WHITENING
make people notice in 90 minutes or less Thanks to the latest in teeth whitening, the vibrant smile of your dreams is easier and more affordable than you think. Call to receive 50% off any whitening procedure and discover how a nice smile makes all the difference.
Call us or visit VAdentist.com today to schedule your appointment.
Huguenot - Bon Air 794-9789
Midlothian - 288 379-1011
Brandermill - Woodlake 739-6500
Short Pump 364-7010
West End - Staples Mill 672-4900
Tri-Cities 526-4822
Chester - Rt.1/Rt.10 751-0300
Mechanicsville 730-3400
Atlee - Ashland 550-3324
Ironbridge - Courthouse 743-8166
Powhatan 598-3000
50
% OFF
Teeth Whitening
Zoom In-Office Teeth Whitening Reg. $500.00 Nite White at Home Whitening Reg. $200.00
WE ACCE P T TH E FO LLOWING INSUR ANCE Aetna
•
Ameritas
•
Anthem
•
Assurant
•
Cigna PPO
•
Delta Dental Premier
•
Dominion Dental
•
Guardian
•
Humana
•
Metlife
•
United Concordia NFFS
•
UHC (United Healthcare)
Choose from INSIDE and OUTSIDE dining venues.
Covenant Woods. The next right choice in your life. Isn’t it great when the choices in front of you are all good ones? That’s what you’ll have when you live at Covenant Woods. Newly expanded to offer more choices than ever, this accredited Continuing Care Retirement Community in Hanover County deserves your close attention as you plan for the future. In the realm of dining by itself, your options include the more formal Traditions dining room, the more casual Vistas restaurant, cozy Fireside with its pub menu, and The Bistro for lighter fare. Outdoors it’s fresh-air dining on The Terrace. Make an appointment to explore brand-new apartments in The Lodge and other apartments and cottages on our 75-acre campus. See how right it all feels.
804.569.8716 www.SeeTheLodge.com
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of federal and state policies for the achievement of equal housing opportunity. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or national origin. The continuing care retirement facilities and services offered herein are offered solely by Covenant Woods, a Virginia corporation, which is not affiliated with any outside continuing care retirement facility or provider.
2 Hanover Lifestyle
MAY/JUNE 2015
Contents
MAY/JUNE 2015
COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE
24
06
PHOTO: BILLY DAVIS
COURTESY OF SARA OWNES
15
VIRGINIA’S HISTORY WITH HORSES
6
First of All
13
Richmond Marble
15
News from Around Town 9
Seniors
Ace Hardware
Simplify Home Renovation
Feature
23
In Search of Staff Favorites
Rico’s
Authentic Mexican Food
Flavor 19
TasteBudz
Dining & Drink News
It’s a Horse Of Course!
Constance-ville 12
22
Teeth Whitening
All your Kitchen & Bath Needs 11
Health
Home 24
Neighborhoods
Community Developments
RichmondNavigator.com 3
JESSICA MORGAN’S
SCHOOL OF DANCE
10402 LEADBETTER ROAD ASHLAND, VA 23005 | 804.368.0235
Stop Dreaming It. Start Dancing It.
eekly Style W PRESE
NTED
BY
3 SEMESTERS OF DANCE FALL • WINTER/SPRING SUMMER AGES 2 TO ADULT PROGRESSIVE CURRICULUM BEGINNING TO ADVANCED LEVELS
Summer Programs at JMSD Hanover PRINCESS DANCE CAMPS • JUNE 8TH–11TH AGES 3-5 DANCE TEAM CAMP • JULY 27TH-30TH •AGES 6-10
6-Week Summer Class Session OFFERING DANCE TEAM CAMP, CREATIVE MOVEMENT, PREBALLET, BALLET, TAP, JAZZ, LYRICAL & HIP HOP
Register Online at jemsone.com 4 Hanover Lifestyle
PERFORMING GROUP OPPORTUNITIES
FREE SUMMER REGISTRATION
$12.50 VALUE NEW STUDENTS ONLY! (Valid until May 30th, 2015) (limited to 1 per family - other offers and registration fees not included) ( if for any reason the student drops Summer classes there will be no refund)
MAY/JUNE 2015
From the Editor
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
Editor’s Letter
William J. Davis, Jr. VICE-PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
Cheryl T. Davis MANAGING EDITOR
Annie Tobey FOOD EDITOR
Steve Cook ASSISTANT EDITOR
Tammie Wersinger CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Joey Wharton GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Nora Bollinger, Tara Bouldin-Evans ADVERTISING CONSULTANT
Jared Davis ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Beverly Montsinger, Michael Tillem DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Justin Warner PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick Bancroft, Temple Hill, Robert Thomas CONTRIBUTORS
Jody Rathgeb, Constance Whitney ADVERTISING
B
is like mingling at a cocktail party: you meet fascinating new people, learn unexpected news bits, draw inspiration and glean fresh ideas. At this month’s Hanover Lifestyle party, you can chat with author Jody Rathgeb, who provides an overview of Central Virginia’s active equestrian community. If you like talking food (certainly a popular party topic), you can get some behind-thescenes peeks into restaurant news from regular TasteBudz columnist Steve Cook and explore our suggestions for some of Hanover’s best dishes. If you may be in the market for a new home, this issue can help. The staff of Hanover Lifestyle has compiled our favorite Hanover residential developments, where people not only spend quality time in their own crafted homes, they also enjoy community amenities and mix with neighbors. If a retirement home is in your not-too-distant future, you can relate to Constance Whitney’s whimsical look at her retirement Utopia. So put on some background music, grab your favorite beverage and finger foods and settle in with this issue of Hanover Lifestyle. Let our guests entertain, inform and inspire you. ROWSING A GREAT MAGAZINE
Annie Tobey Annie.Tobey@RichmondNavigator.com
Hanover Lifestyle 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 HANOVER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, ADVERTISING CONCEPTS, INC OR THE PUBLISHER. MARKS ADVERTISER-SUPPORTED CONTENT.
