year. (Instagram, Instagram)
Alamo Cuban for us, plz. While Alamo BBQ hibernates for the winter, you can get your Church Hill BBQ fix at Frontier. The sister restaurant has started serving again, offering a full Alamo menu, some Frontier favorites, and happy hour options. After a couple of off seasons between the pandemic and now, the spot is pivoting to a seasonal situation and keeping things up and running at Frontier while Alamo shuts down until spring(ish). (Instagram)
Late-night plans ahead: Belmont Food Shop is now hosting After Hours. From 9:30 pm to 12 am on Fridays and Saturdays, you can enjoy drink specials, like $5 beer and wine or $8 cocktails, along with After Hours snacks. (Instagram)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🍷FYI, new wine shop Dinner Party hosts free wine tastings every Thursday, from 5 to 7 pm. (Instagram)
❤️While you’re looking ahead to the new year, consider putting the MLK Day of Service on your cal in January. (Facebook)
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Weekly Giveaway
EFM Waxing
Around this time of year, you *may* be way in the mood for some self-care, so let’s help you get a spa treatment on your calendar ASAP. EFM Waxing provides a clean, comfortable environment for your wax sesh, whether you’re in need of a Brazilian wax, facial wax, or bikini wax.
This week, we’re teaming up with EFM Waxing to give away a free wax of your choice! (Note: This excludes a full leg wax.)
To enter, tell us: What local biz have you shopped this holiday season?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Kimberly V., for winning the Sugar Magnolia giveaway!
Image Source: EFM Waxing
Member Perks
EFM Waxing
Too excited to wait for the giveaway winner reveal? We’ve got a perk for that 🎉
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 50% off your first wax (excluding a full leg wax) when you mention The Richmond Experience at booking!
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 57 new members this week: LA D., Erica C., Emily S., Sarah B., Lauryn S., Emily R., Julia S., Noel C., Brynn A., Alissa T., Alex N., Carly G., Emily S., Aleigha S., K N., Hollie V., Tracey M., Jen M., Hannah F., Frankie S., Elizabeth A., Mikaela R., Emily N., Ian G., Rachel B., Caroline B., Becca N., Lisa M., Caroline L., Melissa A., Louis M., Paige T., Lauren L., Anita S., Caroline B., Deidra S., Isabelle B., Elisabeth C., Asiah C., Drew S., Amy T., Madison B., Danielle I., Trish S., Ashley A., Amy C., Carla C., Sarah K., Alyssa P., Annie B., Chloe G., Nathan S., Natalie T., Lis B., Ashley M., Joanne C., and Andrea 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 336 of The Weekly Insider.
See you here ~next year~!
- The Richmond Experience
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