2 Chesterfield Living
Home Sweet Hallsley
T
he foundation of Hallsley is the dramatic architecture of the homes. Authentic. Well proportioned. Detailed. That in itself has made Hallsley Richmond’s 2014 “Community of the Year.” But we’re just getting started.
$3.5 Million Residents Club Now Open
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Our Residents Club is now open and includes: • Clubhouse with outdoor entertaining cabana bar and covered decks and porches • Resort-style pool with waterslide, zero entry, waterspouts, lap lanes and adult area • Miles of biking, walking, and nature trails • Parks, playground, and dog park • Bocce ball, pickle ball, tennis, volleyball • Playhouse village, treehouse, zipline • Year-round activities for all residents
From $400,000
| 804.794.9119
Information Center at 3900 Brightwalton Road, Midlothian VA 23112 15 minutes from Short Pump. Located on Old Hundred Road, 3 miles west of Rt. 288 and Rt. RichmondNavigator.com 60.
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West End - Staples Mill 672-4900
Powhatan 598-3000
Short Pump 364-7010
Atlee - Ashland 550-3324
Midlothian - 288 379-1011
Mechanicsville - Hanover 730-3400
Tri-Cities 526-4822
Brandermill - Woodlake 739-6500
Ironbridge - Courthouse 743-8166 Chester - Rt.1/Rt.10 751-0300
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United Concordia NFFS
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UHC (United Healthcare)
Welcome Dr. Jessica M. Ciaburri! Seeing patients this August! Dr. Jessica M. Ciaburri D.O., a Virginia native and former Registered Nurse, is trained in osteopathic medicine and completed her OB/GYN residency at VCU. She is fully trained in all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, and specializes in low intervention childbirth, vaginal birth after cesarean, and minimally invasive surgery. Make your appointment now and be among the first to welcome Dr. Ciaburri—and see for yourself why we’re thrilled to add her experience and expertise to our VPFW family of outstanding physicians exclusively focused on women’s health. Dr. Ciaburri will see patients at St. Francis and Colonial Heights/Prince George. We invite you to learn more about Dr. Ciaburri on our website at vpfw.com, including her medical background and a Q&A about her life and her work.
The VPFW difference you can count on! Same-day appointments are available when you call us before 10 a.m. One of our doctors will be with you to deliver your baby 24/7 A specialized nurse will answer your questions over the phone You will see a doctor at every appointment
Virginia Physicians for Women
JULY/AUGUST 2015
Contents
JULY/AUGUST 2015
11
28
First of All
News from Around Town 15
Local
Chesterfield County Fair 17
Foot Health
Taking Care of Your Feet 19
Dental Health
Virginia Family Dentistry 21
Finance
Summer Vacations 23
Seniors
Cars of Our Lives 24
Leisure
Movable Memories
Flavor 28
In Search of Tacos
33
Patios
Outdoor Dining 37
Dishing Up Virginia A Cookbook Review
38
TasteBudz
Dining & Drink News 40
Events
PHOTO BY TEMPLE HILL
Local Happenings
Home 44
Shed Your Inhibitions
60 LEFT: COURTESY OF THE TIDES INN / RIGHT: JML GARDEN ROOMS
He Shed, She Shed
44
47
Air Resolutions Lower Utility Costs
49
Local Art
Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space
Travel 53
Culinary Excursions Ann Arbor
57
Branson, Missouri Family Fun
60
Northern Neck
Athens of the New World
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8 Chesterfield Living
JULY/AUGUST 2015
From the Editor
Chesterfield Living PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
William J. Davis, Jr.
Sweet Virginia Breezin’
VICE-PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
Cheryl T. Davis MANAGING EDITOR
Annie Tobey FOOD & TRAVEL EDITOR
Steve Cook ASSISTANT EDITOR
Tammie Wersinger EDITORIAL INTERN
Kate Desmond CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Joey Wharton GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Nora Bollinger, Tara Bouldin-Evans ADVERTISING CONSULTANT
Jared Davis ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Brian Bellovay, Beverly Montsinger DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Jimmy Davis
S
PHOTOGRAPHERS
at Westhampton College on the University of Richmond campus – some tossing Frisbees, some coming to and from classes and others stretched out in the warm sunshine. Dorm windows open to let in the fresh air also poured out the sounds of popular music. And in 1978, when I arrived at UR, one of those songs was Robbin Thompson and Steve Bassett’s “Sweet Virginia Breeze,” now – finally – our state’s official popular song. I graduated, but Virginia became the home I loved – especially in summertime, when the livin’ is easy. Though some years left me restless, I’ve come to embrace the Richmond region, the commonwealth and our people with my whole heart. The stories we cover in Chesterfield Living include much of the best of the area, beginning with our “First of All” local news snapshots. In this issue, look for Angela Weight’s search for local artisans whose creations help you perk up your outdoor spaces; Jody Rathgeb’s suggestions for adding a “she shed” or “he shed” to your yard; and Constance Whitney’s look at healthy feet. For food news, Steve Cook dishes out another roundup in his TasteBudz column, plus we explore mouth-watering, palate-pleasing tacos as well as restaurant patios for enjoying the Virginia breeze. The “Chef ’s Secrets” focus this issue, Dishing Up Virginia, provides an informative travelogue as well as delicious recipes. As “Sweet Virginia Breeze” both transports me and roots me, so classic cars appeal to many. Constance Whitney provides a whimsical overview of the call of the wheels, a prelude to our photo gallery of several local collectors and their cars. This month’s travel articles take us to Branson, Missouri, a perfect multigenerational destination; Virginia’s Northern Neck; and the food scene in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Be sure to check out other articles this month at RichmondNavigator.com and in our River City magazine, including drinks on the patio in “Raising the Bar,” Castleburg Brewery & Taproom, tales and recipes behind Hanover tomatoes and the creation of “Sweet Virginia Breeze.” And if you see a convertible scooting around town, top down, with vanity plates proclaiming VABREZN, you can know that it’s me, basking in the sweet Virginia breeze! TUDENTS DOTTED THE LAWN
Rick Bancroft, Derek Bennion, Don Farquar, Michael A. Geissinger, Temple Hill, Rachel Marsh, Edwin Remsberg, Robert Thomas CONTRIBUTORS
Jody Rathgeb, Angela Weight, Constance Whitney ADVERTISING
Chesterfield Living magazine is published bimonthly by Advertising Concepts, Inc., 6301 Harbourside Drive, Suite 100 Midlothian, VA 23112 P: 804-639-9994 E: Info@RichmondNavigator.com ONLINE / SOCIAL
RichmondNavigator.com Facebook.com/RichmondNavigator Twitter.com/RVAnavigator All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. A PUBLICATION OF
ALL ARTICLES AND CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINIONS OR THOUGHTS OF CHESTERFIELD LIVING MAGAZINE, ADVERTISING CONCEPTS, INC OR THE PUBLISHER. MARKS ADVERTISER-SUPPORTED CONTENT.
Annie Tobey Annie.Tobey@RichmondNavigator.com
ABOUT OUR COVER The shrimp taco at Tazza Kitchen (scheduled to open mid-July 2015). Photo by Derek Bennion/Tazza Kitchen
RichmondNavigator.com 9
JULY/AUGUST 2015
PHOTO: COURTESY OF CORRIGAN SPORTS ENTERPRISES
First of All
THE SUMMER OF LACROSSE WITH THE HEART OF SUMMER NEARING, travel lacrosse season is in full swing.
Richmond serves as host for several elite lacrosse tournaments. Beginning as “stickball,” lacrosse has grown exponentially since its birth within Native American tribes. The game grew from its origins as a contest played by tribal warriors for training, recreation and religious reasons to what is known internationally today as the sport of lacrosse. According to the NCAA, 64 colleges welcomed new lacrosse programs in 2012-13. The concept of lacrosse is simple: it is a contact team sport, with two teams using a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse or simply a lacrosse stick, with the objective to score more goals than the opponent. Often considered a rough sport, injuries are less frequent than in football and other popular contact sports. Richmond has the pleasure of hosting multiple exclusive youth lacrosse tournaments this summer – three starting in June and two more in July – providing opportunities for spectators as well as income from tourists. Several of the tournaments are new to Richmond. Moving from its Maryland location of seven years, the Brine National Lacrosse Classic also sets stake in Richmond this summer. Sit back, relax and plan a fun, lacrosse-filled day at these youth tournaments.
IWLCA STX CAPITAL CUP LACROSSE TOURNAMENT | July 17-20 • Girls’ lacrosse: 400 teams, 350 college coaches, 15,000 attendees and 350 college coaches representing more than 25 universities • Event sites are River City Sportsplex and Clover Hill Athletic Complex
U15 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS | July 23-26 • Boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, with 32 boys’ teams and 32 girls’ teams • River City Sportsplex All events are free and open to the public. For more information, go to VisitRichmondVA.com > Sports > Upcoming Tournaments.
MORE MEAT & SEAFOOD FOR CHESTERFIELD opened just off Hull Street Road in May. This old-style butcher shop hearkens back to an era before large-scale grocery stores and supermarkets. It sells high-end cuts of fresh meats and seafood, including live lobsters, and a small selection of prepared foods, and will steam to order. Outof-the-ordinary products include smoked alligator and pork sausage, crawfish boudin, chicken sausage, oysters Rockefeller, bison meat, crab-stuffed mushrooms and seasoned, grill-ready meats. The Boneyard has partnered with VCU Rice Rivers Center for Virginia-oyster-shell recycling – drop off your leftover shells to be returned to local waters for replenishing the oyster population. Chris Tavenner, the shop’s owner, has plans to expand the brand across the region, including the possibility of seeing five stores built in the Richmond area in the next 10 years. But Chesterfield residents can say, “We had it first!” The butcher and grocer is located at 12406 Southshore Pointe Dr. in the Shops at Southshore.
THE BONEYARD BUTCHER & SEAFOOD SHOP
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12 Chesterfield Living
JULY/AUGUST 2015
First of All
HOMES FOR HOPE by
Kate Desmond
I have noticed its magical aura and kind residents over the years. Hearing about a local Homes for Hope initiative by HHHunt Homes cements my opinion. Partnering with Hope International, Homes for Hope offers microfinance loans to aid men and women in developing nations in creating jobs in their community. Homes like the one being built here utilize the proceeds to benefit up to 2,500 families over a six-month period. This special organization is hitting home as the company partners with HHHunt to build a house in Chesterfield County with all proceeds going to charity. “HHHunt is honored to be able to help Homes for Hope introduce its first home in Virginia,” said Daniel T. Schmitt, president and chief AS A NATIVE OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY,
operating officer at HHHunt, a regional leader in real estate development, building and management in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Maryland. In building the house, HHHunt has teamed up with over 40 other business and community partners who are donating time, money, materials, goods and services. Builders broke ground on May 5 for the 2,586-square-foot residence in Chesterfield’s Magnolia Green community. The project is set to be complete by the middle of August. The family who settles into this Homes for Hope house can have a warm feeling about their new residence. Like me, they can realize the county’s magic and kindness.
TEEN MENTORS NEEDED TEEN AMBASSADORS, a program of Substance Abuse Free Environment, Inc. (SAFE), is in search of influential high school juniors and seniors to serve as mentors to elementary-school-aged children. In order to be considered, volunteers must be residents of Chesterfield County who believe in and live a substance-free lifestyle. Volunteers, or “teen ambassadors,” will build relationships with children and participate with them in activities that reinforce a substance-free lifestyle and with homework. Additionally, those who are selected as teen ambassadors are expected to mentor their assigned children after school once a week for one and a half hours at Bellwood, Chalkley, Ettrick or Marguerite Christian elementary schools. Volunteers who complete the program will receive community service hours that can be beneficial for National Honor Society, service organizations and colleges, résumés and employment applications. Applications for the fall semester must be received by 5 p.m. Aug. 3. An interview and one day of training are required for participation. More information on this or other ways that teens can help improve the community, visit ChesterfieldSafe.org and click on For Youth. Or call Sherry Callear, Teen Ambassadors coordinator, at 804-717-6404.
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14 Chesterfield Living
JULY/AUGUST 2015
Local
THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY FAIR, YESTERDAY & TODAY Starry Nights and Midway Lights
T
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY FAIR
HE YEAR WAS 1911. The first transcontinental airplane flight from New York to California took 82 hours and 4 minutes, Proctor and Gamble unveiled Crisco shortening, and the Chesterfield County Fair opened for its first year. Local farmers put on a corn show exhibit so successful that another was scheduled for the following year. Thus began the Chesterfield fair, Oct. 25-26, 1911! The fair’s first president was Sen. John Watkins’ grandfather.
