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Tri-Cities 4710 Puddledock Road 526-4822
Huguenot - Bon Air 1612 Huguenot Road 794-9789
Atlee - Ashland 10500 Atlee Station Rd. 550-3324
West End - Short Pump 12390 Three Chopt Rd. 364-7010
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
Patterson - Parham 8516 Patterson Ave 364-7090
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CONTENTS
MAY/JUN 2016
23
SEE RICHMOND LIKE A TOURIST 5 Different Ways
16
First of All
News from Around Town 20
Finance
Clients Come First 35
Seniors
More Than Meets the Ears 54
Events Calendar Local Happenings
Health 26
Best of Both Worlds Apex MD
28
Thinking of a Smile Makeover? Let's Consider Your Options
30
Summer Skin Care
Flavor 38
Dining Patios
Locals & Destinations 40
In Search Of:
Breakfast & Brunch 47
S'mores for Breakfast Capital Ale House
38
DINING PATIOS
58
CURB APPEAL
48
TasteBudz
Dining and Drink News
5 Simple Improvements 52
Happy Hour Guide Your Local Resource
Locals & Destinations
Home 58
Curb Enthusiasm
TEMPLE HILL
5 Curb Appeal Improvements 62
Cook Up a New Kitchen
58
Drought-Resistant Landscaping Trinity Renovations
Travel 69
Summer Events Up North Northern Neck
70
What's New in Virginia Beach? Come Feel the ViBe
72
10 West End’s Best
Dabbs House
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Quality • Service • Value
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Michelle Brumfield BedCrafters by Michelle
FROM THE EDITOR
PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER
William J. Davis, Jr. VICE-PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER
Cheryl T. Davis EDITOR
Steve Cook ASSISTANT EDITOR
Tammie Wersinger EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Temple Hill CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Taylor Esteves-Pearce GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Tara Bouldin-Evans Thinh Nguyen ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Blanton Bazemore DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
T
hey say that those who can’t do, teach. I’m kind of in a similar boat. When I came to work for Advertising Concepts, Inc., the publishers of West End’s Best Magazine about 15 years ago, I was hired as a salesman. It soon became evident that I had no sales ability, so I was asked to write. Now, I’ve been asked to edit. Hey, I can take a message. I’m hoping to fail at this and eventually become the publisher. Actually, 15 years ago, West End’s Best was just a twinkle in our publisher’s eyes. He had been producing our sister magazine, Chesterfield Living for about five years and was ready to take the plunge into the West End. Even back then, the West End was a cool place to live, shop, work and play. But wow! Just look at what’s happened over the past decade-and-a-half. When we first started this magazine, there was no Short Pump Town Center. In fact, Short Pump was still very much undeveloped. Once you got past Innsbrook, you were in the country. In our first issues of the magazines, we would mention a restaurant or two. But there really wasn’t that much to write about. Today, the landscape is dotted with excellent locally owned, independent restaurants. Many of them offer guests beautiful outdoor decks and patios, where one can enjoy dining under the stars. You can discover some of the best in this issue’s patio dining feature. There is so much more to see and do in the West End than ever before. If you don’t believe me, just check out our “See Richmond Like a Tourist” feature. I’m betting that even you longtime residents of the West End will learn a thing or two about all that the city (and its surrounds) has to offer. And can you believe the growth in new home communities throughout the West End? We have always written our magazines with the West End homeowner in mind. Today, more than ever, we feature a variety of articles on residential development as well as home décor and design, landscaping, home renovations and so much more. You won’t want to miss Jody Rathgeb’s excellent and informative article on kitchen makeovers in this issue. Who knows what the next 15 years hold in store for the West End? I hope I’m around to see it. I’ve always wanted to drive one of those George Jetson-like flying cars. I also hope I’m a better editor than a salesman, or I may have just used up my 15 minutes of fame. If this is your first time you’ve seen our magazine, we welcome you. If you’ve been with us through the years we thank you for your loyalty and we thank you for your ongoing patronage of our advertisers. They’re the ones who make this magazine possible and who have helped to make the West End the exciting place it is today.
Steve Cook Steve@RichmondNavigator.com 14 West End’s Best
Jimmy Davis PHOTOGRAPHERS
Temple Hill, Rachel Marsh, Tammy Soto CONTRIBUTORS
Susie Galvez, Kyra Gemberling, Tom Gresham, Terri L. Jones, Liz Morley, Lacy Nuckols, Jody Rathgeb, Annie Tobey, Angela Weight, Constance Whitney ADVERTISING
West End’s Best 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 WEST END’S BEST MAGAZINE, ADVERTISING CONCEPTS, INC OR THE PUBLISHER.
ABOUT OUR COVER This is the ideal time of year to enjoy dining alfresco. Many area restaurants offer fabulous views along with delightful food and refreshing beverages. Temple Hill captured this image on the patio at Capital Ale House in Innsbrook.
FIRST OF ALL
BIGGER, BETTER AND LATER Innsbrook After Hours 2016 For over 30 years, crowds have been rocking, dancing, grooving, cheering, singing along and tapping their toes to a diversity of musical acts at Innsbrook After Hours in Richmond’s West End. Now the venue is set to make shows bigger and, hopefully, better. Though big names have already graced the stage – such as Foreigner, Buddy Guy, George Clinton, Michael McDonald, Hank Jr., The Beach Boys and Boyz II Men – co-producer Larry Creeger said that many bands will only play venues that hold more than 7,500 people, and currently, the venue is only allowed to let in a maximum of 6,500.
“We have the opportunity to bring in larger acts Scheduled performers include: because the larger volume of ticket sales can pay • Chase Rice on May 21 for larger groups,” Creeger said. • Rebelution, with The Green, J In addition, certain shows will be able to run BOOG, Stick Figure, Through later in the evenings. the Roots and DJ MACKLE on The Innsbrook Foundation submitted requests June 15 for changes to the Henrico County Board of • The Band Perry on June 24 Supervisors, which voted on March 8 to increase • Eli Young Band on July 7 maximum attendance to 8,500. In addition, • Slightly Stoopid and SOJA with supervisors extended the end time from 9:30 to The Grouch & Eligh and Zion I 10 p.m., but only when county schools are not in on July 29 session. • Alabama on September 16. This year’s concert series stretches from May till www.INNSBROOKAFTERHOURS.com September, with more than 24 shows in planning.
ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS – Cabela’s Opens in Short Pump So, what’s a Cabela? Perhaps you’ve been asking that questions over the past few months as you’ve traveled along Broad Street Road, west of the Short Pump Town Center. Well, you got your answer in early April when Cabela’s celebrated the grand opening of its huge retail center. Cabela’s is, as you’ve probably learned by now, an outfitter, specializing in the sale of hunting, fishing, shooting, boating and camping gear. But Cabela’s is not just any outfitter. It bills itself as the “World’s Foremost Outfitter,” and after having taken a tour shortly before grand opening day, I wouldn’t dispute that. They say a picture paints a thousand words, and I would need at least that many to try and describe the vast array of products you’ll find in this mega store. There are tents and fishing supplies and firearms and boats and…well, you’ll just have to head on over and check it out. The history of Cabela’s is one of those feel good stories that would make a great Hallmark movie. In 1961, Nebraskan Dick Cabela purchased some fishing flies while on a business trip to Chicago. He returned home and ran an ad in a Casper, Wyoming, newspaper that read: “Twelve hand tied flies for $1.” He received one response. Now, I would have given up right then and there. But not Dick Cabela. He reworded his pitch. His new ad, which he placed in national outdoor magazines, read: "FREE Introductory offer! 5 hand tied Flies....25c Postage....Handling." The orders began rolling in. Dick had his own business, which was located in his kitchen in Chappell, Nebraska. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Cabela’s world headquarters is located in a 250,000-square-foot building in Sydney, Nebraska. 16 West End’s Best
It’s the largest mail-order, retail and Internet outdoor outfitter in the world. And now, it’s right here in the West End. So what’s a nice store from Nebraska doing in a place like Short Pump? “We utilize information from our online and catalog businesses to pinpoint areas where we have a high volume of Cabela’s customers,” explains Nate Borowski, Cabela’s corporate communication specialist. “Naturally, these tend to be places where people live an outdoor lifestyle and outdoor opportunities are abundant. Which also means there is opportunity to expand on our customer base. Short Pump and the greater Richmond area certainly fit that criteria.” He’s right. We do have an abundance of outdoor opportunities and Cabela’s showcases that lifestyle and the many amenities we enjoyin Central Virginia by means of photographs and “museumquality taxidermy displays” throughout the store. But, like I say, you gotta see it for yourself. One visit and you’ll be ready to go outside and play.
MAY/JUNE 2016
THE MOST FUN YOUR DOG CAN HAVE THIS SUMMER (without you, of course).
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PET BOARDING, DOG DAY CARE, GROOMING AND DOG TRAINING
GLEN ALLEN 3800 MOUNTAIN ROAD (804) 672-2200
FOODFIGHT!
Grocery Store Wars to Heat up in Short Pump If you thought the grocery store market was already saturated in the West End, think again. Get ready to welcome two new friends to the food-buying scene: Publix and Wegmans. Publix Super Markets (Publix.com), the largest employee-owned American supermarket chain, will make its Virginia debut in Richmond’s West End. Located near the intersection of Nuckols and Twin Hickory roads, the $8.1 million parcel of land was originally cleared to for a planned Ukrop’s Grocery store. Publix has been touted as one of Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.” Forbes reports that Publix is the nation’s largest employee-owned supermarket chain. Founded in 1930, it operates 1,106 retail food supermarkets, focused in the southeast. CEO Ed Crenshaw is the fourth family member to lead the company. Publix stores include a pharmacy and a special order service that allows customers to order irregularly stocked or rare items. The supermarket also processes its own dairy, bakery and deli products. Construction on the Henrico store will begin in the summer of 2016, with plans for opening in 2018. As Wegmans (Wegmans.com) nears its 100th anniversary, the walls go up at a new West End location, in Short Pump at West Broad Street and North Gayton Road. As with Publix, Fortune Magazine lists Wegmans as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For,” a spot it’s held for the past 17 consecutive years. Richmonders can also look forward to The Pub by Wegmans (WegmansPub.com), a full-service family restaurant featuring seasonal food and craft beer. Customers can download the Wegmans app on their smart phones to make shopping easier. Wegman’s is slated to open its doors in Short Pump this summer.
Businesses Say
W
by Lacy Nuckols
FIRST OF ALL
NOPE to Trashing Food Scraps
hen the Hilton Richmond Downtown’s restaurant has food that its guests don’t eat, Richmond’s Natural Organic Process Enterprises (NOPE), located in the West End, collects these scraps and makes compost. Then the hotel donates some of its “compost credits” (one ton of scraps=40 pounds of compost) to the McDonough Community Garden, located in a food desert on RVA’s Southside. This is sustainability at its best: food scraps from the Richmond community being used to bolster food security in another part of RVA.
18 West End’s Best
by Terri L. Jones
According to the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, Americans waste 40 percent of the food we produce. When that food ends up in the landfill and gets treated, it creates methane, a greenhouse gas. Instead of sending organic scraps to landfills, some companies around Richmond are hiring NOPE to turn their organic materials into compost (while composting produces a small amount of methane, it primarily produces carbon dioxide, which is much less harmful) and put them back to work in gardens around the community. NOPE composts about 300 tons of food scraps and other natural materials from Virginia Beach to Waynesboro each year. While the seven-year-old company currently only collects from businesses, it anticipates a much broader understanding and acceptance of composting in the future. “It took about a decade for traditional recycling to become a societal norm,” Says NOPE’s director of operations, Marshall Hall. “We see composting as a logical next step in resource conservation.” Environmental stewardship is the core of NOPE’s corporate mission, but the company has also earned a B Corp certification to demonstrate its commitment to this mission. Held by only nine businesses in Richmond, this certification shows that the company doesn’t simply want to make a profit; they also strive to make a social and environmental impact. For more information, visit NopeVA.com.
MAY/JUNE 2016
WHAT'S BUGGING YOU?