ABOUT OUR COVER Hanover’s Rutland Community. Photo courtesy of Rutland
RichmondNavigator.com 5
MAY/JUNE 2015
First Of All
LOCAL BREWERY REPRESENTS HANOVER IN D.C.
COTU BREWING STOCK PHOTO
THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE goes to Washington, D.C. on June 5 and 6 to present at the nation’s premier pairing event, SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience. The Brewers Association hosts the annual event, now in its eighth year, and chooses only a small fraction of U.S. breweries to participate. Center of the Universe Brewing (COTU) will be one of only 73 small and independent craft breweries at the event, each pouring two beers that will be paired with a sampling of savory and sweet dishes. The Ashland brewery will serve Pocahoptas IPA paired with duck and fennel sausage cassoulet and El Duderino White Russian Stout paired with German chocolate cake. “We’re excited to be showcasing our beers alongside some of the nation’s greatest breweries in such a great venue,” says Chris Ray, co-founder of Center of the Universe Brewing Company. SAVOR tickets sold out quickly, but you can get your own taste of beers from Center of the Universe straight from the source at 11293 Air Park Rd. (COTUBrewing.com) or find their brews at local retailers and restaurants that serve fine craft beer. Savor them before D.C. does!
BARNES & DIEHL OPENING OFFICES IN HANOVER serious personal injuries to obtain their rights. It also defends traffic criminal charges ranging from DUI to serious offenses, including federal/state white-collar offenses. “Clients of our new Hanover location will have the benefit of the experience our team has gained from decades of practice throughout Virginia,” says Barnes. “We remain dedicated to the goals and needs of individual clients and their families and to achieving success for each of them. Our lawyers are experienced and knowledgeable, and they have achieved the results to demonstrate it. Achieving satisfactory, positive outcomes for our clients is a matter of professional pride for us.” The new offices, located at Lockwood Business Center, 9097 Atlee Station Rd., Suite 319, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, are scheduled to open in May 2015. Learn more at BarnesFamilyLaw.com.
WINDING BROOK GROWS WITH A COUNTRY STORE with handmade Amish and Mennonite goods has made its new home in the sprawling Winding Brook development off of Interstate 95. Layne’s Country Store & Amish Kettle opened at 11670 Lakeridge Pkwy., selling foods such as cheese, preserves, cured meats, candy, Virginia craft beer and wines, leather goods, folk jewelry and novelty items. The original store began in Virginia’s Rockbridge County near Lexington, Virginia, in 1954. The Ashland store is owned by brothers Michael and Steve Layne, sons of the founders of the Rockbridge store, who grew up working in the family business. A FAMILY-OWNED COUNTRY STORE
If you have news you’d like to share with Hanover Lifestyle readers, send it to us at info@RichmondNavigator.com.
6 Hanover Lifestyle
PHOTO: BILLY DAVIS
and problems, you need someone to assist and guide you who is competent and caring, someone who can help you navigate the complex legal system successfully. For over three decades, Barnes & Diehl, P.C. has served individuals and families of Virginia in family law, divorces, custody of children, elder law, personal injury, criminal law and estate planning. In May 2015, the law firm will open its Hanover office. “It has been a privilege to help countless clients successfully resolve their legal issues,” says Managing Partner Edward Barnes. Barnes & Diehl handles family law issues in divorce, child custody and support, adoption, complex property divisions and other family law issues, as well as estate planning and elder law. The firm represents clients with WHEN FACED WITH LEGAL ISSUES
SPRING CHORALE CONCERT THE CENTRAL VIRGINIA MASTERWORKS CHORALE
will perform Maurice Durufle’s Requiem and other selections under the baton of artistic director David Sinden with organist Daniel Stipe. “This is one of the truly great choral masterworks of the twentieth century,” says Sinden, “and this is the first time it has been sung by the chorale.” The program, which also includes Duruflé’s Four Motets, the Cantique de Jean Racine by Gabriel Fauré and James Erb’s arrangement of Shenandoah, will be held at 3 p.m. on May 10 at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry St. in Ashland. Advance tickets are $10, $5 for students. Tickets at the door are $15. Ashland’s Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale works to foster appreciation of the choral arts by presenting choral music performances, reaching out to community members for support and participation. Besides the spring and winter concerts, the chorale seeks to be a part of community events, such as the Ashland Train Day Sing-Along, Richmond Cultureworks Arts & Culture XPO, retirement venues and more. Tickets for the May 10 performance are available at CVAMC.org, at Cross Brothers Grocery or from chorale members.
BE SAFE – AND LEGAL – ON THE WATER THE JOYS OF WARM WEATHER bring increased risks,
too, with news stories of boating accidents providing tragic reminders of the importance of safety. The Virginia General Assembly enacted a law in 2007 requiring boating safety education compliance. The law is being phased in gradually, ensuring that operators of personal watercraft (PWCs), including jet skis, Sea Doos and Wave Runners, and motorboats of 10 horsepower or greater motor will be required to have their boating safety education course completion card on board. To help area boaters comply with the law, Green Top Sporting Goods will present a boating safety class taught by Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors. The course – free for boaters, ages 12 and up – will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m., May 19 and 21 Green Top, 10150 Lakeridge Pkwy. in Ashland. The six-to-eight-hour Boat Virginia state class meets requirements for boating safety, including topics such as boating operations, safe boating practices, navigation signs and boating responsibilities. For more information on requirements, visit DGIF.Virginia.gov and click on the Boating tab. To sign up, visit Flotilla31.org/classes.asp or call Keith Morgan at 804-229-6649. RichmondNavigator.com 7
GIF T CARD
8 Hanover Lifestyle
MAY/JUNE 2015
Local
TURN YOUR KITCHEN DREAMS INTO REALITY Richmond Marble and Granite Offers So Much More!
N
OBODY IN RICHMOND KNOWS COUNTERTOPS as well as the professionals
at Richmond Marble and Granite. Because of their wide selection of quality marble, granite and engineered stone as well as their reputation for unparalleled professional workmanship, thousands of homeowners throughout Central Virginia turn to Richmond Marble and Granite for kitchen and bathroom countertops and backsplashes. But did you know that the Ashland-based company offers much more than just quality marble and granite? “We are a one-stop shop for all of your kitchen and bathroom projects,” says Tolga Ece, owner. And in order to better demonstrate to customers their ability to provide virtually 100% of the things one might need or desire to create that dream kitchen or bathroom, the company has recently completed a beautiful new 2,800-square-foot showroom.