The tradition continues Aug. 28 through Sept. 5, 2015: Starry Nights and Midway Lights. In 1911, admission was 50 cents for adults and a quarter for children, and membership was a dollar. Today’s admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (60 and above), $5 for children (age 4-12) and free for kids three and under. The Chesterfield fair offers the best value for your buck in Richmond and the surrounding areas to end the summer – shows, exhibits, animals and attractions, with no additional cost for nightly entertainment! Conveniently located, the fair is within a 30-minute drive from surrounding counties and the Tri-Cities – less time than it takes to make a funnel cake. Since 1911, the fair has grown and improved in activities, exhibits, facilities and, especially, popularity. The newly paved fairgrounds provide easy access for strollers and wheelchairs. Free parking is always a plus. Over the years, leading national entertainers have included Porter Wagoner from The Grand Ole
Opry, Grandpa Jones of Hee-Haw, Tom Wopat of The Dukes of Hazzard, Joey Dee and Starliters with “Peppermint Twist” and many others. The 2015 fair features the popular 7 Bridges, voted top Eagles tribute band by Rolling Stone magazine. Nightly performances spotlight some of country music’s most promising musicians, including an evening with Thomas Dale graduate Brittany Marie. Returning crowd favorites include Keith Henderson for his 17th year; Richmond’s oldies, Motown and R&B musicians Flashback Band; Glen Shelton positive country music; and Southland Band, performing classic rock. More music will come from En’ Novation classic R&B and soul band; “Beach Party Night” with The Embers, playing heart and soul and rhythm and blues; and jazz and party music from Klaxton Brown Band. The 2015 Miss Chesterfield County Fair Pageant will give young ladies an opportunity for prize money and Miss Virginia recognition. The 4-H clubs and Senior Idols will show off their talents as well. Anyone, not just Chesterfield County
residents, can enter contests in arts, crafts, flowers, food, photography, quilts and more. New this year is Tumbleweed Crossing, an award-winning, family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, interactive Wild West comedy gunfight stunt show that serves up laughter like a flying bullet, engaging young and old. At John Misita’s K9s in Flight show, trained dogs catch both audience hearts and Frisbees. Friendly Farmers Barn Yard Review presents farm-themed information and entertainment in variety-show style, including comedy, music and magic. There’s plenty more to entertain all ages at this year’s fair: antique tractors and Civil War reenactors; Beach Night; classic cars; bull riding, barrel racing and a sheep-riding contest for the tykes. Back by popular demand are the Hogway Speedway Racing Pigs, Ducks & Goats; Star Dust Circus & Thrill Show; and GXW - Wrestling (Ground Zero). Ready for some fun? See you and your friends at the fair under the Starry Nights and Midway Lights!
THE 2015 CHESTERFIELD COUNTY FAIR Aug. 28 – Sept. 5 Corner of Krause & Courthouse Roads, Chesterfield ChesterfieldCountyFair.org and on Facebook 804-768-0148
RichmondNavigator.com 15
GIF T CARD
acac
Waterpark the ideal family vacation spot you
acac.com 16 Chesterfield Living
I 11621 Robious Road, Midlothian I
can enjoy all summer long!
804.378.1600
JULY/AUGUST 2015
Health
FEET ACCOMPLI: KEEPING YOUR TOOTSIES HEALTHY by
Constance Whitney
L
ET’S STEP BACK A MOMENT and think about our feet. Did you know that the average person will take over 200 million steps in their lifetime? That’s 110,000 miles – or four times around the world at the equator! And at each of these steps, our feet must handle incredible pressure, bear the entire weight of our body and perform a series of intricate movements to keep us balanced and propel us forward. Our feet can also give us warnings of illness or conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and nerve or circulatory problems. Learning to “read” and take care of our feet, especially during these hot summer months and even more so as we get older, is easy, fairly quick and extremely important!
ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, THERE ARE FOUR KEY STEPS TO TAKING CARE OF YOUR FEET. 1 1. Examine your feet often – every day if you’re diabetic – for signs of cuts, blisters, ingrown toenails, etc. Not quite flexible enough to see the bottoms of your feet? Use a mirror or ask a friend. Many minor issues can be self-treated, but be sure to let your family doctor take a look at anything more serious. If you have a medical condition (like diabetes, peripheral artery disease, etc.), you may have decreased blood flow to your feet, which can cause scrapes or bruises to become infected more easily. Stay aware! 2 Whenever possible, put your feet up when 2. you’re sitting down to help circulation. Stretch your feet often – two of my favorite stretches are rolling a tennis ball under my foot and picking up pencils with my toes! Foot massages and warm footbaths, in addition to feeling amazing, are also actually good for your feet. Indulge!
3 3. Wear shoes that fit. As every woman who has ever been pregnant knows, your feet change size. The 7.5 you wore last year may now be an 8. And the 8 that you wear in stilettos may be an 8.5 in running shoes. A few good rules to remember: always try on shoes in the late afternoon, when feet tend to swell from the day’s activities; make sure there’s about ½ inch between your big toe and the end of the shoe; and never buy shoes that feel too tight hoping they’ll stretch – they won’t, you’ll end up with blisters and another pair of shoes will be donated to Goodwill! 4 When enjoying the summer activities, re4. member that proper footwear is vital. Though walking barefoot through the sand screams “this is summertime,” in reality it’s not the best option. Neither is going into the James River without river shoes to protect your feet from rocks and other underwater hazards. And always remember to use sunblock on your feet! Sunburned feet are not fun!
Foot problems can signal serious conditions. In addition to traumatic injuries, bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs and corns are just a few of the many foot-related issues that can cause both inconvenience and pain. Many more serious issues, though, are possible as well. If you have persistent pain in your feet, changes in the nails or skin, severe cracking, scaling or peeling of the skin or unexplained or stubborn-to-heal blisters, it’s time to call the doctor. Taking care of our feet so they will carry us through another few million steps needs to remain a priority as we age. After all, we’ve got a chance of making it around the world – again! CL RichmondNavigator.com 17
18 Chesterfield Living
JULY/AUGUST 2015
Health
A HARD NIGHT’S SLEEP by
Mike Catoggio, D.D.S.
S
you grind your teeth?” “No, doc, not me.” “Well, someone’s been taking some off the top when you’re not looking.” Every day, I see at least one patient who has signs and symptoms of grinding and/or clenching their teeth. Lots of us do it, including me. I frequently catch myself clenching my teeth when focusing intently on a task. It’s typically a subconscious habit that, if you’re lucky enough not to suffer from any jaw pain, will go unnoticed until someone points it out or things start breaking. You may not have realized this, but teeth are not meant to touch. It sounds odd, but think about it. They don’t touch while you speak, smile or rest. Even when you chew, your teeth only have to be close enough to mash food, not necessarily touch. The average person who does not grind will have their teeth touch only about four minutes in an average day. The person who grinds while asleep can have their teeth together for hours at a time. Our bodies aren’t designed to handle that kind of force over extended periods. Most people I treat will be on one of two teams: Team Grinders and Team Clenchers. Team Grinders are those of us who habitually and involuntarily gnash or rub our teeth together, usually during sleep. These folks have flattened molars, short-looking front teeth and chipped or ragged-looking edges. Surprisingly, I don’t often find these people suffering from headaches or muscle pain, but they certainly do a good job at breaking teeth and dental restoraO DO YOU THINK
tions. Don’t let me mislead you, though – more severe symptoms can surely develop over time. Then there’s Team Clenchers, those of us who squeeze our teeth together with tremendous force for minutes to hours at a time. Sometimes we’ll clench during the day but often and with much more intensity at night. These are the folks who will wake up in the morning with headaches and muscle fatigue and will at times need treatment for acute muscle or jaw pain. Both situations can result from and be exacerbated by stress, anger, tension, fear, frustration, a misaligned bite, poor-fitting dental restorations, etc. The most severe symptoms will arise during periods of highest stress, such as a divorce, job change and loss of a loved one. Fortunately, if the damage isn’t too bad, these conditions can be managed with stress reduction techniques, bite adjustments, orthodontics and/ or a simple night guard. Untreated, it can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in dental treatment to rebuild and restore what you once had. If you think you may be clenching or grinding your teeth, don’t fret – we’re here to help.
Since graduating among the top of his class from the prestigious Medical College of Virginia/ VCU School of Dentistry, Dr. Catoggio has trained under the tutelage of Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson Jr., a renowned practitioner in the fields of implantology, smile design and full mouth rehabilitation. With a keen eye for the aesthetic, Dr. Catoggio offers a full range of services for those looking for comprehensive dental treatment. Whether it’s a simple filling or a full smile makeover, by offering personalized care, Dr. Catoggio is able to create the exceptional smiles his patients are seeking. Dr. Catoggio is committed to perfecting the art of exceptional dentistry. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association and Richmond Dental Society. By staying current on the latest technology and advances in dentistry, Dr. Catoggio has dedicated himself to serving patients with the highest level of care available.
RichmondNavigator.com 19
ASK THE EXPERTS GETTING AROUND In order for seniors to maintain their social independence, they need access to reliable transportation. Many seniors no lonMark Sheets ger drive or find it inOwner, Comfort Keepers, timidating to venture Greater Richmond out too far; however, remaining home can result in loneliness and depression. Professional caregivers can provide valuable transportation services to their senior clients. Caregivers can assist seniors to get ready, help them into the car, take them to their destinations, and accompany them to appointments if desired. Seniors may wish to visit friends or family, attend religious services or special events, pick up prescriptions or groceries. Transportation assistance allows seniors to remain as active as possible. To learn more about the services of professional caregivers, contact a home healthcare agency. All the home care services provided by Comfort Keepers are designed to help seniors and others maintain optimal levels of independence in the comfort of their own homes. We are dedicated to providing in-home care that enriches our clients’ lives and helps them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. Please call (804) 750-1123 for more information or to schedule a complimentary in-home assessment. Our non-medical care services are available 24/7. The quality of our service is due to the excellence of our caregivers. Sometimes all you need is a little assistance. Ask about our Personal Emergency Response System, a monitored personal safety device, to get emergency help when needed.
P.S. Transportation services can be provided for a single event or on an ongoing basis.
For more information on senior living care options, go to:
comfortkeepers.com/ richmondwest-va or call
804-750-1123
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20 Chesterfield Living
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JULY/AUGUST 2015
Finance
SUMMER VACATION by
G. Carl Mahler, Jr, CFP ®
I
’VE JUST COMPLETED A SERIES of presentations to an executive group of a
major corporation. These featured the company’s retirement plans available to employees and my thoughts on current financial markets and what these people needed to do to prepare for retirement. I started my presentation with a quote from the U.S. Department of Commerce: Americans are saving at a rate of 5.3 percent per year towards retirement. I followed with a Federal Reserve survey that showed the average American between the ages of 55-64 has accumulated $104,000 in retirement savings. I slammed the door in their faces by stating an unsourced comment that the average American spends more time planning summer vacation than retirement. A quick scan around the room and I was convinced I was speaking to all the people represented in these quotes. Heads went down. Several grabbed for the safety of staring at the screen of their smartphone. For the duration of my talk I knew I’d get more responses from the crowd if I asked where they planned on vacationing next month than asking how much their personal accumulation goal for retirement was. Unfortunately, this group of well-paid executives is no different from others I see in my daily life as a financial planner. Some time ago the media started writing about the 10,000 Baby Boomers retiring daily. I can assure you, many aren’t doing so willingly as they’re immediately looking for em-
ployment to subsidize their inadequate preparation. Department of Labor surveys show less than five percent retire with any level of financial independence. The rest live off part-time work, family and friends. This is an epidemic and it’s spreading. Over my years in this business, I’ve seen many different situations. I’ve heard about some really great vacations, and then more excuses for why they weren’t able to save more because of all the costs of raising children today. In fact, it’s this lavish spending on our kids that is creating the next epidemic in America. Our kids have no appreciation of what things cost. There’s this entitlement attitude that is being genetically encoded into the next generation that will doom them to failure. There has to be a line drawn in the sand. The work ethic, guts and determination of generations before that made us the greatest country in the world is dying. I wonder if anyone is paying attention to the wakeup call.