Almost daily, it seems, we are inundated with stories on TV, on the radio and in the newspapers, warning us of the dangers of mosquito borne diseases. Certainly, we all want to do our best to protect our families. And when it comes to providing the best protection, no one in the community does it any better than the experts at Cranston Pest Control Services. “We use the very best, the latest and the greatest, in both our chemicals as well as our spraying equipment,” said john Cranston Milstead, owner of the company. With over 20 years’ experience in the pest control industry, Milstead should know. “Using the best materials,” he said, eliminates the need for callbacks which can be costly to both the company and the customer.” In order to ensure that he is, indeed, using the “latest and the greatest,” Milstead continues to pursue ongoing education, which allows him to stay on top of the latest developments in the industry With spring coming on, now is the time to let Cranston Pest Control Services protect your home and your family from mosquitos, tics, stinkbugs and fleas, all of which, will start paying us a visit within the next few weeks. And it’s not just those pests. There are also the termites, ants, spiders, crickets, wasps and cockroaches, just to name a few. As the Cranston Pest control’s
website proclaims, “Tell Us What’s Buggin’ You.” Of course, it’s not just bugs. They’ll also treat your home for rats, mice, even unwanted birds and wildlife. Rest assured, the company maintains current state licensing and registration. Let Cranston Pest Control take care for your home or business from top to bottom. That includes attic insulation as well as crawlspace encapsulation, which protects the structure, not only from insect infestations, but also ensures moisture control and prevents mildew, mold and wood decay. No matter where your home or business is located, from Goochland County to Henrico, from Hanover and Caroline Counties to the city of Richmond, in order to ensure that you are protected, call Cranston Pest Control Services, today, and request a free consultation and estimate. Unlike the nationwide corporations, Cranston, as a local, family-owned business can offer you a customized protection program with scheduling designed to fit your specific needs. When those needs involve getting rid of pesky pests, let Cranston Pest Control take care of whatever is buggin’ you. Cranston Pest Control LLC 804-441-1542 • CranstonPestControl.com
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20-40% 6/28/16.
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WHAT KEEPS ME AWAKE AT NIGHT
T
he simple answer is, my clients. I have been entrusted by them to help create a financial game plan that will yield sufficient income to meet their lifestyle needs for the 20-30 years that we call retirement. The fact that we are living longer than previous generations is serious enough. When FDR first introduced Social Security, it was intended to provide income for life. What he didn’t share at that time was the statistic that 65 year-old retiring males had a life expectancy of 7 years. It was never imagined that we might be hanging around for 3 to 4 times that long. If you haven’t done the math, it takes a whole lot of money to live reasonably, that long. In working with clients to produce sufficient assets, we used to lay an Ibbotson chart in front of them showing the historical returns for stocks, bonds, and inflation since 1925. It showed stocks producing an average annual return of 11%, with bonds at 5%, and inflation annually eating away at all of it at 3%. So, using basic numbers, a balanced investor with 50% in stocks and 50% in bonds, one would have produced an average return of 8%. If I left 3% in the portfolio to offset inflation, I could put 5% in my pocket. Well, unfortunately, all of that has changed. In the infamous words of Tom Hanks, portraying astronaut, Jim Lovell in Apollo 13, “Houston, we have a problem”! If you haven’t been paying attention, markets have been experiencing significantly greater volatility than in years past. Many economists are suggesting stocks will average significantly less than their historic high water marks, and, even worse, bonds are likely to do the same. Have you looked at what your money market or savings accounts are earning? Ouch! Not even close to that 5% historic return. The Federal Reserve has interest rates near zero. Your local bank and bond issuers key on that rate to determine how much they’ll pay you on your CD or their bonds. Bond values follow an inverse relationship to interest rates: interest rates going down, bond values up. In the early 1980’s, we had historically high interest rates. Over the last 35 years interest rates have gone down, producing a Bull Market for bonds for that entire time. That leaves us near the floor today with nowhere for interest to go but up, keeping bond values down. Bonds have been the ballast in the boat to smooth the ride with stocks. Plus, they have provided reasonable yields for retirees to live on. I feel like that orphan in Oliver Twist, standing in front of the Headmaster saying, “please sir, I want some more!”. These are challenging times. It’s going to take new ideas and new products to meet our needs. I wish you well and can only hope you have someone who lies awake at night thinking about your future. K EEP THE FAITH. FAITH IS THE SPIR IT.
G. Carl Mahler, Jr, CFP® The Pinnacle Group An Independent Wealth Management Firm Your Wealth. Your Life. Our Focus. 3748 Winterfield Road | Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 378-1624 | www.pinnaclegroup.net Like us on Facebook to receive daily financial information on your newsfeed. Search: “The Pinnacle Group, An Independent Wealth Management Firm, RJFS” G. Carl Mahler, Jr. is a Certified Financial Planner®. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINR A/SIPC. This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of G. Carl Mahler, Jr. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Holding investments for the long term does not ensure a profitable outcome. There is no guarantee that using an advisor will produce favorable investment results. Investing involves risk and investors may incur a profit or a loss regardless of strateg y selected. Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
ADVERTISER-SUPPORTED CONTENT
20 West End’s Best
REALIZE YOUR DREAMS WITH M EVB P.O.W.E.R. ore than 100 women business owners from across the Metro area gathered on March 22 at the Meadowbrook Country Club for the 7th Annual eWomen Network Women’s Summit, which was sponsored by EVB P.O.W.E.R (Potential Of Women Entrepreneurs Realized), a unique program that offers valuable networking resources, tools and financial products and services, all designed to support local women business owners. “The Summit was a high energy day where you could engage with other women leaders, feel the power in the room and connect with resources to grow your business,” says Heather A. Todd, managing director for eWomen Network, Richmond. The keynote speaker at the summit, which included exhibitors and networking opportunities, was awardwinning entrepreneur and international business owner, Sandra Yancey. Yancey – founder and CEO of one of the largest and most successful women’s business networking organizations in North America, eWomen Network – spoke to a sold-out crowd of over 120 persons. The radio show host, author, movie producer and philanthropist shared four key areas to assist in creating and growing one’s business: • Promoting new offerings • Managing and overcoming overwhelm • Cultivating strategic relationships • Sustaining a successful business
“EVB P.O.W.E.R. was very proud to sponsor the eWomen Network summit to help connect women in business together,” says Michelle Simon, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at EVB. “After all, the key to being a successful woman in business is to empower and engage them. We really believe that this event did just that.” New members in attendance received a complimentary small group coaching session with Sandra Yancey. P.O.W.E.R offers its members personalized service and an array of financial products designed exclusively for entrepreneurial women who are seeking to expand their enterprise. To discover the power of EVB P.O.W.E.R. and how it can help you realize your dreams and grow your business, visit evbpower.com or call 888-464-BANK (2265). MORE THAN 120 RICHMOND-AREA WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS ENJOY NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE 7TH ANNUAL EWOMEN NETWORK WOMEN’S SUMMIT
THE P.O.W.E.R. TEAM AT THE 2016 eWOMEN NETWORK SUMMIT AT MEADOWBROOK COUNTRY CLUB, RICHMOND, VA
ADVERTISER-SUPPORTED CONTENT
RichmondNavigator.com 21
1 22 TFG_ChesterfieldLiving_PRINT.indd West End’s Best
8/31/15 10:45 AM
FEATURE
SEE
MAY/JUNE 2016
RICHMOND LIKE A TOURIST
5
Different Ways to Explore the Region
Have you ever uttered this telling little phrase about one of Central Virginia’s well-known sites? “Oh yes, I know about it, I just haven’t gotten around to going there yet.” Let 2016 be the year you change your declaration to, “Oh yes, I’ve been there… and there… and there!” Our region has garnered high praise as a tourist destination lately. West End's Best presents five themed itineraries that you can use as a jumpingoff point for your explorations. For even more local itineraries, visit RichmondNavigator.com/features. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT
VisitRichmondVA.com VisitHenrico.com
RichmondNavigator.com 23
FEATURE
E X P L O RE RI CHM O ND MORNING
Adventurer
Explore the James River Park. You’ll run out of time before you run out of trails in this 550+ acres of wilderness in the city. JamesRiverPark.org
LUNCH
Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream. A friendly neighborhood hangout with hearty fresh sandwiches and pastries, coffee, ice cream and craft beer. CrossroadsRVA.com
MORNING
Artsy Pursuits
MORNING
Foodie Fantasies
Enjoy sweet treats on a sweet street. Stroll through Carytown and visit the gourmet-centric shops. Or you may wish to take the 1 ½-hour Carytown Sweets Tour. RiverCityFoodTours.com
MORNING
Richmond Architecture
Agecroft Hall. Built in England 500 years ago, this manor home was disassembled and re-created in Virginia in the 1920s. Walk into the lives of the landed gentry of the Tudor and early Stuart periods. AgecroftHall.com
MORNING
Family Fun 24 West End’s Best
LUNCH
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Whether you catch a rotating exhibition or the museum’s permanent exhibits, your muse will be inspired! VMFA.museum
Richmond Bike Tour. Get a taste of Richmond as you and your family peddle around with Richmond Rides, sampling Church Hill, foodie hot spots or City Center. RichmondRides.net
Amuse. Extend the creativity to your palate with the VMFA’s artsy restaurant, presenting tastefully prepared food and drink. VMFA.museum
LUNCH
Carytown. From organic, farm-totable fare (The Daily) to fresh seafood (East Coast Provisions) to exotic Thai dishes (Mom’s Siam), there’s something for every palate in Carytown.
THE DAILY
LUNCH
Station 2. Gourmet burgers, craft beers, adult milkshakes and more in a historic Shockoe Bottom firehouse. Station2Richmond.com
LUNCH
Mellow Mushroom. Delicious pizza, in a family-friendly environment. MellowMushroom.com
FEATURE
MAY/JUNE 2016
AFTERNOON
DINNER
Paddle the James. Let a local outfitter guide you through the river’s rapids on a raft, or paddle a canoe or kayak through more sedentary waters. RiversideOutfitters.net RiverCityAdventure.com
AFTERNOON
Southern Railway Taphouse. Satiate the appetite you’ve built up while still soaking in the fresh air along the downtown canal. SRTaphouse.com
DINNER
Crossroads Art Center. 25,000-square- L’Opossum. foot art gallery featuring more than 225 The artwork and artists. CrossroadsArtCenter.com décor are nearly as fine as the food at this awardwinning Richmond restaurant, offering magical Europeaninspired dishes. LOpossum.com
AFTERNOON
Scott’s Addition. There are also great dining options here, but your primary focus should be on the neighborhood’s craft beverages. IsleyBrewingCompany.com ArdentCraftAles.com TheVeilBrewing.com BlackHeathMeadery.com BuskeyCider.com
AFTERNOON
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design. Explore the power and importance of architectural design through exhibits housed in an architectural treasure. Branchmuseum.org
AFTERNOON
Ravenchase & Bogeys Sports Park. Challenge your mind as your family teams up to solve its way out of the Ravenchase Escape Room. Then get active at Bogeys, with mini golf and batting cages. Ravenchase.com and BogeysSportsPark.com
DINNER
Millie’s Diner. If you haven’t been, it’s a must! Millie’s chefs have been creating eclectic, everchanging, top-rated dishes since 1989. MilliesDiner.com
DINNER
Lemaire. Savor fresh, modern, Southern-inspired cuisine in one of Virginia’s most iconic attractions, The Jefferson Hotel. LemaireRestaurant.com
DINNER
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery. Enjoy made-fromscratch foods and freshbrewed beer that are sure to please parents and kids. RockBottom.com
EVENING
The Dome. Wrap up your exploration of nature’s wonders with a show at The Dome - the giant, state-of-the-art, super-high def theater at the Science Museum of Virginia. SMV.org
EVENING
Catch a cultural delight. Music that sends your soul soaring or theater that makes you laugh, cry or think – you’ll find what your spirits crave at one of Richmond’s cultural outlets. RichmondSymphony.com VA-rep.org
EVENING
Just Desserts. Top off your food-filled day at Shyndigz, the Fan’s luscious dessert-only (and drinks) restaurant. It’ll leave a sweet taste in your mouth for sure! Shyndigz.com
EVENING
The Byrd Theatre. Catch a flick at this historic theater. Built in 1928, the ornate interior still showcases The Mighty Wurlitzer organ, played by master organist Bob Gulledge before each Saturday evening show. ByrdTheatre.com
EVENING
Comedy Sportz. Laugh till your sides hurt with truly clean, family-friendly and hilarious improv comedy shows. CSZRVA.com RichmondNavigator.com 25
The Best of Both Worlds
APEX MD BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN EASTERN AND WESTERN MEDICINE
“East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet.” When Rudyard Kipling penned this ballad in 1889, he probably did not have medicine in mind. But over the years, his words have proven true as regards Eastern and Western medical philosophies. That, however, is changing, as noted by the immense popularity of Dr. Deepak Chopra, who has done much to bridge the chasm between the two disciplines. In Richmond, there is one truly unique medical center that offers services patterned very much after those offered by Dr. Chopra. I recently visited with Dr. Suman Banerjee, MD, PhD, founder and chief medical officer of Apex MD, located in Glen Allen. Both Dr. Banerjee and his wife, Dr. Rumki Banerjee, MD, ABIHM, who is the center’s co-founder and medical director, have established a health center that seeks to offer the best of both worlds. At Apex MD, Dr. Rumki Banerjee, who is board certified in Family Medicine (Western medicine), serves as the primary care physician. In that capacity, she is well qualified to care for the medical needs of her patients in much the same manner as do physicians found in most medical centers. However, he is also board certified in Integrative Holistic Medicine (a blend of complementary and alternative medicine including Eastern medicine). And this is what makes Apex MD primary care and holistic wellness center so unique. During my visit with Dr. Suman Banerjee, he explained the difference between the two disciplines. “Allopathic (traditional westernized) medicine treats the symptoms,” he said, “but it does not address the root cause.” 26 West End’s Best
He illustrated the way those who practice Western medicine, exclusively, would treat a symptom. “ If you had a migraine, you might receive an injection to relieve pain, or pain blockers, which would help to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks, but what (Allopathic medicine) doesn’t tell you is why you’re having the headaches.” That, said Dr. Suman Banerjee, is where holistic approach to medicine has proven valuable. With this approach, practitioners seek to treat the whole person in order to get at the root of the problem. As integrative holistic medicine has become more popular and widely accepted in the Western world, individuals have been forced to choose one treatment over the other. Medical practitioners on both sides have been reluctant to recommend the other. At Apex MD, with Dr. Rumki Banerjee’s education and training in both, the patient is not forced to choose sides. He or she can, in effect, have the best of both worlds. “We seek to integrate the holistic approach into the allopathic approach,” said Dr. Suman Banerjee. “We want to know why you have a certain condition.” So while the allopathic approach can provide a more immediate remedy, the holistic approach seeks to ultimately discover and treat the root of the problem. “Our hope,” he added, “is to help the patient get to the point where he can either eliminate the medications he is taking or greatly reduce the dosage.” As an expert pathologist and consultant, Dr. Suman Banerjee works closely with his wife in recommending specific lab work, which is done on or off premises, and then providing an analysis
MAY/JUNE 2016
of the patient’s needs. This assists Dr. Rumki Banerjee and her team of practitioners to recommend the most effective course of treatment using a blended combination of both the Western and Eastern medicines. This provides an added benefit in that a patient is assured that, his or her primary care physician is involved in every aspect of their treatment.
