Richmond Food News: March 22-28 August 2024

Pizza Party

Nostalgic for family pizza nights and the simple joy of gathering around a piping hot pizza and saying, “Can you pass me the parm?” Rob Zorch has opened the spacious Zorch Pizza Parlor in South Side. A more on-premises-focused version of the Carytown original, the new restaurant features an expanded menu, full bar, outdoor dining and ample parking. (Richmond Magazine)

Do you remember this place?

Step into our restaurant time machine and let us transport you back to 1981. That was the year Athens Tavern, a family-run eatery known for its classic Greek cuisine, opened. Over 40 years later, the seats are filled with familiar faces, the food is consistent and the owners can still be found in the kitchen greeting customers. (Richmond Magazine)

Green Dream

Tucked away in a West End strip mall is an unassuming bar filled with lush plants that serves creative cocktails and plays a groovy playlist. We caught up with Katherine Hullinger, co-owner of woman-owned watering hole The Verdant Lady, to talk drink inspiration, must-try drinks and more. (Richmond Magazine)

In case you missed me

A group of Richmond food and beverage companies are sniffing around in search of a music festival. (Richmond Magazine)

Get to know the minds behind the cocktail menus at Black Lodge, Brenner Pass, Metzger Bar & Butchery and Pink Room in our latest spotlight. (Richmond Magazine)

The ultimate summer fruit, watermelon is juicy in locally made shots, salads, frozen treats and more. (Richmond Magazine)

Carytown’s unofficial hub of joie de vivre, Can Can Brasserie, has announced a big change. Opened in 2005, the French-inspired restaurant was recently sold to Housepitality Group, which operates local restaurants The Boathouse, Casa Del Barco and Island Shrimp Co. Originally owned by Chris Ripp, Can Can passed into the ownership of longtime employees and brothers John and Paul Kincaid in 2020. The sale also includes the Can Can Café in the Library of Virginia. (Press release/Axios Richmond)

After more than six years in its cozy Church Hill storefront, Italian eatery 8 1/2 has announced it will close at the end of the year. A no-frills stop for a bottle of Old World red, eggs en tonato, impeccable cakes and pastas, focaccia Fridays and a near-perfect slice of tiramisu, the neighborhood spot with the garlicky ties to Mamma Zu will surely be missed.

The Cobra Cabana/Hot for Pizza crew is working on another project near VCU, Brave Captain, a soon-to-open spot serving bar food from sailor sandwiches to fish and chips.

Traditional mole, sugared churros, carne asada fries—but vegan. After announcing plans to open in Richmond last year, Taco Vegana, a 100% plant-based Mexican restaurant, has now officially secured a spot in Church Hill.

Australian psychedelic rockers King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are bringing their heady, metal-tinged songs to Richmond for a concert on August 28. Let’s hope they’re thirsty: North Side’s Ninja Kombucha has brewed a special mini-batch of Green Morpho Kiwi Kombucha to celebrate the band’s upcoming concert. Grab a can during pre- and post-show gatherings at Black Iris, where local artists will be showcasing Gizz-themed works.

Asian bakery and cafe Brecotea opened its newest location last week at 13628 Hull Street Road in Midlothian. This is the fifth location in the area for the deli, which offers everything from pork buns to egg tarts to matcha crumbles.

After changing hands several times in recent years, the shop at 2028 W. Cary St. is once again welcoming new tenants. Neil McLean is preparing to open Brazen, which focuses on slow-cooked, low-temperature dishes. (Richmond BizSense; subscription required)

Richmond’s pop-up scene will feature a newcomer offering Argentinian street food. Mal Ocote will premiere at Jasper on September 17, doors open at 5 p.m.

RVA (Ice Cream) Love

Grab the mayonnaise and tomatoes, it’s time to whip up a batch of ice cream. Coco & Hazel – the Richmond winner of the Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer “Golden Tomato” award for its tomato ice cream – is part of a recipe collection that highlights the winners from each participating city. (Southern Kitchen)

The Wall Street Journal paid tribute to our Nightingale in a collection of exceptional ice cream sandwiches and praised the cool purveyor’s Chocolate French Roast flavor. (Subscription required)

Upcoming events

• Foodlore Provisions, Troddenvale Cider (August 23): Hop in the car for a road trip to Warm Springs and experience Richmond’s 1115 Mobile Kitchen cooking in an on-site Airstream.
• Bajardin Wine Bar & Cantina, Jardin (August 24): An ode to Baja Bean Co. – the college bar that occupied this space for 20 years – with tacos, tecates and Mexican wines
• RVA Wing Wars, Blue Bee Cider (August 24): It’s a wings battle royale with participants like Nokoribi, Charlotte’s Southern Deli & Tapas, Nam Prik Pao and more.
• Two-Year Anniversary, CobbleStore Vintage (August 24): An all-day event featuring vintage finds and snacks from TBT El Gallo, Ruby Scoops and more
• Circle-up BBQ Festival, Center of the Universe Brewing Co. (August 24): A charity smoking contest between Jake’s Place, Redemption BBQ and Stagg Creek Catering
• Crabs, Beer & Spirits by the James, Kanawha Plaza (August 24): The fifth annual all-you-can-eat crab festival
• Protect the James River Cleanup, James River (August 25): A rafting adventure and cleanup in partnership with Cirrus Vodka and Keep Virginia Cozy; bonus: a Spritzin’ on the James cocktail
• Sunday Bagel Pop-up, Dear Neighbor (August 25): Stop by the Church Hill shop and pick up a few rounds of sourdough.
• Crab Feast, Get Tight Lounge (August 25): Endless blue crabs and side dishes
• End of Summer Industry Party, Bingo Beer Co. (August 26): A Monday soiree with cocktails by Steve Yang and food by Royal Pig
• Pink Room Fundraiser, Yellow House RVA (August 27): While the Pink Room awaits reopening due to zoning issues, it opens for an evening of apps and drinks.
• Jiji Frozen Custard Fifth Anniversary, Libbie Mill (August 28): Celebrate five years of Wisconsin-style custard with numerous special offers.