The Pinnacle Group An Independent Wealth Management Firm Your Wealth. Your Life. Our Focus. 3748 Winterfield Road Midlothian, VA 23113 804-378-1624 PinnacleGroup.net Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of G. Carl Mahler, Jr. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. L i k e u s on Facebook to receive daily f inanc ial infor mat ion on your newsfee d. Search: “ T he P innacle Group, An Independent Wealth Management F ir m, RJ F S”
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22 Chesterfield Living
JULY/AUGUST 2015
Seniors
CLASSIC CARS, LASTING MEMORIES by
Constance Whitney
I
She was fast. She turned heads when I’d whiz by. And yes, she was absolutely tangible proof of my midlife crisis. I was finally out of the “mom-mobile” stage and at a point in my life where I could buy a completely over-the-top, impractical vehicle without considering factors related to child-seat stability and trunk space for strollers. What made her even sweeter, though, was the fact that she was a 40th anniversary model of the classic 1964 Mustang. She was, in all categories, a really great car. When I put her out to pasture earlier this year, replacing her with an even cooler, completely over-the-top, impractical vehicle, I was sad. It was an end of an era: My Mustang Era. CONFESS. I LOVED MY MUSTANG.
How many of life’s milestones, I realized, could be categorized by a car? My 16th birthday: the brilliant blue Maverick – a gift from my parents. My senior prom: a beautiful Chevy Camaro Z28 – though the bucket seats ensured there would be no making out! My first wreck: a 1975 Ford Thunderbird – for the record, not my fault. Growing up, cars were a constant in our lives. Who drove what? Who could borrow what? Could we really fit nine people into a hatchback? My friend Mariellen grew up in the Florida Keys. While “who had what boat” was a more common conversation, the vehicle talk was plentiful as well. “When you live on an island, connected by one road to another island, connected by one road back to civilization,” she tells me, “you tended to make friends with the person whose car could reliably get us to dry land! ” Among her favorites was a 1976 orange Chevy Corvette. “Only two of us could fit in the thing, but boy was it a blast to drive!”
To go back a tad further, I asked my mom her opinion on the cars of her wild teenage years. My mom, who preferred planes to cars and was piloting on her own when she was just 14, remembers the jalopies that plagued the roads back then. “The boys were always cannibalizing other cars to build their own,” she tells me. “In those days, you could get a new two-door Ford with a radio for less than $1,000.” Apparently, a radio in the car was a luxury option at the time. Elvis had a huge impact on the cool factor of cars in those days as well. His Lincolns always had a lot of chrome and whitewall tires. Elvis’ influence was everlasting, as the youth of the day grew into adults. Throughout most of her life, Mom owned Lincoln Town Cars, not only because they were great cars but because of her undying love of Elvis! With the wisdom of age and the power of 20/20 hindsight, my memories of the cars in my teen years are rather clouded by sentiment. Just
GROWING UP, CARS WERE A CONSTANT IN OUR LIVES. WHO DROVE WHAT? WHO COULD BORROW WHAT? COULD WE REALLY FIT NINE PEOPLE INTO A HATCHBACK? like the memories that certain songs evoke, the sight of a GTO, glimmering in the sunlight, brings back memories of a happy time. The vehicles of our youth lacked seatbelts, airbags, navigation systems, seat warmers or guidance alerts. In those days, you had to hold on tight, know how to read a map, wear a sweater and look out your window before you made a lane change! Primitive by the standards of today, the cars of our youth were truly hotties! CL RichmondNavigator.com 23
MOVABLE MEMORIES photos by
W
Rachel Marsh
HAT IS IT about classic cars that so many find so appealing?
Sometimes it’s the performance – power, a purring engine, speed that was tops for the time. Perhaps it’s the pizzazz, a ritzy connection to fame or wealth. For some, it’s the visual beauty of a sleek, modern or trendy design. And sometimes, the car transports the driver to an earlier, favorite time of life.
On a recent Saturday, we sent a photographer to Cars & Coffee Richmond at Regency Square, a car lovers’ group that meets every other weekend. In this photo feature, you’ll read about the owners’ affinity for their classics and of memories from the year the car came out – like a drive down memory lane! Find out more about Cars & Coffee Richmond on Facebook. Timeline tidbits gleaned from ThePeopleHistory.com.
24 Chesterfield Living
JULY/AUGUST 2015
’96 TITLE FERRARI GOES F355 HERE BERLINETTA The 1996 model year “was the last of the classic Ferraris before they went to the more modern design,” says Raj Malhotra, “and it’s arguably the best-sounding engine of any Ferrari.”
WHY THIS CAR?
IN THIS YEAR
Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, get divorced. In 12 months, the number of Internet host computers goes from 1 million to 10 million. Ebay starts their online auction and shopping website. Average annual income: $36,300 Average cost of a new car: $16,300
’71 MERCEDES TITLE GOES HERE 280SL WHY THIS CAR? “This 1971 was the f irst Mercedes I ever drove,” Will Milby recalls. “When I was 16 years old, my friend’s father got a Mercedes and used to let us drive it all the time. It took me back to my teenage years.” IN THIS YEAR
A new stock market index called the Nasdaq debuts. The U.S. voting age is lowered to 18. The Walt Disney World Resort opens in Florida. National Public Radio (NPR) begins broadcasting. Cassette recorder: $29.88
’69 PONTIAC GTO “It was my first car,” says Scott Tindall of the ’69 Pontiac GTO. “I bought it from my older brother and it was his first car as well. It’s like a time capsule, there are a lot of great memories associated with it, not to mention it’s a blast to drive.”
WHY THIS CAR?
IN THIS YEAR
Neil Armstrong becomes the first person to set foot on the Moon. Gas: 35 cents per gallon Richard Nixon becomes president of the United States. Woodstock attracts more than 350,000 rock ’n’ roll fans. Jennifer Aniston is born on Feb. 11.
MOVABLE MEMORIES
’95 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 Harold Singh says that the body style of this car is among “The last of the air-cooled Porsche 911s, the end of an era for the Porsche before they started building them separately, in a more cost-effective way.”
WHY THIS CAR?
IN THIS YEAR
OJ Simpson is found innocent. Dow Jones closes above 5,000 for the first time. American rock band Grateful Dead announces breakup. Toy Story is the first wholly computer-generated film. Average cost of a new car: $15,500
’70 DODGE CHALLENGER RT
’81 DELOREAN DMC-12
“A buddy of mine had it for about 10 years,” says Colin Wharton of his ’70 Challenger. It had been the friend’s brother’s car before he passed away. “He finally wanted to sell it, so he offered it to me – like keeping it in the family. I have a 2012 Challenger as well, and I like having the ‘twins’ 42 years removed.”
WHY THIS CAR?
WHY THIS CAR?
The reasons are sentimental for Leslie Brooks. “It was given to me by my father for Christmas. It’s all original, only 3,000 miles on it. The whole package is what makes it my baby.”
IN THIS YEAR IN THIS YEAR
United States postage stamp: 6 cents Sports Illustrated: 15 cents Lava lamp: $19.95 Paul McCartney announces that the Beatles have disbanded. The first Earth Day is celebrated.
19-inch color TV: $399.95 Researchers find the wreck of the Titanic. Muhammad Ali finally retires, with a career record of 55 wins and 5 defeats. Lady Diana Spencer marries Charles, Prince of Wales. Sandra Day O’Connor is nominated to become the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
JULY/AUGUST 2015
’56 CHEVY ORIGINAL 3100 TRUCK (ASK) ANTIQUE, ORIGINAL BODY, REBUILT “There’s something I’ve always admired about people that restore classic cars,” says Jeff Williams. “My ex-in-laws restore classic trucks and cars. When I learned that [their] oldest son was thinking about selling this truck, it was an opportunity for me to own one.”
WHY THIS TRUCK?
’67 OLDSMOBILE 442 “ ’67 is when I got out of high school,” Buddy Herring says. “The first new car I bought was a ’67 442, but not this same car. I actually wrecked that car with 600 miles on it.” Herring had to wait two years from the time he and his wife first saw this car till the owner decided to sell it. The car has a name, too: Barrie, because “it originally came from Barrie Brothers Oldsmobile in Long Island, New York.”
WHY THIS CAR?
IN THIS YEAR IN THIS YEAR
Movie ticket: $1.25
Rock ’n’ roll dance craze sweeps the world.
The federal minimum wage is increased to $1.40 an hour.
Prince Ranier of Monaco marries Grace Kelly.
The first Rolling Stone magazine is published.
Rocky Marciano retires as the only undefeated heavyweight champion of the world.
Super Bowl I is played, pitting the Green Bay Packers against the Kansas City Chiefs – Packers win 35-10.
Elvis Presley enters the U.S. music charts with “Heartbreak Hotel,” the first of 170 hit singles. My Fair Lady opens on Broadway, starring Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison.
The Beatles release Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, one of rock’s most acclaimed albums.
JULY/AUGUST 2015
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IN SEARCH
OF...
TACOS!
CAPITAL ALE HOUSE
FISH TACOS in Midlothian, you can dine outside on one of the covered patios with a refreshing drink in your hand! In addition to a full bar and wine selection, Capital features more than 80 draft and 250 bottles of craft and import beers. You can also enjoy the HD TVs or the upstairs lounge with darts and board games. The scrumptious fish taco begins with grilled rockfish, topped with appetizing cilantro-lime slaw, fresh pineapple salsa and ancho chipotle sauce, all tucked into a freshly fried tortilla.
PHOTO: TEMPLE HILL
AT CAPITAL ALE HOUSE
13831 Village Place Dr., Midlothian 804-780-ALES CapitalAleHouse.com
TAZZA KITCHEN*
SHRIMP TACOS that rotate frequently, you are sure to discover a mouthwatering favorite. This casual eatery presents a seasonal menu with ingredients sourced from local farmers and food artisans, wood-fired cooking, and influences from Southern Italy and Baja California. Tazza’s shrimp taco consists of a house-made dry rub, creamy guacamole, cured cabbage and savory pico de gallo as well as papaya hot sauce made from chili jam, luscious papayas and tasty calabrese chilies. This heavenly taco is sure to please your taste buds!
PHOTO: DEREK BENNION/TAZZA KITCHEN
WITH A VARIETY OF TACO CHOICES
28 Chesterfield Living
1244 Alverser Plaza TazzaKitchen.com *Scheduled to open mid-July 2015
TAQUERIA EL TACORREY
SPICY CHICKEN TACOS PICK UP PURELY AUTHENTIC FARE from one of the area’s
hidden gems – a diamond in the rough. This unassuming food truck might not otherwise get your attention, parked permanently beside Hull Street Road, 2½ miles east of Chippenham Parkway, but your taste buds will thank you for stopping. You can dig in immediately at one of the three sheltered picnic tables or take your meal to go. Tender, spicy shredded chicken is topped with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and crema on top of three flaky flour tortillas. Fresh limes set off the umami flavors of the meat with tangy citrus, while the crema adds textures and tastes – cool, smooth and a touch of tart. Want some added heat? The green sauce gives plenty of hot goodness, mingling with fresh pepper taste – use carefully! Taqueria el Tacorrey only accepts cash, no cards. PHOTO: ANNIE TOBEY
5428 Hull St. 804-232-0051
RICO'S MEXICAN GRILL
TACOS DE CARNITAS with a smile, Rico’s is sure to be a hit for a family gathering or date night. This family-run restaurant combines its commitment to caring customer service and delicious quality food at budget-pleasing prices, all in a family-friendly atmosphere. To further please your budget, every Monday is Dollar Taco Day at Rico’s in Chesterfield. For a special taste treat, try the Tacos de Carnitas, three corn tortillas with tender chunks of delicious pork. This magnif icent dish is served with beans, Spanish rice, delectable guacamole salad and fresh pico de gallo. Delicious and authentic! SERVING UP FRESH MEXICAN FOOD
PHOTO: TEMPLE HILL
13728 Hull Street Rd. 804-639-3933 RicosMR.com
MORE ON THE NEXT PAGE RichmondNavigator.com 29
IN SEARCH
OF...
TACOS!