FLOORING If it goes on the floor, you can likely find it here. That includes natural stone, porcelain, laminate and hardwood... And, of course, as is true of anything else Richmond Marble and Granite offers, they can provide full installation.
CABINETS Let your eyes feast on the beautiful wood and glass-front cabinets on display in the showroom. It’s all real wood. No particleboard here. Of course, your choice of colors and woods is virtually limitless. “We also offer soft-close technology for the drawers,” says Ryanne Bothel, who is the office manager as well as one of their expert design consultants. One huge advantage in shopping for your cabinets here is the speed of delivery. “Many suppliers may quote you four to six and, sometimes, eight weeks from the time you order your cabinets,” Ece says. “Our delivery time is seven to ten days.”
by
Steve Cook
COUNTERTOPS Of course your countertops play such an important role in creating the perfect look for your kitchen. The counters must be both beautiful and functional. Even before you begin to shop from their tremendous selection, the experts at Richmond Marble and Granite have already done a double inspection of each slab in stock. “We handpick and inspect each piece at the supplier,” Ece says. “We then inspect it again when it’s delivered.” Of course, picking the perfect piece is only a part of creating the look you desire. This is where Richmond Marble and Granite’s computer technology comes in. “We use digital templating and CNC machines to fabricate our tops,” Ece says. Installation of that perfectly fabricated countertop is always done by an expert who is also an employee of the company. “We don’t subcontract any work out,” says Ece.
ALL THE EXTRAS These are the main ingredients that go into creating your dream kitchen or bathroom, but you’ll find so much more to love about the showroom. Perhaps you want to use tile for the backsplash, or maybe recessed lighting and under-cabinet lighting is on your shopping list. You can find it all here. That goes for sinks, toilets, faucets and custom shower enclosures, too. Want to learn more before you go? Check out their recently refurbished website. “We’ve redesigned it to show virtually everything we offer,” says Bothel. “We have before-and-after photos as well as links to our suppliers.” What more could one ask for? So take those dreams to Richmond Marble and Granite, and get ready to make them come true. 11107 Air Park Rd., Ashland / 804-752-7633 / RichmondGranite.com RichmondNavigator.com 9
Our mission is to prepare our students for college and for life in a community defined by robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care. We invite you to learn why so many families have chosen to become part of our community. Visit our campus or register for one of our summer camps to get a preview what life is like at Steward.
www.stewardschool.org
11600 Gayton Road
Richmond, Virginia 23238
804.740.3394
Robert H. Taylor, D.D.S. General Dentist
DENTURES | PARTIALS | EXTRACTIONS | IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES Dr. Taylor has provided denture related services for patients in Virginia for over 25 years.
ARE YOU TIRED OF LOOSE or
UNCOMFORTABLE DENTURES? Can't Eat What You Want? Can't Talk or Laugh with Confidence? Dr. Taylor has helped many patients stabilize their dentures with one simple procedure. Dental Implants have been a tremendous help for patients by freeing them from loose, painful, embarrassing dentures. This procedure allows patients to smile with confidence again, eat what they want, and eliminate denture sore spots. Dentures simply snap into place with little or no need for adhesives.
New Mechanicsville Location Conveniently located just off I-295 and HWY 360 in Hanover Plaza
valleydenturecare.com 10 Hanover Lifestyle
Call (804)723-5658
to schedule your Complimentary Consultation!
Valley Denture Care 7472 Lee Davis Road | Mechanicsville, VA 23111
MAY/JUNE 2015
Seniors
UTOPIA –THE SENIOR VERSION by
Constance Whitney
W
HEN I WAS A KID,
Marlo Thomas was That Girl on TV – young, beautiful, single and living on her own in New York City. To my adolescent mind, no homework, no fighting with siblings, no bedtimes equaled utopia. As a teenager, my view was redefined by the iconic hair and tight jeans of David Cassidy and I was sure that traveling around in a psychedelically painted bus was the true nirvana. Fast forward a few years with college behind me, a few kids around me and a fast-paced career in front of me, my utopian standards had more to do with dreams of a gummybear-free car, mud-free kitchen floors, and six hours of uninterrupted sleep. Now that the kids are grown, my car is no longer a sticky minefield and the painted bus has lost its allure, it is time to reinvent my version of heaven on Earth. With little in the way of television-based inspiration (the Iron Throne doesn’t really exist and I refuse to keep up with the Kardashians), I wondered what my utopia would look like in a senior community. My mom, bless her heart, retired to Las Vegas years ago. Mind you, not the Las Vegas of neon lights, showgirls and endless buffets – no, Mom moved to a gorgeous 55+ retirement community where the motto is less “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” and more “what happens in Vegas can be told at a church social.” The homes are specifically designed for older residents (wider hallways, no thresholds, no steps, easy maintenance, etc.), the view of the mountains is fit for a glossy postcard, and activities, healthcare and services in the area are focused on letting the residents make the most of their senior years. The idea of the 55-plus communities is growing throughout the nation, thanks to the aging baby boomers. With an average of 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day, senior living options are hot topics around the water cooler and in the Geritol aisle at the local Walgreens. Channeling Mom, who has inspired me throughout my life, I came up with my list of must-haves and a few sorta-probably-should-haves and created my nirvana. Constanceville – a senior living community conceived and designed by yours truly!
