Jan/Feb 2017 Chesterfield Living

Happy Hour Guide : Events Calendar : Tastebudz News

ChesterďŹ eld LIVING January / February 2017

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Brandermill - Woodlake 6510 Harbour View Court 739-6500

Chester - Rt.1/Rt.10 2601 Swiftrun Road 751-0300

Midlothian - 288 14001 Charter Park Drive 379-1011

Ironbridge - Courthouse 6441 Ironbridge Road 743-8166

West End - Staples Mill 10212 Staples Mill Road 672-4900

Mechanicsville - Hanover 6353 Mechanicsville Turnpike 730-3400

Powhatan 2625 Anderson Highway 598-3000

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CONTENTS JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

26

10 First of All

News from All Over the Area 30 Adventures in Aging

Pinnacle Group

48 Events Calendar

Health 16 Do Something for Yourself

Dr. Joe Niamtu

18 New Year, New Smile,

New You

Virginia Family Dentistry

21 The Ultimate in Relaxation

at Massage Envy 29 Reduce Your Risks

for Cancer

60

62

Flavor 36 In Search Of...

Healthy Dishes

40 Chef's Share

Howlett's Chef Joe Helbling

42 TasteBudz

Restaurant and Brewery News

46 Happy Hour Guide

Features 22

60

26

62

WINTER WORKOUTS Without the Work

LOOK CHIC, FEEL GOOD The Latest Trends in Workout Wear

HER WALK IN THE WOODS The Story of “Foxfire”

DESTINATION HISTORY Central Virginia Has Much to Offer

Wild Ginger, Chuy’s, Tazza Kitchen & Crazy Greek

Home 52 Lovely Loos

Glamour Comes into the Bathroom

54 Downsizing

Empty Nesters on the Move

Travel 60 Winter Getaways

For Sun and Snow Lovers

WHAT’S GOING ON? Looking for Winter Fun? Let Richmond Navigator Show You the Way! You could just sit around the house and wait for spring. Or you could get out and enjoy all that winter has to offer. If you need to jump-start your imagination, head on over to RichmondNavigator. com. We have some fabulous winter fun suggestions.

SKI NEW MEXICO: The place to be when it’s time to ski: New Mexico. That’s right. New Mexico offers five distinct skiing destinations. From the bunny slopes to the double diamonds, there’s something for every skier in the Land of Enchantment.

SEARCH: Enchanted Skiing SLOPES, YES; SKIS, NO: Even if you’re not a big fan of falling down a mountain while strapped to a board, Virginia’s ski slopes offer plenty of off-the-slopes fun. We have a great guide to that fun.

SEARCH: No Skis WINTER WONDERLAND: One of the most beautiful winter destinations on earth is Bayfield, Wisconsin, in the northwestern corner of the state. Door County Wisconsin, on the other side of the state is also a winter lover’s paradise. Discover what you’ve been missing, including the famous Apostle Island ice caves.

SEARCH: Bayfield; Door County PICK YOUR PARADISE: Forget the frostbite and head to the islands. Think of the Turks and Caicos Islands as many vacations, instead of one, and you’re on your way to an authentic visit to this often-overlooked island chain.

SEARCH: Paradise ENDLESS SUMMER: Enjoy summer this winter, in Australia’s Blue Mountains. Grab that passport and head to the land down under. For the outdoorsmen (and ladies) you’ll love the hiking, canoeing, and cave exploring that Australia has to offer.

SEARCH: Blue Mountains HAVE A DRINK: Even if you can’t get out of town, enjoy one of the many great Happy Hours that you can find all around Metro Richmond. Winter is a good time to get with friends after work and enjoy a delightfully refreshing beverage along with fascinating conversation. Need some suggestions on where to go? Richmond Navigator has THE very best Happy Hour Guides in town.

SEARCH: Happy Hour

Now, with our handy search feature, you can open a whole new world of discovery. Seek and you shall find. Go to RichmondNavigator.com. And if you should read something in this issue that you’d like to share with your friends, simply search for the article on Richmond Navigator and share the link.

Contributors

From the Editor

W

e publish our annual Look Good/Feel Good issue in January of each year.

That’s because this is the time of year that so many people look and feel their worst. And who wouldn’t after a month of eggnog and bourbon balls?

Now, I’m not talking about any of you dear, beautiful readers of Chesterfield Living. But if you’re like me, you have friends who don’t look so good. So perhaps you could share with them Susie Galvez’ article on workouts that really don’t feel like work. I enjoyed that and am now thinking about starting a career as an aerial yogaist?

Now that we’re in the throes of winter, why not consider an escape to some exciting destination. For me, I’d like to escape the misery of a weather pattern that keeps it too warm to snow but too chilly to do anything else that’s fun. Our writer, Zach Brown, has some great winter getaway ideas – some to warmer climes, some to places where you can enjoy real snow.

If you prefer to keep your traveling closer to home, check out Tom Gresham’s piece — Central Virginia is for History Lovers. I dare say there are some local attractions that many of you may not have yet visited.

If winters make you hungry, you’ll be delighted to find a variety of healthy dishes in this issue’s “In Search Of…” feature. And speaking of food, Constance Whitney answers the musical question, “Why is My Pizza Trying to Kill Me?” in her “Adventures in Aging” column.

There’s a lot to enjoy in this issue. I haven’t even mentioned the half of it. So, let’s get started.

Jordan Langley

Jordan Langley’s insightful essays about parenting and grief have appeared in Richmond Family Magazine, Brain, Child and Hello Grief, a website affiliated with Comfort Zone Camp.

She is polishing up her debut novel. Jordan is a writer, literacy advocate and sports mom living in Moseley with her husband and two sons. Follow her on Twitter @jordan_langley.

Susan Higgins

Susan Higgins is a Richmond writer whose work appears locally in print and online. After studying painting and printmaking at VCU, she spent her 40-year career in business development and marketing.

Now she writes for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, blogging, creating social media content, developing marketing communications and producing promotional video. Her freelance work is published in magazines in the metro Richmond area.

Steve Cook

Steve@RichmondNavigator.com

In Our Next Issue: • We explore organic foods and if going organic is really worth all the hype.

• Is cabin fever making you anxious? Zach Brown covers the Cherry Blossom festival in Washington D.C. and if you’re ready to get outdoors, you will find great landscaping and hardscaping ideas from Susan Higgins.

Look for the next issue of Chesterfield Living coming in early March.

Zach Brown

Zach first moved to Richmond to attend VCU, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Writing in 2010.

Serving as a poster child for obsessive behavior, Zach has never been able to casually enjoy anything as subjects that interest him hit ‘allconsuming’ levels in a matter of days. The greatest example of this defect being his love of writing.

When he wraps up his daily word quota, you’ll find him playing drums with his band, reading, or enjoying a craft beer from one of his many favorite local brewers.

Camille Robinson

RICHMONDNAVIGATOR.COM

8 Chesterfield Living

RichmondNavigator.com

Contact Us for Advertising Opportunities

Photographer Camille Robinson was born and raised just outside Richmond. She has always possessed a passion for art — especially photography with an emphasis on portraiture — and is currently attending classes at Virginia Commonwealth University.

An enthusiastic traveler, she recently returned from Europe. But, to Camille, nothing compares to our oh so artistic River City. She plans to combine her interest in photography with her native creativity and love of working with other creative people to pursue a career in the field.

A Signature Capstone Program for Collegiate School 8th Graders PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER William J. Davis, Jr. VICE-PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Cheryl T. Davis

Richmond

EDITOR Steve Cook MANAGING EDITOR Whitney Kiatsuranon ASSISTANT EDITOR Tammie Wersinger CREATIVE DIRECTOR Taylor Esteves-Pearce SENIOR DESIGNER Michael Lay ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Jack Smith, Cary Webb DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jimmy Davis PHOTOGRAPHERS Camille Robinson, Lauren Serpa, Tammy Soto, Robert Thomas, Luke Whitt CONTRIBUTORS Zach Brown, Susie Galvez, Thomas Gresham, Susan Higgins, Davy Jones, Jordan Langley, Melanie Rasnic, Kathleen Whitlow, Constance Whitney

We thank our 2016–17 community partners for inviting our students into your world and allowing them to learn from and collaborate with you to envision the Richmond of their future.

Co - Ed | JK–12th Grade | www.collegiate-va.org Collegiate School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national origin.

Here is a sampling of our 2016-17 Community Partners, however we salute them all!

Tricycle Garden Home Again J.R. Tucker High School Catholic Charities St. Mary’s Hospital Riverside Outfitters Downtown YMCA Anna Julia Cooper Middle School Sportable Greater Richmond ARC Groundwork RVA VA Home for Boys & Girls Sports Backers SpeakUp/ Cameron K. Gallagher Memorial Foundation VA Treatment Center for Children Visual Arts Center of Richmond VA Supportive Housing Church Hill Academy Veterans Care Center Richmond City Police

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.

Happy Hour Guide : Events Calendar : Tastebudz News

Chesterfield LIVING Lovely Loos Bringing glamour into your bathroom

& Cold Hot Winter Getaways WinterWorkouts without the work

In Search Of:

Healthy Dishes January / February 2017

RichmondNavigator.com

ABOUT OUR COVER

In this issue we went In Search of Healthy Dishes. Our photographer, Camille Robinson, captured this mouth-watering image of a fantastic Salmon Asparagus Salad from Sedona Taphouse in Westchester Commons.

The salad features broiled Atlantic salmon, organic greens, asparagus, feta, walnuts, grape tomatoes, dried cranberries, and a housemade lemon balsamic vinaigrette. Discover more amazing and healthy dishes beginning on page 35.

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 9

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By Whitney Kiatsuranon

“The support from the community is addictive,’’ said Zac Hopkinson, of Richmond, who finished his second half-marathon and was pleased with his time. “Towards the end, I was walking; I was just done, but a bystander got behind 76 me and just nudged me a little and encouraged me to keep going. I may not have finished as strong without that person’s help.

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agement and volunteers offering water. This brings an interesting aspect to such an event in the River City because even those who choose not to run are committed to making the event a full community experience. From sponsors to volunteers, everyone involved is happy to support the runners and be a part of such a great cause.

With 17,500 runners and 1,500 volunteers, the marathon was another step towards event WM organizer Sports Backers’ goal of making ain Richmond the most active community in the country and leading residents and visitors in celebrating an active lifestyle.

“The support from the community is addictive,’’ said Zac Hopkinson, of Richmond, who finished his second half-marathon and

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even in the morning is an early start for a marathon, especially on a Saturday. It’s made even more painful when you know it’s a cool 40 degrees and dark. And did I mention, I am not a runner. Despite my own personal reservations, a large number of Chesterfield County residents were among the thousands of Richmond area residents and countless others who united on Nov. 12, as they have time and again for the Anthem Richmond Marathon, also known as America’s friendliest marathon.

The enthusiasm brought by the runners and their supporters was electric, and at each marathon party spot and along the course, there were signs of support, cries of encour-

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time I run a new distance, it is to prove to myself that my body is capable of things my head tells me I can’t do,’’ she said. “Then I run to beat my previous times.”

Ayers was among runners, who came from all 50 states and 13 different countries to participate in the annual event. While participants were both young and old and of virtually every different nationality, none of that mattered when it came to race day. The race and the passion for running united everyone — racers, volunteers and supporters. So, while I may not be an avid runner or even a runner at all, I can appreciate an event that can bring together so many people in a time when, some would say, we need it most.

If you didn’t get a chance to participate in the fall event, don’t worry, April 1 brings the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, presented by Kroger.

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nity is a huge part of the Anthem Richmond Marathon and one of the reasons the event is so successful, said Pete Woody, public relations and communications manager for Sports Backers. “That support is evident before, during and after the race,’’ he said. “(It) certainly helps the participants achieve their goals and W cross the finish line on race day.

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CELEBRATING 2 YEARS AT THIS LOCATION! January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 11

FIRST OF ALL

The Most

Positive

Energy An Interview with No BS! Brass Band’s Reggie Pace

By Davy Jones I can so distinctly remember the first time I saw No BS! Brass Band. I‘ve seen them a number of times since — at The Broadberry, Balliceaux and The Hippodrome — but this was at The Camel in July of 2011, and something clicked that night. The fullness of Richmond’s creative scene. The feeling of being on the inside of something shared and enveloping.