Holistic treatments include: Ayurveda Detoxification and Medical Massage Ayurveda, which literally means the science of life, is an ancient form of Eastern medicine that originated in India. The concept involves identifying each individual’s inherent constitutional makeup and, by means of a specific, customized detoxification, helping maintain a healthy balance. Intravenous (IV) Nutritional Therapy This ensures that needed nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids) are delivered directly into the bloodstream. According to Dr. Suman Banerjee, when administered orally, some of these nutrients may not be absorbed completely due to underlying medical conditions. These can also be used as energy and immune boosters. Holistic Skin Rejuvenation & Therapy “We purify you from the inside; we want you to look good from the outside, too,” Dr. Banerjee said. For that reason, Apex MD offers pure holistic skin care, using products from Osmosis MD that are naturally present in your skin. The products are designed to treat a variety of skin conditions such as dark spots, scarring, aging, wrinkling, acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, psoriasis and several others. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Pellet Therapy According to Dr. Suman Banerjee, this benefits patients with menopausal and peri-menopausal symptoms, improves bone health and increases libido and energy.
Apex MD provides a unique integrated holistic wellness center that can blend a variety of treatments designed to care for the whole person, as an individual. For example, perhaps you are pre-diabetic and overweight, you might be informed of the benefits of blending detox with IV therapy, along with holistic nutrition counseling, with an in-house registered dietician. All such services are offered at Apex MD by a team of trained practitioners, and all under the direction of your primary care physician, Dr. Rumki Banerjee and expert consultant Dr. Suman Banerjee. The overall mission, Dr. Suman Banerjee told me, is to offer treatments that are medically effective, safe and also cost effective for the patients. The weight loss and nutrition counseling program is also covered through insurance. Some of the services can also qualify under HSA or FSA expenditure accounts.
“
We do have something unique. We want Richmonders to come try us out. We do what works best for our patients and we listen to what they have to say. We want them to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
”
~ Dr. Suman Banerjee
ADVERTISER-SUPPORTED CONTENT
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8812 Phildavid Court
This wonderful Colonial located in Chesterfield features five bedrooms, two and a half baths, as well as an attached one car garage. Listed at $225,000.
6301 Harbourside Drive
Commercial space for sale. Almost 100% rented out with yearly or multi year leases. 6,178 Square Feet. Right off of Hull Street near 288. Asking $675,000.
RichmondNavigator.com 27
Thinking of a smile makeover? Let’s consider your options. S. Tyler Perkinson, DDS General Dentist, VFD Patterson-Parham
I often find myself in the unexpected situation of talking people out of larger cosmetic procedures, such as veneers. Many patients think that veneer treatment, in which a thin layer of porcelain is bonded to the front of tooth, is their only option to improve their smile. Veneers are a fantastic option that allow us to create a beautiful smile, but we can often get a great result with less. Many people that are unhappy with their smile often just have a few things bothering them - a dark tooth, a small gap, or some minor asymmetry. Sometimes fixing only these small things can make a big improvement to the overall smile. A single dark tooth in an otherwise bright smile can be whitened from the inside out in a procedure called internal bleaching. Bonding is a procedure where tooth colored composite is bonded to a tooth and sculpted to the appropriate shape, and it can be subtly used to close a small gap or reshape a tooth while still maintaining the smile's natural character. Sometimes just rounding a square corner or shortening an asymmetrically long tooth can make a big difference. Teeth whitening can also keep an otherwise pretty smile from looking dingy. I often tell people to look at their teeth in the mirror and compare the white if their teeth to the whites of their eyes. If your teeth are darker than the whites if your eyes, you might be a good candidate for whitening. Depending on the situation, a true smile makeover with veneers or crowns is the right treatment, but it is worth asking your dentist if a more conservative approach can give you the result you want. 6510 Harbour View Ct, Midlothian • (804) 739-6500 • VAdentist.com ADVERTISER-SUPPORTED CONTENT
28 West End’s Best
MAY/JUNE 2016
For more than 80 years, people have trusted Strange’s to add floral beauty to their homes— and those of their loved ones—with the colors, hues and scents of the season. Strange’s has a passion for blooms and we’re proud to grow many of our flowers and plants in our own greenhouses. That means fresher, longer-lasting bouquets, arrangements…and memories. Why not bring home a beauty today, or send some anywhere in the U.S. or Canada? A call or a click to Strange’s is all that it takes.
www.stranges.com
Spring is bursting with blooming beauty!
Richmond, VA
Northeast (804) 321-2200
West End (804) 360-2800
Bon Air (804) 321-0460
Hull Street (804) 321-0470 RichmondNavigator.com 29
HEALTH
Hello Beautiful Summer Simple Skin Care Tips Can Keep You Simply Beautiful by Susie Galvez
RVA
is in full bloom. You can bet your flipflops that summertime is just a few sunrays away. Time to change your beauty routine. By switching to a warm-weather plan, your skin will look radiant, your hair healthy, and your makeup will have the staying power it needs to keep you beautiful as the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer. Our summer beauty guide will fill your summer bag with both tried and and true, as well as brand new tips and super easy ideas – all designed to keep your summer simple and simply beautiful!
Switch Up Your Skin Care Routine
Less Is More With Makeup
When the mercury rises, so does the humidity. Your skin needs less moisture than it does in the winter. Switching to a lighter moisturizer helps keep your pores clear, lessen blemishes, and you will be less likely to experience the dreaded shiny face. Skin cell turnover speeds up in the summer, allowing newer skin cells to surface faster. A weekly gentle exfoliating facial will remove any excess dead skin and give your skin a natural glow.
Cosmetics probably play a part of your summer beauty routine. Simple tricks often make the largest impact on how you look. As the weather warms up, lighten up your makeup bag. No need for a full-on face. Best looks are sheer foundation; powder to help the makeup stay put; a little blush on the cheeks; matte eyeshadow; mascara to frame the eyes; and pop of a great lip color.
Be Kind to Your Face
Your skin needs lots of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, so be sure to check out all of RVA’s wonderful farmer’s markets for the freshest fare in summer fruit and vegetables. Foods rich in antioxidants and protein, such as fresh produce, fish and eggs, can stimulate collagen growth, which keeps the skin elastic and helps prevent wrinkles.
Chemical peels, creams, scrubs and other products containing glycolic acids and retinoids should not be used if you spend a lot of time outdoors. These treatments can make your skin more sun sensitive and cause more damage to your skin. If you must use them, wear a hat and extra sunscreen to protect your skin. Certain medications can cause sun sensitivity. Check with your Pharmacist.
Drink More Water
Water is the number one trick to beautiful skin. Your body needs more water in the spring and summer to stay hydrated. Since you'll sweat more in hot weather, it's vital that you restore your fluids when exercising or simply being out and about in warmer temperatures. Always keep a bottle of water handy so it's ready to go where you are.
30 Living 30 Chesterfield West End’s Best
You Are What You Eat
Keep Your Tan in Check
A healthy tan is a myth. There is no such thing. Your goal should not be to get a suntan, but to protect your skin against the sun's dangerous UV rays so you don't age prematurely. Wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 on all exposed areas of your body when you're outdoors. Don't forget less obvious areas such as your lips, neck and the top of your hands where the sun can wreak havoc over time. You can still get a healthy looking tan without skin damage if you use sunless tanning lotion. Be sure to exfoliate your body before applying the self-tanner. Your “tan” will last days longer!
MAY/JUNE 2016
We're at our best so you can be at yours.
BODY2SOUL makes the Earth as beautiful as we make you!
Short Pump 804.835.5115 11709 W Broad St The Shoppes at Westgate elementsmassage.com/short-pump
BODY2SOUL was started in 2009 with a vision of being a sustainable salon. We care about the planet we share & offer you the invitation to share your beauty with us while being effortlessly accountable.
3601 Cox Rd-Suite B-Henrico, Va 23233 804-270-7200 • info@body2soul.net • body2soul.net
acac
rooftop
acac Short Pump
I
804.464.0990
I
Massage session includes time for consultation and dressing. The Elements Promise™ is not transferable and may not be redeemed for cash, bartered or sold. Not valid for discounted services and cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply; see studio for details. Each Elements Massage™ studio is independently owned and operated.
the ultimate escape
2201 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen
expanded seating rooftop lounge outdoor jacuzzi fire pit
I
acac.com RichmondNavigator.com 31
HEALTH
Remember Your Hair
The beating sun can hit your hair hard, but there are hair products that contain SPF that can help protect your locks and your scalp. And to keep the havoc of humidity at bay, thank goodness for all of the anti-frizz products on the market. Ask your hairdresser which formula is best for your hair type and color. And if the occasional bad-hair day appears in your mirror, don’t fight it…accessorize it. Headbands, clips and hats are wonderful ways to “chic” it up.
Cool Shades
Sunglasses are no doubt high up on the cool factor—with hundreds of shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. Sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes against the sun's dangerous UV Rays, which are also present on cloudy days. Lens color is not an indication of protection. You need to read the labels and look for lenses that are for "special purpose," which should block 95 to 100 percent of the UV rays. Polarized lenses take it a step further with a layer that helps protect against glaring sunlight that reflects off of surfaces. Hollywood celebrities are setting the trends with larger, eye-catching frames coming into spring and summer. Larger lenses benefit not only the eyes, but the sensitive skin surrounding the eyes – a win-win situation. With these summertime tips in tow, it’s time to get out and glow! Susie Galvez is a beauty & image expert, day spa founder, esthetician, makeup artist and the author nine beauty and lifestyle books. Be sure to visit www.susiegalvez.com
WEB
32 West End’s Best
The Fabric Of Our Lives Did you know that damaging rays can pass directly through fabrics fibers? About 33 percent of summer wardrobe fabrics are not designed to protect you from the sun. You could tan, burn and even suffer sun damage under your clothes! When choosing outfits, consider color and cloth: Dark or bright colors absorb more UV than paler shades and denser fabrics, like denim or canvas, are more protective than sheer or loosely woven cloth. Loose-fitting clothes are preferable to tighter garments, which can stretch and expose skin to the sun. Some manufacturers provide extra-protective clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) labels, which indicate exactly how protective the clothes are. For instance, a shirt with a UPF of 45 lets in just 1/45th of the sun's UV. Understanding how to use clothing for sun protection can help ward off harmful rays, keep you cooler, and it can even be a fashion statement if you do it right.