MUST HAVES: INDEPENDENCE – As a teenager, I waged an all-out battle with my parents to
earn my independence (though in those days it had more to do with staying out after curfew) and, as an adult, I have fiercely held on to that independence. In my nirvana, I’ll have my place set up and decorated exactly as I like, gardens that I can putter around in and a kitchen where I can cook and
bake to my heart’s content. But I’ll also have someone else clean my place, a gardener to take care of the petunias when I don’t want to and a five-star chef to create culinary masterpieces when my inner Rachael Ray is on vacation. EXCLUSIVITY – For the record, I have nothing against kids. I have a few myself and most of my friends have them as well. But I have done my fair share of Chucky Cheese birthday parties and triaging banged-up knees, scraped elbows and lost teeth. I’ve passed that baton to the younger generation and now watch gleefully as my daughter battles temper tantrums, spiders in pockets and finicky eaters. In Constanceville, children will be most welcome, enjoyed, played with and fed unlimited levels of sugar – then sent home to their loving parents, with arms full of spoil-inducing toys! Grandparenthood has its benefits!
PROBABLY SHOULD HAVES: SECURITY – One only needs to watch the nightly news so many times before the reality that the world is not a safe place is driven home in ghastly detail. Though I’m not naïve enough to think that absolute security exists anywhere, in Constanceville I’ll be able to go for a walk after dinner without fear of anything other than mosquitoes, while being serenaded by the cicadas and entertained by the ducks and geese on Swift Creek. HEALTH CARE – In watching my mom and all her friends, it is obvious that having extraordinarily good health care is essential as we progress through maturity. While I am not yet ready to admit any age-related decline, just like my ’04 Mustang, I know parts will start wearing out and others will just give out. In my nirvana, doctors will be plentiful, affordable, and available – and all look like George Clooney!
Constanceville will also feature endless walking trails around gorgeous ponds inhabited by swans and geese that leave no droppings, an activity center with crystal blue swimming pools that are always the right temperature, exercise rooms that do workouts for you so you don’t have to sweat, gourmet restaurants staffed by Gordon Ramsey but without the cussing, a movie theater that never shows martial arts movies, shopping centers with designer clothing at Goodwill prices ... and a few flying unicorns and fluffy white clouds made out of cotton candy. Constanceville – dreaming the possible dream? HL RichmondNavigator.com 11
MAY/JUNE 2015
GARDEN PHOTO: ROBERT THOMAS. INTERIOR PHOTOS: BILLY DAVIS
Retail
ASHLAND ACE HARDWARE: Quality, Personalized Service in the Center of the Universe
H
OW MANY TIMES have you stared at that front door lock and thought about replacing it? Or at the hallway walls that have been scuffed up ever since your teenager moved himself into an apartment? If it’s time to paint, repair, touch up, replace keys, seed and fertilize your yard, or complete any other home repair, a visit to Ashland Ace Hardware can simplify your project. Located in the Ashland Hanover Shopping Center at the corner of routes 1 and 54, Ashland Ace is your community-oriented hardware store offering quality products and superior service. When asked what sets Ace apart from local home improvement stores, owner Robert Traweek credits their personalized customer service. Customers keep coming back for the helpful assistance Ace employees offer. And with competitive pricing and efficient in-and-out service, Ace is a great spot to get what you need fast. Ashland Ace has what you need, with over 30,000 items in stock and the ability to special order more than 100,000 others for quick delivery. “We carry and have access to quality products,” says Traweek. “We carry the brands customers want, and through Ace we are very competitive.” Shoppers will find a very good selection of premium power equipment for sale in the store, as the business is also Ashland Power Equipment, offering brands like Stihl, Cub Cadet and Honda. It carries or can get parts for most any brand. Ashland Ace also specializes in lawnmower and small engine repair, even offering a pickup/delivery service if needed. And they can do warranty work for many manufacturers, providing you a convenient spot to take advantage
12 Hanover Lifestyle
by
Erin Pittman
of the benefits of your warranty. In the spring, area shoppers can explore the greener side of Ace in the store’s garden center, named “Buds.” Ace sells mulches, soils, annuals, perennials, bedding plants and tomato and berry plants. Employees will even arrange custom hanging baskets upon request. “The most impressive thing about our garden center is no plant comes from more than 100 miles away,” says Traweek. “Each one is already acclimated to this climate, avoiding the chance that the plants will go into shock when planted.” Ashland Ace Hardware is committed to the community and is proud to have been serving the area since 1969. “Much of our money goes back to the community,” Traweek explains. Ace sponsors programs and events like the Ashland Street Parties and Ashland Little League baseball and enjoys being a true part of the Ashland community. “We’ve been here a long time and carry quality products,” says Traweek. “We still do what hardware stores did 50 years ago and work hard to meet the needs of our customers.” Ashland Ace is there to help you with whatever you need. They can walk you through the products and steps required to complete your repairs and home improvement projects. From paint to extra keys and lamp repairs, to cutting glass and plexiglass, Ace offers the products and services you need in a friendly, helpful shopping environment. 105 N. Washington Hwy., Ashland / AshlandAce.com / 804-798-2231
MAY/JUNE 2015
Health
AT-HOME WHITENING VS. IN-OFFICE – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? by
Mark Bond, DDS
O
NE OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS my patients ask me regards teeth bleaching and whitening options. Whitening/bleaching is the most common cosmetic procedure performed by dentists. A quick Internet search reveals that Americans spend an estimated $1.4 billion on various tooth-whitening products each year. This proves that marketing by dental companies works wonders to entice people to buy these products. However, the vast majority of patients are misinformed about what they are really buying. Most of my patients report using a whitening toothpaste, and many of them are surprised to hear that the whitening toothpaste is not truly changing the color of their teeth.
AT-HOME WHITENING: SURFACE STAIN REMOVAL Tooth whitening is a process that makes the teeth appear lighter in color. Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes give the appearance of making the teeth lighter by removal of surface stains. This process uses abrasives and chemicals to physically remove surface stains caused by smoking, coffee, or tea. Another method used for “whitening” uses Blue Covarine, which is a chemical that doesn’t remove stain but acts by attaching to the tooth surface to give a lighter appearance. These methods do not actually change the color of the enamel. With excessive or improper use, these abrasives and chemicals can damage enamel and cause wear and sensitivity.