The arc of the 10-year-old No BS! phenomenon has been shaped by talent, community and social consciousness. The group has gone from a collective of talented former jazz students to a central source Reggie Pace of advocacy for a city to a force for social justice. All the while, individual members have branched out to lead projects here in Richmond and contribute to renowned national acts.

Trombonist Reggie Pace ranks among the No BS! leadership, having founded the band with drummer Lance Koehler. Pace is one of the group’s most prolific sidemen outside the band. He’s helped Justin Vernon bring the landmark self-titled Bon Iver album to life on a lengthy world tour, and he’s donned glow-in-the-dark duds to add depth to Sufjan Stevens’ sound.

When you throw in globe-spanning tours with No BS! and his having led what may have been the loudest NPR Tiny Desk Concert ever (the write-up claimed “it was so loud, you could hear the music on the other side of the building, a floor down”), you can see how Pace has been instrumental in raising the visibility of Richmond’s music scene.

12 Chesterfield Living

RichmondNavigator.com

How does it feel to play to a crowded room of loyal Richmonders?

It feels special, like [we’re] doing something important. People are losing their minds. It’s positive. It’s the most positive energy.

What are your favorite places to play in town?

The Broadberry’s awesome. The Camel has a great sound system. Balliceaux has a great vibe. Vagabond — the new spot underneath The National. It’s a nice little spot. It’s bigger than it looks. And of course, The National. I love the venues in town. Seeing rock shows at Strange Matter. Catching weird stuff at Gallery5.

Was there a moment when you realized how important No BS! is to the city?

It’s not that self-aware. We knew we were connecting, but we couldn’t have formed the narrative. We had played a million shows

All photos: Lauren Serpa

in which there was more people in the band than in the audience. We’ve been there. So it seemed like a slow crawl to us…it kind of snuck up on us.

Are there any challenges to touring with such a large group?

It’s not a huge deal. Parking — we have a big shuttle bus. Other than that, we don’t function that differently because we don’t carry a bunch of gear. We just have a drum set, a bunch of bodies, a tuba and one amp. That’s why we can do all kinds of stuff. We’re not ever hampered by the amount of people, other than stage size sometimes. Even with that, we’ll play on the floor. We just make it work.

What’s it like to represent Richmond around the nation and the world?

Does it ever feel like a burden?

Because Richmond accepted us, we just go and just be ourselves. That’s how we represent. We go and do this thing that people haven’t seen before. So I don’t feel heavy about it.

We feel awesome about it. It’s like a team going to an away game.

What’s your favorite part about performing?

It’s fun. It’s like a sport. We go out there and try to play as perfectly as we can, but also as loose and with high energy. To be good on your instrument, you have to have endurance, which is the physical aspect of playing on an instrument that’s not artistically based.

That’s the side of brass instruments that people might not know about. You have to take care of it all the time. Anybody who plays an instrument will tell you that you need to take care of your hands, or your body, but with brass, it’s real specific to your chops. You have to take care of them like a basketball player would have to run.

Your 2015 album Brass Knuckles was more focused on social justice than past albums.

Do you see the band’s writing going in that direction in the future?

We try to stay current, but the band isn’t even a political band. We were just writing about what was up. We are interracial, and we are

intercultural. Everybody in the band isn’t a liberal, and we don’t agree on everything. But we still stay together. We have a wide range of ages. We do different types of music, we play at different types of music festivals — jazz, hip hop shows, metal festivals, indie rock festivals.

Guys in the band play different types of music on their own. Some dudes are playing in rock bands; some dudes have jazz bands. We are that example, I think.

Our thing is togetherness, and that’s what it’s always been about. You don’t have to be the same. We don’t even dress the same. Marcus [Tenney] usually has a suit on. I have a vest on.

Some dudes have ties on. Some dudes are in basketball jerseys. We are together, and we are different types of people. And we fight sometimes, but we’ve kept it together for 10 years.

It’s not impossible to be amongst a lot of different types of people and be cool, be civil.

January / February 2016

You’ve collaborated with Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens and a number of artists in town. Are there any other collaborations that were particularly meaningful to you?

I got to write music for The Blind Boys of Alabama’s [I’ll Find a Way] album. That was awesome. That was a dream. I wrote my parts here and then flew out [to Wisconsin] and did them.

That record is so awesome. Meeting those guys was really cool, because I grew up in the church. My parents were so excited about that.

No BS! Brass Band will be playing a special 10th anniversary show at The Broadberry on Jan. 14.

For tickets, visit www.thebroadberry.com.

Chesterfield Living 13

Going FIRST OF ALL

All photos: Publix

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By Steve Cook

hen Publix Super Markets open their doors in and around Chesterfield County, local residents hungry for more grocery shopping options will be heading en masse to enjoy a new shopping experience.

Those of you who have moved in from the south, may already be familiar with Publix. But the rest of us want to know more.

For instance: When?

As we go to press, Kim Reynolds, the media and community relations manager for the grocery chain, said that Publix does not have an opening time-frame for any of its Richmond-area locations. I guess we’ll just have to be patient.

And finally: Why? With the city already having what some may consider more than its fair share of grocery stores, I also wanted to know why Publix chose to expand into this area.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia is a growing area, known for being a great place to live,” Reynolds answered. “Residents who know the Publix brand and our reputation have been asking us to be a part of their community for years. As we’ve continued to grow, we are now in a position where we can use our existing resources to service these new markets.”

Reynolds concluded by answering one more question that I hadn’t asked: Who? She gave me a little insight on just who these people are that will be setting up shop(s) all over town.

Next question: What? What will Publix be bringing to Richmond?

“Our core philosophies for the past 85 years have been “Our customers love Publix because of our commitment based on the lessons we learned from our late founder to stellar customer service, quality products, competitive George Jenkins,” she said. “One of those core philosoKim Reynolds pricing and cleanliness of our stores just to name a few,” phies is to give back. And he (Jenkins) set the example Reynolds said. “We hang our hat on providing legendary customer serfor all Publix associates by giving his time, money and talent to the comvice and as the largest employee-owned supermarket in the nation, our munities in which we operate. Publix is a supporter of the United Way as associates and their passion for serving customers is truly what sets us well as local non-profits that support youth, education and the plight of apart.” Publix will also be bringing new jobs to the area. They employ the hungry and homeless.” about 150 associates at each store, Reynolds said.

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Publix was attracted to the Richmond market by the area’s recent growth and it’s reputation as a great place to live. Famous for its exemplary customer service, the nation’s largest employee-owned supermarket will employ approximately 150 associates at each of its local stores.

Publix has a reputation as a good corporate citizen with initiatives supporting the United Way and local non-profits working to assist youth, promote education and improve conditions for the hungry and homeless.

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 15

IT’S TIME TO DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF!

by Joe Niamtu, III, DMD

The new year is a great time to finally do that cosmetic facial procedure you’ve always thought about but keep putting on the back burner. You do so much for others, let’s make 2017 the year you do something for yourself!

WHAT’S NEW IN COSMETIC FACIAL SURGERY? Procedures have become much easier with advances in techniques, materials and anesthesia.

They can now be safely and more cost effectively performed in accredited in-office surgery centers like mine, with a higher level of comfort and privacy. My goal is to help patients look as good as they can for their age, but not like they did in high school! The end result should be a natural, healthy appearance.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON PROCEDURES? Eyelid surgery, facial resurfacing (laser and chemical peels), and facial implants are the most common procedures for patients in their 40s. As patients enter the fifth and sixth decade they become candidates for face and neck lifts. It’s very common for patients to combine multiple procedures such as a brow lift, eyelid surgery, laser resurfacing, and face and neck lifts. The advantage of combining procedures is that everything is accomplished with a single anesthetic, combined recovery period, and time off. Generally face and neck recovery is about 2 weeks regardless of how many procedures are performed.

WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE?

Facial surgery has always been my passion in life. I’ve been doing it for 32 years, and a quick visit to my website, lovethatface.com, will access over 7,000 examples of my work. I teach and lecture around the world, but the accomplishment for which I am most proud, is being voted Best Cosmetic Surgeon by my awesome patients for the past 15 years.

If you’re ready to do something for yourself this year, I invite you to come in for a personal consultation. We can discuss your individual needs and options. Almost all of my patients say the same thing… they wish they had done it sooner!

Dr. Joe Niamtu is a Board Certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in cosmetic facial surgery. He has been in practice in Richmond for over 32 years, and is consistently voted “Best Cosmetic Surgeon” by local magazine readers.

To find out if cosmetic facial surgery is right for you, call Dr. Niamtu at 934-FACE (3223) to schedule a personal consultation, or go to lovethatface.com.

16 Chesterfield Living

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January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 17

Virginia Family Dentistry: New Year, New Smile, New You!

by Dr. Melanie Wexel Spears IT’S 2017: TIME TO treat yourself this New Year! Is there

anything about your smile that bothers you? Often orthodontics is a solution for many aesthetic dental issues, such as crowding, spacing, or teeth sticking out.

An improved appearance of the smile is only one of the benefits of orthodontics; there are also many health benefits. Aligning the teeth makes them easier to clean, therefore reducing the risk for cavities and gum disease.

Orthodontics can also provide a more balanced bite for improved function. Last but not least, orthodontics can enhance your overall well-being. Adults report that life is more stressful when you are embarrassed to smile for fear of judgment. Having an attractive smile can help you face your career and your personal relationships with confidence!

“What will others think?” “How will I look?” “Am I too old?”

These are the questions adults often ask themselves when they think about traditional orthodontic treatment.

Set your preconceived notions aside — it’s never too late! There are more alternatives to traditional braces than ever before. Clear brackets and Invisalign® are less noticeable but effective options to meet your orthodontic treatment needs.

Invisalign® aligners are clear, making it difficult to tell that you are wearing them. The aligners are smooth and comfortable, and have no food restrictions, as you can take your aligners out to eat. Invisalign® fits con-

veniently into your busy lifestyle since treatment time is often shorter and fewer visits are needed. Although people may not notice your aligners, they will notice that your teeth are looking nicer and you are smiling more!

Our Virginia Family Dentistry orthodontists are in the top one percent of all North American providers. Being among the most experienced providers, we can bring you the newest innovations in Invisalign®, including the iTero digital scanning system. Itero scanners take a 3-D digital scan of your teeth, eliminating the need for messy impressions. The scanner offers a fast and comfortable record-taking experience that also gives a more precise fit of your Invisalign® aligner.

Are you an Invisalign® candidate? It is true that not everyone can be treated optimally with Invisalign®.

You may have been told in the past that you aren’t a candidate, but with the latest advances with Invisalign® materials and methods, you may now be eligible. Your orthodontist will discuss your treatment options at your complementary consultation. Call our office for your complementary orthodontic evaluation today.

Virginia Family Dentistry is a group practice of more than 50 doctors specializing in Orthodontics, Dental Implants, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Cosmetic and General Dentistry. With 12 convenient locations in the Richmond Metro Area, we can assist you in creating your youthful smile. For a location near you, visit VAdentist.com.

Our four Chesterfield locations: Huguenot, (804) 794-9789; Midlothian, (804) 379-1011; Brandermill, (804) 739-6500; Chester, (804) 751-0300 — VAdentist.com 18 Chesterfield Living

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A native of Virginia, Dr. Melanie Wexel Spears is a magna cum laude graduate of James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. She received her orthodontic specialty training and master’s degree at the University of Florida.

Melanie W. Spears practices orthodontics with Virginia Family Dentistry in the Tri-Cities and Chester locations.

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The Ultimate in

Relaxation At Massage Envy Commonwealth Centre

S

By Susie Galvez

o, how did the day treat you? If you’re like many of us, it’s taken its toll…often, both physically and emotionally. Regardless of how hectic your schedule may be, the positive affects are well worth taking time out for a therapeutic massage.

The friendly staff and professional massage therapists at Massage Envy are committed to providing a calm, stress-free experience, every time. Open seven days a week with late weeknight and weekend hours, Massage Envy makes it easy for even the busiest of you to find time to take in a little R&R. If you’re unaccustomed to all that Massage Envy has to offer, here’s what you can expect. First you’ll have an opportunity to share any relevant medical history, such as injuries or a physical condition that your therapist should be aware of.

Next, you’ll discuss your particular reason for having a massage as well as cover any specific areas that you’d want to have addressed. After that, it’s all about you…for a change.

Communication is key to receiving the most effective treatment for achieving your relaxation and wellness goals. You can receive either a customized full-body massage for general relaxation or stress reduction, or a treatment focusing on specific parts of your body.