MAY/JUNE 2016
STOP THE
EMBARRASSMENT
Millions of women experience urinary incontinence or involuntary bladder leakage. For many women, both young and old, it is their little secret. Many admit that they’re too embarrassed to even speak with their doctor about the problem. How nice it is to know that here in Richmond, Virginia Urology Women’s Health (VUHW) has a dedicated team of caring professionals who understand your problem and can offer not only encouragement, but also relief. Meghana Gowda, M.D., F.P.M.R.S, who practices at Virginia Urology’s Reynolds Crossing location, says, “Some of our patients are so embarrassed by their leakage that they are nearly housebound and this is unacceptable. These women have the right to spend time with their friends and families and pursue the activities that they enjoy.” “The most rewarding aspect of our work is restoring quality of life to women. Sometimes, the most worthwhile service we can provide is to examine and reassure the patient that this problem is not dangerous and that this is a highly treatable condition,” says Dr. Gowda. Dr. Gowda is one of the urogynecologists at VUWH who is trained and certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Such specialists are experts and use stateof-the-art diagnostic techniques to assist in accurate diagnosis, and to provide the needed treatment. While treating incontinence is not always a quick fix, there are treatment options available, and the staff at VUWH will work with you to determine the specific treatment that best works for you as an individual. Commonly prescribed oral medications may or may not satisfactorily relieve symptoms. VUWH providers offer additional treatments such as behavioral therapy, biofeedback and pelvic floor exercises. Non-surgical techniques are very effective and should be looked into as alternatives to medications and/or surgery. Should a patient’s condition not respond to conservative treatments, VUWH offers newer treatment modalities such as Interstim® or Botox®. If surgery is required, VUWH doctors are experts in traditional and robotic surgery. Whatever that most effective treatment may be, the goal for each woman is the same. “We really strive to restore your quality of life,” says Dr. Gowda, “and we will tailor our treatment plan to meet each individual’s goals and circumstances.” It is rewarding for the VUWH providers to hear comments similar to those made by “CC,” one of Dr. Gowda’s patients: “My GYN referred me to Dr Gowda to have my bladder lifted after a hysterectomy. Dr. Gowda is very caring and is easy to talk to. She addressed my concerns as well as my fears. I felt completely comfortable with Dr. Gowda and trusted her completely. With 10 being the best, I rate her a 10!” If you are ready to take your life back and end the embarrassment of incontinence, then request a consultation with one of VUWH’s experts. 7 convenient locations throughout Virginia. New patients are always welcome. URO.com • 804-330-9105
RichmondNavigator.com 33
A new opportunity in retirement living is coming to Richmond’s West End. Here’s your chance to get in on the action. For more than 36 years, Lakewood has offered a superb, maintenancefree retirement lifestyle. Now, this faith-based Continuing Care Retirement Community is expanding to include new residences with a unique hybrid design never before built in Richmond, new apartments and underground parking, accompanied by a state-of-the-art community and fitness center with an indoor pool and spa, innovative wellness programs, exceptional dining venues and much more! To learn about The Visionaries Club Priority Program and the valuable benefits of becoming a Priority Member, call or visit us online. This is a special, limited-time opportunity — so you’ll want to act now.
Call 804.554.3272, or visit us at LakewoodWestEnd.org
1900 Lauderdale Drive | Richmond, VA 23238
SENIORS
MAY/JUNE 2016
MORE THAN MEETS THE EARS:
Hearing Aids AS I FILTER THROUGH MY MEMORY BANK on the various stages of my life, many of my milestones are accompanied by really awesome musical scores. First date: Barry Manilow’s “Mandy.” First kiss: Captain and Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together.” Leaving home for college: “Shadow Dancing by Andy Gibb.” Yet underscoring every note of my life’s musical, from the time I was 13, was my mother’s “Turn down that noise! You’re going to go deaf!” For mom, anything that wasn’t Old Blue Eyes was truly not worth wasting the electricity to run the record player. I developed a more empathetic understanding of my mother’s medical/musical directives when my own little ones became teenagers. How is it possible, I asked myself, for my bright, intelligent, educated children to listen to this? So, in keeping with family traditions, I screamed the same directive over the insidious blare of Tupac and R Kelly: “Turn down that noise! You’re going to go deaf!” Though I’m not sure there are any legitimate medical studies that says listening to “bad” music will affect your hearing, there is a plethora of studies and a wealth of empirical data that supports the correlation between the volume of the music and hearing loss. Yes, Virignia, Mom was right again. As older adults, the follies of our youth seem to be catching up with us and the possibility of hearing loss is becoming all too real. Actually, there are three common types of hearing loss: sensorineural (as in most cases of noise-induced hearing loss), conductive (for example, caused by infection or a blockage in the ear canal) and mixed (having both sensorineural and conductive components). In layman terms, Conductive would be, for example, if you had a nasty ear infection. Sensorineural, on the other hand, is the kind of loss Mom threatened and can be caused by blasting your music loud enough so the windows rattle. Whether you are in the prime of your life, enjoying your glorious retirement years or you’re still in college, hearing loss can happen and it can be life impacting. While there have been times in my life when I wished I had an off-switch to silence the chaos (reference: 25 miles into a 200-mile car trip with three kids yelling, “mom mom mom mom mom”), the thought of not hearing the birds chirp in the morning or not being able to listen to the nonsensical stories my grandson tells me, is not one that I ever wish to entertain. Just like we need to pay attention to our dental health, get our eyes checked and go for our mammograms, so too, we need to practice good auditory health. The first step is to get a baseline exam by either an otolaryngologist (an ENT - ear, nose, and throat - physician who has received advanced training in medical conditions involving the ear, nose and throat) or an otologist or neurotologist (a specialized type of ENT physician who has had further training focusing on conditions of the ear). The otologist or otolaryngologist will generally give all your ear parts a good once over. Then she or he will likely have an audiologist (usually in the same office) put you in a sound-proof booth and do a hearing test. The whole process should take about an hour. The results from the hearing test will help the doctors understand exactly what you are hearing, or not hearing. If the doctor determines that the Beatles really did ruin your hearing, she or he will work with you to customize solutions specifically for you. If one of those solutions is a hearing aid, you’ll be shown an entire catalog of really cool, high-techy gadgets. Some of these are tucked so far down in the ear that they aren’t even visible. You’ll be given a chance to try different types
to determine which works best for you, which is most comfortable and which is best suited for your lifestyle. It’s a little like getting new glasses – there’s a period of adjustment, a couple of fittings and a personal preference factor to consider. In my most humble opinion, the coolest most awesome part of getting a hearing aid is the off-switch! Now, the rugrats and grandrugrats can “mom mom mom mom” to their hearts’ content while I blissfully cruise down I-95 oblivious to the chaos. Silence, at times, truly is golden.
RichmondNavigator.com 35
Fresh, Healthy, and Deliciously Different
Brunch Begins May 1st
4024-C Cox Rd. Glen Allen, VA 804-747-8294 TazikisCafe.com
1/2 PRICE ENTREE BUY ONE AT REGULAR PRICE, GET SECOND OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE 1/2 PRICE Not valid with any other offers. Expires 7/15/16 36 West End’s Best
@capitalalehouse www.capitalalehouse.com Richmond Innsbrook Midlothian 623 E. Main St Richmond, VA 23219
4024-A Cox Rd Glen Allen, VA 23060
13831 Village Place Dr Midlothian, VA 23114
Also located in Downtown Harrisonburg & Fredericksburg
Flavor
MAY/JUNE 2016
Bringing You the Best of Local Food Dining & Drinks, Recipes & News
DINING PATIOS
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ISO: Breakfast & Brunch
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COOKBOOK
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tastebudz
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HAPPY HOUR GUIDE
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TAMMY SOTO
RichmondNavigator.com 37
FEATURE
DINING PATIOS: TEMPLE HILL
Locals & Destinations
People watching. Star gazing. Soaking up some rays. For any number of reasons, most of us enjoy dining alfresco. We sent our photographers in search of some of the best patios and decks that the West End has to offer.
Capital Ale House
4024 Cox Rd., Glen Allen 804-780-ALES (2537); CapitalAleHouse.com Who would expect a patio in the busy West End that offers such an idyllic setting? But that’s what you get at Capital Ale House. You also get a selection of over 100 beers on tap and more than 200 in the bottle.
Tazikis Mediterranean Café
TEMPLE HILL
4024 Cox Rd., Glen Allen 804-747-8294; TazikisCafe.com Tazikis patio is adjacent to Capital Ale House, in Innsbrook and offers a refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle of West Broad Street. Enjoy authentic Greek Mediterranean dishes, gyros and desserts along with beer or wine.
38 West End’s Best
FEATURE
TAMMY SOTO
MAY/JUNE 2016
Kona Grill
11221 W. Broad St., Glen Allen 804-364-5660; KonaGrill.com This sleek, cool dining spot in West Broad Village has an equally sleek patio. Inside or out, feast on an eclectic menu featuring both Asian and American fare, including sushi. Great cocktails, too!
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
11800 W. Broad St. (Short Pump Town Center) 804-127-1684; RockBottom.com Located on the back side of the Town Center, near Dick’s Sporting Goods and away from the Broad Street traffic, Rock Bottom‘s patio offers a an opportunity to take a break and enjoy homebrewed beers along with upscale pub food.
TEMPLE HILL TEMPLE HILL
Sunset Grill
1601 Hockett Rd., Manakin Sabot 804-784-4500 SunsetGrillGoochland.com Get out “in the countryside” of Eastern Goochland and sit a spell on the deck of this small, informal steak house. “Great food and good people.”
RichmondNavigator.com 39
ISO FL AVOR
In Search Of: Breakfast and Brunch Chef Andy Faehl (from the Downtown Capital Ale House) says that he’s always loved charred grilled meats with Mexican spices and adds, "Also, nothing beats breaking a runny poached egg over the top of meat and potatoes!" Combining these culinary passions, he’s created his Santa Fe Steak and Eggs brunch entree.
CAPITAL ALE HOUSE
4024-A Cox Road, Glen Allen 804-780-2537 • CapitalAleHouse.com
TEMPLE HILL
SANTA FE STEAK AND EGGS
RACHEL MARSH
AMUSE
What goes best on French toast? Strawberries? Mascarpone cheese? Bacon? Let’s just put all three on there and call it a day. Delve into Amuse and see what it’s all about! Located on the third floor of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Amuse has abeautiful patio and nearly an entire wall made out of windows for dining with a stunning view. Their Stuffed French toast features two thick slices of maple syrup-soaked bread, crammed with mascarpone cheese and topped with strawberries and bacon. Indulge before looking at art, after looking at art, or while not even thinking about art in the slightest.
200 N Blvd. 804-340-1580 • VMFA.Museum
STUFFED FRENCH TOAST
40 West End’s Best
MAY/JUNE 2016
Open Daily to the Public for lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch. Specializing in signature fire roasted pizza & locally sourced modern American cuisine. Outdoor dining with spectacular views of the sunset and landscape.
Located inside the clubhouse at Independence Golf Club 804.601.8611 independencegolfclub.com 600 Founders Bridge Blvd Midlothian, VA 23113
[ Brunch and Baseball ] Join the Richmond Flying Squirrels as we combine America’s pastime with Richmond’s pastime. Come enjoy Brunch and Baseball at 12:05pm every Sunday home game.
& Waffle Sausage Gravy Bacon Sliders • Pancake Wrapped {Chicken } Sausage Stick • French Toast Sticks • Messy Breakfast Bowl
Visit SquirrelsBaseball.com for tickets and information
RichmondNavigator.com 41
EXPERIENCE US AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME
CUSTOM CAKES and CUPCAKES
Vi for Ssuit Us Bruncnday h!
Basic Custom Decorated Cookie Detailed Custom Cookie (Character Like, Logo or Specialty Design) Cookie On a stick • Mini Fix Cookies Platter of Twelve Custom Decorated Cookies Giant Custom Decorated Cookie Cake Cookie Bouquet • Mini Cookie Bouquet
SUNDAY - Brunch 10:00am - 2:00pm • HAPPY HOUR - 3:00pm - 6:00pm Monday-Friday HowlettsTavernChester.com 3530 Festival Park Plaza, Chester, VA 23831 804-930-1034 Monday - Thursday : 11:00am – 10:00pm • Friday & Saturday: 11:00am – 11:00pm Sunday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
42 West End’s Best
105-B England Street • Ashland, VA 23005 • 368-7718
FL AVOR
ISO MAY/JUNE 2016
In Search Of: Breakfast and Brunch It started with Lunch, but the owners knew that one meal in a day simply was not enough. Supper rolled out two years later, and together Lunch/Supper remains one of Scott’s Addition’s most popular restaurants. But not just for lunch or supper. It’s also a favorite breakfast and brunch spot for many West Enders and others. The chefs take each dish very seriously, using as many local ingredients as possible and producing made-to-order food all day. The Dandelion Café is a hearty fixture on the brunch menu. Two eggs are set alongside grilled chicken, sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, onions and feta, all atop a base of cheese grits to throw in that charming southern twist. It’s the perfect way to start your weekend.
