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CONTENTS MAY / JUNE 2017
62 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
How much do you know about
Richmond? 58
MONUMENT SQUARE
08 West End's Best
33
IN SEARCH OF: DESSERTS
RichmondNavigator.com
FIRST OF ALL
16 Book People
16 Video Revolution 18 The Oley Way
22
BUSINESS WATCH
20 Le Bleu Central Virginia
SENIORS
22 Lifelong Learning 23 The Imaginary Line
HEALTH
24 Smooth Operator 25 Body Beautiful 26 My Thyroid Does What?
43
27 Root Canal: What is it?
FLAVOR
31 In Search Of: Desserts 35 Tastebudz 38 Outdoor Dining 43 BeerBudz 44 Happy Hour Guide
HOME
50 A Touch of Industrial Chef-worthy Kitchens
53
54 Take It Outside New Trends in Outdoor Living 58 Monument Square Historical Charm in the West End
TRAVEL
68 Beach Getaways 70 Cool Summer Escapes
May / June 2017
West End's Best 09
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From the Editor
Contributors
This issue really hits the sweet spot, and in more ways than one. Now, not to bore you here with talk about the weather, but…can we please talk about this weather? Sweet spot indeed. Warm, breezy and not too humid, it’s the perfect time of year to spend the entire day outside. In our Flavor section, you’ll find the best of the West End and Richmond’s outdoor dining in our patio pictorial of local restaurants, while in our Home section writer Angela Weight covers the latest trends in backyard entertaining. Further from home, Steve Cook takes you out of your comfort zone with his companion pieces highlighting hidden beaches and little-known getaways, all just an hour-plus drive away. On the flipside, this issue of River City features Zach Brown’s rundown of some of the best summer street festivals happening in Richmond. We’ve also included a complementary piece from Tom Gresham on the fantastic street festivals that the town of Ashland, just a quick jaunt up I-95 N, has to offer as well. And be sure to check out one of Afro-Zen Allstars outdoor gigs this summer. You can read about the local funk/jazz band — fresh off their rave review from Songlines magazine — in Davy Jones’ in-depth interview with bandleader George M. Lowe. Now, the other sweet spot I speak of is, well, a bit more literal. But then, who can speak in metaphors when you’re stuffing your mouth with the deliciously decadent desserts we’ve uncovered for you in this issue’s In Search Of…series? From Dutch & Co.’s inventive Honey Pot to the traditional simplicity of Chianti’s cannoli, we’ve got over four full pages of drool-worthy sweets for you to sink your teeth into. Rounding it all out, in West End’s Best Steve Cook also gives us How Much Do You Know About Richmond? Take the quiz (I promise there’s no math) and let us know how well you scored!
Angela Weight
Elena Marinaccio,
Elena@RichmondNavigator.com
MORE THAN JUST West end’s best
Angela is a native of Georgia’s Middle-of-Nowhere Region who followed her husband (and his job) to Richmond in 2014. An insatiably curious freelance writer, she has covered everything from monster truck racing to the latest embalming techniques (though not in the same article). When Angela isn’t clicking away on her laptop, she can usually be found at a baseball field cheering for one of her sons.
Jordan Langley
Jordan Langley’s insightful essays about parenting and grief have appeared in Richmond Family Magazine, Brain, Child and Hello Grief, a website affiliated with Comfort Zone Camp. She is polishing up her debut novel. Jordan is a writer, literacy advocate and sports mom living in Moseley with her husband and two sons. Follow her on Twitter @jordan_langley.
Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos is the author and editor of the upcoming cookbook series KUKLA’S KOUZINA: A Gourmet Journey – Greek Island Style, and is the website mistress and blogger for KuklasKouzina.com. Kelly is also a cohost on Kukla’s Kouzina’s YouTube cooking channel. She has been a contributing food editor and writer for over 15 years, working with a number of national publications, including ReadersDigest. com, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Working Mother. Kelly is also a travel and entertainment writer whose articles have appeared in American Way, Country Weekly, and Backstage.com. When Kelly isn’t cooking up a dish or a food story, she enjoys writing screenplays and acting on TV and in film.