Massage and facial therapy can relax your muscles, boost overall energy, refresh your mental and emotional outlook and caress the skin with beneficial nutrients to help with long-term vitality.

All facials are customized to best suit client’s skin conditions and concerns. Ranging from 60-minutes to 90-minutes, facials are designed to brighten, hydrate, increase firmness, and promote a youthful appearance. In addition to the post-facial healthy glow, long-term benefits, when using proper skincare products, can keep your skin radiant until you next facial.

Massage is the key to stress relief, by helping find balance, relax muscles and support the production of endorphins. Did you know that massage can also help with posture and circulation? By using relaxation, massage helps reinforce healthy and natural movements, which can help get posture and blood flowing back on track.

For answers to any questions you may have or for further details on the services provided by Massage Envy’s professional staff of trained therapists, call or visit online.

5201 Commonwealth Centre Pkwy., Midlothian; 804-744-8440; MassageEnvy.com

Susie Galvez is an international image consultant, speaker, author, beauty industry expert. For more information, visit SusieGalvez.com.

Winter Workouts Without

The Work

By Susie Galvez

It can be tough to stick with your exercise program

anytime, but wintertime can add to the downright dreadful factor. The diminished daylight, the cold weather and the really strong urge to stay in your nice warm bed or on that cozy sofa can all work against you as you try to stay focused on your workouts.

Outdoor activities like skiing or power-walking are excellent ways to keep to your fitness goals, but not all of us love bundling up in puffy outerwear… or shivering… or even enjoy those types of activities. What’s left? Hopping on the “dreadmill” at the gym? No Way! Thank goodness the Richmond area offers lots of ways to keep healthy while having fun!

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AERIAL YOGA

This is a new kind of workout invented by an aerial performer, former gymnast and Broadway choreographer. It involves performing a series of exercises inspired by yoga, Pilates, calisthenics and aerial acrobatics in a hammocklike apparatus in order to achieve a total-body workout.

Think Cirque du Soleil without the sparkly makeup and costumes.

By being tethered, you are able to move more freely and with less effort, allowing your bones and muscles to release tension, increasing flexibility and strengthen core muscles.

BALLROOM DANCING

Dancing provides exercise in the form of aerobics, helps to promote balance and flexibility, and reduces stress. The ability to learn and perform a variety of dance steps helps to stimulate the brain and keep the memory sharp.

Ballroom dancing, whether taking lessons or going to a party, keeps you in contact with other people, creating the perfect social outlet. It also contributes to a fun, happy environment, filled with great company, lively music and graceful movements.

ICE SKATING

There is no doubt about it, zooming around on the ice, whether indoors or out, is a fantastic way to embrace winter and get some exercise at the same time. Ice skating is easy on the joints because it’s low impact, and it improves your balance and coordination. You use a lot of small stabilizer muscles that don’t get a workout in day-to-day life, particularly those around your hips, knees and ankles.

And the best part is that there’s no puffy outerwear required. Layers, leggings or jeans are all you need, and maybe some gloves (and to be on the safe side — a helmet!).

Get Moving!

Here are some cheap or even free ways to add some extra moxie to your movements:

• VOLUNTEER for a community-service project, such as building a home with Habitat for Humanity or cleaning up a park or other green space. It’s a great way to add some activity to your day while improving your community.

If you spend the whole day moving around, it definitely counts as a workout!

• TACKLE YOUR CHORES and burn calories at the same time. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! The key to turning your cleaning activities into a workout is focusing on the ones that have the highest calorie burn, like scrubbing the tub or vacuuming.

To get yourself in the right mindset, throw on your sneakers and put on some upbeat music.

• THE HULA HOOP. Did you ever hula hoop for what seems like hours as a kid to see who could go for the longest? The hula hoop is a fun and inexpensive way get you moving and groovin’ with more exercise. While it may have been eons since you tried swinging one around your waist, it’s kind of like learning to ride a bike; you will quickly remember and get the hang of it. Hula hooping can provide a great cardiovascular workout and engage your core muscles. It’s also a fun way to encourage your kids in upping their movement, too!

TRAMPOLINING

Whether on a personal rebounder or a fullscale professional trampoline, jump workouts are not only a quick way to tighten, tone and build core strength, but jumping can also boost cardio as effectively as going for a run — and without stressing your joints.

Did you ever spend afterschool time at a friend’s house bouncing around on the backyard trampoline or the ones you paid for in town? Well, trampoline parks are back! RVA has several options for fitness classes that incorporate aerial aerobics and advanced calisthenics. And, you can even have your next special party there!

ZUMBA

Doesn’t it sound like fun to shake your booty to the beats of salsa, flamenco and merengue music? It feels more like a dance party than a workout, which is exactly what makes Zumba so popular. The Latin-inspired dance workout is one of the most popular group exercise classes in the world.

The high-energy sessions are set to upbeat music and feature choreographed dance numbers that you might see in a nightclub – but no heavy makeup or club attire required. You don’t need to be a great dancer to feel welcome in a Zumba class. With the tag line, “Ditch the Workout, Join the Party,” the classes emphasize moving to the music and having a good time. And the best part…no rhythm is required.

There are several different kinds of Zumba classes, from Aqua Zumba workouts to classes like Zumba Toning that incorporate weights for additional calorie-burning and strength training.

• JUMP ROPE. Jumping is a fantastic cardiovascular exercise that can benefit your workout. This is another kids’ activity you probably remember as being easy, but it can take a while to build up the endurance to jump rope for a long period of time. Once you get to the point that you’re able to jump for five to 10 minutes, you might want to try challenging yourself by doing a skipping routine…or maybe not.

• MEET UP. Check out the fitness/exercise section on the Meet Up® website. There are lots of ways to meet-up with all kinds of exercise groups. And if you don’t see one that suits your fitness goals, you can just create your own Meet Up group!

Susie Galvez is an international image consultant, speaker, author, beauty industry expert. For more information, visit SusieGalvez.com.

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Everything’s Better Over Ice

Get the Smile.

W

hether you’re looking for a good winter workout or to just having some fun this winter, ice is nice – ice skating, that is. If you’ve always been a bit timid about lacing up the skates and giving it a whirl, now would be a great time to discover the joys and benefits of ice skating at the Richmond Ice Zone.

Gaby Corcoran, the Ice Zone’s skating and program director, says their Richmond Skating Stars is a year-round U.S. Basic Skills Learn To Skate Program specializing in skating for all ages and levels of skating abilities.

Skating can be healthy.

Corcoran says that it provides a good cardio workout as well as agility coordination.

Skating is lots of fun, too. Many of the students, especially the adults, she says, come for the fun and the social aspects. “The adult students become a community supportive of each other, says Corcoran, who has been coaching for about 20 years.

While the Ice Zone offers lessons for virtually anyone from 2-and-a-half years of age to adult, Corcoran says that the largest group are elementary to middle-school students.

The lessons include some instruction in figure skating, but for those who want to further their skills in figure skating or hockey, there are advanced lessons available at the Ice Zone.

First things first, however “If you want to figure skate or play hockey, you first have to learn how to stand on the ice,” says the former competitive figure skater.

Classes start in January. It’s also U.S. Figure Skating’s National Skating Month and in honor of that the Ice Zone will be offering free lessons and prizes on January 16 from 7 until 8 p.m.

For more information, or to learn about lessons as well as their public skating schedule, visit the website. Skating and other programs are offered year round.

When all your friends are skating on the ice this winter, you don’t want to be left out in the cold.

Richmond Ice Zone – 636 Johnston Willis Drive, N. Chesterfield; 804-378-7465; RichmondSkating.com

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Chesterfield Living 25

Photo: We Are Handsome

Look C ic, h

Feel Good

By Kathleen Whitlow

ong gone are the days of the leotard and the sweatband. With the rise of the health-conscious individual and the promotion of brands and fitness trends via social media, consumers are purchasing more and more workout gear. The fitness apparel industry made a $2 billion increase in sales from 2014-15, according to the NPD Group, and Morgan Stanley predicts that it will reach $83 billion in sales, by the year 2020.

Workout wear is no longer just for working out. Consumers want functional pieces that they can wear in the gym, as well as while running around town after their workouts. Fitness apparel is no longer just for workout enthusiasts either, but now for anyone who wants to look like they may be going to the gym, or those consumers that just want to be comfortable and look stylish while doing it. One of the top trends in athletic wear goes by the name of athleisure. Merriam-Webster defines athleisure as “casual clothing — like yoga pants, sweat pants and hoodies — that are designed to be worn both for exercising and for doing (almost) everything else.” You know when a word is added to the dictionary it has become a phenomenon.

26 Chesterfield Living

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“I feel that workout gear has evolved into its own separate wardrobe,” said Shanna Lent, Golds Gym group exercise manager for Willow Lawn and The Fan. “Gym-goers no longer just pull on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt for their workouts. It has become more acceptable to be out and about in your workout clothes because they’re actually fashionable.

“One of the biggest trends I have seen is in lines like Fabletics by Kate Hudson. People want workout clothes that are functional enough to move and sweat in at the gym, but they also want something that they can wear around for the whole day,” Lent added.

When it comes to high-end athletic wear, the brand that most likely comes to mind is lululemon — the luxury, in-demand, yogafocused brand for men and women. Worn for everything from yoga to running, lululemon is also known for its athleisure-inspired items.

Many consumers may think that lululemon has cornered the market for high-end athletic wear, but we have discovered some

other designer brands that are providing even more chic options for the fitness apparel enthusiast.

Find your new favorite:

We Are Handsome

Photo: We Are Handsome

Created by a husband and wife team, this activewear line focuses on swim and gym.

The Australian brand is currently making headlines for their sought-after summer

with a white background and effervescent floral print. The gym side of the apparelline includes a variety of leggings, shorts, crop tops, sports bras, leisure items and outerwear. The design of each piece reflects “a love for the beautiful things in life, the wonder of travel and the endless and abundant magic of the inspiring world in which we live.” Each piece in the line is built for movement and features sweat-absorbing technology, along with UV blocking.

The current line’s design takes the travel and beauty theme behind the brand and brings it to the forefront. Items feature botanical prints, prints with jaguars and tigers, waves, geometric shapes and more.

Pieces from the We Are Handsome line can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue and at WeAreHandsome.com.

lives in. Current collections feature shorts, leggings, sport bras, tank tops, graphic tees and tanks, jackets, vests and more, for women. Its men’s line includes shorts, sweatpants, hoodies, graphic tees, jackets and more. Focused on supporting the yoga community and inspiring those that practice, Alo can be found at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and at AloYoga.com

Photos: Alo Yoga

leggings. Proceeds from the sale of the leggings go to supporting a Sydney-based cancer charity, “Look Good Feel Better.”

The leggings are a limited-edition pant designed to mirror a Babylonesque feel,

This fitness brand is comprised of apparel created specifically for yoga practice, but also with the consideration that it will be worn outside the studio. Each piece is created to allow movement without sacrificing design and style. Alo Yoga produces both women’s and men’s apparel. The brand boasts that its yoga gear is not only the best in the world for practicing yoga, but also made for people to live their

Photos: Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga

Zella ers varied lifestyles in mind. For women, Zella offers everything from leggings, pullovers, tanks and vests to sporty swimsuits for the active swimmer. Zella offers men moisture wicking athletic pants, base layer leggings, moisture wicking t-shirts, training hoodies and more. For kids, there’s a massive variety of activewear items that include leggings, vests, hoodies and more. Zella, which also offers plus sizes, can be found at Nordstrom.

Photos: Zella

It seems as though a majority of fitness apparel lines are being geared toward adults, but along comes Zella, which makes activewear for women, men and children. Its clothing is also made for working out, and with the consum-

The common theme with chic fitness attire is that it is not only functional and capable of moving with its wearer, but that it is also fashionable enough to wear as everyday attire. “As a fitness instructor, I see people wearing tops and bottoms that they can workout in, but also run errands, grab coffee or grab drinks after class,” said Tara Gagnon, fitness instructor at Plank RVA. “Fortunately, there are so many athletic brands on the market now that are stylish and versatile. There are brands at every price point. Personally, I wear workout clothes that are designed for high sweat, high intensity workouts because I like the stretch and moisture wicking fabrics that some of the high-end brands provide. Most of my fitness gear comes from Nike, lululemon or Fabletics. I love that I can wear it to teach, but also wear out and about.”

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28 Chesterfield Living

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Reduce Your Risks for

CANCER

By Melanie Rasnic

Most of us have a word or a series of words that terrifies us. For me, it’s “We need to talk.” This is enough to make me grab my passport and fly to a remote island — completely irrational, but true.