SEDONA TAPHOUSE
CUBANO PORK TACOS a well-curated beer list, including 50 fine craft and import beers on draft and about 450 packaged beers, Sedona Taphouse has you covered. Or if you prefer to choose from wines and cocktails, you can get those, too. And if you want high-quality cuisine, from small plates and sliders to full entrées and rich desserts, you’ve absolutely come to the right place. One of the four creative taco choices, the Cubano Pork tacos blend smoked pulled pork, chipotle mayo, fresh pico, jicama and cilantro. Pair it with the drink of your choice and your mouth will be singing with joy. PHOTO: TEMPLE HILL
IF YOU’RE IN SEARCH OF
15732 WC Main St. Westchester Commons, Midlothian 804-379-0037 SedonaTaphouse.com
BOKA GRILL & GROWLERS
BRAISED LAMB TAKOS
PHOTO: ANNIE TOBEY
BOKA GRILL & GROWLERS ,
a new casual hot spot located near Forest Hill Avenue and Chippenham Parkway, is home to heavenly burgers, craft appetizers, seasonal and local chef-inspired entrées and a wide-ranging selection of “takos.” These can be paired with a variety of craft beers on draft and in bottles – or take your beer in a growler to go. The delicious Braised Lamb Takos come topped with fresh goat cheese, delectable mint aioli, fiery tobacco onion and cilantro, delivering a blend of creamy flavors in every bite. Paired here with Southern Tier IPA, melding the lightly floral, citrusy, piney hops with the herbal toppings. Tasty! 2557 Sheila Ln. 804-928-2652 BokaTruck.com/bokagrill
SEE OUR FULL LIST ONLINE AT RICHMONDNAVIGATOR.COM 30 Chesterfield Living
RichmondNavigator.com 31
a i n i g r i V f A Taste O Virginia craft beers on tap
• Dine outside on our scenic patios • Kitchen is open late until 1 AM
Richmond 623 East Main St Richmond, VA 23219
Innsbrook 4024-A Cox Road Glen Allen, VA 23060
Midlothian 13831 Village Place Dr Midlothian, VA 23114
Also, visit us in Historic Downtown Fredericksburg and Historic Downtown Harrisonburg!
804-780-ALES
32 Chesterfield Living
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CapitalAleHouse.com
JULY/AUGUST 2015
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Chesterfield Patio Dining THE HARD SHELL NOTHING BEATS SEAFOOD –
unless it’s enjoying the finest fruits of the sea in the fresh air of a relaxing patio! Conveniently located in the quiet Bellgrade shopping center, the restaurant and its patio provide a feast for the senses. The Hard Shell has been serving Richmonders great seafood since 1995: fresh fish and shellfish, including clams, shrimp, oysters, mussels, crab legs and lobsters. The menu doesn’t stop there – it also provides delicious steaks, ribs and vegetarian options.
PHOTO: ROBERT THOMAS
11400 W. Huguenot Rd., Bellgrade TheHardShell.com
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE at this Bellgrade restaurant blends its classic look with the quality food that has pleased Ruth’s Chris steak house customers for more than 50 years. Whether you’re in the mood for their satisfying, USDA-prime steaks; the generous side dishes, prepared fresh daily; specialty items like shrimp, lobster or lamb; or their carefully selected wines and expertly prepared cocktails – it all tastes even more delicious when blended with fresh air and gentle breezes. THE QUIET COURTYARD PATIO
11500 W. Huguenot Rd., Bellgrade RuthsChris.com
PHOTO: ROBERT THOMAS
RichmondNavigator.com 33
Chesterfield Patio Dining CAPITAL ALE HOUSE await you at the Midlothian Capital Ale House – a front bar patio with high-top tables or a back patio surrounded by trees, with ceiling fans and a fireplace to extend the openair enjoyment seasonally. Whichever you choose, the outdoor space sets the mood for a delightful happy hour or full meal from one of Richmond’s most established bars. One of five Capital Ale House locations, the Midlothian restaurant features 80 draft beers and over 250 bottled beers as well as hard cider, wine and cocktails. Soak up the beverages with a selection from their full menu of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, entrées and desserts. TWO COVERED PATIO OPTIONS
13831 Village Place Dr., Midlothian CapitalAleHouse.com
PHOTO: TEMPLE HILL
UPTOWN ALLEY to have fun? Then Uptown Alley is ready for you! Their patio is a worthy destination of its own, serviced by Uptown Alley’s ultimate, adult-focused, ultra-lounge experience, The Rotunda. As an added bonus, the patio includes both smoking and non-smoking sections. While you’re there, the rest of Uptown Alley may be calling your name, too: Red Embers Bar & Grill, 38 lanes of state-of-the-art bowling, a sports theater, billiards, over 60 video and prize games, plus live entertainment. It’s the ultimate goodtime destination! ARE YOU READY
6101 Brad McNeer Pkwy, Midlothian UptownAlleyRichmond.com
PHOTO: JIMMY DAVIS
34 Chesterfield Living
N SUM MERgetFU your PASS
7
$
• 2 Games of Bowling • Rental Shoes and • $5 Game Play Card
R FUN
SUM ME
PASS ond.com
hm Name uptownalleyric .744.1077 Pass Member 804 -Friday) 4pm (Monday Sept. 4, 2015 y, From Open until ay, May Valid Tuesd
26, thru Frida
Available Monday-Friday - Open to 4pm
$
5
Food Special: • 2 Slices Pizza • Soft Drink • Cookie
Offer valid thru Friday, September 4th, 2015 *For ages 18 or under. Parent or legal guardian must sign up or be a member of eClub. Discount not to be combined with any other package, offer or discount. Limit 4 -$5 game cards per day.
Visit Uptown Alley to get your pass!
6101 Brad McNeer Parkway • Midlothian, VA 23112 • uptownalleyrichmond.com • 804.744.1077 RichmondNavigator.com 35
There are good ways to cool off.
Then there are over 500 great ways.
benefiting
When it’s time to beat the heat, come in to Sedona Taphouse and chill out with any of our 500 plus craft beers. With a wide variety of starters, specialties and sides, our friendly staff can recommend the perfect complement to your beverage. Come try our new lunch menu. Afternoon or night, we’ve got your answer! RELAXING ATMOSPHERE WINE & SPIRITS 500 CRAFT BEERS GREAT FOOD
15732 WC Main St., Westchester Commons, Midlothian
www.sedonataphouse.com
36 Chesterfield Living
Taste 200+ craft beers from Virginia & the U.S.
July 16-18
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
#CAHNBE2015
nationalbeerexpo.com
JULY/AUGUST 2015
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Dishing Up Virginia
The deviled crab from Dishing Up ® Virginia
®
A COMMONWEALTH COOKBOOK REVIEW
by
Annie Tobey
T
was the Thalhimers deviled crab: chunks of fresh crabmeat blended with the perfect touch of spice, inspired by Richmond’s legendary department store of yesteryear. The shellfish was accompanied by tomato pudding (once a stalwart dish on my Grandmother Tobey’s Virginia table), fresh roasted asparagus, and balsamic strawberries with fresh mint. Starr Hill King of Hop Imperial IPA paired perfectly with the spice of the entrée and with its partners. We completed our Virginia-inspired meal with a Wakefield classic: peanut butter silk pie, recipe from the Virginia Diner, the restaurant that has been part of the Suffolk landscape since 1929. The dessert was, as the name promised, silky smooth, a perfect blend of rich, sweet goodness. Though each dish was inspired by the foodways of the commonwealth, the final products came from my own kitchen, guided by recipes in Dishing Up® Virginia: 145 Recipes That Celebrate Colonial Traditions and Contemporary Flavors. The author, Patrick Evans-Hylton, is a food journalist, professionally trained chef, instructor, historian and executive editor of Virginia Wine Lover magazine. His passion for and knowledge of Virginia and her food, history and people permeate the book. The book’s collected recipes hail from throughout the commonwealth, each prefaced with a peek into its Virginia context. I enjoyed creating the deviled crab meal, following Evans-Hylton’s clear instructions, almost as much as I enjoyed eating it. This book, however, communicates much more than just a sample of representative dishes. Like a travelogue, it transports you – in this case, from the coast to the mountains – while introducing you to fascinating people, traditions, crops, restaurants, farms, history and legends all along the way. For example, did you know that the first country-cured ham was sold in Smithfield in the late 1700s? That by eating a cownose ray, you can help save the Bay? That Thomas Jefferson liked deviled eggs? Or that Gordonsville became Fried Chicken Capital of the World in the mid-to-late nineteenth century? Have you met Marcel Desaulniers, Jo Pendergraph, Rick Wasmund, Diane Flynt or Mark Thompson? A love of cooking isn’t a prerequisite for appreciating Dishing Up® Virginia. In perusing its pages, you will digest knowledge and passion of Virginia and her foodways. And perhaps that’s the best recipe of all. CL HE STAR OF THE MEAL
Recipe from Dishing Up® Virginia ST E W E D BL AC K BE R R I E S Growing wild in brambles along river banks and at the edge of woodlands, blackberries – along with raspberries – are a summertime treat to stumble upon, pick, and enjoy. In addition to being enjoyed right off the vine, they can be used in many ways – in jams and cobblers, as well as stewed. This recipe takes fresh blackberries and cooks them until their juices become syrupy and the berries collapse in on themselves in concentrated goodness. Serve them in a bowl topped with whipped cream, over cream biscuits, or as a topping for ice cream.
1/8 teaspoon salt 1 quart blackberries 1/3 cup water 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons Chambord or other fruit liqueur, optional NOTE: You may use thawed frozen blackberries when fresh berries aren’t available. Makes About 1 Quart
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine the sugar, salt, blackberries, water, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the juices reduce to a syrup and the berries begin to cook, 10 to 12 minutes. 2. Remove the blackberries from the heat and stir in the Chambord or other fruit liqueur. Serve warm or chill in a covered container in the refrigerator; can be served cold or at room temperature. Leftover fruit will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
RichmondNavigator.com 37
PHOTOS: EDWIN REMSBERG PHOTOGRAPHS
INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup sugar
JULY/AUGUST 2015
Flavor
TasteBudz with
THE LATEST NEWS IN RICHMOND'S FOOD AND DINING SCENE
Steve Cook
Looking for a good sandwich? Set sail for a Maidens voyage. Also, Sugar Shack comes to the county. That and more in this edition of TasteBudz.