Zach Brown
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Zach first moved to Richmond to attend VCU, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Writing in 2010. Serving as a poster child for obsessive behavior, Zach has never been able to casually enjoy anything as subjects that interest him hit ‘all-consuming’ levels in a matter of days. The greatest example of this defect being his love of writing. When he wraps up his daily word quota, you’ll find him playing drums with his band, reading, or enjoying a craft beer from one of his many favorite local brewers.
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ABOUT OUR COVER On our cover this issue is the inviting patio at Azzurro Ristorante on River Road. Azzurro is included in our Outdoor Dining feature. Also included in this issue is a look into current trends in outdoor living at home and suggested destinations for cool summer escapes.
14 West End's Best
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WHAT’S GOING ON? Summertime and the living is easy, or so they sing. As we approach the season, take a little time to explore Richmond Navigator. Just type in “summer” in our search box and discover some treasures from past issues of our magazines.
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YOUR “DOOR” TO A COOL SUMMER TRIP Want to get away from the hot, humid Virginia summers? Annie Tobey provided some insight into one of my favorite getaways — Door County, Wisconsin.
SUMMER HANGOUTS In 2014 Jack Trammel took us on a summertime stroll down Richmond’s memory lane.
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WATER WAYS Cool off in your own backyard. Landscape and interior designer, Vicki O’Neal, provided our readers the value of her expertise when it comes to having your own pool. THE BEER FIT PLAN You’ll stay fit this summer if you take Meredith Dauksz’ excellent advice from last summer’s Lady Sings the Brews column.
HANOVER — RICH IN HISTORY & HISTORICAL SITES Author Tom Gresham offered some direction for those who want to take some time over the summer to discover the history of Hanover.
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From health and beauty tips, to home and garden improvement ideas, to summer getaways, there’s so much to discover at RichmondNavigator.com.
May / June 2017
West End's Best 15
FIRST OF ALL
Staying in Passion “I know this is a business,” says Ruth Erb, who for the past 31 years has operated Book People at 536 Granite Avenue. “But I don’t say that I’ve stayed in business. I say that I’ve stayed in passion.” Isn’t that what makes book people so wonderful…their passion for books? Mrs. Erb’s cottage-like shop is virtually overflowing with about 23,000 books for those who share that passion. It’s certainly David Shuman’s passion. He works with Erb. “I’m the owner,” she says with a gentle smile. He’s the dictator.” Actually, she calls me the glorified peon,” he laughs. Shuman, who will soon be purchasing the business, says he will shut down briefly in July for major renovations. As we go to press, he is in the process of starting an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to make the overhaul possible. If you’re one of those “book people,” visit the store’s website (BookPeopleRichmond.com) to learn more.
Video Revolution
What Are Women Worth? That’s the title of a new short documentary produced by Tucker high senior, Josephine Tuckley. “This has been going on for a long time,” says Tuckley, an International Baccalaureate student. “People just don’t know about it.” In her five-minute film she interviews over twenty Richmond-area women. The goal: to spread the staggering stats on child marriage (nearly 15 million children are married every year, according to the United Nations Population Fund). She recently submitted the film to Girls Impact the World Film Festival, held in Austin, TX. “I have been focusing on this issue for about two years now,” she says, “and I will not stop until my voice is heard.” You can watch Tuckley’s video here: YouTube.com/watch?v=kSewqN4jsLQ
Ken Moretti, Patricia Alli, Katherine S. Wright, Grey Garrett, and Chris Hester appear in the production of Bill W. and Dr. Bob.