LUNCH/SUPPER
RACHEL MARSH
1213-1215 Summit Ave.
804-353-0111 • LunchOrSupper.com
DANDELION CAFE
HONDOS PRIME
Enjoy an exquisite brunch buffet that consists of an omelette and egg station, a chef’s carving board (prime rib and chef’s selection), garden fresh salad bar, and yes, cheese grits. Make sure to save room for the ever-popular dessert station featuring a spectacular chocolate fountain.
4120 Cox Road, Glen Allen 804-968-4323 • HondosPrime.com
TEMPLE HILL
BRUNCH BUFFETT
RichmondNavigator.com 43
ISO FL AVOR
In Search Of: Breakfast and Brunch For Southern cuisine with a side of Southern hospitality, take a stroll into the Dairy Bar. Located in the oldest building in Scott’s Addition, this family-run restaurant thrives on hearty food and generous service. The building was first inhabited by Curles Neck Dairy, but in the 1980s, eventually evolved into the neighborly business that it is today. Even Southern Living recognized them in 2010! Their Buy the Farm brunch plate satisfies the indecisive and hungry, alike. Each satisfying serving includes three eggs, ham, sausage and bacon paired with your choice of sides.
DAIRY BAR
RACHEL MARSH
1602 Roseneath Road 804-355-1937 • DairyBarRestaurant.com
BUY THE FARM BRUNCH PLATE
SAVORY GRAIN
Take a break on your hectic drive down Broad Street and swing into the Savory Grain. For three years, they’ve been satisfying patrons with a cozy atmosphere and regional ingredients. Their Chicken & Waffles is a southern staple and a Richmond favorite. The sweet meets the savory with a substantial Belgian waffle base, next to a fried chicken stuffed with sausage, apples, cream cheese and walnuts, and smothered with maple syrup and strawberries. Satiate your brunch cravings with a meal our ancestors would approve of!
2043 W Broad St. • 804-592-4000 www.TheSavoryGrain.com
CHICKEN & WAFFLES
44 West End’s Best
MAY/JUNE 2016
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plan your next event with catering from kona grill [everyone wins] west broad street village • 804-364-5660 • www.konagrill.com
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RichmondNavigator.com 45
FL AVOR
S’MORES FOR BREAKFAST
A Tasty Brunch Recipe from Capital Ale House Chef, Andy Faehl
I
TEMPLE HILL
recently had the opportunity to hop on a special Capital Ale House Brunch Bus, visit the area’s Capital Ale Houses and sample brunch items from all three Richmond locations, plus the Capital Ale House in Fredericksburg. While I’d be hard pressed to choose my favorite dish, I will admit that one of the most enticing was created by Andy Faehl, chef at Capital Ale’s downtown location. It’s the Banana S’mores Stuffed French Toast. Faehl credits the dish to his wife’s love of s’mores. “If we are at a restaurant and there is s’mores anything we have to order it,” he says. A native of Chesterfield County, Faehl has lived in the Richmond area most of his life. “I had a small family. It was my older sister, my parents, and I. My parents both worked full time jobs,” he says. Dinners on weekdays were quickly prepared meals. But we always had what they called ‘a big breakfast’ on Sunday mornings. Career-wise, Faehl’s story is an interesting one. His first restaurant job was as a dishwasher at Capital Ale House. He started there at age 22 and has been there ever since, working his way up. “I do not have any real, formal classroom training,” he says. “Everything I have learned is from books, Internet, TV, magazines and on-the-job training.” I’m always interested in what chefs eat when no one’s looking. Does Andy Faehl have any guilty pleasures when it comes to food? “My favorite dish is raw oysters on the half shell. I could eat them all day long,” he says. But as regards any guilty pleasures, he tells me, “I do not like the term ‘guilty pleasure.’ Why do I have to feel guilty about anything I eat? Calories are not supposed to be counted or limited. With that being said, Lee’s Fried Chicken is probably my favorite unhealthy meal. But who cares because it’s so crispy and juicy.” I like that attitude.
by Steve Cook
BANANA S’MORES STUFFED FRENCH TOAST Ingredients (per portion)
• two slices of thick cut bread • 1 tablespoon Nutella spread • 1 tablespoon marshmallow fluff • 4 slices of fresh ripe bananas, sliced at an angle • 2 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs • 2 tablespoons of butter • chocolate syrup • powdered sugar • marshmallows • French toast batter (recipe below)
French Toast Batter Recipe
• 6 Eggs Beaten • .25 Cup Whole Milk • .25 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream • .33Teaspoon Vanilla Extract • 1 Tablespoon Sugar
Instructions
Whisk all of the ingredients above. Spread the Nutella on one piece of bread. Spread marshmallow fluff on the other slice of bread. Place the four slices of banana on the bread with the Nutella. Make a sandwich by placing the marshmallow fluffed slice of bread on top. Let this sandwich sit in the fridge for twenty minutes. While the sandwich is setting up in the fridge, preheat a griddle to 350 degrees and the oven to 400 degrees. Pour the Graham cracker crumbs evenly on a large plate. Submerge the Nutella marshmallow sandwich into the French toast batter for 15-20 seconds. Take the sandwich out of the batter and place it on the crushed Graham cracker crumbs. Flip to make the sure that the other side is coated just as well. Shake off the excess crumbs. Take 1 tablespoon of butter and put it on the heated griddle. Let the butter melt and place the French toast on top on the butter on the griddle. Cook until it is golden brown. Then add the remaining tablespoon of butter and flip the French toast. Once again cook until it is golden brown. Place the Stuffed French Toast on a grease sprayed cookie sheet. Cover with the marshmallows and put them in the oven. Bake them in the oven until the marshmallow top is hot, blistered and gooey. Cut the Stuffed French Toast in half, diagonally. Present this dish by layering the two pieces on top of each other. Drizzle the top with as much or as little chocolate syrup as you prefer. Dust the top with powdered sugar. Enjoy! WEB
MAY/JUNE 2016
IRON HORSE RESTAURANT Hanover’s Best Dining for 25 Years
Seasonal Modern American - Virginia Hospitality 15 miles North of the Fan, 11 miles to Short Pump
DISCOVER THE AMBIENCE OF A SPECIAL RESTAURANT IN A 100+ YEAR OLD BUILDING IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC ASHLAND.
Hand-trimmed Steaks:
Choose Your Cut & Your Sauce Live Music Fri-Sun
Sunday Brunch 10-2:30
Sunday Supper Family Style 5-8:30
Serving Award-Winning BBQ Daily Lunch - Happy Hour - Dinner - Late Night Ashland • 10180 Lakeridge Pkwy. • 299-2921 Short Pump • 2451 Old Brick Road • 364-2707 Shockoe Bottom • 3 N. 17th Street • 447-7981 • thehalliganbar.com RichmondNavigator.com 47
tastebudz By Steve Cook
EXTRA EXTRA – READ ALL ABOUT IT – Restaurants come and go, but for over thirty years, Extra Billy’s Smokehouse continues to offer up delicious ribs, brisket, pork, sausage and chicken, in their original location (5205 W. Broad). Along with deliciously smoked meats, there are a variety of other items on the menu to satisfy everyone, such as burgers, hand-breaded catfish, an extended salad bar and prime rib, which is served on weekend nights. All sides are made in house and most desserts are homemade as well. When you visit you should definitely try their buffalo chicken wings – jumbo wings that have been smoked then lightly fried and dipped in buffalo sauce. Not only enjoy a welcoming, casual atmosphere when you dine in, but you can take advantage of their quick carry-out. Extra Billy’s offers off-site catering, too. And don’t forget, there’s an Extra Billy's Smokehouse & Brewery in Midlothian on Alverser Drive.
JULEP’S UNVEILS SPRING MENU: Despite the fact Julep’s New Southern Cuisine (420 E. Grace St.) has been wowing diners for about 13 years, now, they are constantly finding new ways to delight us. Owner, Amy Ayers, sent me a copy of her new spring menu and I’m getting hungry just sitting here reading it. For starters, they are offering Sewansecott oysters. Some say that these are the best Virginia oysters you’ll ever taste. But it’s not just the oysters, it’s the way Julep’s expert culinary staff, led by Chef Matthew Tlusty, seasons everything so perfectly. The oysters are served in a lime, basil, thyme and cayenne mignette. Another appetizer that I have to try is the bresaola. That’s their house-cured beef tenderloin, served with horseradish cream, sorghum-grain mustard and benne crackers. Entrees include the house-aged Angus beef tenderloin, their fantastic jumbo lump crab cake and the braised Cabernet Franc lamb shank. There’s much more to see and taste. Check out the new menu at Juleps.net. Or, better yet, forget the Internet and just go to Julep’s. HIDDEN GEMS Let me tell you about a place that’s not likely to be on your beaten path. Yet, it’s such a cool, tucked-away spot that I think you might want to check it out. It’s Tavern 19 and it’s located just across the river (off Route 288) at Independence Golf Club. For you GPS’ers, the address is 600 Founders Bridge Blvd., in Midlothian. While Tavern 19 is somewhat secluded, it’s not a private, membersonly sort of place. It’s open to the public and they’re serving lunch and dinner daily, as well as brunch on Sundays. The menu is seasonal and incorporates locally sourced ingredients, some of which are grown onsite by partner, Tricycle Gardens. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be happy to learn that the folks at Tavern 19 have also partnered with a local pastry chef from Sugar Britches. That means delectable desserts, made fresh daily. I hear they are planning a special Mother’s Day brunch on May 8, and on Father’s Day, Tavern 19 will be hosting a bass fishing tournament and a grill-out. Every Thursday, until the end of June, they’ll also be hosting a live outdoor concert series called “Rockin’ at Independence.” 48 West End’s Best
tastebudz
MAY/JUNE 2016
SPECIAL REPORT FROM THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
TEMPLE HILL
Have you taken a drive up to Ashland lately? If not, you’re missing out on some good eats. And sweet treats. Here are a few spots that you really should check out:
NO FREEZERS, NO FRYERS, JUST FRESH: That’s the motto over at Taziki’s Mediterranean Café at 4024 Cox Road in Innsbrook. I was talking to Manajeh Kashanian, their catering manager and she was telling me how popular their Mediterranean salad with salmon is. It sounds good to me, but even better to know it’s all fresh. Manajeh also tells me that Sunday is somewhat of a special kids’ day at Taziki’s. Not only do kids eat free (one kids’ meal with an adult entrée), but they also have board games set out for the kids and their families. “My favorite is the chalk,” Manajeh says, “The kids can go outside on the sidewalk and color.” Taziki’s also offers on- and off-premise catering. “We’ll deliver up to 25 miles,” Manajeh says. Or you can reserve space in the restaurant and enjoy your special event right there.
BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, BEER, AND KREGGERS: It all just goes together so well, doesn’t it? And it is all there for your enjoyment. I’m talking, of course, about one of my favorite spots in the Ashland area – Kreggers Tap and Table at 9523 Kings Charter Drive. The food is fantastic. And with 28 beers on tap, you know there’s gonna be plenty to like on that front. They also have one of the best patios in the entire Richmond area. And if there are still any chilly evenings left this season (I sure hope not), there’s this fire pit, which makes sitting out there feel so cozy and comfy. This is also a great time of year for basketball and baseball fans to gather at Kreggers. They’ll be showing the NBA playoffs on their giant screen TVs and I hear tell they also have the MLB package, which means that those of us who don’t root for the Nationals, can still have a place to enjoy a brew and a bite and watch our favorite team play (I admit it. I hate the Nationals). While every night’s a great night, there, you might want to note that every Tuesday is draft day (and I’m not talking the NBA) and every Wednesday the folks at Kreggers are throwing a patio party. This looks like it’s lining up to be a fun-filled summer. Oh, by the way, that goes for Fido, too, because Kreggers is pet friendly.
