Ed 345: Ultimate Date-Night Spot, Soup Dumplings, Coffee Shop Openings
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Hello there!
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling an absolute jolt of delight over these last few 60ish-degree days. I can practically taste the big beers and Big Dill Dogs at the Bullpen Deck!
Now, at the same time, we’ve had about four (??) bonafide snow days in the last two weeks, and with ENGAGED PAIGE back in town, I’m doing a little whiplash recovery this week and leaving things short and sweet up here. Let’s not delay the real goods any longer.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including upcoming schedules for Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy, Ipanema Cafe closing info, orchid sale, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Sunny; high of 64°, low of 39°
Thursday: Cloudy; high of 63°, low of 46°
Friday: Sunny; high of 56°, low of 40°
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: RICHMOND SPEED DATING
Thursday, 6 - 9 pm: FLIGHTS FOR SIGHT
Friday, 5 - 9 pm: VIRGINIA WINE EXPO, DAY 1
CITY GUIDES
1. 8 BOOKSTORES TO EXPLORE IN RICHMOND
Image Source: VMFA; All I Ever Wanted Was to Kiss the Sun, 2023, by Andrew Norris
RICHMONDER(S) TO KNOW
VMFA Visual Arts Fellowship Award Recipients: Last week, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts announced the 2025–26 recipients of its Visual Arts Fellowship awards, including 24 professional artists and graduate and undergraduate students, eight of whom are Richmonders — HH Hiaasen (mixed media), Min-Haeng Kang (crafts), Andrew Norris (painting), Benjamin Rinehardt (film and video), Paul Thulin-Jimenez (photography), Erin Ehren (sculpture, VCU), Alexis Torres Marroquín (new and emerging media, VCU), and Nathaniel Newcomb (crafts, VCU). (Press Release)
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Ugly Dumpling
Image Source: Qahwah House
Image Source: @lewisginter
Image Source: @richmondkickers
SOCIAL NEWS
Looking for the ultimate date-night spot? According to its owners, Nouveau Provisions will be just that, opening its Carytown doors in the coming weeks at 3423 W Cary St — Bryant’s Cider’s former digs. The “cafe and wine lounge” will serve Nouveau Farms vino, Fireside Pizza, JC Desserts, and, in the future, coffee, tea, and JuiceLife RVA juices. (Richmond BizSense)
For those of you seeking more to-dos outside of Richmond proper, The Fishin’ Pig is now open in Glen Allen. When you’ve got a hankering for the “finest from land and sea,” this is your spot. The Fishin’ Pig offers ribs, catfish, loads of Southern sides, and lots more. *And* if you’re bringing the fam, kids eat free on Wednesdays, from 4 to 9 pm, when you purchase an adult meal. (The Fishin’ Pig)
The wait is over. Ugly Dumpling’s first Richmond location is now open in Willow Lawn. The spot has a little more than a handful of locations up and down the East Coast, with a few more coming soon on the horizon. Head there when you’re hungry for dim sum, soup dumplings, wontons, and any other “authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine blended with contemporary creativity and a little extra imagination.” (Ugly Dumpling)
What’s all the buzz? The city has seen a bump in new coffee shops, especially recently, and there are three more to excitedly anticipate in the coming months. Le Cache Dulcet opens this Friday, February 28, and will be Richmond’s first hybrid cafe and record shop; The Purrfect Bean plans to open in April and offer coffee drinks and a space for cats to roam and (hopefully!) be adopted; and, at a time TBD, Peaberry Coffee House, from the owner of Riverbend Roastery, Liberty Public House, and soon-to-open Chimbo Sandwich Shoppe, will set up shop, too. ICYMI, Abi’s Books & Brews, Fairuz Cafe, Qahwah House, and Calyx Cafe have all opened recently. (Richmond magazine)
Beloved vegetarian staple Ipanema Cafe has closed its doors. The spot was in biz for nearly thirty years, maintaining its status as a must-visit spot in The Fan. Owner Seth Campbell has not mentioned plans for what’s next, but the VCU Real Estate Foundation, who owns the building, says Ipanema’s lease is still active. (Richmond BizSense)
ICYMI, Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy have each released schedules for their 2025 seasons. Richmond Kickers kick things off on Friday, March 7, and their first home match happens on Wednesday, March 19, at 7 pm, while Richmond Ivy starts their season at home on Saturday, May 10, at 6 pm. Take note of the Richmond Kickers promotions while you’re making plans — Pups at the Pitch, Pride Night, RVA Craft Beer Festival fixtures, and more abound. (Richmond Kickers, Richmond Ivy)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🌸The Virginia Orchard Society and Sale happens this weekend, running February 28 through March 2 and featuring hundred of orchids on display and for sale, free lectures for beginners as well as experienced growers, the people’s choice award for best orchid display, orchid vendors, and more. (Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden)
Image Source: Virginia Wine Expo
Weekly Giveaway
Virginia Wine Expo
The Virginia Wine Expo welcomes the world's passionate wine drinkers and producers, spirits enthusiasts, and foodies to its unparalleled 10-day celebration of great wine, spirits, and local, artisan cuisine, happening February 28 through March 9.
If you attend only one of the Expo's 27 events, make it the Walk-Around Grand Tasting — the heart of the Expo, perfect for both passionate wine enthusiasts and novice drinkers who enjoy tasting and learning about fine wine, spirits, and food.
This week, we’re teaming up with the folks behind Virginia Wine Expo to give away two pairs of tickets to the Saturday evening, March 8, Walk-Around Grand Tasting! That’s two lucky winners getting two tix each.
To enter, tell us: How many varieties of wine grapes exist in the world today?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Caroline H., for winning the 7 Muffins A Day giveaway!
Image Source: Virginia Wine Expo
Member Perks
Virginia Wine Expo
While we’re on the topic of the Virginia Wine Expo, you may as well perk up here, too.
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.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 12 new members this week: J M., Krista C., Joanna C., Anna G., Victoria R., Scarlet S., Lesley S., Dee J., Margaret U., Joa P., Camden B., and Whitney P. , 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 345 of The Weekly Insider.
TTFN!
- The Richmond Experience
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