16 West End's Best
RichmondNavigator.com
May / June 2017
West End's Best 17
FIRST OF ALL
The Oley Way “It’s not the only way. It’s ‘The Oley Way,’” proclaims Frank Oley. “TheOley Way” is not just the underlying philosophy of this personable West End native. It’s also the name of his website and the name of his bar consultation business. But the truth is, while Frank Oley always does things the Oley Way, there is not just one Frank Oley. The more that I’ve come to know the man who serves as the beverage manager as well as part owner of the new Ya Ya’s Cookbook Restaurant (11674 W. Broad Street, in Downtown Short Pump Shopping Center), the clearer it becomes that Oley has two very distinct sides, and both serve him well. The most public side — the side that you will see when you visit Ya Ya’s — is one of an unashamedly determined self-promoter who is nothing short of dazzling as a mixologist. Watch him pour drinks that change color before your very eyes, or shoot flames across the bar. He’s quite the showman. Just wait ‘til you see how he can turn an already cool cocktail into something way beyond cool with liquid nitrogen. This Frank Oley has been known to rub shoulders with the stars, having been an award-winning bartender in both Los Angeles and New York City. This is the Frank Oley who continually interrupts our conversation during lunch in order to run across the room and hand out his business cards, inviting strangers to, “Come see me at Ya Ya’s.” But there’s another side to Oley. One that most who have watched him work his magic behind the bar may have never seen. This side is more reflective, more introspective. The happy guy behind the bar is still happy on the other side. But he’s also a businessman who successfully operates his own consultation business, and who is constantly analyzing the steps he needs to take in order to ensure that his vision for Ya Ya’s is realized. Oley is insistent on hiring the best staff and training them to do things “The Oley Way.” This Frank Oley is fiercely loyal to his friends and family. After having wowed the Hollywood elite with his personality and mixology skills, Oley says he returned to the area because of his family, with whom he remains close. “I want to succeed here,” he says. “I want my family and those I grew up with to experience some of the things I’ve experienced.” During personal conversations, the one thing he talks about more than his ideas for the bar is his wife, Rema. Oley virtually bursts with pride as he tells me about her successes and her new career in real estate. “I love my wife,” he tells me frequently. “You really have to meet her.” Oley is indeed loyal to his friends. On several visits, he has spoken of a childhood friend, P. J. Kelly, who preceded him to Los Angeles and who had been instrumental in introducing Oley to the world of craft cocktails. Kelly passed away nearly five years ago, and Oley continues to remember him and to be inspired by him. He tells me that he has created a special drink named in Kelly’s memory that he will be serving at Ya Ya’s. This is the Frank Oley that many may never get to know or appreciate. I once heard someone describe another artist as not being encumbered with false modesty. That fits my impression of Frank Oley. However you see him, he’s a guy that you can’t help but be drawn to. He’s affable and charming. He’s passionate and he’s real. There may be two Frank Oley’s, but whichever one you get, it’s going to be The Oley Way. 18 West End's Best
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Photo: Temple Hill
by Steve Cook
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BUSINESS WATCH
Think All Water’s the Same? Think Again “Just because water is clear, most people think it’s all the same,” says Christine Probst, who, along with business partner Tom Garnett, owns and operates Le Bleu Central Virginia. “Imagine how wine makers would feel if people thought that about red wine!” Water purity is a subject about which we should be concerned. As Probst points out, the human body is 75% water. “We cannot survive three days without it.” So passionate is she about educating consumers of the importance of pure water to our bodies that she gave up her 20-year career in commercial property management, teamed up with Garnett, who had retired as a vice president from Southern States after 31 years, and launched the Central Virginia distributorship. So what makes Le Bleu so special? How does it differ from the bottled waters that fill the shelves in the grocery stores? It comes down to purity and taste, Probst says. “There are no chemicals, metals or inorganic minerals in Le Bleu, it’s simply hydrogen and oxygen. If your bottled water conducts electricity, it is not pure water and you are not doing your body any favors.”
“Our purification process is FDA approved and Le Bleu does not have an expiration date, unlike our competitors. Le Bleu is also the preferred water of the US Department of Defense, and is flown around the world with our deployed troops.” – Christine Probst
With Le Bleu, even the bottle is better. “All of our bottles are made with high plastic content and are BPA-free, which means no leaching plastic into the water,” she says. “Our purification process is FDA approved and Le Bleu does not have an expiration date, unlike our competitors. Le Bleu is also the preferred water of the US Department of Defense, and is flown around the world with our deployed troops.” While Le Bleu’s market is primarily 5-gallon bottles delivered to homes and offices, they also distribute handheld bottles in various sizes, and offer custom bottle labeling to their clients. To learn more, visit the company’s informative website (LeBleuCentralVA.com), or call 804-264-1362.