IS THAT DOG NAMED CLIFFORD: When I was in Shore Dog Coffee & Café ( 435 N. Ridge Road) last fall, owner Gibbs Moody had just opened up his little coffee shop/café. He was offering a limited selection of breakfast sandwiches and paninis, but over the past six months or so, that shore dog sure has grown. Gibbs has put together a menu filled with a variety of tantalizing entrees, such as a chicken satay patty, as well as medallions of beef teres and arugula. Lunch salads, sandwiches, tapas and pizzas are also featured on the menu, as are both wine and beer. I had written last year that Shore Dog is a bright, comfortable and cheery place to grab a cup of coffee or a delicious scoop of ice cream. It’s still all that and more. I started to say, “…all that and a bag of chips,” but with the sweet potato wedges, you can do much better than chips. RichmondNavigator.com 49
tastebudz
I NEED MY SUGAR FIX - I visited with Melinda Foster, owner of Sugar Fix Bakery, when she first opened her shop in Ashland (105-B England St.) last summer. But the shop was crowded and I didn’t want to interfere with business. So, when we spoke recently, I learned more of the Sugar Fix story and it truly is a great story. Melinda, the mother of six children (3 boys and 3 girls) started baking decorated cookies in her home several years ago. She was mainly baking for the kids, her family and friends. But when you make delicious, customized, decorated cookies, word gets around. Before you know it, big business types, like the Martin Agency and the folks at Capital One, start to order your cookies. So, last summer, Melinda took the plunge and opened up her shop. “I was a little frightened at first,” Melinda admits. She explains that because her specialty is personalized, handdecorated cookies, she was worried that some folks might have a little sticker shock when they first saw the prices (they’re really not that high). But, she says, as customers started coming in and took note of all the work that went into making the cookies, they appreciated that you do get what you pay for. After about a year in business, Melinda says some of those original visitors to the store, who were initially surprised at the prices, are now regular customers. “The folks in Ashland have been very supportive,” she says. Due to customer demand, the menu at Sugar Fix has grown. Besides decorated cookies, you can also enjoy such tasty treats as cup cakes, cakes, brownies, and cinnamon rolls. “Our cream cheese pound cakes are very popular,” Melinda says. So are the chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies. But Melinda Foster and Sugar Fix are much more than cookies and other goodies. She is very involved in giving back to the community. Her youngest daughter was born with Down Syndrome and Melinda supports the Ashland ARC, as well as the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond, in a variety of ways, such as by donating cookies for fund-raising efforts. Melinda, a resident of Hanover for over 25 years, says of her youngest daughter, now a kindergartner, “I want her to have a place where she can work with me. She is so happy and she makes everyone else so happy.” There are not many things in life better than a cookie, but Melinda’s story is one of ‘em. Tempt yourself and check out the many treats at SugarFixBakery.com.
50 West End’s Best
NEW DELI DELIGHTS IN ASHLAND – I was talking with Mike Layne who runs Layne’s Country Store and Amish Kettle at 11670 Lakeridge Parkway. There are so many cool things there and now it’s gotten even cooler, with the new Amish Deli. Mike says that the Amish meats and cheeses are second to none. Not only is the quality much higher than some of those big-name brands you hear bandied about, but, Mike says, price-wise, you’re gonna save one to three dollars per pound based on what the supermarkets charge. If you want to experience a true Amish deli sandwich, head on in, pick your meats and cheeses, and then you can select some of the locally baked breads that they sell in the store. Top it off with some Amish pickles and relishes and you’ve got all the fixins for some great eating.
One more thing before we go. Remember to… MARK YOUR CALENDARS: One of the most fantastic events of the year takes place in early June (4 and 5), out in Goochland. If you’ve never been to the Rassawek Spring Jubilee, take my word for it. You do not want to miss it. If you have been, you don’t need me to say a thing. The event celebrates the handmade and the homegrown. It turns the spotlight on the craftsmanship and creativity so abundant around these parts. And it does it all, while serving wine and great food, along with live entertainment, in one of the most beautiful settings in Central Virginia. No, I am not their publicist, but I love this event. For details, visit Rasawek.com.
MAY/JUNE 2016
Come now & enjoy our Summer Specials until Aug. 31st!
Monday Night
Flavors of Capri Ciao Capri Ristorante presents the fresh, simple, regional cuisine from Italy’s beautiful Isle of Capri and the entire Campania region. Happy Hour M - F • 5:00-6:30 PM
Ciao Capri Ristorante
10478 Ridgefield Parkway • Henrico, VA 23233 (804) 447-6449 | CiaoCapriRVA.com Monday – ursday 5:00 – 9:30 p.m. • Friday & Saturday ‘til 10 p.m.
Baked Ziti: Mama’s Recipe Only $15.00
Tuesday Night $2.00 Off All Appetizers
Wednesday Night Free Dessert with Purchase of 2 Entrees
Zita - Mama’s Recipe Ground Beef, Fresh Mozzarella, Mama’s Homemade Sauce
RichmondNavigator.com 51
HAPPY HOUR GUIDE Rico’s Mexican Grill 11321 Nuckols Rd., Glen Allen 804-965-6999; RicosMexicanGrill.com
Authentic Mexican fare – It’s always fresh and it’s always made from scratch. Monday through Friday 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. 24 oz. draft’s – domestic or import - $5.00 12 oz Margarita - $5.00
One More Thing
Tacos are a dollar all day, every Thursday.
Tarrant’s West
11129 Three Chopt Road 804-205-3009; TarrantsWestRVA.com
The Halligan Bar & Grill 2451 Old Brick Rd., Glen Allen 804-364-2707; TheHalliganBar.com
This place is so hot, there’s a fire truck in the bar. Fantastic barbecue and sandwiches, along with a great bar scene. Monday through Friday 4 to 7 p.m. Drafts - $1 off Highballs and select shooters – $2.75 Domestic beers (12-oz.) - $2.75 Small plates - $5.50
Upscale, but affordable dining with a professional, knowledgeable staff, makes this a really cool West End independent restaurant. Monday Through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Select drafts - $2 off House wines - $2 off Specialty cocktails - $5.95 Tarrants offers their own take on such favorites as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. Other featured Happy Hour cocktails include the Lemon Drop and several varieties of martinis.
One More Thing
There’s live music on Friday nights.
One More Thing
All whiskeys are $2 off on Whiskey Wednesdays.
JJ’s Grille B.J.'s Brewhouse 12010 West Broad St.
Offering handcrafted beers, deep dish pizza and much more in a fun setting. Monday Through Friday 3 to 7 p.m. Mini deep dish pizzas – 1/2 price Draft and Bottled beer - $1 off Cocktail’s - $1 off Wine, by the glass - $1 off Shareable appetizers - $2 off Flatbreads - $2 off
One More Thing
From 10 p.m. until close on Sundays through Saturdays, their Happy Hour food prices are in effect. Every Tuesday ‘til 9, enjoy wine, by the glass or bottle at half price.
10298 Staples Mill Rd., Glen Allen 804-755-6229; JJsGrille.com From great burgers and sandwiches to juicy steaks and seafood, JJ’s Grille offers an excellent place to dine in a fun and casual atmosphere. Monday through Friday 3 to 7 p.m.; Saturday 12:00 to 5 p.m. Domestic: draft and bottle - $2.50 House wine - $4 Highballs - $3.50
One More Thing
Nightly specials include homemade chicken pot pie ($7) on Mondays. Tuesdays offer a burger and fries special for $5 and on Wednesdays, a 6-oz sirloin, with two sides is just $11. Thursday is wing night and JJ’s has live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
*All specials are subject to change. Please drink responsibly.* 52 West End’s Best
MAY/JUNE 2016
ROCK BOTTOM
ALWAYS BREWING
11800 West Broad Street (804) 237-1684 RockBottom.com RichmondNavigator.com 53
EVENTS
Events Calendar By Kyra Gemberling and West End’s Best staff
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The Children’s Museum of Richmond wants to offer a fun, relaxing space for families with special needs children, 10 and under, to enjoy themselves. Their Special Night for Special Needs gives these families access to all the museum has to offer plus adapted materials, special activities, a cool-down space and a reduced number of visitors. When: June 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: CMoR Short Pump Cost: Free CMOR.org
HISTORY HOUNDS
Everything is better with a dog, including historical tours. Bring your pooch and take a walking, guided tour of Bryan Park, in partnership with the Richmond SPCA. Dogs must have current shots, mix well with others and remain on a leash. Owners are responsible for water and cleaning up after their pets. Reservations required. When: May 21, 10 a.m.-noon Where: Bryan Park Cost: $15 TheValentine.org or 804-649-0711 ext. 301
DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY
Relaxing to the sound of reggae music is a great way to spend a summer night. Innsbrook After Hours is set to host Rebelution, a Billboard chart-topping group with diverse musical backgrounds out of Santa Barbara, California. Special guests include The Green + J Boog, Stick Figure, Through the Roots and DJ Mackle. When: June 15; gates open 5 p.m., showtime 6 p.m. Where: Innsbrook Pavilion Cost: $25-30 InnsbrookAfterHours.com
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Combine an artistic experience with a cultural one by taking in a performance by the Latin Ballet of Virginia. The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen presents the ballet’s production of “Milagros,” based on the novel by Meg Medina about a young girl who discovers the power of a mother’s love and the importance of identity. When: June 3, 7 p.m.; June 4-5, 2 p.m. Where: The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen LatinBallet.com
ROCKIN’ RACES
If you’re a fan of sports, the outdoors and music, Dominion Riverrock is essentially heaven. Set amongst the backdrop of downtown Richmond’s urban riverfront, the three-day festival includes a mud run, dog jumping, bouldering and a mountain bike race, just to name a few. The festival’s free concerts include performances by Rayland Baxter, Futurebirds and more. When: May 20-22; event times vary Where: Brown’s Island Cost: Prices vary based on event DominionRiverRock.com
54 West End’s Best
EVENTS
MAY/JUNE 2016
BACON ON THE BRAIN
It’s not often you can have bacon for breakfast, lunch and dinner—but at the fourth annual Richmond Bacon Festival, you can. Local restaurants and food trucks come together to offer all things bacon, from bacon-infused sliders to chocolate bacon ice pops. Enjoy live music, craft beer and shopping as well. When: June 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: 17th Street Farmers Market Cost: Free EnRichmond.org or 804-646-8311
FREE AT LAST
America has come a long way since June 19, 1865, the day that the last remaining slaves were emancipated. Juneteenth, a Freedom Celebration, recognizes what is now known as National Freedom Day. Sponsored by the Elegba Folklore Society, the event features a symposium, performances, children’s activities, a Freedom Market and a torchlit night walk on the Trail of Enslaved Africans. When: June 17-19; event times vary Where: Event locations vary Cost: Free EFSInc.org or 804-644-3900
GOURMET GRUB
It’s every foodie’s dream come true. At this year’s Broad Appetit, a diverse group of 75 local chefs and growers set up shop downtown on Broad Street, most of which will offer $3 mini-dish favorites for your enjoyment. Take in live performances and chef demos as well. When: June 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Broad St. between Henry & Adams streets Cost: Free BroadAppetit.com
HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, DAD
You might think of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden as an ideal place to bring mom, but its schedule of events for Father’s Day Weekend is sure to excite dad, too. Take part in a “Build a Better Boat” craft using corks and toothpicks, stretch out on the lawn with a blanket and a book, watch remotecontrolled sailboats on the lake and enjoy a buffetstyle cookout. When: June 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m; June 19, noon – 3 p.m. Where: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Cost: Regular garden admission ($8-13) LewisGinter.org
PLAYING THE FIELD
Relish in the energy of outdoor field hockey season at the Cougar 7v7 tournament. Hosted by Collegiate School and Sports Backers, this two-day competitive tournament gives you an opportunity to cheer on local teams before enjoying your own Memorial Day celebrations. When: May 28-29, game times vary Where: Collegiate’s Robins Campus Cost: Free to watch SportsBackers.org or 804-285-9495
RichmondNavigator.com 55
THE 2016-2017 SEASON
“For our eighth season of Broadway In Richmond, we’re excited to premiere four new musicals direct from Broadway including the Tony Award winners KINKY BOOTS and BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROL KING MUSICAL and bring back the record-breaking THE BOOK OF MORMON." said Steve Traxler, President of Jam Theatricals, the presenting company of Broadway In Richmond. "Every season, we look forward to bringing the best of Broadway direct to Richmond and presenting all of these shows at the beautiful Altria Theater.” Subscriptions for the 2016-2017 Season are now on sale at BroadwayInRichmond.com or by calling our subscription hotline at (804) 592-3401. Patrons may also purchase group tickets by calling (804) 592-3401 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Subscribe and see all five shows this season for as low as $230. Tickets for individual shows will go on sale as each performance date approaches.