IN-OFFICE BLEACHING: LIGHTEN THE COLOR OF TEETH Alternatively, true “bleaching” products use carbamide peroxide to oxidize the enamel and effectively change (lighten) the true color of the tooth. These products are applied at their most effective concentrations by dental professionals. Options include in-office application with the use of a light as an accelerator to achieve quicker results. The dentist can also fabricate custom bleaching trays, which would enable the patients to bleach at home. Bleaching products can also be purchased at lower concentrations over the counter (i.e., Crest Whitestrips). The most common side effect of bleaching is sensitivity. Studies have shown no damage to enamel from bleaching products and the sensitivity is typically transient.
WHICH WORKS BEST? There are numerous whitening/bleaching options available for patients both over the counter and in the office. My concern is the misconception that most patients purchase whitening toothpastes wanting more than removal of surface stain. They believe the product is truly lightening the color of their teeth. The best way to truly lighten the color of teeth is to use in-office applications of bleaching products.
Dr. Mark Bond was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. After completing his Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech, he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia. To further his education, he completed a post-graduate residency where he received his Certificate of Advanced General Dentistry from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. This residency focused on Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, including placement and restoration of dental implants, crowns, bridges and root canal therapy. This additional education laid the foundation for Dr. Bond to provide all aspects of dental care to patients of all ages.
RichmondNavigator.com 13
LIKE US
ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
FOR A CHANCE TO WIN RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS AND OTHER PROMOTIONS
14 Hanover Lifestyle
/RichmondNavigator @RVANavigator
COURTESY OF SARA OWNES/VIRGINIA HORSE FESTIVAL
MAY/JUNE 2015
Feature
FOR THE LOVE
OF HORSES by
Jody Rathgeb
Virginia’s interest in all things equine is more than a “mare” f lirtation.
QUICK QUIZ:
Where is the oldest horse show in the U.S.? Where is the home of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat? Where were the first American Quarter Horse races held? When Bulle Rock, the first thoroughbred imported to the U.S. in 1730, arrived, where was he?
is Virginia. Horses and the commonwealth have been an “item” since 1610, when the first horses appeared in the Virginia colonies. The love affair has continued steadily to the present, with the horse industry generating an economic impact of $1.2 billion and supporting approximately 16,000 jobs statewide, according to a 2011 survey. There are 215,000 horses in Virginia and some 41,000 horse operations. Of course, you don’t have to know such figures to realize that Virginia loves horses. Just look around at our trails, youth programs, rides, shows and even the ultra-urban Richmond Mounted Squad working horses. We’ve got equine equity! “This is horse country,” comments Andrea Heid, program manager for the Virginia Horse Industry Board and an equine marketing specialist. “The state has just about everything needed for horses, with mountains, beaches and plenty of rural areas. Horses have always been a part of the tradition here.” YES, THE ANSWER TO ALL
A LONG TAIL
Heid’s comments. Some breeders consider Virginia the site of the true beginnings of the American Quarter Horse, and the state’s Civil War bona fides are bound with horse lore, from Gen. Robert E. Lee’s horse Traveller and “Stonewall” Jackson’s horse Little Stoner (both buried in Lexington), to “The War Horse” at the Virginia Historical Society. The sculpture designed by Tess Pullan serves as a memorial to the 1.5 million horses and mules that died in service during the war. Beyond working horses, the country’s oldest horse show in Upperville, Virginia, continues to run, and there is a claim that the first American Quarter Horse races were held in what is now Henrico County. HISTORY CERTAINLY VALIDATES
GAIT-WAY TO FUN
MUCH OF THE VIRGINIA HORSE INDUSTRY revolves around recreation. Children
with cowpoke dreams and well-paged copies of Misty of Chincoteague grow into adults who want to ride and socialize with others who share their love
of horses. Local 4-H programs, trails, stables to board horses, and organized rides feed this love and make equine flirtations possible and sustainable. “Everyone finds the groups where they are comfortable,” says Joan Hughes, a West End resident who stables her horse in the Mechanicsville area. She tries to ride weekly with friends whenever the weather allows. Horse owners can find trails easily at the website of the Virginia Horse Council. Although insurance issues have reduced many of the stables that used “HORSES HAVE to provide lessons and rides to ALWAYS BEEN A PART neophytes, some places still OF THE TRADITION provide that entry. Among the nearby places that offer lessons HERE.” are James River Equestrian Center, Midlothian; Springwood Station, Mechanicsville; and Cedar Knoll Farm and Haverhill Equestrian, both in Glen Allen. Northern Virginia has many more. For those who are already “hooked” and may already own a horse, boarding stables provide a support system. Susan Donovan, barn manager of Tuckahoe Plantation Stables at the Henrico-Goochland counties border, cares for the horses of others as well as her own and runs a boarding farm for retired horses near Oilville. She says that while she grew up in a family where “nobody was a horse person,” she became enamored of the horses she saw while riding her bicycle in the then-rural West End. Her mother bought her riding lessons, and when her husband, Mark, proposed, he asked, “Do you want a wedding ring or a horse?” She chose the horse, and says that since then, “I’m horses 24/7.” She has managed the boarding facility in Goochland for more than 30 years and has been with Tuckahoe Plantation Stables for 18 years. “Being able to ride the trails and grounds of the plantation is pretty special,” she comments. RichmondNavigator.com 15
COURTESY OF SARA OWNES/VIRGINIA HORSE FESTIVAL
A STABLE ECONOMY
According to VHIB, the average horse owner spends about $4,060 a year per horse. Approximately 1,200 events across the state, including shows, hunts, races and trail rides, generate $25 million in revenue. Grooming, food, transportation and the provision of equipment and land are all part of the industry, as are breed associations. VHIB created the Virginia Bred program to assist the latter, offering grants to breed associations. Rehabilitation farms that offer therapeutic riding programs to those with disabilities, including veterans, are also in the mix. Horses are the eighth largest agricultural commodity in Virginia, and the state ranks 12th in the nation for numbers of horses.