HIDDEN GEMS reviews of the Café at Maidens, located at 3847 Maidens Rd., for quite some time. But because it’s in Plum Ne’ly, I hadn’t gotten down that way – plum out of the city and ne’ly out the state. Well, I stopped in this past week and let me tell you, it’s worth the drive. This little café, located in a former gas station/general store, is out on Route 522 in Maidens, just south of the James River in Powhatan. I tried the Virginian sandwich, with ham and cheddar topped with apple butter and served on grilled cinnamon toast. Lest you are picturing a slab of ham and a slice of cheese slapped together between two pieces of bread, let me try and describe the sandwich. This is a finely crafted work of art. The cheese is melted over the ham and tucked neatly inside two slices of the grilled toast. The apple butter and the cinnamon bread provide a mild sweetness, which beautifully complements the saltiness of the ham and cheese. TheCafeAtMaidens.com
PH OTO: ZAC
WI NGOL D
I HAVE BEEN HEARING rave
The Bucket Trade, at 13131 River’s Bend Blvd. in Chester, has garnered a nice reputation among beer lovers. Our editor, Annie Tobey, who knows her craft beers as well as anyone I know, calls the place a “beer bar and nosh restaurant.” While the word “nosh” isn’t exactly in my vocabulary, I did look it up and I also checked out the Bucket Trade’s menu. Nosh is the perfect word. Their menu offers sandwiches, cheese trays, meat trays, even a flight of peanuts. That’s pretty nosh if you ask me. Of course, the specialty of the house is their craft beer. They offer 16 rotating taps for beer, by the glass or growler, plus 400 varieties in bottles and cans, not to mention kegs plus wine by the bottle and glass, which, of course, I did mention. Anyway, I’ve said all that to say this: The Bucket Trade has just opened a new place in Old Towne Petersburg (116 W. Bank St.), with a dozen taps and several dozen bottles (ABC off premise only). Taps at both locations change frequently. You can check out what’s new at the website or at Trinkin.com. From what I’ve been hearing, the folks at The Bucket Trade seem to have an amazing ability to sniff out some outstanding brews from near and far. TheBucketTrade.com 38 Chesterfield Living
PHOTO: HENRICUS HISTORICAL PARK
THE BUCKET LIST
NEW CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED FOR CHESTERFIELD HENRICUS HISTORICAL PARK, joined by Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry
Todd Haymore, announced the inaugural Hops in the Park Harvest Festival, scheduled for Nov. 14, noon to 6 p.m. The event is more than just a bunch of beers (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Though it will feature breweries from around the state, each will serve two beers, including one that uses Virginia-grown products in their beers. Most notably, Hops in the Park will also present a speaker series discussing Virginia craft brewing, hops production and other aspects of Virginia’s growing craft beer supply chain. The event will also offer a variety of vendors of Virginiagrown items and specialty products as well as live music. HopsInThePark.com
SOUND BITEZ A roundup of some of the best upcoming live entertainment in the area By Shannon Montsinger, Owner/Booking Agent at Montsinger Entertainment LLC, Booking music and entertainment for Festival & Private events around Virginia. MontsingerEntertainment.com
WITH A NAME LIKE SUGAR SHACK, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE GOOD OF COURSE, Sugar
Shack isn’t just good. They’re fantastic. But few establishments have so successfully established a reputation that just putting their name on the door draws crowds. Karri Peifer reported on Richmond.com that the opening of Chesterfield’s first Sugar Shack Donuts (at 1931 Huguenot Rd.) produced long lines when the doors opened in mid-June. It’s hard to imagine that the first Sugar Shack opened just two years ago, on Lombardy at Leigh Street. This is the third Richmond-area location. There’s also a Sugar Shack in Alexandria and owner Ian Kelley has said he has ambitious plans for future growth. SugarShackDonuts.com
set list, be sure to check out hard-working and hard-playing Richmond legend Pat O’Brien: July 2 at Sunset Grill (Manakin-Sabot), July 11 at Sedona Taphouse (Midlothian), July 16 at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on the patio (Midlothian), July 25 at Keagan’s Restaurant & Tavern (Glen Allen), Aug. 6 at Ruth’s Chris on the patio and Aug. 22 with his full band, The Wrest, at Visions Dance Club (Midlothian). If you’re up for a little travel towards the beach, check out the Downtown Hampton Block Party, which hosts bands on a stage near the intersection of King & Queen streets for 19 consecutive summer Saturdays, from 6-10 p.m. Our pick for a favorite show would be on July 11, which is billed as A Night of Black-and-Bluegrass, with The Hackensaw Boys headlining and Love Canon, Jackass Flats, Big Daddy Love, Brackish Water Jamboree and P Grass supporting. FOR THE BEST SING-A-LONG
WHAT’S NEW ON THE SHELVES WITH THIS ISSUE of TasteBudz, we introduce a new feature, Feeding Trendzy. On our retired radio show, The Flave, author Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos* would keep us updated on the latest trends in the food world. We asked Kelly to share some of her most recent discoveries.
With the unofficial start of summer and barbecue season in full swing, the following 2015 food trends have underlying themes of healthy, sweet and hot-hot-hot elements. No matter what you grill or what kind of sandwich you’re stacking, these additions and flavorings will have your guests begging for the secret ingredient. (Psst: You don’t have to tell them it came from a jar … we won’t tell!)
GREEN MOUNTAIN MUSTARD:
FEEDING TRENDZY
*Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos is the author and editor of the upcoming cookbook series Kukla’s Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style , a collection of inimitable recipes inspired by the southern Greek island of Karpathos and perfected by a woman with culinary vision – Kelly’s mom, affectionately known as “Kukla” (meaning “ doll”). The heart of this cookbook, website and blog is the passing on of cherished customs and traditional culinary history to the next generation in a fun and engaging way.
KEEP UP WITH KELLY:
Facebook: KuklasKouzinaCB Instagram: @kuklaskouzina YouTube: Kuklas Kouzina
These mustards seriously rock! They cover everything from mild (but flavorful) Golden Grain (maple wholegrain) to fire-extinguisher-hot Ragin’ Rooster (sriracha mustard) and Barn Burner (red habanero mustard). My faves are Deli Dirt (everything-bagel mustard) and Keg Stand (wholegrain beer mustard). BuyMustard.com; also available at Southern Season, 2250 Staples Mill Rd.
MUSASHI FOODS:
THE SPICE LAB:
Mayo just got spicy with this brand’s Japanese Spicy Mayo (originally used as just a sushi condiment, the heat coming from red Serrano chilies), and Midori Sriracha (made with green Serrano chilies) – no trans fats or cholesterol, low in fat and sugar. MusashiFoods.com; also available at Christmas Tree Shops, 9819 W. Broad St.
Their gourmet salts and spices are wonderful. Trending this year is their hot and spicy Sriracha Sea Salt made from sunripened chilies and candied Bacon Rubs in four blends (Country Style Pepper, New Orleans Cajun, Caribbean Island Jerk, and Asian Sesame Sweet & Spicy). Just rub on your thick-cut store-bought bacon and bake for a sweet-hot caramelized treat. So easy and so good! Shop.TheSpiceLab.com
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JULY/AUGUST 2015
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COURTESY OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY FAIR
To-Do List
AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5
Chesterfield County Fair Chesterfield County Fairgrounds The Chesterfield fair offers the best value for your buck in Richmond and the surrounding areas to end the summer – shows, exhibits, animals and attractions, with no additional cost for nightly entertainment! ChesterfieldCountyFair.org
JULY 21
AUGUST 15
This popular and fun event includes storytelling, an art project that involves simple sewing skills and a hands-on natural dye activity. Henricus.org
Wear your best tiara or your scariest pirate outfit for a meet and greet with Captain Graybeard and story time with the lovely princess. C-Mor.org
Discovery Day Program Henricus Historical Park
Pirate & Princess Day Children’s Museum of Richmond Central, 2626 W. Broad St.
JULY 11 COURTESY OF HENRICUS HISTORICAL PARK
Richmond Pet Expo Richmond Raceway Complex Bring your pooch, bird, or even your lizard to this free and exciting event for all pet lovers. Pet-friendly exhibitors, live demos in obedience training, care and activism, giveaways and more fun for the whole family await at this annual expo. RichmondPetExpo.com
40 Chesterfield Living
COURTESY OF THE CAPITAL ALE HOUSE NATIONAL BEER EXPO
AUGUST 7-9
The Shack Up The Broadberry & The Camel The Shack Up is a two-day music festival hosted by The Shack Band, The Broadberry and The Camel featuring three stages, food and live music. Facebook.com/TheShackUp
AUGUST 11-13
James River Exploration Henricus Historical Park Discover the environmental features of the historic James River as 17th-century Virginia Indians and the Colonial settlers would have encountered it. Henricus.org
JULY 31-AUGUST 1
JULY 16-18
Join Pocahontas State Park for an evening with Dark Star Orchestra. Doors are at 6 p.m. and general admission is $25 at the door or $21.50 in advance. PocahontasLive.com
The Capital Ale House National Beer Expo celebrates the continuing drive of American craft brewing entrepreneurs to make unique beers that offer extraordinary flavors and complexity. Premium events will give attendees opportunities to taste the astounding quality of American craft beer while enjoying Richmond’s culinary, brewing and cultural excellence. NationalBeerExpo.com
Capital Ale House National Beer Expo Multiple Locations
Dark Star Orchestra Pocahontas State Park
AUGUST 22
Anthem Moonlight Ride Sports Backers Stadium Howl at the moon and celebrate the joy of cycling. Featuring a Full Moon (17-mile) course and a Half Moon (8-mile) option, Moonlight Ride has something for everyone. Enjoy a free concert and a complimentary soft drink or Sierra Nevada beer after the race. SportsBackers.org
AUGUST 2
AUGUST 28
Dar Williams, an American singer-songwriter specializing in pop folk, is a frequent performer at folk festivals and has toured with such artists as Patty Griffin, Ani DiFranco, The Nields and more. TinPanRVA.com
Enjoy an evening with American country singer and songwriter Chase Rice (and special guest). General admission lawn tickets are $18 in advance, $22 at the door. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. PocahontasLive.com
Dar Williams The Tin Pan
Chase Rice Pocahontas State Park
JULY 13
Résumé Review Chesterfield County Public Library Review and update your résumé with assistance from the Resource Workforce Center. Bring your own laptop or call to reserve one. Completed résumés will be printed on high-quality paper. Library.Chesterfield.gov
AUGUST 18
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Altria Theater Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four Seasons, is hotter than ever in the 21st century. Thanks to the success of Jersey Boys, classic songs such as “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man” are all the rage again. AltriaTheater.com
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COURTESY OF HENRICUS HISTORICAL PARK
JULY 17 & AUGUST 21
Summer Concert Series Short Pump Town Center The 11th annual Short Pump Town Center Summer Concert Series will host free concerts on July 17 and August 21 beginning at 6 p.m. in the newly renovated main plaza. Enjoy food trucks and wine tastings benefiting the Evelyn D. Reinhart House from 5:30 – 8 p.m. ShortPumpMall.com
JULY 11
Hanover Tomato Festival Pole Green Park The Hanover Tomato Festival is a free, familyoriented event with live musical entertainment, rides, games, a petting zoo, over 200 vendors, delicious tomato dishes, the crowning of Little Miss and Tiny Miss Tomato, Hanover tomatoes and much more. HanoverCounty.gov
AUGUST 6-9
Richmond Jazz Festival Maymont
JULY 18
Crime and Punishment Henricus Historical Park This is a rare opportunity to witness a burning at the stake! (Reenacted, of course!) This popular Crime and Punishment event at Henricus Historical Park will focus on the contributions of Sir Thomas Dale and the 1612 publishing of Laws Divine, Moral, and Martial for the Virginia colony. Various punishments were administered to the guilty and condemned. Learn more about this important moment in time as Henricus interpreters offer demonstrations while giving an historical background. Henricus.org
The highly anticipated Richmond Jazz Festival is back for its sixth year in the River City with another star-studded lineup. The annual festival brings together thousands of music lovers from across the country for four days in jazz paradise with a spectacle of world-renowned artists. The festival will take place at multiple locations throughout Richmond. JazzAtMaymont.com
Wizard World Comic Con Greater Richmond Convention Center
AUGUST 9
Carytown Watermelon Festival Carytown Over 3,000 watermelons, 80 musicians and hundreds of exhibitors will line Carytown for one of the largest one-day festivals in the state of Virginia. Facebook.com/CarytownWatermelonFestival
42 Chesterfield Living
Join tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the best in pop culture. Wizard World Comic Con brings it all – movies, comics, toys, video gaming, graphic novels and much more! WizardWorld.com
JULY 21
What Shall I Wear? Colonial & Virginia Indian Clothing Henricus Historical Park Henricus Historical Park will welcome children ages 3 years old to 10 years old to explore Powhatan and colonial English clothing styles. This popular and fun event includes storytelling, an art project that involves simple sewing skills and a hands-on natural dye activity. Henricus.org
COURTESY OF DIGITAL MEDIA HOUSE
JULY 31-AUGUST 2
WESTCHESTER CONCERT July 19 Featuring “Flat Elvis” Join the Chesterfield Police Department as we kick-off National Night Out!
SERIES
Raindate
Aug 2 VCU LifeEvac, Crime solvers, EMS, Fire, Rescue, Sheriff’s department and McGruff the Crime Dog!
r ste ns e h tc mo
wes
Co m
3-5:30pm on the Village Green
Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike
RichmondNavigator.com 43
HOME
JULY/AUGUST 2015
HE SHED, SHE SHED: OUTDOOR RETREATS FOR ALL Jody Rathgeb
Y
OU DON’T HAVE TO TAKE a boat to Bermuda or a plane to St. Paul to get away from it all … just take a few steps into your own backyard. There, leaving behind the “man cave” and “Mom’s room,” is the garden shed, given a makeover to become the “she shed” … or “he shed.” The trend began in England, where urbanites are provided with small plots of land, called allotments, for gardening. Gradually, sheds on allotments for storing tools underwent a transition – some folks who wanted to share a pint after their work began adding bars, tables and kegs to their sheds, pushing aside the rakes and shovels. The “pub shed” was born. As the idea crossed the Atlantic, women began to take over the garden shed for other purposes, leading to the she shed. And since good ideas are gender-neutral, there’s the he shed. The repurposed sheds are both fun and a source of important privacy. Charlie Field, an architect who lives in the Union Hill neighborhood of Richmond, says, “A little bit of privacy is critical … away from the spouse, the clients and everyone.” Field went a bit beyond the he shed when he began building a two-story structure near his home for his woodworking shop. His wife, Stacey Moulds, has been promised the downstairs for her own interests when the building, which they call “the compound,” is completed. Looking more at the fun side of the project, she is eager to decorate “with girly stuff ” and sees the idea of the she shed as a bit of nostalgia. “It’s almost going back to childhood, when you had a playhouse.” Interested in a “you shed”? To start, you need the structure. This can be an in-place garden shed, built from DIY plans or purchased from your local building supply store. Another way to begin is to restore or repurpose an existing outbuilding such as an outgrown treehouse, chicken coop or dog run. The treatment is where the fun begins. Here are some ideas to put you in motion: 44 Chesterfield Living
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF JML GARDEN ROOMS/JMLGARDENROOMS.CO.UK
by
SHOW YOUR STYLE
FOLLOW YOUR BLISS
Have you always wanted to live in a fairy-tale cabin in the woods? Or a Tudor manor? The she shed is your opportunity. Exterior embellishments can create a Victorian tearoom, Japanese pagoda, medieval castle or tiki hut. Even science f iction isn’t out of the question. Think about a he shed that starts as a small Quonset hut.
