Ed 96: Arepas, Bike Tours, 'Rona Resources
Hey there!
Before we dive in, we feel it’s important to remind everyone why social distancing for the next seven days is so critical. Together, we can shape the trajectory of the coronavirus in the US so please do your part to #flattenthecurve. If you are still on the fence about whether or not the US is overreacting, check out this video from our friends over in Italy. It’s what they would have told themselves 10 days prior, and being that we are about 10 days behind them on the coronavirus timeline it seems we should listen up.
We also wanted to take a moment to share how deeply we appreciate our peers working in roles that serve our community and are unable to do so from their home. This includes pharmacy teams, garbage collectors, nurses, doctors, and everyone in the medical profession, cashiers at grocery stores and other essential spaces, veterinarians and their teams, first responders, delivery workers, suppliers, apartment and assisted living teams, caregivers, and beyond. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are our heroes!
Lastly, it’s easy to get caught up in news updates and social feeds and feel like there is no sign of normalcy anywhere so we are trying to channel some of our energy to small things that help these weird times feel a little less so. For example, this Thursday marks the official start of Spring! The weather is beautiful all week and since we’ve made it past daylight savings there is plenty of sunshine til 7pm and later. While many events in the next few weeks have been cancelled or postponed, we have so much to look forward to happening all around the city this year. Check out our Must-Attend Annual Events guide to get excited about better times ahead! So without further ado…
THE LATEST:
Image Credit: @alewiferva
Image Source: @eduiin_
Image Source: @riversidecycling
Image Source: Betty Clicker
SOCIAL NEWS
The Annual Elby nominations are in and you can check out the full lineup here! In its ninth year, The Elbys aim to celebrate the food and beverage industry throughout the Richmond region. It is an evening of celebration; for industry folks to take a night off, get dressed up, and celebrate their talents and accomplishments. (We can’t think of a time where this was more needed and we hope everyone is able to weather the storm and celebrate next month). According to the Richmond Mag website, “…finalists [were] culled from 200 surveys that were sent to previous winners, area food writers and restaurant professionals. Judging panels for each category will include two out-of-town judges and one judge from the Richmond region. Richmond magazine staffers do not participate in the judging.” Best Restaurant for Brunch is the only category which will be people’s choice, with voting open to the public for two weeks. The winners from last year are not eligible for nomination in the same category. We threw together a quick poll to see who YOU think should win because why not? (Note, this poll is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Richmond Mag. It’s just for fun — we’ll share the results next week.)
Two spots announced they are closing permanently. It seems both establishments may have been considering this move before the ‘rona madness and now with nationwide restrictions of gatherings greater than 10, it was time. Greenleaf’s Pool Room, which opened in 2014, and Citizen, which opened in 2011, both cited the closure was coming. Greenleaf’s large, downtown space had a cool vibe with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows spanning across a city corner. They offered craft cocktails and an upscale pool experience. They are also the owners of Hotel Greene, a neighboring mini golf and eatertainment spot. Meanwhile Citizen was a cozy lunch spot that was slammed with business people during the week. The owner said he was simply getting up there in age and wanted to retire soon.
Riverside Outfitters has an exciting update to their 2020 offerings! In addition to their usual adventures, including rafting, kayaking, and paddle-boarding, they will newly offer mountain and road bike tours, according to Jack Jacobs over at Richmond BizSense. “Riverside Cycling is the result of a collaboration between Riverside Outfitters and Richmond-native Max Pendergraph” writes the Riverside Outfitters website. The guided cycling tours include a 26-mile or 13-mile tour of the Virginia Capital Trail, a seven to ten-mile RVA Bike Tour which ends at a brewery, and a three to four-hour Mountain Bike Tour of Pocahontas State Park. Riverside Cycling will also offer custom tours.
More arepas are cooking in Richmond and we are so pumped to check them out! If you’re not familiar, an arepa is sort-of like a cross between a pancake and a tortilla and it is served similar to a sandwich. Inside the pocket you can usually find cheese, beans, shredded pork, or chicken. Chamo’s Arepa House at 8211 Hull Street Rd opened last week and they are currently offering delivery. Opening soon is Bocata Arepa Bar at 10170 W Broad St, reported by Eileen Mellon over at Richmond Mag. This spot is coming to you from the folks behind Bocata Latin Grill so you know it’s going to be good. Bocata Latin Grill has arepas on their menu and they are currently offering takeout. Keep an eye on the Arepa Bar’s Insta for opening announcements.