THE MANE EVENT “Horse people” become so in many ways, some born into farm families and riding, while others like Donovan find their own way into the horse culture. Fortunately, the nonprofit Virginia Horse Council offers resources to a wide range of horse enthusiasts, with IT’S EASY TO SEE its website providing trail-riding information, HOW HORSES HAVE links to youth programs, CAPTURED THE HEART information about theraOF VIRGINIA. peutic riding programs, horse care, emergencies and legislation affecting the horse industry. More information for horse enthusiasts can be found through breed associations. Both VHIB and the council are involved in the Virginia Horse Festival coordinated by the Virginia Farm Bureau. The inaugural event took place in March at Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. While some horse enthusiasts will recall a statewide horse event known as Equine Extravaganza, the current horse festival has expanded from a vendor 16 Hanover Lifestyle
event into a family-friendly celebration offering three days of activities and entertainment. “It’s been revamped to encompass all disciplines of the horse world,” explains Kathy Dixon, senior staff writer and photographer for the farm bureau. Special events included the Parade of Breeds, a new horse owner certification course and an “Extreme Mustang Makeover,” in which contestants have adopted and tamed horses from the Mustang Heritage Foundation. It was also the site of the statewide 4-H EquiSmartz competition and featured a Secretariat birthday celebration with members of the Secretariat team (exercise rider Charlie Davis, biographer Bill Nack and Kate Chenery Tweedy, daughter of Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chenery) as well as descendants of Secretariat. The Retired Racehorse Foundation put on a “Most Wanted Thoroughbred Contest,” encouraging the retraining and adoption of horses after their time on the track, and a canine agility demonstration gave a nod to the longstanding relationship between dogs and horses. Clinics, demonstrations and seminars rounded out the activities. Fascination with various breeds becomes understandable at such an event, where even a stroll through the barn reveals so many layers of equine beauty. The mass of a draft horse, the wild eye of a mustang, the feathered knees and hocks of a Gypsy Vanner … it’s easy to see how horses have captured the heart of Virginia. HL
FOR MORE INFORMATION: VirginiaHorseCouncil.org VHIB.org (Virginia Horse Industry Board) VirginiaHorseFestival.com
RichmondNavigator.com 17
18 Hanover Lifestyle
MAY/JUNE 2015
Flavor
In Search of Staff Favorites HANOVER LIFESTYLE LOOKS BACK ON GOOD EATS
PHOTO: ROBERT THOMAS
PHOTO: RICK BANCROFT
CRYSTAL JACKSON ROLL & SHRIMP TEMPURA ROLL Ginger Red Asian Bistro
Two of the rolls in Ginger Red’s Crystal series. The gluten-free Crystal Jackson roll features smoked salmon, avocado and cucumber topped with a sriracha kick (that spicy little red dot on top of the roll!) and sesame. The Crystal Shrimp Tempura roll highlights tempura shrimp and cucumber topped with sesame. 7500 Jackson Arch Dr., Suite K, Mechanicsville 804-427-7256 GingerRed.com
SHRIMP & GRITS
Iron Horse Restaurant A staple dish at Iron Horse, this dish features sautéed shrimp over Ashland’s Byrd Mill grits with pecan-woodsmoked bacon, parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, served with marinated shiitake mushrooms and garnished with chive oil and pickled okra. 100 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland 804-752-6410 IronHorseRestaurant.com
RichmondNavigator.com 19
MAY/JUNE 2015
PHOTO: TEMPLE HILL
COURTESY OF ROMAS
Flavor
BLACKENED CHICKEN PASTA PRIMAVERA
SHEPHERD’S PIE
Sautéed mixed vegetables are tossed in a mouth-watering Alfredo sauce and topped with blackened grilled chicken. The creamy Alfredo mingles with the spicy chicken for a marriage made in Italian heaven and consummated on your palate!
Warm up with this traditional Irish casserole of fresh ground beef, diced onions and corn gravy, topped with homemade mashed potatoes.
Roma’s Ristorante Italiano
O’Banks Café & Grill
10392 Leadbetter Rd., Ashland / 804-550-3888 / OBanksCafe.com
PHOTO: TEMPLE HILL
PHOTO: ROBERT THOMAS
7240 Bell Creek Rd., Mechanicsville / 804-559-9200 / RomaItalian.com
DIRTY DOGS
THE GUS’ SPECIAL
This horseracing-themed restaurant presents the Dirty Dogs, two jumbo hot dogs, grilled and topped with chili, onions, coleslaw and cheese. Served with your choice of one side.
The crowd-favorite pizza comes piled with pepperoni, sausage, ham, ground beef, onions, green pepper, mushrooms and extra cheese. If you’d like, you can add jalapeño peppers, black olives and anchovies. Pair it with the Napa Valley Motos Liberty Pinot Noir for more palate pleasure.