56 West End’s Best
• ELF THE MUSICAL – 5 performances,
December 9 - 11, 2016 • Altria Theater • THE BOOK OF MORMON – 8 performances, February 7 -12, 2017 • Altria Theater
• RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA – 3 performances, March 10 & 11, 2017 • Altria Theater
• BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL – 8 performances, April 25 - 30, 2017 • Altria Theater
• KINKY BOOTS – 8 performances, May 30 – June 4, 2017 • Altria Theater For more information visit RichmondNavigator.com/entertainment
MAY/JUNE 2016
A CRAFTED EVENT FOR THE CRAFT BEER LOVER 3rd Annual National Beer Expo Slated for July
Which of the following best describes you: An enthusiast of craft beers? A true-blue foodie? A spirited fan of distilled spirits? A wine lover? All of the above? While, I’m willing to bet that most of you would choose “All of the above,” the truth is that even if you only fit into one of these categories, you’re not going to want to miss the third annual Capital Ale House National Beer Expo (CAHNBE)coming to Richmond July 13 through 16. It’s hard to fathom one function that encompasses so much. The Expo truly is a national event. Visitors from outside the region have begun to put the CAHNBE on their list as a reason, in itself, to come here. And no wonder! The Expo offers an unrivaled opportunity to taste premium Virginia and American craft beers, spirits, ciders, artisan tacos, smoked food, Southern, soul and Cajun cuisine and much more. It’s all brought together for four glorious days in mid-summer. We speak of it as “an event,” but, in reality, the CAHNBE is more than 15 events. Here is just a sampling of the activities designed for the connoisseur of the finer tastes in life: The Taco Throwdown features 16+ artisan-made tacos, 40+ craft beers, Virginia and Kentucky whiskey and live music. The Farm Country Feast is new for 2016. Held in the Ballroom of the convention center, this event will feature smoked, Southern, soul and Cajun cuisine, Virginia craft beer and cider, top-shelf Virginia spirits and live music.
Seminars are offered on a variety of topics such as Coffee Inspired Beers, Boozy Beers, Artisan Cheese and Beer Pairings and more, including one entitled, “Keep Virginia Weird and Its Beers, Too.” The Walk-Around Grand Tasting is the most popular event at the Expo. The Grand Tasting is, indeed, grand, giving you the opportunity to taste more than 170 Virginia and American craft beers. There’s even a VIP Walk-Around, which, not only gives you a head start on the crowd, but also offers admission to an expanded, exclusive area, where you’ll be able to sample at least 24 rare, vintage and limited release craft beers. Tickets are now on sale and my advice is that you better not delay in getting yours. Many events sell out quickly. The CAHNBE is produced by Variant Events. For tickets and more information, go to NationalBeerExpo.com.
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RichmondNavigator.com 57
HOME
CURB ENTHUSIASM I’LL BE THE FIRST TO ADMIT that my husband and I chose our home based on its school district, neighborhood, square footage and our mental exhaustion from looking at real estate for six days straight. That Friday afternoon, as we pulled up in front of property number 87, I’d already made up my mind that as long as the house wasn’t a former meth lab or built on top of some ancient burial ground, we’d make an offer. The realtor checked and it wasn’t. So we said “sold!” What our new home had going for it in location, it utterly lacked
1
REPAIR AND REPLACE: Say “so long” to cracked, sagging or worn looking siding, shutters, gutters and downspouts and replace them with new ones. Paint over any chipped or peeling surfaces like porch floors and the aforementioned siding and shutters. While you’ve got your work gloves on, get out the pressure washer and give your home’s exterior, driveway and walkways a good bath to remove mold, grime and dirt. These maintenance projects may not be as exciting as, say, choosing a new front door, but they can’t be neglected. After all, would you dress up in your best outfit without also showering and fixing your hair?
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ENTRYWAY: Nothing says “welcome” or, perhaps, “stay away!” more loudly than a home’s front entrance. The first change we made to our monochromatic abode was a fresh coat of robin’s egg blue paint on the door. This invigorating hue instantly breathed new life into our comatose front porch. According to houselogic.com, using high gloss paint on your front door will make it stand out from the pack even more. However, if a new paint job is unable to revive your tired portal, then a new one might be in order. According to Therma-Tru Corp., a leading manufacturer of exterior entry products, popular fiberglass doors maintain their newly-installed appearance for years longer than their steel and wooden counterparts. Add even more vigor to your entryway with eye-catching planters or urns on either side of the front door. Fill them with ever-popular boxwoods, as stand-alone greenery or as centerpieces of mixed planting arrangements.
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UPDATE OLD FIXTURES AND HARDWARE: Replace those passé brass porch and light post lanterns with more stylish models that accent your home’s architecture. A new handleset is another relatively inexpensive way to add more flair to your front door. Does your mailbox look like it lost a boxing match or is wearing a nice coat of rust? Then it’s probably time to send it to wherever retired mailboxes go and install a shiny new one. While you’re at it, give that mailbox post a little TLC with a fresh coat of paint.
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Five Ways to Add Charm and Curb Appeal to Your Home by Angela Weight
in curb appeal...unless you’re a fan of brown: brown siding, brown roof, brown shutters. Heck, even the grass was brown. On the charm scale, it was a solid “one.” But it was our “one.” Over the past year, I’ve been working to add splashes of color (non brown), fix a few cosmetic eyesores, incorporate fresh landscaping and make the property as inviting as its surrounding neighborhood. And I must say things are coming along quite nicely. Whether you’re sprucing your home up for potential buyers or for your own enjoyment, here are some simple ways to add curb appeal without breaking the bank.
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PLANT, MOW AND MANICURE: Healthy and well-tended landscaping goes a long way to enhance your home’s street view. Fertilize your lawn and fill in any unsightly bald patches with grass seed. Remove spindly, anemic looking bushes and replace them with variegated or flowering shrubs to add variety. To keep your property from having that “abandoned” look, trim back any straggly, neglected overgrowth. In our case, it was a towering holly border that had taken over part of the driveway. Add window boxes or color beds featuring seasonal annuals like marigolds and snapdragons for instant beauty. And don’t forget to mulch beds and borders every couple of months.
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SHINE SOME LIGHT: According to David Peek, director of product development for Progress Lighting, outdoor illumination greatly enhances the perceived value of a home. Well-lit driveways, walkways, porches and lawn perimeters provide safety and an impression of security. Plus, extra radiance casts a warm, inviting visage for guests, trick-or-treaters and the Dominos delivery guy. Instead of long rows of low-to-the-ground LED lighting, homeowners today are opting for taller architecturally striking individual lamps placed farther apart, such as Progress Lighting’s arts and crafts style outdoor lanterns. Not only will they highlight your home’s exterior at night, they’ll add dimension to your landscaping during the day.
See, all it takes to increase your home’s charm-scale ranking is a little patience, creativity and a few trips to the hardware store. Time to get back to my porch painting now. Angela Weight is a freelance writer living in Midlothian with her husband, two sons and a host of furry friends. She enjoys writing about home projects, youth baseball and all the funny ironies that happen in daily life. WEB
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Cook Up A New Look In The Kitchen
by Jody Rathgeb
DESIGNER: CHERYL KEES CLENDENON COMPANY: IN DETAIL INTERIORS, PENSACOLA, FL GREG RIEGLER
F
ormica is out; Corian is in. Corian is out; granite is in. Granite is out; concrete is in. Concrete is out; quartz is in …and those are the changing trends just in countertops! No wonder kitchen makeovers are daunting. Sometimes, though, you can see when a change is needed. If you are planning to sell the house, that tealand-black combo is a throwback drawback. Or maybe you want to stay, but the heart of the house has become too crowded and cluttered. Or perhaps a new interest in recipe experiments has you and your spouse bumping elbows and hips. Whatever the reason, it’s time to look at some trends in kitchen design and make decisions. Think it through. While it may be easiest to follow the newest design trends, it’s best to stop and think first. “Kitchens have become a multi-use space in our homes. People live in their kitchens and the way we design these spaces has evolved to adapt to each use,” notes Chris Salas, a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and principal partner at Cocina Interior Design Ltd. Of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He says that while current trends are fun—his favorite coming thing is the return of brass in a brushed finish instead of the shiny 1980s version—they should take a back seat to the function of a kitchen, especially when the renovation is being planned to help sell the house. DESIGNER: ANNE H. GRICE COMPANY: ANNE GRICE INTERIORS, ASPEN, CO JEREMY SWANSON
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Designing a kitchen for resale requires a conservative approach. “We have to design for the masses when re-sale is in the equation,” Salas says. Pleasing buyers means keeping it clean, quiet and simple. Opt for white and neutrals (warm gray tones are trending) as opposed to bold color schemes; keep wood tones in the medium range. In appliances, go for the tried and true: the stainless sink, a range that has quality but won’t break the bank, a refrigerator with capacity but not too many bells and whistles. “Budget tends to override having all the cool ‘toys,’” notes the designer. Modern basics allow buyers to add or upgrade without feeling that they must change everything from the outset. If you’re planning to stay put for a while, though, kitchen renovation is a different game. Stop and think about how you use your kitchen. Do you cook every day, or is yours a heat-and-eat, grab-and-go household? Do you entertain often? Is the kitchen where guests gather or the hub of family life? Remember the maxim “form follows function,” and plan accordingly. You may discover, if your goal is increasing space or expanding the kitchen into another living area, that you need a major makeover. If so, get some professional advice. The NKBA website offers planning tools for homeowners, an inspiration gallery and help in finding a designer near you.
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If you’re satisfied with the size and layout of your kitchen, a few cosmetic changes and a do-it-yourself approach might do the trick. Consider the following. • Remember the power of paint. Color is a great way to update or personalize a room, and it’s not very expensive. You can be bold or trendy with wall paint, accents or accessories. Salas says blue is trending in kitchen design. • Repurpose unused areas. A prep island that gets little use can become the kids’ homework site when the veggie sink is replaced by an electronics charging station and seating is added. Do you have one of those once-popular built-in desks that now just gathers clutter? Fit it with storage bins or turn it into the pet place. • Follow advancing technology. Some new ideas might be considered fads, but tech innovations tend to endure. For example, microwave ovens were once trendy; now it’s hard to imagine a kitchen without one. Look forward. “One of the easiest ways to add ease and function to a kitchen is planning for a tech/charging station,” Salas notes. He adds that appliances that can be controlled from a smart phone are also forward-looking. • Nourish your art cravings. Who says kitchen décor must be kitschy or merely decorative? The kitchen is a great place to display artistic pottery, fused glass or mosaic creations. Many local artists accept commissions for oneof-a-kind backsplashes or architectural accents that are also functional. • Don’t be afraid to mix materials. Not everything has to match. Says Salas: “In most of our designs we are mixing materials. We might do white perimeter cabinets with warm wood cabinets on the island. Or a light quartz countertop with a rich wood eating bar that has a live edge profile.” Just a touch of the high-end can save you money, too.
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• Apply thought to small appliances. Keep the ones you use frequently in reach; let the others be hidden but handy with pull-out and lift-out additions to cupboards. Appliance “garages” might be passé, but that doesn’t mean you have to display the blender that makes Pa’s whiskey sours once a year during the holidays. “Storage is always top of mind in a kitchen design,” says Salas. “Hardware manufacturers are always coming out with new, innovative ways to maximize storage. Some examples: double-tiered cutlery trays, pullout spice racks, pullout garbage and recycling bins.” Decide which ones are right for you, and take advantage of those that are. Remember, when cooking up a new kitchen, add a grain of salt to those trends. A kitchen that looks dated is probably one that reflects the tenor of its times. But before you jump into any movement, from country farmhouse to ’80s glam, decide whether you really love the look or are simply following the crowd. It’s your kitchen. Let the makeover be yours. For ideas and more information: www.nkba.org WEB
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Expert Workmanship and Quality Products The Hallmark of Trinity Renovations, Inc. by Liz Morley
L
ive in the metro Richmond area long enough, and you will experience déjà loo: the feeling that you’ve seen the same details in a dozen different bathrooms…ancient floor tile patterns crisscrossed by blackening grout, a single light over a boxy wall-hung lavatory with stubby faucets and no ventilation other than a window. Trying to relax in your own tub, you may have noticed the rusty underside of a cast-iron sink, peeling wallpaper and grout that needs scrubbing again. You might even live with a common flaw in older tract housing – kitchens designed by people who don’t cook. Mike and Stephanie Ridenour have been solving kitchen and bath problems for 17 years. Natives of central Virginia, the couple met in church when they were teenagers. “The name of our company is faith-based,” Stephanie says of Trinity Renovations, their bath and kitchen remodeling service located in Mechanicsville. When Trinity started out, it was just the Ridenours. They quickly realized they needed to hire a helper. “We were working out of our home. We had to end up renting a building because we just grew so much because of word of mouth,” recalls Stephanie. “(Our customers) just loved the work that we did, so they told everyone about us, and it grew into what we are today.” Trinity’s 3,000-square-foot showroom at 6102 Brashier Blvd features full-size bathroom and kitchen displays. Service begins with a knowledgeable team of sales consultants.
