Ed 340: Toilet Destroyer, Gym Class Discount, New Bookstore
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Hi!
I’m big into sleuthing over here. Lots of my content inspo comes from perusing r/rva and other corners of the internet to see what new-to-me things we should be checking out for you next, and in the interest of passing on as much hot goss as possible, here’s an extremely-mini city guide I’ll call, Recent WWW Findings I Need to Check Out IRL ASAP:
Folks love Small Friend Records & Books. The cozy-looking, woman-owned book and record store fancies “the radical, weird, and obscure.”
Jannat Indian Cuisine has been *repeatedly* noted as the restaurant offering THE best Indian food in the Richmond area.
Lots of the online community says you can get lost at West End Antiques Mall, and their site def seems to support those claims. They’ve got 250 booths and 53,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles to look through.
Now, let’s get into some other local tidbits you may not know enough about.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a Boulevard Burger & Brew update, training tips for Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, a neighborhood bar for Deadheads, and more.
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RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Keya Snacks: Surely you know Richmonder Keya Wingfield, who won Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship, Season 7, but the profesh chef is now in the thick of relaunching her chip company. Keya Snacks features India-inspired chips, which are *currently* selling at @ellwoodsrva, @stellasgrocery, @barrelthief, @finecreekbrewing, @finecreekprovisions, @vmfamuseum @perkbonair, @littlehouserva, @belmontbutchery, @ladlesandlinenskitchenshoppe, and @tugwellsrva. Snag a bag (or a few) on your next trip out and about.
THE LATEST:
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Image Source: @ilysm_books
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SOCIAL NEWS
We love this so much: Another independent book store is opening in RVA next month! I Love You So Much Books will offer new and pre-loved books, plus used CDs, vinyls, and DVDs. Head over to 119 W Brookland Park Blvd on, fittingly, Valentine’s Day for the spot’s soft opening or on February 15 for its grand opening and market. The soft opening will have @fieldfloral @bigdaypolaroids, @saltandacidrva, and @djrudyhlopez in the house, and the grand opening will feature coffee by @piscoffeerva, a tattoo popup with @ditzinlove, tunes from @positive.ion.sound, and other local vendor support from @maven.theory, @emilyewicks @pelikanprintco, and @lassolalune_studio. (Instagram, Instagram)
The kind of news that makes us want to patty: As you may remember, a car crashed into Boulevard Burger & Brew last fall and the beloved burger spot has been temporarily closed, and working to repair itself, since. But things are progressing well. A new, larger patio has been laid, and new windows were set for install this month, as well. Next, Boulevard Burger & Brew plans to make some more fixes inside before it’s ready to reopen, with some added menu items in tow. We’ll be there for that *and* the Kelly’s Classic whenever they’re ready to rock and roll again. (Instagram)
Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty — Ripple Ray’s opened last week in Carytown. The Grateful Dead-inspired neighborhood bar features a psychedelic backdrop and a menu of “edibles and drinkables,” like an all-day Hippie Hour, a Hippie Meal (a shot and a beer for $5), local and domestic brews, apps, wings, sandwiches, and much more. The spot plans to regularly host live music, too. (Richmond magazine, Instagram)
Downtown is officially sporting a new resident. Padel Plant is opening to the public in phases over the coming weeks, and its first phase debuts this month. The community-oriented padel, pickleball, and social experience setting up shop by the Canal Walk will start offering five courts for open play (outside of construction hours — weekdays from 6 to 10 pm and weekends from 8 am to 10 pm). Then in February, folks can start enjoying The Plant Cafe, The Bar, the locker rooms, and the shop. And into spring, Padel Plant will be fully open, including Smokestack Pizza, two outdoor courts, and a large alfresco seating area. (Padel Plant Newsletter)
How to train for a 10K: Join the Sports Backers YMCA 10K Training Team. Starting Saturday, February 1, the org’s group of amazing coaches will begin hosting weekly runs at 18 different YMCAs in the area. By registering for the training team, you get much more than the opp to hit your 10K goals, too. To name just a few highlights, signing up scores you entry to the race itself (happening April 12), an interactive training guide with a 10-week schedule, and 10 free visits to your local Greater Richmond YMCA (many of which offer childcare while you work out, BTW). (Sports Backers)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🏳️⚧️If you’re looking for ways to lift up Richmond’s trans community, TransJam is rallying local support — and has already enabled tremendous results. (Instagram)
🥪Susie’s now offers lunch service, open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm. (Instagram)
🚽There was a… toilet-destroyer situation (??) at Social 52 late last week. (Instagram)
Image Source: Foxtail Coffee Co.
Weekly Giveaway
Foxtail Coffee Co.
Whether you need a caffeine pick-me-up or just need to hold something warm in these frigid temps, we’ve got you covered.
This week, we’re giving away a $15 gift card to Foxtail Coffee Co.! The new coffee shop has a super cozy atmosphere, to boot. Stop and sip a while.
To enter, tell us: In which American states is it illegal to get married on a dare?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Melissa M., for winning the restaurant gift card giveaway!
Image Source: Virginia Wine Expo
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From intimate wine dinners, fascinating Masterclass seminars, and themed events, you'll be certain to find unique experiences — many at historic venues — that satisfy even the most discriminating palate.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 20% off the General Saturday Evening Walk-Around Grand Tasting, VIP/Early Sunday Afternoon Walk-Around Grand Tasting, and General Sunday Afternoon Walk-Around Grand Tasting! Use code VWEGrand25 at checkout.
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Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 11 new members this week: Caroline M., Sydney K., Joseph S., Brayan R., Autumn K., Jennifer B., Aja W., Melissa R., Przemyslaw P., Carla D., and Matthew L., 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 340 of The Weekly Insider.
TTYL!
- The Richmond Experience
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