Trackside Grill
301 S. Railroad Ave. / 804-752-4688 / TracksideGrill.org
Gus’ Italian Café & Sports Bar
7358 Bell Creek Rd., Mechanicsville / 804-730-9620 / GusItalianCafeVA.com
20 Hanover Lifestyle
RichmondNavigator.com 21
Flavor
TasteBudz FOOD AND DINING NEWS
with
Steve Cook
James River Cellars. Photo by Robert Thomas
A
ND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY
I was up at Layne’s Country Store, just down the road from Bass Pro Shop in the Shoppes at Winding Brook. I venture to guess that most of you have never seen a store quite like this, at least not around here, or in the past few decades. “It’s a combination of an Amish/ Mennonite food shop and country store,” says owner Mike Layne. In order to separate the cheeses, jellies, jams, hams and the like produced by the Amish and Mennonites from the moonshine jellies and his wide selection of Virginia wines and beers, Mike has two separate entrances. But whether you choose Door Number One or Door Number Two, once you get inside, it’s one big happy store. His parents have been operating the country store concept for over 60 years in Lexington, Virginia. Mike, who has been living in Hanover for the past two decades, says he decided to open the Ashland shop in order to give his two young sons an opportunity to experience the joys of running a country store. DIFFERENT:
GOOD NEIGHBOR SAM : Even if Brick Oven Pizza
(139 Hill Carter Pkwy., BrickOvenPizzaVA.com) 22 Hanover Lifestyle
didn’t have some of the best pizzas and pastas this side of Italy, which it does, I’d still be a big fan, simply because of the owner, Sam Mirshahi. Sam really is one of the nicest guys in the business. I rarely go in for lunch that I don’t see Sam (which is most every time I’m in Ashland). He always has a friendly greeting for every guest. But, thankfully, the restaurant has a lot more to offer. Brick Oven combines delicious food, friendly service and budget-pleasing prices. With their daily specials and coupons (you can find some in this issue of Hanover Lifestyle), you’ll save even more. And if you’re planning a get-together – maybe a Little League dinner, an office party or whatever – Brick Oven has an enclosed party patio, and they cater as well. While service is always prompt and friendly, if you’re really in a time crunch, you can order online and have a delightful dinner or lunch waiting for you. AND THE GRAND PRIZE IS :
Here’s a bit of exciting news that we had to sit on for a while. It has to do with the grand prize giveaway that Maria Garcia and the folks at Mexico Restaurants
(MexicoRestaurant.com) are promoting during this, their 25th anniversary year. The grand prize is going to be a Mexican vacation for four! That includes airfare, accommodations and lots of extras. Even if you don’t win the biggie, there are other great prizes throughout the year, including free meals. The Garcias have consistently demonstrated a generous, giving attitude. “We have always strived to give our best to the community,” Maria says. But this anniversary giveaway takes the tamale. Wherever you live, there’s a Mexico Restaurant near you, including 7162 Mechanicsville Tpk. Check out their website for more details on all the anniversary promotions. MIXED EMOTIONS : A couple years back or so – time
goes by so fast these days, I’m not really sure – when I heard that one of my favorite breakfast places, MacLeans out on Route 33, was closing down, I was sad. It was like losing an old friend. Then I heard someone was taking the place over and it would soon reopen. Then I was happy. But it took so long that I kinda gave up on the idea that there’d be a new breakfast place out on
Flavor
Staples Mill Road, so I was sad again. Then, sure enough, the place opened and I was happy. I went that first day. The place was crowded and, to be honest, the service was not all that good. I was sad. But, since I’m always looking for a great breakfast spot, I decided to give ’em a second chance. So a couple of months ago I went back to Eat 33 at 6901 Staples Mill Rd. (Eat33.net). Everything has greatly improved. So, once more, I’m happy. Before I wrote this, though, I decided to check the place out again, and again, and again. I guess Eat 33 has become my regular morning hangout. The food is delicious. And the staff, well, they’re just as friendly as the folks at MacLeans used to be. I’ll have to admit that I’m partial to Cindy, but everyone has been great. Eat 33 is owned by Allen Davis, who formerly operated Shenanigans in Richmond’s North Side. You can even order yourself a Shenanigan burger at Eat 33. The place is open for breakfast and lunch (6 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on the weekends) with a really super brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Besides the standard fare, their breakfast menu may be one of the most creative in town.
Keep ’Em Coming Back – To Rico’s Mexican Grill
L
The tres agaves margarita at Mexico Restaurant. Photo by Robert Thomas
James River Cellars (11008 Washington Hwy., JamesRiversCellars.com) is holding what promises to be a fantastic festival for fans of our state’s craft beverages. Everyone Drink Virginia! takes place on May 23. Sample the amazing things Virginia has to offer, including wine, beer and cider. The action runs from noon until 5 p.m., and there’ll be music by one of my favorite local groups, The Taters. Local food trucks will be on hand offering plenty of great tastes, just begging to be washed down. The cost for the event is 20 bucks per person. THE VINE INTERVENTION :
We used to call our restaurant column Scoop du Jour. Clever? Anyway, we changed it to TasteBudz to reflect how much we want your involvement. We want you to be one of our TasteBudz. If you’re in the restaurant industry or just love to eat or are a full-fledged foodie, we’d love to hear from you. If you have a tip, know of a new restaurant or a new chef or a new anything, drop us a line. In the September/October issue of Hanover Lifestyle, we’ll be saluting the area’s favorite bartenders. Send us your nomination and both you and your bartender could win some great prizes. Submit your bartender nomination as well as any food news or upcoming food events to TasteBudz@RichmondNavigator.com. HL WON’T YOU BE A TASTEBUDZ TOO?
MAY/JUNE 2015
you can take your family to enjoy authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices? Then your family needs to meet the Ramirez family. And the best place to do that is at one of their three Rico’s Mexican Grills. In Mechanicsville, you’ll find them at 6102 Brashier Blvd. “We’ve been in the business for over 15 years,” says Carlos Ramirez Jr., manager at the Glen Allen location. He, his father and his two uncles opened their first grill in Midlothian seven years ago (see website for other locations). The Mechanicsville restaurant has been open for about a year and a half. A hallmark of each of the three restaurants is a commitment to quality food and great customer service. “I like serving people,” Carlos says. “I like to see them enjoy their meal. That’s my goal. I like to see them come back.” One way they ensure that guests keep coming back is with their popular weekly Dollar Taco Day. For the Mechanicsville location, that day is Tuesday. “We serve from 1,500 to 2,000 tacos every Tuesday,” he says. Speaking of saving money, Carlos says that for Cinco de Mayo, all three locations will be offering some fantastic money-saving specials. “We’ll have a variety to please all tastes.” But the primary reason folks keep coming back is not simply because the price is right. First and foremost, it’s the food. “We put a lot of work into our food [preparation],” Carlos says. “Everything we serve is fresh and homemade. We prepare our dishes each morning. Nothing is left over from the night before. We spend a lot of time working with many spices to produce our flavorful dishes.” It’s a simple formula: delicious food, great value and caring customer service. Put all of that together, throw in their commitment to the community, especially in donating both food and dollars to the local schools, and you have a successful family business. To the Ramirez family, customers really do matter. Carlos sums it up well: “I care about every face,” he says. “Every face has to be happy. That makes me feel like I’m doing my job.” Visit online at RicosMexicanGrill.com. OOKING FOR A PLACE WHERE