But we all know the gut-drop that we get when we find out that someone we know and love has cancer. That word is kind of the big boss of terrifying words. The worst part is that it doesn’t just make us feel scared; we often feel helpless.

It’s proven that the best way to combat feelings of helplessness is to proactively meet the source head-on. Sure, millions of dollars are funneled into cancer research every year, but what can we, the tiny terrified individuals, do on our own to calm these concerns?

Turns out, there are several things we can do to reduce our chances of being diagnosed with cancer. Everyone has proto-oncogenes (genes that can potentially mutate, causing cancer) in their bodies at almost any given moment, so it is worth our time to do a few simple things that could potentially keep that diagnosis from happening.

First, there is no substitute for making healthy eating choices.

Fresh fruits & vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts help keep your immune system in fighting shape. Limiting alcohol, processed foods, and refined sugars and carbohydrates will assist in that as well.

Right in line with that is staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise has a multitude of health benefits. Find some activities that match your health and abilities and work to gradually increase your stamina over time.

Other oft-offered advice on sun exposure, risky behaviors and immunizations applies here as well.

One key message: get regular medical care. Suggested cancer screenings and regular self-exams, both designed to discover cancer as early as possible, can be invaluable for treatment options and prognosis. Ask about your family history. It isn’t the best dinner conversation perhaps, but at some point you are going to be asked about this by a health professional and it goes a long way to have these answers. Go back to your grandparents’ health history if you can. More than anything take charge of your own health. Be wary of Dr. Google (he will have us all asking for last rites), but take advantage of reputable sources to stay current on health recommendations. Be well!

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 29

Why Is My Pizza Trying to Kill Me?

M

Photo: Carly Shaia

She’s incredibly brilliant and could probably explain what was going on y birthday is this month. I am aging, though to be fair, in my belly using really big words too, but instead, she offered solid adI have been getting older since the day I was born. As a cardvice, practical suggestions and, above all, hope, in easily understood laycarrying member of the Boomer generation, the years do man terms. seem to be whizzing by at an accelerated rate these days. Looking back Some of the aging issues have to do with digestion and some have to on the 365 days leading up to my 21st birthday, time went by so slowly do with intake. Anita explained that everything — from our taste buds that I could have sworn the batteries on the clock were wearing out. Yet as and the amount of saliva we produce to our entire GI tract — changes as the anniversary of my mother’s 38 hours of labor fast approaches, I swear we age. Foods that we used to love no longer taste as good. Our sense of someone has put the calendar on steroids. smell, in addition to our sense of taste, can be changed not only by the It’s okay though. I have, over the past decade or so, geared myself aging process but also by medications we take and diseases or condiup to reluctantly accept the aging process. When my knees started to tions we experience. creak, I was prepared. When my bust line became my Adventures in Aging To help counter our diminished smell and taste senwaistline, and my waistline fell to my thighs, I was presations, Anita suggests using extra herbs and spices to pared. When the wrinkles on my face started to look less increase palatability. Adding some fresh herbs to your falike laugh lines and more like ancient tribal scarring, I vorite food or experimenting with the plethora of spices was prepared. My daily mantra became: “I am healthy, in your cabinet will bring out new flavor tones in your and happy and still have most of my faculties. Aging is meals. just a thing. No worries.”

Tracking everything you eat and every reaction you And then my gut aged. Overnight. On Thursday, it was have can help you narrow down the foods that are affectdoing fine. On Friday, it revolted — with great fanfare. ing you the most. Try eliminating one of the foods from Food that I have craved since childhood – nachos, pizza, your diet to see if there are any changes. If not, add that wings — had me doubled up on the floor in agony. Ice one back in and eliminate something else. cream became my mortal enemy. I, whose healthy apAnita explained that, as we age, our sense of thirst petite was always my strong suit, suddenly became the might decrease. Staying well hydrated is important for epitome of my worst pet peeve: I became a picky eater! with Constance Whitney numerous reasons, not the least of which it helps with diLike I said, I was prepared for achy joints, foggy memogestion. The old standard of eight/eight (eight 8 oz. glasses of water per ries, sagging skin. I was not prepared to replace my lifetime enjoyment day) is still a great guideline. Try putting a pitcher of water in the fridge of spicy, gooey, carbohydrate-loaded epicurean delights with stewed in the morning and making sure you finish it by the night. It’s a simple, apples and prune juice smoothies. visual reminder to keep drinking water.

Why were my favorite foods turning me into a methane-producing suRemember too, as we age, we need less caloric intake than we did in per power? As usual, I turned to the Google experts for advice. our 20s. The three-meals-a-day routine may not work best — try switchApparently, I am not the first to experience the joys of an aging tummy. ing to a five-smaller-meals-a-day pattern. Our poor aging intestines will In 2014, the Journal of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatrics published a be happier digesting smaller amounts. review article on the subject and highlighted several studies focused on Most everything that we are experiencing is simply part of getting oldthe changes in the structure and function of the aging gastrointestinal er and is manageable with lifestyle changes. Be aware, though, that GI tract. Through several pages of really big words, the authors explained issues can also be signs of something more serious. If you are experiencthat the flora and fauna (aka, plants and bugs) in our aging intestines ing unintentional weight loss, blood in your vomit or stool, difficult or are just not as robust as they were in our younger selves and that the acpainful swallowing, or GI symptoms that persist for two or more weeks, tual cell structure of the lining of our digestive system changes to be less it’s time to go to the doctor. friendly. It’s nice to know that there is scientific data to support what I As we enter the trifecta of gluttony-inducing holidays (Thanksgiving, knew after one double-dipped Dairy Queen delight, but I really needed Christmas, Super Bowl), the temptations of all the seasonal favorites more practical advice. make it hard to steer away from the trigger foods. Moderation, lots of Anita Kilmanis is a registered dietitian and licensed dietitian/nutriwater and handy GasX pills are my holiday plan. What’s yours? tionist with Dieticians On Demand (www.dietitiansondemand.com).

TYPICAL TRIGGER FOODS: Lactose (milk, butter, cream, cheese, etc.) • Peppermint and spearmint • Chocolate • Alcohol • Caffeinated beverages • Pepper • High fat food • Fibrous veggies (broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) • Onions • Bell peppers • Fried food • Coffee • Wheat 30 Chesterfield Living

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ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE Did you ever imagine that someone struggling with the daily difficulties of reduced memory due to dementia could live so well? Do you need support and help coping with someone you love who is suffering from Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia?

At The Memory Center we believe the challenging conditions of an aging brain should be met with a caring, interactive community designed around the individual. The Memory Center offers every incentive to celebrate life and find purpose each day with its Memory and Motion Program and unique Town Center. The state of the art design is optimized to enhance the quality of life for all of its residents in an assisted living environment. The Town Center features a library filled with books, Tavern, general store offering lots of goodies, unique clock tower and a theater designed for movies and entertainment. At the Cary Town Bistro, ice cream socials happen every day.

Quality of Care is our primary focus at the The Memory Center Richmond. Dr. Jim Wright, MD, PhD, MATS the medical director oversees our residents care. Dr. Wright is a physician whose medical practice focuses solely on long term care and geriatrics. He received his MD and PhD locally from The VCU School of Medicine and completed his residency in Family Practice. He holds a Masters of Arts in Theological Studies from Union Presbyterian Seminary and a Certificate in Bioethics from Loyola University, Chicago.

Dr. Jim Wright, MD, PhD, MATS The Memory Center of Richmond’s Medical Director When asked about the quality of care at The Memory Center Richmond, Dr. Wright shares: “It’s an absolute joy to be part of this new wave of treatment for people with dementia. Here at The Memory Center, they offer a beautiful community with outdoor spaces, excellent staffing ratios and training, all resulting in greater quality of life for residents, better outcomes and a decrease in the use of medications.

This is one of the best facilities in which I have had the pleasure of being medical director and I look forward to continuing to champion the patient-centered care offered at The Memory Center Richmond.”

Nurse practitioner Kathleen Anderson supports Dr. Wright.

Kathy has a BSN and MSN in Critical Care Nursing. She trained as an acute care nurse practitioner at The VCU School of Nursing and has been a nurse practitioner for the past 16 years.

The Memory Center Richmond is a premier assisted living community dedicated exclusively to memory care. We are conveniently located next to St. Francis Medical Center in Midlothian off 288. For further information or to schedule a visit please call 804-378-5100 or visit our website at www.thememorycenter.com

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Healthy Dishes Photo: Tammy Soto

Awful Arthur’s Seafood Company Restaurant & Raw Bar 1300 Sycamore Square, Midlothian 804-893-4093; AwfulArthurs.com

Howlett’s Restaurant & Tavern

3530 Festival Park Plaza, Chester 804-930-1034; HowlettsTavernChester.com

If you enjoy healthy dining in a warm, cozy atmosphere, then you’ll love Howlett’s Tavern in the heart of Chester. Howlett’s is famous for their prime rib, crab cakes, fresh seafood, great steaks and amazing salads.

Their Grilled Salmon Salad features herbencrusted salmon on a bed of spinach and mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado and feta cheese.

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 35

Photo: Tammy Soto

We all know the health benefits of seafood and you’ll find lots to love at Awful Arthur’s Seafood, long a Richmond-area tradition. The Ahi Tuna is pan seared with sesame seeds and served with wasabi and a delightful ginger soy dipping sauce. The folks at Awful Arthur’s say tuna is best paired with a white dry wine and for our visit they recommended a White Hall 2014 Chardonnay.

Photo: Robert Thomas

Healthy Dishes Latitude Seafood Co.

15532 WC Commons Way, Midlothian 804-379-8100; LatitudeSeafoodCo.com

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café 14221 Hull Street Road; 804-223-8182 4024 Cox Road (Innsbrook); 804-747-8294 TazikisCafe.com

Inspired by the Mediterranean cafés of Greece where everyone in the community gathers to enjoy healthy flavors and to celebrate life, Taziki’s is a place to reconnect over refreshing Mediterranean fare.

The Mediterranean Salad, one of the most popular dishes, features blackened, chargrilled salmon, prepared with lemon sauce, butter and Taziki’s Greek seasoning .The salad is dressed with their homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

36 Chesterfield Living

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Photo: Tammy Soto

With an emphasis on fresh seafood and high-quality ingredients, there are plenty of healthy options at Latitude Seafood Co. in Westchester Commons. Take, for example, their North Atlantic Salmon topped with pineapple salsa and served with steamed broccoli and fresh greens. The fresh fillet of salmon is rich in Omega-3s and pairs perfectly with Cakebread’s full-bodied Chardonnay.

Tanglewood Ordinary Fine FamilyStyle Dining and More Since 1986

Thurs–Sat 5 - 9 PM — Sunday Noon - 8 PM 2210 River Road West, Maidens, VA 23102 • 804-556-3284 Texts welcome • www.tanglewoodordinary.com

Sedona Taphouse

15732 WC Main St., Midlothian 804-379-0037; SedonaTaphouse.com

Healthy, delicious dishes in a taphouse?

That’s exactly what you’ll find at Sedona Taphouse, featuring over 500 craft beers and a menu with many gluten-free and heart healthy options. The wild caught Corvina (also known as Golden Sea Bass) is wood-grilled and served with tropical fruit salsa, cilantro and charred vegetables.

The Nile

306 N. 29th St.; 804-648-0791; NileRVA.com

The Teklemariam brothers, Yoseph and Benyam, are back in their very popular Nile restaurant, this time in Church Hill. The authentic Ethiopian eatery is famous for its healthy and delicious dishes. The gluten-free injera bread is made from teff, an ancient Ethiopian grain.

For our visit, Yoseph prepared the Buticha Roll. This dish is a departure from the traditional style where the injera (picture a spongy pancake) is placed on the plate and served with your choice of vegetarian and meat toppings. With the Buticha roll, lightly seasoned garbanzo bean paste is rolled in the injera and served with baby greens and tomatoes. If you’re not familiar with Ethiopian cuisine, this tasty roll makes for a great introduction and a refreshing treat.

