As humans the world over continue to grapple with a new normal, restaurants, coffee shops and markets are doing their best to survive. In turn, they’re keeping us sane, and adding a bit of levity to the dire day-to-day.
From community-supported agriculture to cocktail kits, here are some bits of good news:
Coffee shop Pulp Fiction is holding a Cleanse for a Cause. It’s worked with Rudy’s Mushrooms to create immunity-supporting juices, with proceeds benefiting Richmond Restaurants United. Juice orders can be placed online.
Charles City-based Amy’s Organic Garden has reopened its CSA program, which typically runs from May to August. Email amy@amysorganicgarden.com for details, and look out for an online ordering system from the certified organic farm.
Seven Hills Food has got the meats. Starting Friday, March 27, it will be set up in Longoven’s parking lot from noon until it sells out. Place your order by emailing Bobby at bmaddox@sevenhillsfood.com. Meat prices will range from $60-$120 with higher end and value cuts available.
Reservoir Distillery is offering small amounts of free liquid hand sanitizer. The limit is 10 ounces per person. Bring your own bottle.
Cavalier Produce wants to help support local farms and industry — when you buy a box of produce and specialty foods you can opt to donate one to a restaurant industry worker.
We cannot emphasize enough that there are many area restaurants, coffee shops and markets offering take-away specials. You can pick up freshly baked croissants from Sub Rosa and bacon- and egg-topped burgers from Jack Brown’s (with cheap, fast delivery to boot). The Richmond Times-Dispatch has an updated, comprehensive list of what is on offer, but here are a few recent highlights:
Broken Tulip is offering quarts of “nourishing food for just $10 from pozole to sweet potato and chard daal curry. Each order comes with your choice or red rice or grits. It sold out of almost everything within a couple hours on Monday, but check back Thursday for new quart options and suggested wine pairings.
Piccola Italy Pizza and Subs is selling homemade dough in addition to calzones, pies, wine, cheesesteaks and wings. Give it a ring at 355-3111 and pick up from the takeout window or order delivery. A build-your-own-calzone should keep the little ones busy for at least five minutes.
Brenner Pass knows that grocery store shelves have been barren, so it’s offering a Market Menu in addition to rotating family meals. Orders can be placed starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday for pickup on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Options range from salad kits to house-made pasta and steaks.
The Roosevelt is selling its Seersucker for two cocktail mix, sans the booze. Add to your online dinner order, then mix in your own brown water at home.
Starr Hill has pickup and delivery brews and snacks. Staffers double bag your order, then a friendly, gloved hand passes it off. It just restocked on Tuesday, so you should be able to find all your fave brews.
Adarra is spreading natural wine love around the city. For $65, get three “organic/biodynamic/natural bottles of wine hand-selected by your friendly Adarra somms, brought to your door with descriptions and our contact info to keep the conversation going if you have any questions.” Each order gets one red, white and orange or rose. Order your vino for Thursday delivery by emailing info@restaurantadarra.com with name, phone number and address.
In addition to small plates and mains, Helen’s is also offering some do-it-yourself options. Order pancake mix with instructions and Michelada mix with a six-pack of Pacifico for an at home boozy brunch.
The Answer wants to take your mind off of dire news for a moment with its new double India pale ale.
“Heh Heh Heh Hrr Rrr Heh Heh Heh Heh Huh Rakau! Ha Hrr.” Eight percent alcohol should do the trick. Stop by from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Order online from locally owned grocery Libbie Market. It’s quick, easy and workers bring your bags to your car, no contact involved. Say thanks! Last we checked, it even had paper towels.
Fancy Biscuit has been offering daily deals including half-off alcohol. On Wednesday spend $5 and get a free cake cup or mocha latte with your purchase. Check its social feeds for updated specials.
Kudzu is taking orders through Thursday at 6 p.m. for its first ramen kit pickup starting Friday.
