Ed 95: music lineup, food news, census & coronavirus
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Hey there!
What a week in Richmond! On the one hand, the weather has been beautiful, so we’ve been spending more time outside, and on the other, you can’t open your social media accounts without seeing at least a dozen or more mentions of COVID-19 aka Coronavirus. Should we be worried? What will happen? Only time will tell, but we’re personally keeping our eye on reputable sources, including Virginia Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization.
In other news, April 1 is Census Day, and you should receive something in the mail within the next few days. You can respond by mail, online, or by phone. Not the most exciting social news but essential nonetheless! Here’s why: “[The census] counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy” states census.gov. We know Richmond has grown tremendously over the last decade, so we can’t wait to see what the 2020 numbers look like!
And lastly, the good stuff. We’ve got a new spot opening very soon in Scott’s Addition, an ice cream shop coming to North Side, the lineup for Friday Cheers, and other noteworthy happenings. If you’re staying away from germs but still like to eat local, then this week’s giveaway is for you! Onward…
THE LATEST:
SOCIAL NEWS
Will “not a porn shop” be the slogan for En Su Boca’s second location? According to Mike Platania at Richmond BizSense, the popular tex-mex spot is finally adding to their roster after more than a handful of successful years on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Aiming for a similar concept, the owners will be opening in The Pit and The Peel’s former spot on Main Street in the Fan. We love En Su Boca for their taco bowls, wings ( yep, get the wings at this taco spot), and frozen margaritas. Skipping out of work a bit early? Hit their happy hour from 3-6pm for $2 tacos, .75 cent wings, and $6 house margs (frozen or on the rocks). Look for the second spot to open towards the end of summer.
For over 100 years, Duke’s Mayo, made locally by Sauer Brands Inc., has been a staple in kitchens across the country, and now, Duke’s is getting a seat at the table beyond mayonnaise. Late last month the local brand giant introduced five BBQ dipping sauces; Georgia Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce, Alabama-Style White BBQ Sauce, Tennessee Smoke & Whiskey BBQ Sauce, Hickory Moonshine BBQ Sauce, and Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce. You can snag them now in the condiments aisle. Personally, we’re eyeing the zingy, Alabama-style white sauce!
North Side is getting an ice cream shop as Ruby Scoops opens at the corner of Brookland Park Boulevard and Fendall Ave (across from Alma’s, catty-cornered from Fuzzy Cactus)! Jack Jacobs at Richmond BizSense dishes about this popular DC-based pop-up that’s making RVA a little sweeter. You may have seen Ruby and her team popping up for V72 a few weeks ago offering vegan flavors like Autumn Apple, Chai Spice, and Mango. We’re really excited for this brick-and-mortar to open!
The official lineup was announced yesterday for Friday Cheers! You can check it out here including which shows will cost $5 or $10.
More pizza is coming to the city, this time in Scott’s Addition! In what is much-needed in our opinion, a pizza spot is finally opening in SA thanks to Craig Perkinson, former head chef at Southbound, and Ian Newell, owner of Goatacado. Eileen Mellon at Richmond Mag reports the grab-and-go spot will be called People’s Pizza, and she offers a peek into their menu, hours, and how it all got started. Doors should open early next month, the spot is located on the backside of Three Notch’d. While the physical address is 2930 W Broad St, the joint actually sits on Altamont just behind Richmond Wine Station.
This is pretty cool, did you know there is an athletic shoe company based right here in Richmond? Jack Jacobs at Richmond BizSense has the scoop on Kinis, a 2018 startup that offers a skin-like shoe to be worn during workouts. According to the article, Kinis is expanding its offerings to include an everyday shoe called The Lucy. Read more here. Seems like these shoes would pair nicely with another local startup, and my personal favorite, L & M Company, which offers three styles of leggings. Get 20% off your order using code “RVAX”.
Spring is the perfect time to hit the trails! Between the modest temps and the start of blooming, it is both comfortable and beautiful! Our friends over at visitroanoke.com put together a handy guide for the Best Hiking Trails to Bring Your Dog in Virginia's Blue Ridge and it’s worth a bookmark. If you’re looking for something closer to home, check out Escape the Hustle of City Life with Richmond Trails or 6 Must-Do Hikes Within 2 Hours or Less contributed by Keep Virginia Cozy.
ICYMI, in some mouth-watering news, Mrs. Yoder’s donuts returned to the South of the James Farmers Market this past Saturday. They usually take a few weeks hiatus over the winter despite the market staying open year-round. Here’s a useful map of all the vendors. Happy Spring!
NATIONAL
The heavy-hitters of our local restaurant scene were recently highlighted in Southern Living Magazine! In Where to Eat in Richmond, Virginia, Right Now, writer Zoe Denenberg covers Alewife, Mama Js, Longoven, Sub Rosa Bakery, and others. Give it a read to see which dishes they highlight and a brief list of additional note-worthy spots.
Alewife also landed on The Daily Meal’s 101 Best Restaurants in America list. If you’ve got any travel scheduled this year (avoid coughing peoples) and bookmark this article so you check out an amazing restaurant in another city.
Weekly Giveaway
Chop Chop Local Food Delivery
$25 gift card
Chop Chop is Richmond’s only local food delivery service! Owned and operated by a fellow Richmonder, Chop Chop partners with local restaurants only so you can get your faves when hunger strikes. Order online or download their app available on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Check out 7 Local Favs That Deliver and get $7 off using code “Instagram7.”
TO ENTER: Tell us your favorite local spot to order takeout! Click the link to answer! A winner will be randomly selected to receive a $25 gift card.
Last week: Congratulations to Corinna B. for being our giveaway winner of the week! Enjoy your coffee and don’t forget to check out Colette Miller’s wings on the patio!
Member Perks
City Barre in Scott’s Addition
If you’re looking for a killer workout, but also a great community with fun events and programming, then City Barre is your place. Over there they love barre but they also love wine. Similarly, they love avocado but they sometimes eat it in guac with a lot of chips and margaritas because they believe in balance. Did I mention they also have a monthly book club? Every day brings a fresh format and playlist, challenging not only your body, but also your mind all while having fun in a kick-ass space that welcomes everyone not only to come, but to stay.
City Barre is beneficial for all bodies, and all levels of fitness. Their instructors are also trained on providing modifications for pregnancy and injuries. Come as you are! There's room for everyone in the City!
Members get 2-weeks unlimited classes for $50.
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey new members!
We'd like to welcome 12 new members: Caitlin H., Rachel D., Rachel O., Rachel M., Cindy C., Gretchen S., Jett J., Jessica P., Katie S., Lauren R., Hannah H., and Ginay K., 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 95 of the Weekly Insider.