38 Chesterfield Living

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Photo: Robert Thomas

Photo: Camille Robinson

Healthy Dishes

Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria

Authentic Italian Cuisine • Delicious Seasonal Dishes

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FLAVOR

Chef ’s Share:

WITH CHEF JOE HELBLING OF HOWLETT’S RESTAURANT AND TAVERN

W

hen we asked Joe Helbling, Owner and Chef at Howlett’s Restaurant and Tavern, located in Chester’s Village Green (3530 Festival Park Plaza, Chester), to share one of his favorite recipes, Helbling generously provided us with the recipe for the restaurant’s signature dish, Howlett’s Famous Prime Rib. “It’s what we’re known for,” Helbling says. “It’s the best in Chesterfield County.

Helbling also shared a bit about his background in the culinary arts.

The Pittsburgh native has been cooking professionally ever since he graduated from high school in the late seventies. By that time, he was living in Lynchburg, Virginia and, upon graduation, took a job with an uncle who was working with Greyhound Food Management.

In the mid-eighties, Helbling moved to Richmond and leased the cafeteria at the Greyhound Terminal on the Boulevard. When the lease at the terminal terminated, Helbling says he felt it was time to open his own restaurant. He purchased the original Howlett’s Tavern. The original home of the restaurant had been “What inspires me is named for the 19th century tavern the ability to provide that once stood in front of historic a place where people Magnolia Grange near the Chesterfield Courthouse Complex. can meet and spend While running the restaurant time with their family there, Helbling met and married his or friends and enjoy wife, Brooke. Today Brooke works with her husband in managing the a good meal. I enjoy business. The couple have five chilcooking whether at dren.

A little less than a decade ago, the home or at the couple closed that restaurant and restaurant.” ultimately re-opened Howlett’s at their current location. “While we loved the quaintness of the original Howlett’s,” Helbling says, “moving provided us with more space to accommodate our guests.”

Cooking is not just a job, with Joe Helbling. It’s a passion. “What inspires me,” he says, “is the ability to provide a place where people can meet and spend time with their family or friends and enjoy a good meal.”

Even at home, Helbling says he does all the cooking. “I enjoy cooking whether at home or at the restaurant.”

40 Chesterfield Living

The Recipe If you enjoy cooking, you may well enjoy preparing this recipe.

But I have a feeling that you’ll have even greater enjoyment in sharing this meal with family and friends at Howlett’s Restaurant and Tavern.

HOWLETT’S SIGNATURE PRIME RIB RECIPE Serves 20 (approx.)

12 to 15 pounds rib eye black pepper garlic powder Worcestershire Sauce Mix equal amounts of black pepper, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce to make a paste. Coat the rib eye, top and bottom, with the black pepper paste. Cook in a warm oven at 165 degrees for 15 to 18 hours. Slice and serve.

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to all of the wonderful families that have allowed us to be of assistance in 2016. You have made it a truly wonderful year.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in 2017 please give us a call. We would love to help.

Cell: (804) 536-6100 Office: (804) 545-4128 Fax: (804) 545-4129

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tastebudz

by Whitney Kiatsuranon and Steve Cook

Photo: Camille Robinson

We’ve been hitting the restaurants, eating the food and drinking the beer all around the county. And we do it all for you. Your gratitude is thanks enough.

TO YOUR HEALTH: Since this is our annual health and beauty issue, I thought it might be valuable to talk food with one restaurant couple that recognizes that healthy dishes have an important place in the lives of today’s restaurant goers. I had the privilege recently of visiting with Dennis and Julie Barbaro. Dennis is the President and CEO of DJB Hospitality LLC, owners of Sedona Taphouse (SedonaTaphouse.com) in Westchester Commons.

Julie is a dietician who provides her services for HCA as well as well Fort Lee. But the thing I was most interested in discussing was the fact that she also puts her career to good use in the restaurant.

Why a dietician in a taphouse?

“Besides the fact that I’m married to one,” Dennis laughed, “she’s been a huge help. She advises us on minor changes in the recipes that can transform an entrée into a heart healthy or gluten free dish.”

Continuing, Dennis told me, “I’m proud that we offer over 30 gluten-free items, plus we have many gluten-free beers.”

Both Dennis and Julie agree that gluten-free products are becoming more important to s many guests, and Julie says that despite the fact that obesity rates continue to rise, many today are becoming more aware of the importance of nutritious meals.

“Even though dining out can be an indulgent, often a celebratory event,” Dennis says, “there’s often one person in the party that has certain dietary restrictions.”

Julie adds that the menu at Sedona offers the flexibility of allowing guests to customize their meal to ensure that they can enjoy a balanced, nutritious dining experience. “Because the menu clearly labels gluten-free items, guests don’t have to feel awkward about having a gluten intolerance,” she says.

According to Julie, it all comes down to balance. She says that she and Dennis somewhat follow the 80/20 rule. “About 80% of what he eat is healthy and nutritious and about 20% is indulgent.”

With that in mind, I finished my conversation and headed over to Sedona’s fantastic bar to enjoy a delicious flight from their extensive lineup of craft beers on tap.

42 Chesterfield Living

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EXTRA-ORDINARY: Our very own Taste Bud, Whitney Kiatsuranon, usually covers the downtown restaurants for our River City Magazine. But her love of good ol’ Southern home cooking got the better of her. Here’s her report from one of the region’s most unique dining spots: Off the beaten path, but completely worth the drive, you will find Tanglewood Ordinary (Ordinary.com) nestled amongst nature’s perfectly placed backdrop on Virginia’s Scenic Byway, Route 6. Want to get a taste of some of the best comfort food around? Think green beans, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, cornbread, gravy, ham and all the fixings.

Located at 2210 River Road West in the Maidens area of Goochland County, Tanglewood Ordinary’s historic log structure, built as a country dance hall, adds warmly to the unique dining experience. Anne and Jim Hardwick have been serving “Grandmother’s Sunday dinner” for over 30 years. Tanglewood Ordinary is open Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Other days and times are available for private parties and special events. If Southern Comfort Food is what you have a hankering for, then you are sure to be a satisfied guest from start to finish.

ng brati Cele th Year 7 our 1 chmond i R in

BLAZE OF GLORY: Blaze Fast Fire-d Pizza (BlazePizza.com) is now open at 12701 Stone Village Way in Midlothian. This modern day “pizza joint” opened its first location in 2012.

“Blaze offers a quick and affordable, highquality pizza that stands out from the competition,” says Bob Parsons, Franchise Partner for Blaze Pizza Virginia.

Each restaurant features an interactive open-kitchen format that allows guests to customize one of the menu’s signature pizzas or create their own, choosing from a wide selection of toppings. The personal pizzas are then sent to a blazing hot open-flame oven — the centerpiece of the restaurant — where pizzasmiths ensure that the thin-crust pies are “fast-fire’d” and ready to eat in just 180 seconds.

FORGET THE PARTRIDGE: A Peach in a Pear Tree is much tastier. That’s the name of the cool, little bakery that opened recently at 1248 Sycamore Square in Midlothian. The bakery is owned by selftaught baker, Alicia Darnell, who started her business in 2008. Alicia says she opened her pastry shop in order to “embrace deep southern traditions with a passion for creating fabulous desserts.”

A Peach In A Pear Tree specializes in custom cakes, cookies, cupcakes and mini desserts for all occasions. Check them out at her website: APeachInAPearTree.com.

From the very finest steaks to delectable fresh seafood, our intricately prepared dishes and warm ambience combine to create a fine dining experience second to none.

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January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 43

tastebudz

NEW BREWS IN FULTON: Why did the Chesterfieldian cross the river? Perhaps to check out the city’s newest brewery. Luke Whitt, our photographer (and one of our favorite Taste Buds) filed this report after his recent visit: Scott Jones, Adam Worcester, and Jeremy Wirtes opened their second Triple Crossing Brewing Company facility in Fulton (5203 Hatcher St.) in mid-December. The three men started the business on Foushee Street about three years ago.

As I was approaching the entrance to the new facility, I was struck by the colorful, cosmic mural created by local artist Mikael Broth. What struck me when I actually got inside was the smell of freshly baked pizza from Billy Fallen. And of course the fresh beer was there to complete the trifecta.

You feel like you’ve walked into a graphic comic book, thanks to Broth’s work as well as to the quirky, unique interior design by Kathy Corbet, highlighted by low-hanging lights. The pizza oven resembles a certain yellow and round, arcade character, ready to gobble up orders in its 900° oven mouth. Choose from four pizzas - margherita, white garlic, pepperoni, and sausage. Gluten-free pizza is also available.

Currently, there are six beers on tap including Clever Girl, Falcon Smash and Seasonal Shift.

(LW) Which Chesterfield County restaurants have you enjoyed? Send us a

recommendation. Know exciting restaurant news? Well, don’t keep it a secret! Send us the scoop at Tastebudz@RichmondNavigator.com.

44 Chesterfield Living

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Photo: Luke Whitt

A NEW ANCHOR FOR STONY POINT: Yep, Stony Point Fashion Park is getting a new anchor the end of January or so. But we’re not talking just some ol’ department store. We’re talking the real deal — Anchor Bar — Home of the Original Buffalo Wing.

I caught up with my old friend Matt Foody, recently. He and his business partner, David Allred, will be opening the first of several planned franchise locations for the bar where the chicken wing, as we know it today, was born.

The story goes that back in 1964, in the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, Teressa Bellissimo cooked up some chicken wings, deep frying them in a secret sauce. The wings were not only an instant hit, they’ve become an American tradition. Those wings were the original Buffalo wings.

Matt tells me that up ‘til now, the only Anchor Bar locations are in Upstate New York plus a couple in Canada. The Richmond Anchor Bar will be the first south of the Mason Dixon line, he says. He and Allred already have plans to open several more of the restaurants in the South.

Of the menu, Matt says that it will obviously include pizza and wings, the staples of the original restaurant, but it is an expanded menu designed to appeal to the more sophisticated diners. “We’ll have beautiful salads, seafood, super indulgent hamburgers featuring wagu beef, as well as fish and chips, salmon and crab cakes.

These are classic American dishes created to appeal to sophisticated diners, families and sports fans.”

SOUTH BACH: Burger Bach, the New Zealand inspired gastro pub that has proven to be quite popular with Richmonders, has a new location at 101 Heaths Way in Midlothian. While the restaurant offers a variety of seafood entrees, salads, appetizers and fresh raw oysters, the thing that draws me and millions (or so I estimate) of others in are the burgers and fries.

Now, don’t go thinking Mickey D’s. These burgers are made with New Zealand all-natural, grass-fed beef and lamb. And they are simply amazing. Check out their online menu (TheBurgerBach.com) to tease your taste buds and then head on over and try one yourself.

Take your appetite with you because you’re going to have to try the fries, too. And while you’re on the website, look at the “fry indulgences,” the delectable culinary accoutrements that you may well want to choose to enjoy with your fresh cut fries.

One more bit of advice. Don’t say “Burger Bock,” say “Burger Batch.”

Your friends will look at your admiringly.

DON’T DO ANYTHING CRAZY: West Enders may be crying in their Ouzo over the recent closing of the very popular Crazy Greek Restaurant near Willow Lawn. It had been serving authentic Greek and Italian fare in that same location since 1975. But never fear our local Crazy Greek is sticking around. I spoke with manager, Peter Athanasiou, who says of the Chesterfield version of the popular Greek Restaurant, “We’ve been in Hancock Village for five years and we’re not going anywhere.”

That’s a relief.

The only change Peter predicts is that the restaurant may be adding some daily specials in the near future. Meanwhile, until the restaurant’s owners can line up a new location in the West End, fans are just going to have to cross the river.

A TASTE OF THE BOTTOM IN THE WEST END: Moving right next door

to Crustacean is a West End version of one of Shockoe Bottom’s most popular and venerable dining spots, Havana 59 (Havana59.net). The restaurant’s manager, Ashley Clark, tells me that the new Havana will be very much like the original. It will even have (or so I’m told) a cigar bar. The West End location also has a rooftop patio, for which their Cuban-themed restaurant in the Bottom is famous. Ashley tells me that the owners of Havana 59 are shooting for a May opening for their West End spot. (SC)

DIGGING FOR TREASURE –WITH A SPOON: With the weather being

so frigid, it’s the perfect season to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup from Takara Ramen, located at 9468 West Broad Street. Owner, Song Kim, tells me that the most popular dishes at his restaurant, which opened about six months ago, are the Chashu bun and the Takara Ramen soup. The word “Takara,” Song said, means treasure, and I think you will find the meaning to be true with each bite you take of his savory ramen soups. When I spoke with Song, he told me that he’s planning to add a Happy Hour, soon. He’s also planning a second location within the next year. Be sure to check out their Facebook page (TakaraRamenRichmond) to keep up with new developments. (WK)

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 45

The Happy Hour Guide Wild Ginger

Chuy’s Mexican Food

Want to eat great sushi and support a local cause? Each month Wild Ginger donates $2 from a specialty created roll of the month and all proceeds are collected and donated at the end of each month.