First Watch is not a local spot but they seem to be popping up EVERYWHERE! If you’re a fan, you’ll be excited to learn they are opening two more Richmond-area locations for a total of six. This Florida-based chain seems to be the only chain that has really thrived in RVA. We went once and it was fine — what’s all the hype about? (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Some rooms inside Quirk Hotel have recently received a fresh makeover! In partnership with the Visual Arts Center of Richmond and their Make Space program, Quirk Hotel introduces eight new customized mural guest rooms designed by local and international talent.
CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
Local restaurants, breweries, businesses, and beyond are adapting as quickly as possible and making changes to the way they conduct business . Initially, we planned to pull this information together for you here, but rather than reinvent the wheel, RVA Hub has put together Live Updates: Ongoing list and information on Richmond area institution and event closures, postponements which Richard Hayes is doing a wonderful job updating. Karri Peifer at Richmond Times-Dispatch also has an ongoing list which you can find here. Our Richmond restaurant scene has contributed tremendously to the growth of our city and now more than ever they need our support!
One of the best general resources we’ve come across is Morning Brew’s Guide to Living Your Best Quarantined Life. The article includes how to stay informed, complete with this beautiful global dashboard tracking coronavirus (also available in a mobile-friendly layout), tips for staying productive if you are working from home, and things to do when you are not working (the amount of ideas and resources they include is insane). Bookmark this as days turn into weeks and so on.
The first hour of shopping each Wednesday at Target (8:00am to 9:00am) is reserved for vulnerable guests including the elderly and those with underlying health concerns. Please share with family and friends who may need to pick-up essential items over the next few weeks.
Consider adopting or fostering a pet. If you’re planning to be home for the next several weeks then it might be a great time to help out a shelter animal in need. Plus, taking the dog (er, um cat?) for a walk is a nice way to pass time. Contact Christie at Richmond Animal Care and Control.
Donate blood if you can. There is a severe blood shortage in the Richmond area and donors are urgently needed. If you have not traveled in the past 14 days, have not had any cold or flu-like symptoms in the past 14 days, and obviously have not tested positive for covid-19 and are otherwise considered healthy then you are in a position to help.
Richmond Grid is hosting virtual happy hours with live music! The next one is scheduled for today at 3:30pm. We tuned in yesterday while we cooked dinner together in the kitchen and it was a nice way to transition out of work mode. Follow them on Instagram for updates.
Weekly Giveaway
Blue Bee Cider
$20 gift card
Blue Bee Cider was the first first urban cidery to open in Virginia! Their ciders are made with rare and heirloom Virginia apples prized for their tannin, acidity, and flavor. Located in the former stables of the city’s mounted unit, the cidery is listed on the national register of historic places. Under normal circumstances their patio is a beautiful place to sit in the Spring but for now they are offering curbside pick-up and delivery!
TO ENTER: Tell us where you would enjoy a chilled glass of cider today! Click the link to answer! A winner will be randomly selected to receive a $20 gift card.
Last week: Congratulations to Alyssa M. for being our giveaway winner of the week! She received a $30 Chop Chop gift card for local delivery. For a limited time, use code “SAFETY” for a waived delivery fee.
Member Perks
Bugle Call Coffee Co
Get coffee delivered directly to your door. No matter what the day holds, each day begins with your Morning Formation. Start your morning right, by letting Bugle Call Coffee be the jolt that helps you through your longest days and the catalyst for your boldest ideas. Wake up to the sound and smell of Bugle Call Coffee.
Members get a 20% discount on your first order. Use code: RVAX
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey new members!
We'd like to welcome six new members: Chelsea K., Bridgit K., John K., Marc R., Carly S., Mikayla B., 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 96 of the Weekly Insider.
Stay well friends,
Sam & Sean
new + trending from RVAx
OUR LOCAL PARTNERS
