Richmond hasn’t stopped since, well, ever and September is no different. We’ve got events. We’ve got openings. We’re eating. We’re drinking. Bring on the last legs of summer.
What we’ve heard
Upcoming events
The Well Fest Culinary Kick Off
On Thursday, Sept. 4, The Black History Museum and Cultural Center hosts “Rooted: A Taste of Culture Through Jazz and Culinary Art” — the official kick-off to The Well Fest, a new festival and fundraising weekend from The Well Collective. The evening pairs live jazz with a multi-course menu from some of Richmond’s great Black chefs, alongside wine pairings curated by Justin Ferguson, known as The Black Sommelier.
The chef lineup includes Rashad Thompson, executive chef of The Black Olive Pizzeria and founder of private dining concept Apt 310; Raegan Gibson, a self-taught chef and owner of Sweets and Soirees; Leah Branch, the powerhouse executive chef of The Roosevelt in Church Hill; and Jason Muckle, chef, educator and community advocate behind CHEW (Culture, Health, Education, and Wellness). Tickets start at $150 and cna be purchased online.
The Function
Saturday, Sept. 27, Richmond’s North Side will turn into a block-party feast with pit-smoked meat, fried fish and a lineup of Virginia’s standout chefs alongside some special guests. The tickets include barbecue from Virginia pitmasters, crispy fish fry plates and chef-driven takes on Southern comfort classics. You will be able to purchase local craft brews from Brainstorm Brewhouse and wine curated by Penny’s Wine Shop.
“The motivation for this event, really, is that we want to do something fun with our friends and we want to teach the history of Virginia barbecue, primarily hog roast and fish fry,” says Nikki Gregory, co-owner of Charlotte’s and event organizer along with her partner Paul Polk.
Featured chefs include The Roosevelt’s Leah Branch; George T. Carroll of pop-up Wumami; Oscar Johnson and Darryl Cooper of Jimmy Pearls in Charlotte, N.C.; and two-time James Beard nominated, plant-based chef and Richmond native Shenarri Freeman.
“That last two weeks is going to be insane for ticket sales — I would heavily suggest buying tickets now because they are already going super fast,” says Polk. Tickets cost $120 and can be purchased here.
Restaurant openings
If you have ever been all … “I would love something like Charlottesville’s MarieBette in Richmond” … well, here ya go. Kinda. Owners Will Darsie and Janey Gioiosa have history with both locations of the C-Ville European-inspired bakery, but they are creating something new in the South Side mixed-use development Evelyn (which will also have a second location of sushi spot Lucky AF). You can get your usual bakery suspects like loaves and pastries, but you can also pick up a BEC on toast or a salad. The shop has been crushed (sold-out) in its first several days which, in our humble opinion, goes to show that good carbs are always in style.
Their move down the street is beautiful and big. And when we say big, we aren’t only talking about the interior. As established lovers of the OG location’s breakfast burrito, we popped in at the new location and it’s practically doubled in size! You also can now add refried beans, and we suggest you do. Breakfast options now include a bowl and tacos. For later in the day, there’s a fancy full bar with its own menu — hello barbecue-terie board and daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m.
The On!giri has returned and it only took five years. The new spot is situated right next to Lotte Market — which got a new Korean BBQ spot, btw, and it’s pretty good — and serves 10 to 11 types of onigiri, aka short-grain rice packed with fillings like spam, shiitake and avocado. The little to-go restaurant is family-owned and operated. Be prepared to wait in line. All we can say is walnut miso yourself immediately because nothing is forever.
When general manager Randall McGarry joined Natalie’s, he began researching Lebanese restaurants around the world and noticed that many offer markets. He fell in love, inspired by the colorful, eclectic vibe they often create.
Natalie’s recently added their own market at the back of the restaurant with mezze such as hummus, baba ganoush and garlicky toum, house-made spice mixes, sauces and Lebanese groceries. There are also items from businesses that share missions, similar to Natalie’s, of helping individuals with disabilities become part of the workforce. You’ll find Emily’s Bracelets that are made to spark joy by an artist living with cerebral palsy and upcycled totes from Nest Academy, which provides social and educational programming for young adults living with significant disabilities. Stop in and shop during regular restaurant hours, from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.
Also, don’t forget about Natalie’s sleeper chef’s series: monthly multi-course dinners feature different worldly cuisines or different pairings. Up next is a taste of West Africa on Sept. 15 for only $65 per person.
The food truck and takeout favorite is so close to officially opening its Brookland Park location. They are currently open for takeout as they prepare for an official grand opening. Order your pancit and lumpia and help the staff get ready to roll
Where we’ve been
Robey: If you happen to be in Scott’s Addition for anything — a run, a walk, a walk of shame, a run club — run, don’t walk, to Lillian for their hamachi appetizer. I just was thinking about how I’ve had hamachi 10,000 ways and maybe it needs a rest. Lillian just disproved that for me. The dish is sweet Italian heirloom melon, pops of thinly sliced jalapeno, sporadic bursts of mint and cubes of buttery amberjack. I wasn’t expecting this type of proposal, Lillian, but yes.
Megan: I will see Robey’s raw fish at Lillian and raise her a snapper ceviche at Slack Tide Fish Co. Served with cantaloupe and cucumber in a fresh, fruity and herbal combo of coconut milk, almond basil and anise oil, the flavors blew me away. I literally drank every last drop of sauce.
Where (we’d like) to be headed
Hotels with killer chefs are really becoming the vibe.
Birch and Bloom at The Kimpton Hotel in Charlottesville, Va. on Sept. 4 for all the bourbon
Executive Chef Ryan Collins, protégé of José Andrés, will pop out a three-courser paired with several Kentucky bourbons. It will all start with a welcome bourbon cocktail before everyone chills, drinks and snacks family style. The menu includes treats alongside some fun bourbons: a New Orleans–style barbecue shrimp with Knob Creek, prime roast beef with maple-praline cabbage and Booker’s, and a decadent banana pecan bread pudding alongside Baker’s Single Barrel. Tickets are $75 and can be snagged here.
The Hunton at the Hotel Burg in Leesburg, Va.
Michelin-starred Chef Vincent Badiee, a Virginia native, will bring some super chef experience by way of Eleven Madison Park and Michelin-starred Fiola to The Huntōn, the newest restaurant at the new Hotel Burg in Leesburg. There are huge seafood towers and open fire cooking with rad add ons (ups?) of caviar and Skuna Bay salmon. You can even get Cote de Boeuf for two — bread service included. Hotel Burg also offers The Diana Lounge, The Rooftop Bar and The Chase, a private members club.
Leesburg suddenly feels so hip.
—XOXO Megan and Robey