Fresh, hand-rolled tortillas make the difference so say the folks at Chuy’s. Every dish is made from scratch every day.

Monday–Friday, 5-7 p.m.; 3734 Winterfield Road; 804-378-4988; WildGingeRva.com

Draft Beers $2 off • Craft Cocktails $2 off • Draft Wine Red/White $5 Bar Snacks $5 ONE MORE THING: Monday nights get half-off wine by the bottle.

46 Chesterfield Living

Monday–Friday, 4-7 p.m.; 4731 Brad McNeer Parkway; 804-562-7464; Chuys.com

House Ritas $4.75 • House Grande Ritas $7.75 • Domestic Beers $3.25 • House TX Tinis $8.50 ONE MORE THING: FREE nachos during happy hour from the nacho car — includes queso, taco meat, chips and salsa.

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Tazza Kitchen Alverser Plaza

Monday–Thursday, 4-6:30 p.m.; Friday, 4-6 p.m.; 1244 Alverser Plaza; 804-415-6224; TazzaKitchen.com Serving a variety of upscale appetizers, plus pizzas, tacos, steak, pasta and seafood.

COCKTAILS Redwood.................................................................................................... $5.50 bourbon, cocchi rosa, simple syrup, bitters, expressed orange served on the rocks

TK Sangria....................................................................................................... $5 Applejack Brandy, allspice dram, orange liqueur, ginger, citrus, TK red blend

Standard pours............................................................................................... $5 Tito’s Vodka, Broker’s Gin, El Jimador Blanco Tequila, Cruzan Rum, Old Forester Bourbon

BEER & WINE All drafts & cans, $1 • Nostalgic Cans, $2.50 (Tecate, National Bohemian, Miller High Life, Genessee Cream Ale) • House White/Red, $5 FOOD Chips & Salsa Ranchera............................................................................... $3 Stone-ground corn chips, salsa ranchera, lime

Five Spice Chicken Taco........................................................................ $3.50 Local corn tortilla, smoky tomato jam, pequin slaw, pico de gallo, crema

Brisket Taco..................................................................................................... $4 Gaucomole, picco de gallo, chimichurri crema, valentina

Flautas.............................................................................................................. $5 Corn tortillas, pepper jack, queso fresco, roasted poblanos, la flama blanca, pico de gallo, papaya hot sauce

ONE MORE THING: Enjoy their popular Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crazy Greek

7 days/week, 3-7 p.m.; 14467 Hull Street Road; 804-739-1405; CrazyGreekWoodLake.com Using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, the folks at Crazy Greek pledge to prepare every dish just as they would prepare it for their dearest friends.

COCKTAILS Margaritas...................................................................................................$2.75 WINE Red (Merlot, Cabernet, Chianti)............................................................ $3.50 White (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay)........................................................ $3.50 BEER Draft Beer (Miller Lite and Yeungling, 12. oz.)................................... $2.50 Blue Moon (12 oz.)....................................................................................$2.75 FOOD Bar Bites (available throughout the entire restaurant)........................ $3.95 • Loaded Fries loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon and jalapenos • Humus homemade and served with pita bread • Dolmades eight grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice • Hot wings five wings your choice of mild, sweet BBQ or Greek zing sauce • Tzatziki homemade yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill spread with pita bread ONE MORE THING: Check out their daily lunch specials.​

If you are a restaurant or beverage manager, please send your Happy Hour specials to Whitney@RichmondNavigator.com. Our Happy Hour Guide is provided as a service to our readers. This is not an advertisement, nor is any compensation involved.

All happy hour listings are subject to change. Please drink responsibly.

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 47

Events Calendar

by Chesterfield Living staff

JANUARY 20

“The Acoustic Living Room,” Songs & Stories with Kathy Mattea (Featuring Bill Cooley) Grammy Award-winning singer/storyteller Kathy Mattea and longtime collaborator, guitarist Bill Cooley, share songs and stories near and dear to their hearts — including classics such as “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” “Where’ve You Been?,” and many other hits, plus more eclectic selections and new material, all reinterpreted for the duo format.

JANUARY 15

Richmond Wedding Expo Planning a wedding? You won’t want to miss Richmond’s most elegant bridal experience.

VIP fashion show tickets must be accompanied by an admission ticket.

11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Early admission $20/person in advance online; $25 day of (if available); general admission $15 online, $20 day of; + VIP fashion show (online only) $12 Altria Theater (near VCU), 6 North Laurel Street RichmondWeddings.com

8–10 p.m. / The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Road, Richmond / (804) 4478189 / TinPanRVA.com

FEBRUARY 7–12

The Book Of Mormon The New York Times calls it “The best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores our faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jon Stewart of The Daily Show calls it “A crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry.”

It’s The Book of Mormon, the ninetime Tony Award® winning Best Musical from the creators of South Park. Contains explicit language.

Tickets: $48 + applicable fee / Ticket outlets: Altria Theater, Dominion Arts Center, etix.com, phone (credit card) at (800) 514-3849.

The Altria Theater, 6 N Laurel Street, Richmond / (804) 592-3401, (804) 592-3384 / broadwayinrichmond.com Feb. 7, 8, 9 from 7:30–10 p.m.; Feb. 10 from 8–11 p.m.; Feb. 11 from 2–5 p.m. & 8–11 p.m.; Feb. 12 from 1–4 p.m. & 6:30–9:30 p.m.

JANUARY 15-16

Richmond Jewish Food Festival The ninth annual Richmond Jewish Food Festival features Jewish food, culture and music 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. / Weinstein Jewish Community Center, 5403 Monument Avenue, Richmond / 804-288-7953 / richmondjewishfoodfestival.com

JANUARY 28-29

American Kennel Club Purebred Dog Show JANUARY 14

8TH Annual Djangoary Music Soiree Celebrate the creative influence of legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt on today’s music with award-winning local favorites Thomas Wakefield & Gypsy Roots! Meet the headliners and sharpen your own skills with an exclusive hands-on guitar workshop! $30 / Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m., November Stage / Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen, Glen Allen, VA / artsglenallen.com

48 Chesterfield Living

JANUARY 14

The Nighthawks (Featuring Rev. Billy C. Wirtz)

9 a.m. / Middle Peninsula Kennel Club / Richmond International Raceway 600 E. Laburnum, Richmond / (804) 769-0113 / pollysmith@me.com

JANUARY 28

The legendary Nighthawks rock the house in support of their new release “Full Circle” and bring the Rev. Billy C. Wirtz and his soulful boogie blues piano and trademark irreverent wit along for the ride.

Participate in the community cleanup, the 5k run/walk, the James River Jump or all three!

With food, beverages, music and more, this is the Coolest Winter Festival in

8-10 p.m. / The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Road, Richmond / (804) 447-8189 / TinPanRVA.com

Upcoming shows feature award-winning American folk singer Greg Brown, Kathy Mattea’s Acoustic Living Room, all-female bluegrass-gospel-folk trio After Jack. See the venue website for more information.

RichmondNavigator.com

3rd Annual Shiver in the River

Richmond!

11 a.m.–4 p.m. / Prices vary; see website / Historic Tredegar, 500 Tredegar Street, Richmond / Event Website

JANUARY 19

JANUARY 25

FEBRUARY 22

Beer, food trucks and an informal concert.

Learn the basics of correct winter pruning techniques. Bring a hand-held pruner if you have one. Spanish interpretation.

We depend on pollinators for food, economic prosperity and rejuvenating our natural environment. When they are in danger, so are we! Learn what you can do in your own yard or space to help restore native pollinator populations. Spanish interpretation.

Richmond Symphony Rush Hour Series 6:30 p.m. / $15 / 21+ / Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408-2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond / richmondsymphony.com

JANUARY 19

Deathtrap Starting Thursday, January 19th, repeats every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until February 25

Broadway writer Sidney Bruhl has hit a dry spell. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a student’s script — a thriller Sidney recognizes as a potential Broadway hit.

He makes a devilish plan that takes us on a roller-coaster ride full of twists and turns, thrills and laughter, and leaves us guessing until the final moments of the play.

Deathtrap is a classic of the genre!

8–10 p.m. / $41.25–$59.15 / All ages / Swift Creek Mill Theatre, 17401 Jefferson Davis Hwy., South Chesterfield / swiftcreekmill.com

Pruning Confidence

6 p.m. / FREE / 18+ / Chester Library, 11800 Centre Street, Chester / www.bit.ly/ready2grow

JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 12

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare; Abridged

Save the Bees, Save the Food

6 p.m. / FREE / 18+ / N. Courthouse Library, 325 Courthouse Rd., Richmond / www.bit.ly/ready2grow

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), an irreverent, high-speed rollercoaster through the Bard’s plays. Join this madcap trio of ambitious prop-laden actors as they weave their wicked way through Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter! $28 / 7 pm / Quill Theatre

FEBRUARY 10-12

Richmond Camping RV Expo Recreational vehicle dealers from several states bring tent campers, travel trailers, hi-line motorcoaches, park models, 5th wheels, motorhomes, truck camper and vans in a variety of floorplans to meet every budget and camping style, a selection of campground information and brochures, and the latest in RV supplies and camping accessories.

12 p.m. / Cost (see website) / Richmond International Raceway, 600 East Laburnum Avenue, Richmond / richmondrvexpo.com

FEBRUARY 25

Arena Racing USA Half-scale stock cars. An indoor track. Arrive by 6 p.m. and meet the drivers.

7 p.m. / $8-$16 / Richmond Coliseum, 601 E Leigh St., Richmond / arenaracingusa.com

JANUARY 31

Travis Tritt A solo acoustic performance.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m. $30-$50 advance/$35-$55 at the door / Beacon Theatre, 401 N. Main St., Hopewell / thebeacontheatreva.com / travistritt.com

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 49

MARCH 2

MARCH 9

The Globetrotters recently wrapped a busy 90th year! More fun has never been had on a basketball court!

Two-Time CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan will extend his “Kill the Lights Tour” into 2017, including a stop at Richmond Coliseum on March 9 with special guests Brett Eldredge and more!

Harlem Globetrotters

Luke Bryan

7–9:30 p.m. / $22-$94 / All ages / John Paul Jones Arena, 295 Massie Rd., Charlottesville / johnpauljonesarena.com

Richmond Coliseum / RichmondColiseum.net

MARCH 3

MARCH 9-10

Livingston recorded his first record at age 18 and has continued to create well crafted, introspective and original songs including, “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman.” He is equally at home with folk, pop, gospel and jazz.

Every Thursday–Saturday through May 6

Livingston Taylor

Something’s Afoot Ten people are stranded in an isolated English country house during a raging thunderstorm — the perfect scenario for an Agatha Christie whodunit, right? But in this musical spoof of the genre, the characters are disposed of one by one in fiendishly clever and comic ways. How will it end? Come and see for yourself!

8–10 p.m. / The Tin Pan 8982 Quioccasin Road, Richmond / (804) 447-8189 / TinPanRVA.com

$41.25–$59.15 / All Ages / Swift Creek Mill Theatre, 17401 Jefferson Davis Hwy., South Chesterfield / swiftcreekmill.com

Upcoming shows feature John Gorka and Juno Award-winners Dala. See the venue website for more information.

MARCH 8-12

MARCH 8

10th Virginia Wine Expo

Wedding Showcase Come and plan your big day with some of Richmond’s most exclusive and professional vendors. You can potentially plan your wedding in two hrs. Register on eventbrite!

6-8 p.m. / FREE / 21+ / Hippodrome Speakeasy, 526 N. 2nd St., Richmond / eventbrite.com

MORE THAN JUST Chesterfield Living

Virginia’s premier wine event, primarily featuring Virginia wine and the wines from our 2017 International Guest Region of Spain/Portugal and National Guest Region, Sonoma County, California. See the event website for a complete list of events and activities.

Tastings 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday / Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North Third Street, Richmond / virginiawineexpo.com

MARCH 9–11

Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival World Tour The 2016 festival featured 96 films, authors, guest speakers, music, exhibitions and more.

The World Tour brings audience favorites and special tour edits to Central Virginia.