BE ENTERTAINING
Turn your shed into an art studio, yoga retreat or wine/beer-making center. Accessorize to meet your needs, such as adding a small refrigerator, installing a kiln or making bookshelves for a reading room. Jeffrey Klaren of Colonial Heights expanded a hobby – making custom golf clubs – into a post-retirement business that operated from his golf-themed shed.
JUST RELAX
Outfit a pub shed with a kegerator and proper bar equipment and find a theme for your décor: 1950s diner? Clubby English pub? Cool cabana? Or, if the shed will be your sports haven, don’t forget the big-screen television and comfy seating.
A naptime shed requires a real bed and soothing atmosphere: think of white-noise machines and plenty of f luffy pillows. Or make your own mini-spa supplied with aromatic lotions, nail colors and perhaps a tanning bed.
ARE THOSE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING? START PLANNING! AND REMEMBER A FEW ADDITIONAL TIPS: • You’re dealing with a small space, so no matter what you choose as a décor or theme, think hard about your VIP – very important piece. Build your ideas around that centerpiece, whether it’s a bed, an easy chair, a worktable or a bar.
opens for storage or a hamper basket that can also be used as a side table. For creative pursuits, consider covering one wall in chalkboard paint for jotting down beer recipes, sketching a project or writing inspirational messages.
• For more space savings, choose other items that have dual purpose, such as a hassock that
• Color is important and will set the tone for your shed. Think about how pastels are cool,
soothing and feminine; blues and greens bring coziness; bright colors, like yellow and red, energize; and earth tones say, “Hi, guy.” • Above all, have fun and let your personality shine through. “Shed” your inhibitions! CL
RichmondNavigator.com 45
46 Chesterfield Living
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Before
JULY/AUGUST 2015
After
LOWER YOUR UTILITY COSTS AND IMPROVE AIR QUALITY WITH AIR RESOLUTIONS by
Angela Weight
A
COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, my husband and I forked out a few thousand
bucks on a new, more energy-efficient heating and air conditioning unit. We were hoping it would lower our ridiculously high utility bills and do a better job cooling our house this summer. Though the unit has a high Energy Star rating, it hasn’t solved our problems like we’d hoped. My neighbor, probably tired of hearing me complain about our electric bills, suggested I talk to the guys at Air Resolutions. “They’ll take a good look at your whole house and how everything interacts as a system. Your ductwork, crawl space, attic, humidity in the air – they inspect everything.” I called Air Resolutions and spoke to Charlie Martin. He and coowner Chris Joyner have been solving IT’S AMAZING HOW ALL energ y eff iciency THOSE THINGS YOU DON’T and air quality issues for Richmond SEE CAN HAVE SUCH AN homeow ners for IMPACT ON YOUR over a decade. And COMFORT AND HEALTH. they received an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau for excellent customer service. According to Charlie, the HVAC unit is just one piece of our home’s entire “comfort” system. Ductwork that isn’t sealed properly can leak out as much as 45 percent of the air circulating inside the average home. That “good air” is replaced by outside air seeping in from a damp crawl space or a dusty attic, areas that are breeding grounds for molds and allergens. “When your ducts, crawl space and attic are sealed properly, the inside ‘conditioned air’ isn’t able to escape through invisible cracks,” notes Charlie.
“This enables your insulation and HVAC systems to work more efficiently. That, in turn, lowers your utility bills because you’re not trying to heat or cool the whole outdoors.” This could explain our astronomical utility costs and my constant stuffy nose. He told me that they recently did some work for a local family. The mom and kids were constantly sick, dealing with allergies and congestion. “We came in and did a whole house system evaluation and made several recommendations. We replaced their air duct system and their allergy symptoms cleared up immediately.” It’s amazing how all those things you don’t see can have such an impact on your comfort and health. The professionals at Air Resolutions begin each project with a visual inspection of the home to reveal the sources of air leakage, dust, allergens and humidity. Then they’ll recommend solutions that homeowners can take in steps, as their budgets allow. Some services Air Resolutions provides are energy audits, insulation, air sealing, duct cleaning, sealing, whole duct replacement and moisture control through vapor barrier installation or crawl space encapsulation and drainage systems. As more people realize the importance of clean air and energy efficiency, they’re contacting Air Resolutions to perform comprehensive home energy audits, even incorporating these audits into the home inspection process before buying a house. Now that’s smart! As for my home’s utility costs and air quality issues, we’ll see what the guys at Air Resolutions find when they come out tomorrow. Set up your own consultation and free estimate by visiting www.airresolutions.com or calling 804-887-0229. RichmondNavigator.com 47
48 Chesterfield Living
JULY/AUGUST 2015
HOME
OUTSIDER ART: DRESS UP YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE by
Angela Weight
O
VER THE PAST FEW WEEKS ,
I’ve been spending a lot of time standing on my back deck, studying our backyard. Its landscaping consists of grass, lots of mulch, a dozen century-old pine trees and one bed of low-maintenance perennials. Aside from the flowers, it’s a blank canvas that’s begging for a little landscaping genius. Having been in our home for less than a year, we’ve spent all our energy fixing up the interior. Lately, however, I’ve been scouring magazines, searching for ways to spruce up the outdoor space. But with summer temperatures at their peak, the thought of planting flowers and endless watering makes me feel a little wilted. Maybe this is why more and more homeowners are utilizing art pieces from local artisans to adorn their gardens, lawns and patios. Things like dramatic metal flower stakes, cement statuary, lively murals, eclectic mosaic pieces and even one-of-a-kind outdoor furnishings can provide a refreshing accompaniment to your plants and flowers. If you’re like me and welcome the idea of creative, no-maintenance “artscaping,” there’s plenty to be found right in our own backyard, metaphorically speaking. RVA is blooming with talented artisans, including metalcrafters, painters, sculptors and woodworkers. Check out these examples of locally made pieces that are sure to liven up your outdoor space.
that do-it-yourself spirit can dress up practically anything with mosaic artwork. In outdoor living spaces, think walkway pavers, table tops, planter boxes, birdbaths and concrete benches, just for starters. Local artist Julie Elkins has enlivened many a drab surface with her delightful take on mosaics. Interested in learning her techniques? Sign up for the mosaics class she teaches at the Visual Arts Center (VisArts) in the Fan or check out www.GapToothStudios.com. This seascape mosaic that Elkins created with students can be found at Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts. HOMEOWNERS WHO HAVE
toward serious, thought-provoking design elements will appreciate the human form artistry of Helene Roberts. Her works made from concrete, patina and other materials brilliantly capture the raw emotions that stir within us all. This soda-fired stoneware statue, appropriately named “Crying Girl,” makes a lovely yet reflective outdoor focal point for the more serious art collector. Many of Roberts’ works are exhibited at Gallery Flux in Hanover. THOSE WHO GRAVITATE
HANOVER WOODWORKER MARK RICKEY uses rescued timber like black
walnut, cherry and white oak to forge rustic, woodland-inspired benches and planters. His work, which highlights the beauty of wood’s natural grain, is sure to please the nature lover in all of us. Like Julie Elkins, Rickey offers his skills to those who want to make outdoor accoutrements of their own. Check out his upcoming classes at VisArts.org.
MORE ON THE NEXT PAGE RichmondNavigator.com 49
WE RICHMONDERS KNOW the liveliness that a well-placed mural can provide.
RICHMOND ARTIST KEITH RAMSEY is one of those creators who can peer into a
Wall art can instantly brighten up even the most drab and utilitarian-looking space. In your own backyard, add a custom designed mural to a section of fence, a storage shed, retaining walls or even deck underpinning. This work was created by a Chesterfield illustrator and painter, Carolyn Schallmo, who has a studio at Art Works.
dumpster and visualize avant-garde craftworks taking shape from its contents. Ramsey designed this bygone-era-inspired bench from the wrought iron parts of an old sewing machine, wood and burlap sacks from Blanchard’s Coffee here in Richmond. This work offers additional porch or patio seating for guests as well as an instant conversation piece based on its vintage style. This and more of Ramsey’s pieces can be found at Art Works Studios and Galleries on Hull Street.
WHEN METAL CRAFTSMAN KIRK THORE isn’t exploring salvage yards in search of old hardware and machinery parts, he’s shaping them into outstanding works of art in his Hopewell garage studio. What a catch! Thore’s fabulous metal fish structure is a striking centerpiece no matter where it’s placed. The ribs are made of reclaimed pick axes welded onto a perch fashioned from old conveyer chain. Many of Thore’s creations are on display at Crossroads Art Center on Staples Mill Road.
LOCAL STUDIOS 50 Chesterfield Living
Art Works Studios and Galleries ArtWorksRichmond.com
A SHADY GARDEN OR WOODED PATH is the perfect place to add some brightly hued
whimsy. Ashland artist Matt Cross specializes in bringing smiles to the faces of those who happen upon his playful crafts made mostly from metal and wood. Add crafts like Cross’ “zebra bird,” made from salvaged metal, for an exotic though lighthearted perspective along with a few extra feet of height to a low-growing flowerbed. Cross displays these and dozens of other outdoor art pieces at his farm in Ashland. Contact Matt at crosshouseart@hotmail.com for inquiries. Crossroads Art Center CrossroadsArtCenter.com
Gallery Flux GalleryFlux.com
Visual Art Center of Richmond VisArts.org
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RICHMOND
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52 Chesterfield Living
TRAVEL
culinary travel
CULINARY TRAVEL L
Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Courtesy of Ann Arbor CVB
IVING IN THE metro Richmond area is exceptional practice for culinary travel. Here you can cut your teeth on top restaurants, featuring farm-to-table
dining, international cuisine, trendy preparations and more. The downside is that Richmond might just spoil you. After all, we’ve been recognized by Saveur magazine as the “next great American food city” and U.S. News & World Report as one of the “8 Under-the-Radar Foodie Cities.” However, if you do your homework, choosing other well-curated foodie cities and restaurants, you can eat and drink your way happily through your next trip. We’re here to help you choose wisely, highlighting two worthy destinations and their culinary delights.
POP FOODIE CULTURE IN ANN ARBOR by
Annie Tobey
WITH MORE THAN 250 RESTAURANTS,
Ann Arbor, Michigan, will satiate your hunger. If it’s ethnic cuisine you’re craving, you’ll find that here. Farm to table? You bet. Culinary pop history? Yep. Craft beer, wine and fine spirits? Plenty of that. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options? At nearly every restaurant.