RichmondNavigator.com 23
MAY/JUNE 2015
HOME
PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLEE STATION VILLAGE
NEIGHBORHOODS THAT NURTURE
RUTLAND THE MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY of Rutland
LOCATION
Along Route 301 (Chamberlayne Road) north of the I-295 interchange at Atlee Station Road
AMENITIES
• Swimming pool with water features and slides
• Sidewalks and streetlights
• The Rutland House, for community activities and special events
• Rutland Center: office, medical & instructional condominiums
• Playground area • 3½ acres lake with natural walking paths
• Lush landscaping
• Rutland Commons: Kroger, retail shops, restaurants and banks
BUILDER
DEVELOPER
• HHHunt Homes
• HHHunt Communities
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUTLAND
combines exceptional homes on 202 acres of rolling fields with a taste of local history and the convenience of Rutland Center commercial condominiums and retail shopping. The synthesis of old and new helps create a unique sense of place, with the historic Rutland House as the focal point of the community and Patrick Henry’s home and the legendary Hanover Tavern nearby. Rutland’s design encourages a strong pedestrian focus. RutlandNewHomes.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF HONEY MEADOWS
HOME. It’s so much more than just a place to lay your head at night. Home provides a refuge for you and your family and a gathering place for your friends in a setting tailored to meet your needs and to feed your soul. The communities that we have chosen for this month’s issue of Hanover Lifestyle meet two important criteria. First, they offer beautiful, high-quality homes, many custombuilt to perfectly please the owners. But these developments provide their residents so much more than just a pretty building to live in: they provide amenities that make the neighborhood an essential, extended part of home. Trails and playgrounds, sports fields and golf courses, pools and clubhouses offer convenience for family fun and opportunities to meet and mingle with neighbors. Home – community – neighborhoods. These developments reach to the heart of all three. HL
24 Hanover Lifestyle
THE BLUFFS AT BELL CREEK
LOCATION
Just off I-295 at Pole Green Road
AMENITIES
an active adult community with quality new home construction from the $250’s in Hanover County. The Bluffs at Bell Creek offers new design and functionality in its homes, with one-floor living and convenient, attached two-car garages. The neighborhood also offers an indoor pool, fitness center and clubhouse, providing residents the opportunity to enjoy the feeling of friendly community while being active and engaged. RCIBuildersNewHomes.com/New-Homes-in-Mechanicsville-Bell-Creek/
• Clubhouse
• Fitness center
• Indoor pool
• 55+ age-restricted
BUILDER • R-CI Builders
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BLUFFS AT BELL CREEK
COME HOME TO
VILLAGES AT COOL SPRING YOU FIND SOUTHERN CASUALNESS in the Villages at Cool Spring. The
Along Route 301 (Chamberlayne Road) north of the I-295 interchange at Atlee Station Road
AMENITIES
• Asphalt pedestrian paths • Pedestrian bridge • 4 playgrounds with age-appropriate play equipment, handicap accessible • Park benches
• Gazebo for social gatherings • Trees along all streets • Landscaped common areas • Concrete sidewalks
• Large irrigated playfield PHOTOS COURTESY OF VILLAGES AT COOL SPRING
community’s “villages” create distinct neighborhoods of single-family homes and some townhomes, contributing to a cool, close-knit vibe. Builders carefully craft each home with open floor plans, modern kitchens, spacious owner suites with spa baths, outdoor living areas and more, for a warm, relaxing refuge. The community’s amenities, like 1.6 miles of pedestrian paths and four playgrounds, bring families together while providing opportunities for enjoying the beautiful surroundings. VillagesAtCoolSpring.com
LOCATION
BUILDERS
• CraftMaster Homes • HHHunt Homes
• Lifestyle Builders & Developers • Ryan Homes RichmondNavigator.com 25
ATLEE STATION VILLAGE
Off of Atlee Station Road, east of I-95
AMENITIES
• Clubhouse with activity room, catering kitchen, service bar, exercise room with cable television, his and her facilities, and parlor with fireplace, covered patio, pool and spa
• Gated access • 55+ exclusive • Sidewalks and walking trails • Street lamps • Ponds
BUILDER
• Colonial Homecrafters
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ATLEE STATION VILLAGE
THIS GATED ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY offers innovative and customizable floor plans, all with first-floor master bedrooms. Extensive standard features include a two-car garage, vaulted living room, patios and upscale baths. Waterview and basements lots are available. Atlee Station Village includes a large clubhouse with activity room, catering kitchen, bar, exercise room, and men’s and women’s facilities, plus patio, pool and hydro massage spa outside. The community also offers sidewalks and walking trails, ponds and street lamps. CHCHomes.com/Our-Neighborhoods/Atlee-Station-Village
LOCATION
HONEY MEADOWS
LOCATION
East of I-95 & north of I-295 in Mechanicsville, off of Atlee Station Road
AMENITIES
• Swimming pool
• 13-acre lake for fishing
• Wading pool
• Walking and jogging trails
• Clubhouse with ballroom, two kitchens, activity room and exercise room BUILDER • Ryan Homes
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RYAN HOMES
THE BEAUTIFUL, ALL-INCLUSIVE Honey Meadows stands for the best in a community. Its diverse sections include single-family homes, carriage homes and low-maintenance townhomes. Choose from innovative designs and green homes, up to 5,000 square feet and ranch-style floor plans, luxury master suites, and cul-de-sac and basement lots. The amenities appeal to the entire family, from pools and an exercise room to the 13-acre community lake. Wooded areas and trails contribute to Honey Meadows’ relaxing natural feel. RyanHomes.com
26 Hanover Lifestyle
Come V is Our Ne it w Desig Showroner om!
Trinity Renovations, Inc. QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP • OUTSTANDING VALUE • TOTAL COMMITMENT • SUPERIOR PRODUCTS 6102 Brashier Boulevard, Suite H, Mechanicsville | (804) 318-1907 | TrinityRenovationsInc.com Shop Hanover, Shop local
We offer a FREE Consultation.
• • • • • •
Remodeling bathrooms & kitchens for 15 yrs. No subcontractors. We take pride in our work and your home. We’re licensed and insured. Locally owned & operated. References upon request.
A GIFT FOR YOU
$500
Towards Any New Kitchen or Bath Remodel Not Valid With Any Other Offers Or Prior Sales. Call For Details. Exp. 7/10/15
RichmondNavigator.com 27
28 Hanover Lifestyle