James River High School, 3700 James River Rd., Midlothian / Call (804) 748-1623 for tickets. For information email losenn@chesterfield.gov

MARCH 25

Virginia Dance Festival The 18th Annual Virginia Dance Festival to benefit Children’s Hospital Foundation will feature more than 400 dancers from 43 dance companies performing traditional and cultural dances as well as a silent auction during the first of two shows. Special Guest MC: Kat Simon from Lite 98 Radio Station.

navigator.com For Advertising Information

Call 804-639-9994 50 Chesterfield Living

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$18* adults (ages 12 and up); $15* for children (ages 3-11). Admission for both show is $30.50* for adults and $21.50* for children. (*A service fee is applied to final ticket sale). Purchase advance tickets at VirginiaDanceFestival.com; purchase tickets at the box office (cash or check only) on event day only.

Show times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. / James River High School, 3700 James River Rd., Midlothian For information call (804) 363-9680

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Lovely Loos

Bringing Glamour Into Your Bathroom

By Jordan Langley

The workday is over and the only activity you can imagine is soaking in a bathtub, with bubbles between your toes and a glass of vino.

But is your home bathroom as tranquil and glamorous as a spa?

Or do the mustard-yellow ‘70s tile, rusted shower frame and broken vanity cabinet stress you out?

52 Chesterfield Living

RichmondNavigator.com

“Clients want a hotel or spa-type bathroom with all the amenities.

It’s the one room you go to every day and people want to be surrounded by luxury and pretty things.”

– Tommy Bader

Tommy John Design

Photo: Bryan Chavez

Photo: Bryan Chavez

Tommy Bader, interior designer of Richmond-based Tommy John Design, has the insight on the latest trends to transform a home bathroom into an opulent oasis. “Clients want a hotel or spa-type bathroom with all the amenities,’’ he says. “It’s the one room you go to every day and people want to be surrounded by luxury and pretty things.”

First, consider color to evoke a desired mood for the bathroom. “Walls painted in light gray or light blue are calming,” explains Bader. In contrast, darker colors set a dramatic stage. Make sure you choose a wall paint in a mildew-resistant finish to combat humidity from the shower or splashes from the bathtub.

Flooring is an ideal place to marry function with style. “Clients are doing more heated floors,” says Bader. “A treat especially in winter.” With tiling, creativity is key. Floor tiles that look like reclaimed wood, herringbone tile patterns and classic subway tiles are popular for both shower tiling and flooring.

Custom cabinetry sets a bathroom apart with more drawer and storage options than pre-fabricated, and you can pick the hardware and finish. Bader understands that custom may not be in every client’s budget, “I found a reclaimed pine vanity at a retail store for a decent price.” As far as countertops, he adds, “Light Carrara marble is requested in every budget.”

Color can have a major impact on a bathroom’s ambience. Choose lighter or pastel colors for a calm, more soothing mood, darker colors for a more dramatic setting. Flooring is an excellent place to ad color and texture. Modern ceramic tiles are impervious to water and can be indistinguishable from wood.

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 53

In addition to sink vanities, Bader says open shelving is on-trend. “Often, it’s made of rustic wood and clients store toiletries in pretty jars and candles on display.” For sink and tub faucets and shower heads, he mentions, metallic chrome finishes and polished nickel are desirable.

In a master bathroom, a separate tub and shower, “are good for resale and a feature clients want.” Bader adds that “a soaking tub, whether clawfoot or basin are sought after.” Play with unexpected details and color, “I recently installed a tub that was dark grey on the outside with the inside white.”

Open shelving, metallic chrome finishes on fixtures and soaking tubs (both claw-foot and basin) are among the must-haves in today’s upscale bathrooms.

54 Chesterfield Living

RichmondNavigator.com

Photo: Bryan Chavez

“Spend money on a frameless shower door.

It opens up the room and looks much cleaner than a metal frame.”

– Tommy Bader

Tommy John Design

“Showers are the one place where you can have alone time,” says Bader, “Steam shower heads, tile in interesting patterns, built-in benches and shelves are a must. Spend money on a frameless door. It opens up the room and looks much cleaner than a metal frame.”

Renovating a bathroom may appear a daunting task, especially if you’ve purchased a fixer-upper. If you’re handy, paint can transform a space. Mount your own open shelving or switch out faucets for an updated look without draining the checking account. For projects such as installing a new shower or bathtub, tiling, hanging cabinetry and flooring, or help with overall vision, leave it to the experts. Interior designers respect and work with all budgets, creating glamorous results.

Photo: Bryan Chavez

Spacious spa-like showers, such as the dual-entrance shower above, and separate tub and shower bathroom designs, like the bright and airy combo below, contribute to improved resale numbers for homeowners.

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 55

What’s Next for Empty Nesters?

by Susan Higgins

Y

ou changed their diapers; they changed your life.

Now they’re gone. The children have fledged and flown the coop, leaving you alone in your empty nest.

What do you want in the way of living space now that you’re as free as a bird?

According to Fannie Mae, empty nesters want to downsize, but they are not flocking to multifamily housing units like apartments or retirement communities, or even smaller single-family homes. Instead, they are choosing to make the most of their new lives in townhomes, condos and upscale active-living communities, where they find features to complement their newfound life56 Chesterfield Living

styles. While they still want space for the kids to come home to, and maybe even space for grandchildren one day, they want to focus on their own lives now, spending less time on maintenance while they continue to save money for retirement.

A mature buyer is an experienced buyer.

The National Association of Home Builders’ survey of “What Home Buyers Really Want” RichmondNavigator.com

Brad Thurber, a financial advisor for D.A. Davidson & Co. in Salt Lake City, reminds her clients that “they spend most of their time in a fraction of the space they have: the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room.” She encourages boomers to use every part of their new homes by choosing open floor plans that allow for flexibility of use, like combining the kitchen, living room and dining room into a great room, or having a home office that can multi-task as a TV room, exercise room and guest room. Thurber recommends furnishings that serve more than one purpose for the same reason, like trundle beds that double as daybeds and convert to sleep one or two guests.

There is no compromise in the kitchen, however. Boomers, with more time in their schedules for socializing, want open space with a large island where their guests can congregate.

And they want the convenience of modern appliances for entertaining in addition to ample space to store a lifetime’s accumulation of utensils, dishes, pots and pans.

High on the list of features empty nesters are seeking in new homes are open floor plans with space for entertaining, upscale appliances and low maintenance exterior spaces.

According to Fannie Mae, empty nesters want to downsize, but they are not flocking to multifamily housing units like apartments or retirement communities, or even smaller single-family homes. Instead, they are choosing townhomes, condos and upscale active-living communities. found that this demographic “values quality in the details of a home, with energy efficiency and flexible living space.” Traditional furnishings, formal living rooms and dining rooms are giving way to a cleaner, more simple aesthetic.

Single story living is a priority, as is plenty of storage space.

January / February 2016

Two of the most important considerations for boomers planning a move are fitness and wellness activities. They want to be able to exercise and enjoy outdoor sporting activities with friends, blending the benefits of an active lifestyle with an equally active social life. They also want the convenience of walking to shopping and restaurants, or simply walking the dog. Developers are responding with amenities like nature trails, cycling paths, and water features for kayaking and paddle boarding. Indoors, there is space to practice yoga, meditate and enjoy life-long learning.

“Ultimately, empty nesters’ homes reflect their new lifestyles,” explains Sally Gavin, an empty nester , whose children have flown the coop. “We wanted our memories to be here, but with a new and completely different look.

It was an evolution, not a revolution.”

Chesterfield Living 57

Her Walk in the Woods R

ichmond-area resident Betty James did not start hiking until she was in her mid50s. Her brother and his wife had hiked Old Rag in the Blue Ridge Mountains and talked about the experience so reverentially she gave it a try. She loved it. She began to hike whenever she could, exploring dozens of different trails off Skyline Drive.

“There was something about the moun-

By Tom Gresham tains,” James said. “They called to me.” She researched new and bigger trails but the Appalachian Trail loomed over all others. On her own outings, she occasionally met thru-hikers attempting the 2,175-mile route that spans 14 states from Georgia to Maine.

“I can do that,” she told herself. “That would give me the dose of the mountains I need.”

In January 2015, at age 66, James retired

Foxfire at the beginning of the Appalachian Trail, which spans 14 states from Georgia to Maine.

58 Chesterfield Living

RichmondNavigator.com

The French Broad River in Hot Springs, NC (above); Foxfire entering Harper’s Ferry, WV (right); Foxfire resting atop Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire (below).

The hiking was demanding but James never thought of stopping:

“To tell you the truth, I have no idea how I did it,” said James, a grandmother to three. “At the end of each day, I was very tired. But by the next morning, I was ready to go again.” from her job. A first attempt at the trail in April ended after a month when she fell and hurt her knee.

She returned earlier this year, departing from Allen Gap, North Carolina, the place where she had exited the trail the first time, and hiking north to Mount Katahdin, Maine.

She then flew back to Richmond and returned to Allen Gap and hiked south to Springer Mountain, Georgia. She finished the sixmonth journey on Oct. 9 at age 67 — the same age Emma Gatewood had been when she became the first woman to solo hike the trail.

Most days, James hiked about 15 miles, from morning until early evening, carrying a 35-pound backpack. She camped in a tent. She cooked on a gas-powered stove. She wrote in a journal and read.

She didn’t have a bad day.

The hiking was demanding but James never thought of stopping.

“To tell you the truth, I have no idea how I did it,” said James, a grandmother to three. “At the end of each day, I was very tired. But by the next morning, I was ready to go again.”

She largely hiked alone but encountered other hikers from all walks of life at campsites or elsewhere on her trekking, and formed close, if brief, friendships. They were bonded by the shared magical experience of the trail. Appalachian Trail hikers typically go by trail names. James

was “Foxfire,” a nod to both a type of glowing mushroom that grows in the southern Appalachians and a popular series of books set there.

“Everyone’s happy on the trail,” James said.

“There was never a cross word during the whole six months I was hiking. We only talked about good stuff.”

Occasionally, “trail angels” helped her in tough spots, such as the time, in a case of happy coincidence, a group from Richmond on a mission trip provided James with sustenance in the form of hot dogs and prayer right when she needed it in New Hampshire.

“I would meet these people who would help

January / February 2016

me when I least expected it,” James said.

There were also moments of intense physical beauty. Large, expansive views that took her breath away, and smaller, more intimate experiences that are emotional for her to remember even today, such as when she “felt Jesus take me in his embrace and I was filled with joy” while hiking in the rain down a mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, James’ inaugural hike of the Appalachian Trail did not cure her longing for the trail. It only fed it.

“I really miss it,” James said. “I want to go again.”

Chesterfield Living 59

TRAVEL

Winter Getaways Hot and Cold — Near and Far

By Zach Brown

As we prepare to say goodbye to another beautiful fall, Virginians stand divided. Some will grieve the loss of warmer weather while others embrace the Winter. Luckily for all of us, hopping a plane or hitting the road to a place that best fits your temperature sensibilities is easier than ever.

Initially, I requested a paid week in each destination to conduct “deep research.” The ensuing 10-minute laugh from my editor was hurtful. Undeterred, I recruited a handful of well-traveled friends and created a proper map of four destinations, beginning right here in Virginia.

So, let’s talk travel!

Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Photo: The Landing

Lakefront homes and a backdrop of snowcovered mountains; Fried Chicken & Waffles with Rosemary and Greens at The Landing.

60 Chesterfield Living

Photo: Disney

Orlando, Florida

Photo: Disney

Photo: SMLRCC

Located just three hours west of Richmond in the Roanoke region, the lake reminds one of a scene from a postcard with its mirror-like waters reflecting the mighty Blue Ridge Mountains. During the summer, the area is a hub for waterskiing and sailing. However, rentals from VRBO. com (which puts you in direct contact with owners) are available year round. During the winter, the lake and its rustic shoreline cabins become a beacon for warm fires and quiet peace amidst clear, chilly nights filled with stars.

I could tell you about the local restaurants that are open yearround like The Landing (TheLandingSML.com) or Moosie’s (BridgewaterPlaza.com) — both of which sit close enough to the serene lake to skip a rock and are worth a stop for a quick bite.

But there is something to be said about holing up in your house by the lake. Start your day with a warm cup of coffee between the mountains and the lake and settle into that new Paula Hawkins novel during the day. Enjoy the evening with a glass of your favorite wine in front of a warm fire. Just a long weekend around Smith Mountain Lake can give a much needed charge, unique to the mountain wilderness.

Rejuvenated by our chilly lakeside getaway, we head south.