Taste the World In this University of Michigan town, your palate can explore the globe. Ayse Uras opened her restaurant in 1993, highlighting traditional Turkish home cooking
using fresh, locally grown ingredients. Turkish fare shares dishes with Greek cuisine, like stuffed grape leaves and moussaka. Memorable for me at Ayse’s Turkish Café were the spicy bulgur köfte, toasted Turkish noodles with feta and walnuts; and a sweet treat, burma. AysesTurkishCafe.com Though the spicy Ethiopian food provides sufficient reason to return to The Blue Nile, I’d go back simply for the experience: dining with friends from shared platters, with meat and vegetable stews served atop injera, a large, flat piece of sourdough bread that becomes your fork. With each bite, tear off a piece of injera and use it to scoop the stew. No utensils needed. BlueNileMI.com Chef and co-owner Paul Strózynski at Amadeus doesn’t have customers, he says, just guests and friends. And the food coming out of his kitchen indeed tastes like he’s serving fam-
ily back in his Warsaw home, from the Barszcz beet soup and fresh dill garnishes to the Polish poppy seed cake. Although each bite of Central European fare tickled my exploring taste buds, I especially recommend the Amadeus Placek appetizer (potato pancake with smoked salmon and dill sauce), pierogies, and buttered noodles with chicken paprikash (shredded chicken stewed with sweet bell peppers and paprika in a whitewine cream sauce). AmadeusRestaurant.com Casual Frita Batidos starts with Cubaninspired street food and adds eclectic variations by owner and French-trained chef Eve Aronoff. The fritas – traditional Cuban burgers made from spicy chorizo (black bean, chicken, fish and beef also available) – come topped with shoestring fries and served on a soft egg bun. Other inspired toppings include cilantro-lime RichmondNavigator.com 53
TRAVEL
culinary travel
Ethiopian food at The Blue Nile
Sidewalk cafés on Main Street in Ann Arbor
PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE: COURTESY OF ANN ARBOR CVB
Patrons at Vinology
slaw, avocados and egg. The Batidos are must-haves, too: creamy tropical milkshakes such as coconut cream, lime and hibiscus. The extensive menu inspires customers to return for more. FritaBatidos.com Although Italian seems so ubiquitous as to not be ethnic, you’ll want to try Mani Osteria & Bar for its take on Mediterranean food, artisanal wood-oven pizzas and pasta, hospitality and presentation. “Mani” means handmade in Italian, and you’ll see and taste the care their chefs put into the food. ManiOsteria.com
A Lapsed Anarchist’s Approach to Building a Great Business.
A Tasty Business
Sample the Spirits
No foodie visit to Ann Arbor would be complete without a stop at Zingerman’s: Bakehouse, Creamery, Mail Order, Roadhouse, ZingTrain or any of the 14 in the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses. The original shop, a deli, was founded in 1982 by Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig. Not only did the sandwich and specialty food store grow, but as the founders nurtured their employees, several opened new food-related companies under the Zingerman’s umbrella. So while you’re visiting any of these pop-foodculture shops, you can gorge on meticulously produced and picked food and on entrepreneurial theory, as in their three-part book series, Zingerman’s Guide to Good Leading:
The first structure built in the village of “Annarbour” in 1824 was a tavern. Today, Ann Arbor has more multi-tap bars per capita than any other Michigan city. The city’s craft beer consumption is more than 13 percent, twice the national average. Ashley’s multi-tap pub, founded in 1983 in a grand 1913 building, helped kickstart the city’s appreciation for craft beer. The bar serves a range of beer styles from 72 taps, nitro taps, hand-pumped ales and more than 90 bottles. And with the many renowned Michigan breweries, the local taps are tops. Ashley’s also serves wine, cocktails, 60 single malt scotch whiskeys, and plenty of tasty pub grub. Ashleys.com To go straight to the source, hop around the
54 Chesterfield Living
Treat Yourself Looking to splurge? Mélange Bistro presents a medley of eclectic and eccentric food and spirits, like duck confit over nachos, American buffalo chicken sushi, and New England barramundi in smoked jalapeño sea salt and paprika, served on saffron rock shrimp rice and drizzled in chimichurri. MelangeBistro.com
area breweries, including Original Gravity, Grizzly Peak, Wolverine State, Arbor and Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery. Chic and fun, Vinology wine bar, creatively decorated in a historic building, was established by father-daughter team John and Kristin Jonna. Your experience may be as much an education as a sensory pleasure. Besides the dining and beverage menu, you can choose from wine f lights, focused food and wine pairings, wine dinners and classes. Vinology offers entrées in half portions – perfect for creating more pairing possibilities. For a variety of classic and creative cocktails in an intimate setting, Ann Arbor has The Last Word. Or head to Isalita Mexican Cantina for their well-curated list of tequila, mezcal, rum and whiskey plus cocktails both imaginative and traditional.
Between Meals A r t a f icionados w i l l appreciate that American Style ranked Ann Arbor as one of the top 25 arts destinations in the U.S. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy recreational activities including golf ing, hiking, boating or cycling and catch a University of Michigan ballgame. And shoppers can f ind a variety of unique stores downtown. Since, unfortunately, we can’t eat 24/7!
Kimball's Kitchen at the Sanderling Resort. Courtesy of the Sanderling Resort
DISCOVERING THE CULINARY TREASURES ON THE OUTER BANKS
Tuna ceviche from Café Pamlico. Courtesy of Café Pamlico
to be a great culinary Mecca. On numerous annual family vacations, my dining had almost totally been limited to preparing meals in our rental home. When we did choose a local restaurant, generally we ordered through a clown’s mouth and took the meal home in a bag. One of the most pleasant surprises of my visit last October was discovering the many excellent restaurants, including three that I’m still raving about and longing to revisit.
philosophy: “All progress is made as a result of unreasonable people.” Delicately balancing an insistence on excellence with a laid-back, Hatteras-style casualness, Steve has brought something very unique to the island. The service, the presentation, the food – all are world class indeed. As is true of many of the finest chefs, Will Canny has the knack of taking simple and making it simply fantastic. Obviously, the menu is going to offer exceptional fare from the sea, but the char-grilled filet, prepared in a Cognac and green pepper sauce, was one of my favorite dishes. We told Steve how impressed we were with our server, Jen. “Mention her on TripAdvisor,” he advised. “We reward our servers who get positive reviews.” Okay, Jen. Here’s another one.
Café Pamlico
The Blue Point
“This place comes as close to perfection as one could hope for.” That’s what I wrote on TripAdvisor last fall following my visit to Café Pamlico. Perhaps I was overtaken by the moment, the experience or the ambiance; or perhaps it was the gorgeous sunset, which, apparently, is a nightly occurrence over the Pamlico Sound. But, in retrospect, I’d have to say that I wasn’t gilding any lilies. Steve Nelson, owner of both the Inn on Pamlico Sound and the adjacent café, says when he first spoke of his plans to open a boutique hotel and a world-class restaurant, friends told him, “You’ll never make it on Hatteras Island.” But Steve was operating on a personal
Although I have only very recently come to appreciate the OBX for its exceptional dining, that’s not to say great restaurants are totally new to the region. In fact, over 25 years ago, two high school buddies from Norfolk, Virginia – John Powers and Sam McGann – brought fine dining to the little town of Duck. Some may have thought at the time that Duck was not ready for such a restaurant. But within weeks, locals and tourists alike were queuing up to enjoy the fare. Two-hour waits for dinner were not uncommon. Today, Duck is much more well known, and the same could be said for The Blue Point. The restaurant has evolved through the years, includ-
by
Steve Cook
I’D NEVER CONSIDERED THE OUTER BANKS
ing enlarging space to accommodate the crowds. While friends had often recommended The Blue Point, I hadn’t been there. I was aware of its reputation, but the restaurant outdid those accolades. Our party of four created our own seafood fest by selecting the trout, flounder and crab cakes. However, our server, Chris, who was impeccable every step of the way, suggested we also try the lump crab entrée. While every dish was excellent, his suggestion was the hit of the evening. It’s rare to find a place that gets it all right – food, service, atmosphere – but The Blue Point has it down to an art.
Kimball's Kitchen The folks at Kimball’s Kitchen, the premier restaurant at the gorgeous Sanderling Resort, have a knack for combining all of the elements of fine dining and serving them up in a non-stuffy atmosphere. It’s hard to describe how perfectly our server, Lisa, cared for our every need, even offering great suggestions and advice when asked. She even laughed at my jokes. Since closing for the season last fall, the Sanderling has brought in Chef Marty Pollock to serve as the new food and beverage director. And, from what I hear, that’s even further elevated one of the Outer Bank’s most fantastic restaurants. The menu continues with its local focus but has also introduced Kobe beef and a daily oyster menu. Even if the OBX weather is not cooperating, a trip to the area for the food alone is well worth the drive. CL RichmondNavigator.com 55
WE SHOULD TOTALLY HANG OUT. HORSING AROUND IN VIRGINIA It’s no accident that Secretariat, perhaps the greatest racing horse in American history, was from Virginia. Equine appreciation is still very much a part of the Commonwealth. Here are 5 fun ways to participate: The Moonlight Games: Twilight Polo at Great Meadows on Saturdays through Sept. 19. GreatMeadow.org Virginia Horse Center’s comprehensive calendar of events, inc. horse shows & competitions, mounted map and orienteering, Baroque equestrian games, barrel racing and much more. HorseCenter.org Trail riding in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park, with 1 & 2½-hour tours from Skyland Resort Stables. NPS.gov/Shen
Discover a city unlike any other. 800.800.2202 VisitHampton.com
EASY-DRIVE EVENTS SUMMERTIME SHAKESPEARE, Augusta County Three plays by the bard throughout the season: Antony & Cleopatra, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Winter’s Tale. AmericanShakespeareCenter.com
PURCELLVILLE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL, Loudoun County Local wine, food, crafts and music. Make a weekend and enjoy beautiful Loudoun County. July 18. PurcellvilleWineAndFood.com
FLOYD FEST 14: FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN, Floyd County One of Virginia’s most diverse, well-respected music events: dozens of bands, outdoor adventures, kids’ and teen events, camping, workshops and more. July 22-26. FloydFest.com VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS FESTIVAL, Abingdon Antiques market, juried arts and crafts show, music, historical reenactments, fine art and photography competitions, creative writing workshops, home and garden tours, guided nature hikes, and kids’ activities. July 31-Aug. 9. VAHighlandsFestival.org 4TH ANNUAL VIRGINIA CRAFT BREWERS FEST, Nelson County Beer from Virginia’s over-100 craft breweries, plus the Virginia Craft Brewers Cup awards. Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows, Aug. 22. VACraftBrewersFest.com
All-inclusive horseback riding vacation packages and hourly or day trail rides at Shangrila Guest Ranch in southern Virginia. ShangrilaGuestRanch.com Chincoteague Pony Swim, the roundup of wild ponies made famous by Misty of Chincoteague. Chincoteague.com
TRAVEL
missouri
A DESTINATION FOR ALL AGES: BRANSON, MISSOURI by
Annie Tobey /
A
photos courtesy of
Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (unless otherwise noted)
FAMILY VACATION that can keep three gen-
erations happy – is that mission impossible? Not in Branson, Missouri! With its blend of shows, shopping, natural beauty and clean family fun, Branson will please everyone.
Fun for All For the perfect overview of the Branson area, including the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake, Ride the Ducks ! Strap on your unique duckbill quacker (provided, but purely optional) and prepare to be entertained by their hilariousshowman-trained-as-Coast-Guard-captain for a ride in an amphibious World War II DUKHinspired truck. The tour includes a turn on the lake, with a splashdown from dry land to water and chances for passengers to pilot the duck while afloat. Branson.RideTheDucks.com If your family schedules only one Branson destination on the itinerary, Silver Dollar City would be it – plenty of amusement park rides, 40 live shows, more than 100 working artisans, festivals, restaurants, activities and classes, all in a wooded setting. Families can stick together or
find their own favorite fun. Rides range from thrilling to tame, from the high-flying, multi-looping, 15-story-dropping, 66mph, mountain-viewing WildFire to the miniature steam train tour of the park. Midwest Living Culinary & Craft School Classes provide entertaining instruction in topics like flaky piecrusts, campfire cooking, breads and farm-to-table cooking. Kids’ activities at two-acre Fireman’s Landing include rides and age-appropriate interactive areas. Firefighter’s Fire Drill, with buckets, pumpers, foam ball cannons and targets, made me wish I had a kid with me so I could play, too! At the premiere Silver Dollar City attraction, Marvel Cave, no air-conditioning is needed. This wet limestone cave hosts tours every half hour, starting with a long descent down into the Cathedral Room, the largest cave entrance room in the United States. (The tour is moderately strenuous, so it’s not for everyone.) SilverDollarCity.com To please the history buff and entertainment groupie, sail on over to the Titanic Museum along the Branson strip. With more than 400 artifacts and galleries simulating the look and even the feel of the ill-fated ship, the museum provides accessible information for all ages. Step into the space
that simulates the frigid air temperature, walk up the recreated grand staircase and view rooms, accommodating passengers from the wealthiest passengers to third class – actually, not so shabby! TitanicBranson.com
Shows No worries about turning red during Branson shows – your mom won’t be appalled, nor will you have to explain tricky topics to your five-year old. After watching the Dutton Family, the most challenging question you may have to deal with is, “Mom, can I get up at four in the morning to learn the violin like the Duttons did?” Though the adult Dutton siblings carry most of the high-energy show, displaying their skills on violin, guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, keyboard and much more, the two-dozen performers include the kiddos, too, all of whom are amazingly accomplished. Songs comes from a variety of genre, interspersed with humor. The other performances I enjoyed were equally high energy, including humor, magic and music served up with dinner on the Showboat Branson Belle (providing intermission to
Ride the Ducks providing guests with an overview of the Branson area.
