Richmond Food News: Week of June 14-18, 2021

‘It’s the Love’

With a new home in Manchester, Philly Vegan is dishing out the City of Brotherly Love’s finest cheesesteaks, but with a twist. The former pop-up is spreading the joy of Whiz-topped hoagies — made with love for those following a plant-based diet — at their Hull Street eatery while also trying to help the community. (Richmond magazine)

Edible Escapes

Did someone say road trip? We recently hopped in the whip to explore four food-centric pit stops scattered across the commonwealth. From fun cocktails and beach vibes to local oysters with a view, a nearby food hall and a mountain escape where you can pick your own fruit, we’ve got a handful of tasty ideas for that summer adventure itinerary. (Richmond magazine)

Natural Evolution

Farmers markets are special places — community hubs where you run into familiar faces and an ultimate celebration of local, where shoppers can score some of the finest seasonal produce from area growers they know by name. With more than 20-plus markets around the region, writer and frequent market-goer Stephanie Ganz dives into the evolution of these places that have become anchors of the Richmond food community. (Richmond magazine)

ICYMI

On Saturday, Charlotte’s Southern Deli and Tapas chef-owners Nikki Gregory and Paul Polk will host a special Juneteenth event to highlight Black chefs across the state, from a Richmond-based, West African native private chef to a local chocolatier. (Richmond magazine)

Selling pastured chickens, woodlot pork, honey and more, Faye and Mark Clements are the dynamic duo behind Salt and Pepper Farm. (Richmond magazine)

Keep it cool and crisp with one of the season’s shining veggie stars — we’re talking about you, cukes. (Richmond magazine)

Known for Cajun boils and seafood, the East Coast chain Crab du Jour has unveiled a new restaurant, its largest to date, at 4338 S. Laburnum Ave. The 30,000-square-foot space is complete with a boat inside the restaurant that doubles as a DJ booth. Yes, you read that correctly. (News release)

Midlothian cafe Little Bean Coffee Co., which opened in 2019, is set to debut Graham’s Ice Cream a few doors down at 7038 Mechanicsville Turnpike later this summer, sourcing its scoops from Franklin County-based Homestead Creamery. (Richmond BizSense)

Hailing from Texas, Torchy’s Tacos — an early star on the Austin, Texas, food truck scene that in 15 years has grown to over 80 shops across the country — plans to unveil a location in the Carytown Exchange development by summer 2022. (Richmond BizSense)

A trifecta of local food ventures is joining forces — look for Polpetti Pockets, crispy lumpia and nitro cold brew all to be served under one roof. Filipino-inspired mobile venture Auntie Ning’s will join Italian concept Polpettti Catering and Williamsburg-based Column 15 Coffee in the former Red Cap Patisserie space, dubbed Market on Meadow, that is expected to open in July.

This Saturday, North Side’s Tabol Brewing will host an all-day affair dedicated strictly to lagers, Pils on Parade. Expect an appearance from RVA Wood Fired Pizza, along with a special pop-up from Food Network’s “Spring Baking Championship” winner Keya Wingfield, who plans to whip up fruit-powered mango milkshakes and seriously addictive masala potato chips.

RVA Love

Peep the pages of Craft Cider mag for an appearance from Bryant’s Cider. The Nelson County-based farm cidery operates a taproom on East Main Street, offering both cider and hard seltzer, but it’s their flagship offering, Unicorn Fuel, a hibiscus and rose hip-tinged sessionable cider, that recently got a special shout-out. The publication also shares a recipe for Roses & Unicorns, a cocktail made with gin, Unicorn Fuel and edible glitter for a little razzle-dazzle. (Cider Craft)

Upcoming Events 

We strongly encourage everyone to make safe and smart decisions and adhere to municipal and business guidelines related to the pandemic.

• Saffron Gourmet Pop-Up, Maymont (June 18): The Washington, D.C.-based Persian food truck makes its way to RVA.
• School’s out for Cider, Buskey Cider (June 18): Raise a pint to the last day of school — for every pint ordered, $2 will be donated to Building a Better RPS. 
• Juneteenth Powhatan 2021, Habitat for Humanity Powhatan (June 19): A celebration of commerce, culture and history with appearances from Black-owned food businesses Elegant Cuizines, Favour Cookie Co. and more.
• Low Country Boil: Carolina Girl Catering, Hatch Cafe (June 19): Buckets full of fresh crab legs, andouille sausage, shrimp, corn on the cob and potatoes. P.S.: There’s a vegan option, too.
• Summer Solstice Celebration, Courthouse Creek Cider (June 19): A daylong affair to ring in the season — expect small bites and spreads, a summer cocktail and plenty of tunes.
• Wines of Spain, Lobby Bar (June 19): Travel abroad via sips from Spain.
• Juneteenth Event, Six Points Innovation Center (June 19): A block party with live music, food trucks and youth performances
• Contraband Ferments: Fermented Vegetables and Hot Sauce, Mise en Place (June 19): Contraband Ferments leads a class on how to get funky with ferments.
• Cheers & Beers for Dad, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (June 20): Hardywood’s oyster stout makes an appearance, along with white clam pizza and oysters Rockefeller.
• Father’s Day BBQ & Beer Pairing Dinner Ticket, Midlothian Chef’s Kitchen (June 20): Celebrate Dad with a smoky feast featuring three courses and brews to boot.
• Father’s Day Floats and Boats, Mabel’s (June 20): Ring in the holiday on the sweet side with floats, ice cream sandwich flights and more for the ticketed event.
• Surrounding Counties Pop-up, The Veil Brewing Co. Forest Hill (June 20): Kolaches, chilaquiles and coffee, oh my. The West End coffee shop makes a special appearance at the Hill Standard.
• Tomato Dinner, Common House (June 23): Kickoff of the summer dinner series from Village Garden and Barboursville Vineyards featuring five courses dedicated to the summer fruit
• Food Truck Rally, The Diamond (June 24): The weekly dose of area food trucks

In Other Food News …

• Restaurants and bars aren’t the only businesses continuing to feel the impact of the pandemic. With their heavy focus on door-to-door and in-person sales, Girl Scout troops have been left with over 15 million boxes of unsold cookies. (Delish)