I know Disney World doesn’t need much introduction, but let’s talk about the things beyond cotton candy, roller coasters and The Mouse. A two-hour flight is all that stands between us and the warm weather of the most magical place on earth. You’ll find that Disney World houses several bars and restaurants through the parks and its expansive shopping district, Disney Springs. The Disney Boardwalk is the perfect place to walk off a few In fact, if you chose to skip the park of those delicous calories that altogether, you’d still have plenty to do. wooed you at California Grill.

Fine dining establishments located in the resorts, such as California Grill and Victoria & Albert’s, offer food to challenge even the finest world-class establishments. After dinner, visit the Disney Boardwalk — a 1930s-inspired Atlantic Boardwalk — and show off your moves at the Atlantic Dance Hall. Afterwards, stop next door at Jellyrolls, a bar that features dueling pianos, and enjoy a nightcap.

If you just so happen to be a theme park lover, as well as an adult beverage enthusiast, I recommend the World Pavilion at Epcot. There you can find 11 pavilions representing countries around the world, with various food and beverage offerings from each.

The nature of Disney World often requires a post-vacation, vacation.

So, since we remembered our passports, let’s fly to…

RichmondNavigator.com

Saint Martin

bakeries, cafés and…lolos? A Claimed for Spain by Christololo is a popup restaurant of pher Columbus in 1493, this sorts. Think big grill, plastic small tropical Caribbean island chairs and delicious street food. has had a rotating number of A particularly popular lolo, European occupiers through its known as Skys the Limit, serves up head-on snapper, barbeque history. Now, it stands with two chicken and ribs, all with a price tag of $10 or under. Of course, distinct areas: the Dutch Side, after we’ve settled on our lolo, the next question is, “What are the primary tourist destination we drinking?” There’s a refreshing answer to that question after for nightlife, and the French dinner.

Side, known for its markets, cafés “It’s common for restaurants on St. Martin to give you a shot and interesting beaches. It is the of their homemade rum at the end of the meal,” Chad explains.

French we’re talking about here.

While rum, with all of its various flavors, is a lucrative product From Maho Bay, a beach that for Saint Martin, you will also find a substantial variety of fine exists right off of the runway wine due to the French presence. Further, if you’re feeling adwhere our plane will be landing, St. Martin’s pristine white beaches and turquise venturous, the island offers Guavaberry liquor — an offshoot water promise a balmy respite from winter’s bite. the adventure begins. It just so spirit of rum and unique to St. Martin. happens that my brother Chad and his wife Lena are frequent visitors to With food and drink secured, only one question remains: “Where the island paradise. “There is so much diversity,” Chad tells me. “The isis the beach?” Fortunately, you will never have to venture far, as the land is filled with different cultures, and they all seem to make it work.”

34-square-mile island is home to 37 different beaches. If, for some reaThe island draws largely from the cultures of its various districts but, of son, you need directions, don’t hesitate to ask a local because, as Chad course, the most important question on everyone’s mind is: “What are puts it: “The island is referred to as ‘The Friendly Island,’ and it really we eating?” feels like it.”

Lucky for us, Grand Case, a district on the French side, is considered With Guavaberry liquor still settling in our belly, I think it’s time to the culinary capital of the Caribbean. The places we’re hunting include chill. Let’s head north… way north to our final stop.

Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

Once the land of Vikings, Reykjavik was first settled in 870 A.D. as the capital of Iceland. It is definitely the oldest and coldest destination on our trip. My friend Frances spent her honeymoon in Reykjavik and stayed at the Hotel Borg, one of many highly rated hotels in this northern city. “Best shower and bath I’ve had in my life,” she remembers of her stay. That’s not hyperbolic either, as Hotel Borg is a World Travel Awards winner and offers contemporary and stylish accommodations for fair prices.

As we venture from the hotel, we have one immediate destination… Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a small chain of hot dog stands widely considered the home of Europe‘s best hot dog. When you order, say, “eina með öllu” or “one with everything.”

After you’ve finished judging the merit of the hot dog, there are more than a few choices of activities.

Grab your swimsuit and head out to one of the many geothermal springs around the city or visit with the unique Icelandic horses. If you‘d rather have someone else show you around, consider the Golden Circle day tour.

I have one profound piece of advice. If someone offers you a bite of Hákarl, and you don’t have a craving for rotten shark or a desire to try what is considered the worst tasting delicacy in the world, politely refuse.

Relaxation, celebration, rejuvenation or exploration — whatever your reason for getting away for a while might be, there is no wrong reason to pack your bags and see the world this winter.

Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a thoroughly modern and cosmopolitan city with roots going back to 870 A.D. The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, and geothermal springs are just two of the natural phenomena that exist along the hustle and bustle of a city bursting with shopping and nightlife.

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 61

TRAVEL

Central Virginia is for History Lovers

by Thomas Gresham

Echoes of the past reverberate throughout Central Virginia. Sites of historic interest abound around every corner and down every humble road. The abundance of compelling spots in the area means residents and visitors alike have a seemingly endless number of options to journey into the local past. Fortunately, many of these sites also provide ready access to excellent dining options to fuel your explorations.

Here is a selection of only a handful of local sites to consider.

Dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Richmond, the Valentine (1015 E. Clay St.) has been a city institution since its founding in 1898. The museum presents a series of exhibitions, events and programs in addition to its collections that spotlight themes, eras, key characters and major moments in the city’s life. Its home is a historical site worthy of appreciation — the neoclassical Wickham House, which was built in 1812, forms part of the museum.

Even its dining offers an opportunity to savor a Richmond historical tidbit. In operation since 1924, Sally Bell’s Kitchen has an outpost at the Valentine, where you can enjoy the famous boxed lunches and cupcakes that helped earn Sally Bell’s a James Beard Foundation American Classics Award in 2015. Valentine visitors can enjoy their Sally Bell’s lunch in the tranquil garden of the Wickham House.

Photo: The Valentine

The Valentine

The Wickham House garden provides a welcoming space for Valentine visitors to relax, talk and even enjoy lunch.

Several historic Chesterfield sites are located in a convenient proximity to each other, making it easy for visitors to access and tour each of them over the course of a few hours. Together, the Chesterfield County Museum, the 1892 Jail, the 1917 Courthouse, Magnolia Grange and Castlewood provide insight into various time periods in the county’s past.

The Chesterfield County Museum (6813 Mimms Loop) is a reproduction of the colonial courthouse of 1750. In addition to a rotating exhibit space, 62 Chesterfield Living

Photo: James Shelton

A Cluster of Historical Sites in Chesterfield

the museum maintains exhibits with artifacts from early Indian culture, the Civil War and early iron and coal mines in Chesterfield. It also features a replica of an old general store.

Next door, the 1892 Jail (6819 Mimms Loop) offers a look into the lives of prisoners between 1892 and 1962. The facility includes the original iron-barred cells occupied by its former temporary residents.

The 1917 Courthouse (10011 Iron Bridge Road), an example of Greek Revival architecture, still has the building’s original woodwork in its courtroom. The courthouse is situated on the original location of the colonial courthouse and holds the bell from that building in its cupola.

Magnolia Grange (10020 Iron Bridge Road) and Castlewood (10201 Iron Bridge Road) are striking examples of Federal-style 19th century homes. Magnolia Grange, built in 1822, was a plantation house that once included a tavern and gristmill. Castlewood, built between 1817 and 1819, houses the Chesterfield Historical Society, which features a library, genealogical records, maps and photos.

Although the immediate vicinity of these quintet of sites does not offer a historic dining spot, visitors have ready access to the slew of restaurant options on Iron Bridge and Hull Street roads a short distance away.

The Federal-style Magnolia Grange plantation house was built in 1822.

RichmondNavigator.com

Photo: ????

Jackson Ward's Hippodrome Theater has a storied history as a venue for legendary performers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway.

The Hippodrome

Located in Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood, the Hippodrome Theater (528 N. 2nd St.) is a show in itself. The theater was built in 1914 and served as a centerpiece of Jackson Ward in the early 20th century, when the largely African-American neighborhood was dubbed the Harlem of the South.

Legendary performers, including such figures as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, performed in the Art Deco structure, and it remains a stirring site

to behold, both inside and out. Today, the theater hosts private events, speakers, live music and other performances.

Adjoining the theater is the Speakeasy Grill, located in a mansion built near the beginning of the 20th century. The restaurant cultivates an atmosphere that harkens to the Jazz Age, when the mansion actually did serve as a speakeasy. The Southern-based cuisine, which emphasizes seafood, burgers and craft cocktails, is only part of the show, as jazz, blues and R&B musical performances are regularly featured.

Hanover Tavern

Shirley Plantation and Upper Shirley Vineyards

Photo: Hanover Tavern

Few historic sites have managed to integrate as seamlessly into contemporary daily life as the Hanover Tavern (13181 Hanover Courthouse Road). The tavern, which dates to 1733, is one of the rare colonial taverns still in existence. In its early days, the tavern saw such figures as George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette enter through its doors, and Patrick Henry’s in-laws once served as its owners.

In fact, Henry delivered his famous Parson’s Cause speech at the courthouse next door.

Today, Hanover Tavern hosts a steady stream of activities and events in a setting that can feel like it belongs to a previous era, while still being steeped in modern amenities.

Among the chief reasons The circa 1733 Hanover Tavern remains viable with to visit is the tavern’s resits popular restaurant and theatrical performances. taurant, which presents seasonal menus and occasionally hosts open-air dining and music events.

In addition, the Tavern serves as a home of the Virginia Repertory Theatre, which stages a number of plays each year at the site. The Tavern’s role in Virginia theater history is a crucial one. The Barksdale Theatre was founded there in 1953, becoming the nation’s first dinner theater. Later, the Barksdale became the first theater in the state to show performances for integrated audiences in the Jim Crow era.

Shirley Plantation and Upper Shirley Vineyards, which are neighbors of each other along Route 5 in Charles City, provide picturesque views of both the James River and Virginia’s history.

Photo: Shirley Plantation

Shirley Plantation is owned by direct descendents of the original owner.

Shirley Plantation, which covers more than 700 acres, holds the claim as the oldest farm and family-owned business in the United States. Founded in 1613, the working plantation is still owned by direct descendants of the land’s original owner, Edward Hill, I. In addition to the beautiful grounds, the farm’s main house is largely in the same state from its construction in 1738. Tours of the house allow visitors to see original family furnishings, artwork and woodwork, among other features.

Next door is Upper Shirley Vineyards, where visitors can enjoy selections from the winery and eat a memorable meal. The winery’s restaurant presents a seasonal menu of Southern dishes that emphasize local ingredients and incorporate both traditional and innovative preparations.

January / February 2016

Chesterfield Living 63

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Which crawlspace would you prefer under your baby?

More than 50% of the air we breathe in our home comes up from our crawlspace!

Before

After

Early Winter is a great time to prepare your house for the indoor season!

Unfortunately the EPA says “Indoor air quality is two to ve times more polluted than outside air!”

We at Air Resolutions have proven solutions to improve your indoor air quality in your home. Our goals are to improve the health, safety, energy efficiency and overall comfort for our customers.

We perform these goals by viewing your home as “a complete system.”

Which means our professional experiences for over twenty years right here in Richmond, VA aids us in our thorough inspection of your complete home. is inspection will “unearth” the sources of your dust problems, humidity problems, high energy bills, and overall discomfort you experience in your home. is inspection will include your crawlspaces, attics and air duct systems. Why these three areas? Because they are where most of the problems lie in our homes. Once we discover the sources of your problems, we design options for you to improve these problems. We stress “options” because there is often more than one way to improve your home, and we prefer to educate homeowners on all the options that are available to them.

Call us at 804-887-0229 and see how we can help your family today!

15% OFF

15% OFF

15% OFF

Crawlspace Encapsulation

Air Duct Cleaning & Air Filtration/ Purification

Attic and Crawlspace Insulation

Now Thru February 15, 2017

Now Thru February 15, 2017

Now Thru February 15, 2017 January / February 2016

Specializing in Blown-In Insulation

• Crawl Space Drainage Systems • Moisture and Humidity Control • Insulation Sealing & Replacement • Crawl Space Encapsulation • Vapor Barrier Installation • Duct Cleaning and Sealing

Free estimates & consultations “Our goal is to improve your indoor air quality and make your home energy efficient!”

Charlie Martin 804-887-0229

AirResolutions.com 804-894-4289

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FOR 10 YEARS!

Chesterfield Living 65