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missouri Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park The Duttons. Photo by Don Farquar
view the coast of Table Rock Lake during the steamboat’s perfunctory cruise), The Haygoods (another cast of talented siblings) and The Presleys’ Country Jubilee (think Hee-Haw live). Patriotism provides another common denominator throughout Branson. Before the final song for each show – always a patriotic song – veterans are asked to stand to be honored.
Outdoor Time If your gang likes to spend time outside, Branson provides those options, too: golfing, hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, horseback
riding, fishing, hunting, trap and skeet shooting, spelunking and rock climbing. Breathtakingly beautiful, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a testimony to the power of private entities to “preserve, promote, and protect the natural environment…” Established in 1990 by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, the 10,000-acre preserve includes bison, elk, and longhorn pastures; a peaceful paved trail along Little Indian Creek through the box canyon; and lots of undeveloped, protected land. Visitors can bike, hike, Segway or take the tram tour. The whole family can file the pleasures of Branson away in a fond memory bank of time spent together. Mission possible! CL
ACCOMMODATIONS Wherever your family enjoys settling in, you’ll find it in Branson: resorts, B&Bs, condos, camping, RV parks, marinas and hotels. We spent our free time at the Hilton Promenade, surrounded by the shops and restaurants of Branson Landing and historic downtown. HiltonsOfBranson.com. Runners note: From the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, set out along the 1.5-mile riverwalk for an easy flat run or turn west to downtown for some dedicated hill workouts!
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Mel’s Hard Luck Diner Keep this place a secret till you’re there, to surprise your family when the talented servers break into song. The food at this 1950s era diner will make you want to break into song, too. The cuisine reflects a down-home diner while respecting modern tastes. Try the jalapeño poppers, Ozark Hillbilly Chili, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes burger, sweet potato bites and, especially, the malted milk shakes. If you dare, get the Climb Every Mountain Ice Cream Avalanche: 12 scoops of ice cream loaded with every sweet topping in the diner. MelsHardLuckDiner.com Level 2 Steakhouse If you’re looking for high cuisine, creatively prepared with the best of ingredients, step up to Level 2 at Branson Landing: appetizers like pan-seared Ahi tuna; entrées featuring certified Hereford beef, Arkansas chicken breast or lump crab meat served with sides like rich egg noodles and cheese or perfectly steamed asparagus. Save room for dessert! Level2Steakhouse.com
SHOPPING The diversity of shopping in Branson embraces not only kids and adults, but also souvenir hounds and art fans, loyal-local and chain-store shoppers, the budget minded and the big spender. Silver Dollar City All those working artisans at Silver Dollar City? You can purchase their high-quality products in the park’s retail shops. SilverDollarCity.com Tanger Outlet Mall Shop more than 65 brand name designer outlets for unbelievable deals. TangerOutlet.com/Branson Grand Village Shops Laid out in a comfy, cozy outdoor setting, Grand Village Shops presents an enticing collection of small boutiques and food stores, such as Thomas Kinkade Art Gallery, T Charlestons Books and Gifts, Tatman’s Fine Jewelry and Mulberry Mill. Kids, like me, will want their picture taken in the big rocking chair! GrandVillageShops.com Branson Landing The 95-acre destination in historic downtown Branson along the waterfront hosts more than 100 shops and restaurants, including national names as well as some locals. BransonLanding.com
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northern neck
KEEPING IT REAL IN THE NORTHERN NECK by
Steve Cook
I
T WAS ONCE KNOWN as the Athens of the New World because of the wealthy, somewhataristocratic landowners who lived within its boundaries. As the birthplace of three of the first five presidents of the United States and of many of the nation’s founding fathers, it’s also been called the cradle of American democracy. In 1608, Capt. John Smith wrote, “Heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man’s habitation.” Smith was referring to the northernmost of the three peninsulas or “necks” that lie on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, an area we know as the Northern Neck. The region lies south of the Potomac River and north of the Rappahannock. Come Friday afternoon, Richmonders by the thousands head out to the “Rivah.” Most Northern Neck destinations are a 90-minute drive or less from the metro area, which makes it a practical getaway destination for anyone who enjoys history, the water, great seafood and relaxation. However, to our grandparents just a few generations back, before there were any bridges connecting the Northern Neck to the rest of civilization, Richmonders rarely, if ever, visited the region. “In actuality, the Northern Neck had more of a connection with Baltimore,” explains Jean Ward, a volunteer at the Steamboat Era Museum in Irvington. Speaking of an era that ran from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Ward says, “We used the bay and the water as our highway. There
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Most Northern Neck destinations are a 90-minute drive or less from the metro area, which makes it a practical getaway destination for anyone who enjoys history, the water, great seafood and relaxation.
were no real roads that didn’t turn to mush. You could travel by horseback or by water and most people chose the water.” An overnight trip from Baltimore to Irvington and other ports along the Rappahannock could run around a dollar or so, and that included a stateroom and your meals. By contrast, a horseback ride between Richmond and the peninsula could take up to four days. For that reason, says Lisa Hull, tourism coordinator with the Northern Neck Economic Planning Commission, much of the fashion, the art, even the furniture found in the homes of residents of the Northern Neck reflected the culture of Baltimore. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it might be difficult to understand the quality of life that exists in the Northern Neck: a quieter, simpler life. Obviously, a trip to the region is not exactly a Somewhere in Time experience. However, Ward says that the spirit of community does still prevail. “We were an island for a long, long time, with no trains, buses or cars. People depended on nature, on the water and on each other. Things were not available [here] that were available in the city. You learned to trust each other more, to be more interconnected.” “There is a certain genuineness to the people in the Northern Neck,” says Hull. Gordon Slatford, general manager at the Tides Inn in Irvington, agrees. Slatford, a native of London, England, has been managing the beautiful Irvington resort for about 10 years. He speaks of the locals as “keeping it real.” And as for non-natives
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PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ENHANCEMENT GROUP/THE TIDES INN
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northern neck
PHOTO: MICHAEL A. GEISSINGER
who’ve moved in (come-heres, in the local lingo), he says they come because they, too, are attracted to the genuine neighborliness of the folks. Slatford, who has been in restaurant and hotel management for over 40 years, seems to be a natural fit for the area. His goal is to keep the experiences of guests at the inn as real as the Northern Neck itself. He acknowledges that he doesn’t want to describe the experience as a trip back in time. “We have all the bells and whistles here,” he says, referring to the ultra 21st-century luxury most of us have come to expect in a world-class resort, so bountifully delivered at the Tides Inn. Rather, he says, “We’re trying to rekindle an atmosphere where the people [on the staff] really care for you; a true spirit, not a plastic imitation.” In reflecting on his demographics, Slatford says, “I want to create the environment where parents can play with their children.” To that end, the Tides Inn offers such amenities as Frisbee golf and kayaks large enough to accommodate a parent and a couple of kids. In fact, all non-motorized watercraft are offered free of charge for guests’ use. “If we make the kids happy, the parents are happy,” says Slatford. “Everything is beautiful.” Family fun is just one component of the Tides Inn experience. Couples seeking a romantic weekend getaway and corporate executives on a weekend retreat appreciate an environment that accommodates their needs.
Making good use of the merroir and terroir, Flynn specializes in incorporating local produce to create his amazing culinary delights. The she crab soup was probably the best I’ve ever had.
The Steamboat Museum
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“As long as we don’t go too crazy one way or another, all [guests] can blend in together.” That was certainly the atmosphere I experienced during a recent stay at the Tides Inn. It wasn’t just the kids who gathered around the fire pit at dusk for s’mores. I just had to be sure I’d wiped away my marshmallow mustache before my wife and I enjoyed a fantastic meal at the Chesapeake Club restaurant. Executive Chef T.V. Flynn has held forth in the kitchen for nearly 15 years. Making good use of the merroir and terroir, Flynn specializes in incorporating local produce to create his amazing culinary delights. The she crab soup was probably the best I’ve ever had. Guests at the Tides Inn can grab a bicycle and head about two blocks into Irvington. There’s not a lot of nightlife, and I mean that in the best possible way. Lounging around the resort, by the pool or on the patio as I sipped a refreshing beverage was all the excitement I really wanted. However, I did peddle over to the aforementioned Steamboat Era Museum. The folks there have done a remarkable job capturing the essence of that simpler era. “This is not a museum about steamboats,” cautions Randy Graham, the treasurer of the board at the museum. “It’s a museum about the steamboat era” – an era, Graham says, that holds a very romantic appeal. “We try to tell the story about this period of time,” Graham continues. “It’s still part of the culture and the makeup of the Northern Neck.” I’ve visited small town museums on previous travel assignments. Many such museums are often staffed with very passionate people, bless their hearts, who are very passionate about a lot of things that to an outsider just do not inspire much passion. That’s not the case at the Steamboat Era Museum. Through a variety of dynamic exhibits, model replicas, oral histories and more, the folks at the museum really do bring that era to life. “The thing that I often hear visitors say,” Graham tells me, “is that they had no idea they would find a Smithsonian-quality museum tucked away in a small village like Irvington.” There are other worthwhile attractions around Irvington and throughout the entire region, but let’s get back to the Tides Inn. There’s a lounge chair by the pool calling my name. Or maybe I’m hearing one of the servers at the poolside bar asking me what delightful concoction I’d like next. As I get back to the important business of relaxation, I’m reflecting on a comment Slatford made
IF YOU GO: TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT RIGHT:PHOTOS: COURTESY THEOFENHANCEMENT THE TIDES INN;GROUP/THE BOTTOM LEFT: TIDES VIRGINIA INN / TOURISM BOTTOM LEFT: CORPORATION VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION
Regional overview NorthernNeck.org Lodging, dining & activities at the Tides Inn TidesInn.com
OTHER DINING OPTIONS: Nate’s Trick Dog Café
Merging river relaxation with upscale dining. NatesTrickDogCafe.com Northern Neck Burger
For hand-crafted, wood-grilled artisan burgers with creative toppings. NNBurger.com Merroir
The Croxton oyster restaurant that preceded Richmond’s Rappahannock Restaurant (just across the Rappahannock River). RROysters.com
Arial view of the Tides Inn
Car Wash Café She crab soup at the Tides Inn
A popular Kilmarnock sandwich shop voted Best Place for Lunch in the Eastern Region. Facebook.com/CarWashCafe Hope and Glory Inn
Elegant farm-to-table and boat-to-table dining in a charming boutique hotel. HopeAndGlory.com
ATTRACTIONS: Steamboat Era Museum
Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster
A taste of Northern Neck history. SteamboatEraMuseum.org
earlier in the day: “It’s not the big glitzy things that make the experience, it’s the silly little things.” Isn’t that the truth! Just the day before, Chef Flynn had plucked a stevia leaf from one of the herb gardens on the grounds (they grow most of the herbs they use in the kitchen and bar) and handed it to me to chew. I knew stevia was a sweetener, but I always thought it was one of those chemical compounds. Instead it’s a delightfully sweet leaf. I wish I’d had stevia around as a kid, when my mother had scolded me to eat my greens. It really is the simple things that we remember the most. That’s why I want to head back to the
Northern Neck in the near future and see more of the region. There truly is a genuineness about the people and the region. Even after I’ve returned to the realities of life in the (fairly) big city, I’ve tried to remember the importance of embracing the simplicity. The Northern Neck seems to capture that simpler, gentler era folks are always harkening back to. Was it ever really there to begin with? I’m not going to even venture a guess. But, from my vantage point, I can only encourage you to personally discover the Northern Neck – then you can decide for yourself if they truly are keeping it real. CL
Christ Church
One of the oldest and best-preserved of Virginia’s parish churches. ChristChurch1735.org Premier Sailing School
Offering personalized instruction in a safe, friendly and fun environment. Located at the Tides Inn. PremierSailing.com
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in Bon Air
Opening this Summer!
2730 Buford Road, Bon Air
Simply Better.
Design and rendering by Evolve Architecture