Burger boss: Just in time for Burger Week, Carytown Burgers & Fries opened in Short Pump at 200 Towne Center West Blvd. last week. This will be its third location.
Latin fusion: The unlikely — but intriguing — marriage of Venezuelan and Italian cuisine debuted last week when Kanoa Latin Cuisine opened its doors at 417 W. Grace St. Owner Yofre Blanco’s first restaurant, Mechanicville’s Sapori Italian and Latin Cuisine, closed in December.
Opening soon: Shockoe Whiskey and Wine leased the old Julep’s New Southern Cuisine space at the corner of East Franklin and North 18th streets, as reported by Richmond BizSense. Owners Tamica Epps, Shawn Minter, Jessica Proffitt and Christopher Randolph plan to offer things such as lamb chops, crab cakes and steaks. A July opening is planned. … Philip Denny, formerly of Aziza’s on Main and McCormack’s Big Whisky Grill, among other spots, plans to open his own restaurant, Castanea, on East Main Street, later this month.
Star bar: Shockoe Bottom’s C’est Le Vin made a splash last week when Wine Enthusiast named it one of the top 20 wine bars in the country.
Things to Do
Start the holiday early — and take a step into the flip side of hipsterdom at Pasture’s second annual frozen drink and yacht rock night Friday, July 3. Servers will dress the part and you can expect frozen daiquiris, strawberry Riesling frozen drinks and, obviously, Jell-O shooters.
Strangeways Brewing is turning two, and will celebrate all weekend July 9-12. You can check out the Richmond premier of “Blood, Sweat & Beers,” a documentary about craft beer, plus burlesque, ZZQ Texas Craft Barbecue, music performances and the release of Wake Me Up Before You Gos. Plan accordingly and check details at strangewaysbrewing.com.
Heritage is holding a five-course foraging dinner Monday, July 13, to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on curing pancreatic cancer. It also will celebrate foraging expert Chris Bennett and his new book, “Southeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Angelica to Wild Plums.” The chef community will turn out in force, with Brittanny Anderson of Metzger Bar & Butchery, Randall Doetzer, Lee Gregory of the Roosevelt and Southbound, the Magpie’s Owen Lane, Bryan McClure, and Heritage and Southbound’s Joe Sparatta all participating. Local foraging experts Nancy Baker and Steve Haas will be on hand to talk share their knowledge as well. Tickets are $75. Call 353-4060 for details.
