Style Weekly
Richmond's alternative for news, arts, culture and opinion
Short Order
by Deveron Timberlake
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If Je Depew is giddy about getting a liquor license, it's because Jumpin J's Java in Church Hill has hit another milestone, and this one promises to be a big boost for the trailblazing business in a neighborhood that has embraced its bohemian energy.
Starting May 1, dinner will be served along with a rotating menu of wines, beers and specialty beverages such as organic and gluten-free beers, champagne and hard-to-find wines with moderate markups.
Executive chef Karen Kourkoulis, most recently at TJ's, is designing a fresh-weekly menu featuring local ingredients. Mediterranean influences will be a signature, she says, "and we're a work in progress — we will take people's suggestions about what they want. We've had a tremendous amount of local support for this."
Some of that includes encouragement from TJ's chef Jannequin Bennett to add vegetarian and vegan options for that growing segment of the dining public.
Depew is adding patio dining under triangular sailcloths from Australia, and she has redesigned the coffee shop to allow room for more tables and a bar. A soft opening has some remaining spots for prix-fixe dinners at the end of April. See jumpinjsjava.com for details. 2306 Jefferson Ave. 344-3500.
Petersburg's culinary scene gets some attention this month at A Food Tasting, featuring what's being billed as the finest food from a retinue of restaurateurs, including Alexander's, Wabi Sabi, Andrades and a dozen others.
Orchestral music and a silent auction will enhance the afternoon event, to be held April 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Union Train Station at 103 River Street in Olde Towne.
The event, sponsored by the Women's Committee of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, requires advance purchase of tickets, $30, from The Globe, Palmore Decorating Center, Sycamore Rouge or from members of the committee. Call 530-7687 or 861-5472 for information.
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