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“We have excellent people in the showroom who can walk you through the process of making your selections and ensuring that it’s not too stressful,” Stephanie says, adding “And we’re very competitive on our prices.” “The guys in the field are excellent at what they do, as well, “Stephanie adds “They’re very professional. When we come in your home, we treat your home as if it were our home. We clean up every day at the end of the day.” That quality workmanship has earned Trinity an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Of the Ridenour’s three children, the eldest son, who is almost 17, works part-time in the showroom after school. He helps with paperwork and assists clients making selections. During the summer, he joins his father at renovation sites. The typical Trinity clients, Stephanie says, own an older house and don’t plan to move. Last year, the first of the baby boomers turned 70. Many prefer to age in place. Trinity meets this growing demand with easy-to-use fixtures, safety features and barrier-free designs. “We offer the lower bathtubs, so that it’s not as hard for people to climb in,” she says. “And we also do the walk-in bathtubs.” Walk-in showers, a popular choice, are easier to use and provide enough room to help a disabled bather. Trinity installs similar features for clients still in their prime. “Even though they’re young, and they don’t need those things now, they’re planning for their future,” Stephanie says. Remodeling isn’t just cosmetic. When asked about those widely advertised plastic inserts that cover up old bathtubs and surrounding wall tiles, Stephanie responds, “We get that all the time.” She explains that plastic installations don’t resolve hidden problems such as leaks behind walls. “When we tear out their floors, especially their bathrooms, we’re finding moisture that they didn’t know was there,’’ she adds. “So it would have eventually been a big problem, had we not found it.” Dampness also breeds mold and mildew, which causes illness. “When we come in, we take everything out down to the studs,” Stephanie says. “We take it all out, and start from scratch, using an effective waterproofing system.” Among other quality products offered, Trinity applies LATICRETE® SpectraLOCK® grout to kitchen and bath tiles. SpectraLOCK® repels stains, mold and mildew. “That’s what most people hate about grout…cleaning it,” Stephanie says. “And ours is virtually maintenancefree.” Demonstrating excellent workmanship and customer service, along with their use of quality products, Trinity makes it possible for clients to care for themselves and their loved ones in comfort and beauty. For more information, call 804-318-1907, or visit online at TrinityRenovationsInc.com.
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Northern Neck Events The Players Theater, Callao May 14 – 29, 2016 WestmorelandPlayers.org/Tickets It’s the day of the big tournament. The resident pro has switched teams. Who will save the day for the Quail Valley Country Club? This hilarious romp pulls the rug out from underneath the stuffy members of a private country club. Filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors, and over-the-top romantic shenanigans, it’s a furiously paced comedy that recalls the Marx Brothers’ classics. A charmingly madcap adventure about love, life, and man’s eternal love affair with … golf.
Street Food, Bands & Brews Golden Eagle Golf Club, Irvington May 21, Noon to 5 p.m. TidesInnEvents.TicketLeap.com Live Music From Four Great Bands, including former American Idol contestant, Matt Sease, who will perform from noon to 1 p.m. Also slated: Respect Band (1 to 2:30 p.m.), Mercy Creek (2:30 – 3:30 p.m.), East of Hollywood (3:30 to 5 p.m.) Food and beer will be available for purchase. Parking is available at the Golden Eagle Golf Club and there will be complimentary transportation from the Tides Inn. General Admission - $20.00
There’s plenty to see and plenty to do in Virginia’s Northern Neck. Here is just a sampling of upcoming events. To discover more, visit NorthernNeck.org
Irvington Farmers Market 98 King Carter Dr., Irvington May 7 & June 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. TownOfIrvingtonVa.com The Irvington Farmers Market features more than 100 vendors from across the region. It runs the first Saturday of each month from May through November and features handmade crafts, homemade breads and bakery products, artisanal cheeses, meats, seafood, soaps, handmade clothing, furniture, jewelry, glassware, baskets, crafts of all kinds and both original and handprinted artwork. A variety of musicians entertain in the gazebo. Additionally, there are free books from the Lancaster Library and tips from the Northern Neck Master Gardeners, Audubon Society, local farms and more. Oyster Gardens and select water products are sold, too.
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WHAT’S NEW IN VIRGINIABEACH? COURTESY OF THEVIBEDISTRICT.COM
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ichmond’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes a beach-based getaway a natural day trip, weekend retreat or extended-stay vacation. And Virginia Beach’s busy, vibrant nature easily keeps boredom at bay, whether you’re exercising your own cherished traditions or making new ones.
by Annie Tobey
The dynamic region includes three distinct beaches: the resort area, featuring the three-mile oceanfront boardwalk, sandy beaches and amenities galore; the Chesapeake Bay beach for kinder, gentler waves and a more laid-back vibe; and Sandbridge, with Atlantic Ocean beaches, natural areas and a quieter community. All have new venues worth exploring.
THE COLORFUL, INSPIRED ViBe
The ViBe Creative District is a new art and cultural hub “In the heArt of the Resort.” Art galleries, museums, shops and restaurants showcase some of the area’s most talented artisans, bringing the beach to life in canvases, jewelry, custom surfboards, locally crafted food and beverages, and more. TheVibeDistrict.com Studio 17, a gallery, working studio and event space, highlights some of the area’s best artists and crafters. Facebook > Studio 17 VB Three Ships Coffee, a roastery and coffee shop, pays homage to local history in name and décor while bringing coffee favorites and originals to the district. ThreeShipsCoffee.com Hearth Wood Fired serves up fresh, wood-fired dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, using creative recipes and ingredients, plus craft beer and wine. Presentation and décor are as refreshing as the food. HearthVB.com Commune, a farmer-owned restaurant, offers a locally harvested menu and coffee bar, house-made sodas, kombucha, local herbal teas and local beers. The zero-waste business has an on-site herb garden and sources all other ingredients from farms within 100 miles. CommuneVB.com The Stockpot brings a new culture of soup and stew, crafting quality dishes primarily prepared with local ingredients. StockpotSoups.com
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Esoteric, housed in a 1920s-era building on the Virginia Beach Historical Registry, serves European-influenced fare with local ingredients, many sourced from their on-site garden. EsotericVB.com Chesapeake Bay Distillery, the first vodka tasting room in Virginia Beach, uses locally sourced ingredients. ChesapeakeBayDistillery.com Java Surf Café and Espresso Bar prepares breakfast and lunch using fresh local and organic ingredients, offering vegan and gluten-free options and specialty lattes created in-house. Facebook > Java Surf Café & Espresso Bar First Friday ViBe is a block party held – you guessed it – the first Friday of each month. Facebook > First Friday ViBe
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PLEASURE HOUSE OYSTERS
First, Pleasure House Oysters carefully cultivates the Lynnhaven oyster to return it to its days of glory, crafting and seeding small batches by hand. Second, Pleasure House offers boat tours, educating consumers on the history of the Lynnhaven oyster and the importance of oysters, not just to our dining tables but to the health of the waters. Most recently, the business began offering a chef’s table dining experience – enjoy a fresh meal on the Lynnhaven River with oyster farmer Chris Ludford and sample bivalves directly from the water. PleasureHouseOysters.com THE BEACH BEER SCENE
Over the past two years, Virginia Beach’s craft beer scene has blossomed, affording opportunities to sip a taste of place across all three beaches. Local breweries provide taprooms for enjoying fresh-brewed beers on site – usually in sampling flights or full pours – and sometimes accompanied by entertainment and food trucks. RESORT AREA
You’ll discover Back Bay Brewery, just a few blocks from the beachfront (BackBayBrewingCo.com) and Wasserhund Brewing Co., just a few miles inland (WasserhundBrewing.com). Home Republic brewpub, also near the beachfront, features their own beers as well as other craft beers, wine and food. HomeRepublicVABeach.com CHESAPEAKE BAY AREA
Pleasure House Brewing (PleasureHouseBrewing.com) and Commonwealth Brewing Co. (CommonwealthBrewingCompany.com), only a few miles apart, are both close to the Bay beaches. SANDBRIDGE BEACH
Two of the region’s veteran breweries are near Sandbridge: Young Veterans Brewery (YVBC.com) and Reaver Beach Brewing (ReaverBeach.com – once known as Beach Brewing). MOCA EXHIBIT: A 10-YEAR LOOK AT HI-FRUCTOSE
The new exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) features well-known contemporary artists in a 10year retrospective of the acclaimed art magazine, Hi-Fructose. “Turn the Page: The First Ten Years of Hi-Fructose” (May 22 – Dec. 31) features artists working in a variety of media. Films, panel discussions and other special events provide an opportunity to interact with the artists. VirginiaMOCA.org/turnthepage DESTINATION COFFEE SHOPS
These shops are passionate about producing a delicious cup of artisanal joe as well as supporting the people behind the beans. Roast Rider Coffee + Tea pairs their perfect coffee and tea with food from carefully chosen local vendors. RoastRiderCoffee.com Lynnhaven Coffee Company has their own roasting facility and offers baked goods and dairy products from area producers. LynnhavenCoffee.com COMING SOON
Green Flash Brewing Co., based in San Diego, is building their East Coast production facility and tasting room in Virginia Beach. GreenFlashBrew.com/virginia-beach/ Historic Cavalier Hotel, built in 1927, is currently undergoing renovations and scheduled to reopen in 2017. This list compiled with assistance of Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (VisitVirginiaBeach.com). WEB
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THE DABBS HOUSE MUSEUM (FIRST FLOOR) INCLUDES ROOMS STAGED TO RESEMBLE THE WAY THEY LOOKED DURING ROBERT E. LEE'S STAY IN 1862. MIKE SHIELDS
Dabbs House an Overlooked Gem in Henrico It’s a little hidden gem that S “people don’t realize is there. ” by Tom Gresham
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The Dabbs House’s proximity to Interstate 64 attracts travelers to the tourist information center, which is a resource for sites and activities throughout the region. Truong says visitors often are surprised to find the museum attached. “It’s a little hidden gem that people don’t realize is there,” she adds. The Dabbs House, 3812 Nine Mile Road, is free and open to the public. Museum and information center hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment on Monday and Tuesday. An on-site library, which holds the research from Louis H. Manarin’s two-volume “Field of Honor: The Civil War in Henrico County,” is open by appointment. WEB
FURNISHINGS AND OTHER DETAILS HELP ILLUSTRATE THE MANY LIVES AND PURPOSES OF THE DABBS HOUSE PROPERTY
MIKE SHIELDS
ince its construction in 1859, the Dabbs House has seen its share of visitors and played varied and surprising roles that reflect the meandering course of history. In its current iteration, the Dabbs House illuminates that rich past as a museum and tourist information center. Located on Nine Mile Road in Henrico County, the Dabbs House has served as a family home, a field headquarters for Robert E. Lee, an almshouse, a rental property and the Henrico County Police Department’s headquarters. As Anna Truong, with Henrico’s Division of Recreation and Parks, says, the Dabbs House “has had a lot of different lives.” Today, most visitors are drawn to the house because of the 62 days when Lee took residence with his staff in the summer of 1862. Josiah Dabbs had built the house for his family shortly before the onset of the Civil War – and just three years before his death. Mary Catherine Dabbs, Josiah’s widow, vacated the house as the war raged, believing she would be safer in the city of Richmond. The Confederate army received her permission to borrow her country home when Lee’s troops entered the area. The house features exhibit materials, which explore both Lee’s key decisions at the house, including a strategy to protect Richmond from Union troops, as well as Henrico’s history with the Civil War. The Seven Days Battles, a series of six major battles fought during a bloody week in June and July of 1862, receive particular scrutiny, as does the nearby Battle of New Market Heights, which was fought two years later and was notable in part for the bravery of the 14 black soldiers who earned the medal of honor for their heroics in that fight. The original portion of the Dabbs House is staged to interpret the lives of Lee and his staff during their stay. Visitors also can view letters from Lee to Perry Parks, one of his servants. The letters provide a view into Lee’s mindset during this crucial period and offer insight into his relationship with Parks. The Dabbs House addition includes exhibits on the location’s other lives, emphasizing its years as an almshouse (1883-1924) and a police headquarters (1941-2005). The exhibit space also provides information about a hidden emergency shelter developed in the 1960s in case of catastrophe but used primarily for the planning of police sting operations.
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