Hot on the heels of the 9,000-strong turnout at the Virginia Wine Expo, it’s Love by the Glass month in Virginia. In a statewide tourism promotion, hundreds of restaurants and wine retailers are offering incentives to sample the increasingly robust vine scene.
Among the 300 businesses featured is Richmond’s the Roosevelt, the first to offer an all-Virginia wine list. Other local participating restaurants include Amour Wine Bistro, Garnett’s, Ipanema Café, Julep’s, Lemaire, Melting Pot, Mint, Olio Bistro, Rappahannock, Ruth’s Chris, the Boathouse at Rocketts Landing and Boathouse at Sunday Park, the Dining Room at the Berkeley Hotel, two Urban Farmhouse locations and the Wine Loft. See details at virginiawine.org.
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Plan ahead: Chefs Paul Elbling, Sean Murphy, John Maher and Joseph Andreoli are the headliners of the fifth annual RVA French Food Festival on April 20 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The benefit for the Little Sisters of the Poor includes tastings of French dishes, wine and beer, a Mardi Gras-style parade, live jazz, a Parisian-themed marketplace, games and family activities. 1503 Michaels Road, $2 suggested donation. Rvafrenchfoodfestival.com, 288-6245.
Here’s the pitch: Wannabe authors in the food world have a shot to get signed this month. A culinary agency, the Lisa Ekus Group, is looking for writers for a March Madness tournament. Contestants pitch their best culinary nonfiction ideas in food, health, wellness or cooking, by tweeting @sallyekus with #signmesal from March 11-13. Finalists are picked for playoffs and compete for a contract. You can find rules at lisaekus.com.
NOW SERVING
Pearl Raw Bar: Seafood, snacks and cocktails at the redesigned former DeLux. Patio room and private party space upstairs. Open nightly. 2229 W. Main St. 353-2424. richmondrestaurantgroup.com.
The Naked Onion: Takeout counter for sandwiches, soups and other gourmet fare. Chef-owned, open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2118 W. Cary St. 972-3339.
Veranda Ristorante: Italian classics in remodeled Midlothian bistro with patio; pastas and signature pizzas in casual setting from longtime restaurateurs. Lunch and dinner daily. 1358 Sycamore Square. 893-3063.
The Savory Grain: Cozy upscale draft house, 24 craft beers, wines, farm-to-table, changing menu from chef Sean Murphy. Dinner and bar nightly except Mondays. 2043 W. Broad St. 592-4000.
Dutch & Co.: Intimate, retro dining room in Church Hill serves meaty entrees and cocktails from chefs Caleb Shriver and Philip Perrow. Dinner Monday through Saturday, 5-10 p.m. at 400 N. 27th St. 643-8824.
Casa del Barco: Tequilas and wide range of Mexican fare in renovated factory beside the Canal Walk. Dinner and bar nightly, lunch Monday-Saturday, Sunday brunch. 320 S. 12th St. 775-2628. casadelbarco.com.
SubRosa Wood Fired Bakery: Artisan breads, coffee and pastry in cozy storefront. Tuesday-Sunday. 620 N. 25th St. 788-7672. subrosabakery.com.