20 West End's Best
Le Bleu Central Virginia partners Christine Probst and Tom Garnett RichmondNavigator.com
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West End's Best 21
SENIORS
Lifelong Learning by Jody Rathgeb taying healthy as we age involves exercise, for both body and mind. The brain may not be a muscle, but it needs regular stretches and calisthenics to keep in shape. Two programs offered through the Virginia Center on Aging emphasize keeping the brain active through learning and travel. The center, part of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Allied Health Professions, offers a Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield and Road Scholar programs in Richmond, Staunton and Harrisonburg.
Stay curious The Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield is a member-supported organization that offers daytime courses and lectures for adults age 50 and above. Topics taught by professionals cover a wide range, and there are no exams, credits or degrees required. There are spring and fall terms (four to eight weekly sessions, up to two hours each), plus a four-week summer term. A lecture series is included during each term. Other sponsors are Chesterfield County Public Schools and Chesterfield County, and partners include John Tyler Community College, Midlothian YMCA and civic organizations.
‘Staycation’ learning VCoA also participates in the Road Scholar program in Virginia. Road Scholar (known as Elderhostel until 2010) is the world’s largest education and travel organization for adults, and VCoA has been a provider for more than 30 years, with about 40 programs annually in Richmond, Staunton and Harrisonburg. Each ranges from three to six days. 22 West End's Best
In Richmond, the Road Scholar program concentrates on history. Participants stay at the Crowne Plaza Downtown Richmond and explore the city’s past through its Jefferson-designed Capitol, antebellum mansions, grand boulevards and Civil War sites. The educational content is balanced by fun. Mary Field of Richmond, who participated in several programs when it was still called Elderhostel, described them as “summer camp for old folks” as well as commenting on their “very interesting content.” For those who live in or near Richmond, the program amounts to a “staycation” encouraging participants to rediscover other learning opportunities while having fun at local museums, gardens, festivals and on walking tours.
Many ways to learn Beyond its two main programs, VCoA offers conferences, workshops, and Love of Learning and Charter programs: • Conferences and workshops are open to university and medical staff, community service providers and adult learners. • Love of Learning programs are open to senior adults at hotel-based program sites in Hampton Roads, Natural Bridge and Richmond. Programs (ranging from one to three days) focus on history, ecology, literature, music, art and architecture, with field trips to such places as Monticello, Smithfield and the Casemate Museum on Fort Monroe. Chartered educational programs and charter Road Scholar programs combine classes, tours, and day trips or overnight travel designed specifically for a group. For more information, visit vcu.edu/vcoa, which has links to the individual programs, or call 800-454-5768 or locally 804-828-1525.
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SENIORS ADVENTURES IN AGING
THE IMAGINARY LINE
F
by Constance Whitney
or the record, I do not believe in flying pink unicorns, rainbowcolored elephants or the Loch Ness monster. I’m a little iffy on the vampire reality but absolutely deny the existence of zombies. In fact, in all things, I am more a realist than an idealist. So, when my lovely daughter started professing an imaginary “line” that I, as a lovely grandmother, should not cross, I was skeptical. Where is said line? Who put it there? And by what legislative act was I subject to its boundaries? I gathered a group of equally as lovely grandmothers and posed the questions to the collective. Question 1: Is it an inherent right of grandparenthood to bestow upon the grandchild whatever gifts/treasures/treats we deem appropriate/ safe/fun in an effort to campaign for Best Grandma Ever status? The consensus was yes.
Question 2: Does the imaginary line truly exist? The consensus again was yes.
Follow-up question: Does it apply to us? The consensus: NO! When my daughter told me she was visiting this summer with my grandson, I was completely over the moon. They live on the other side of the planet and we don’t get to see each other in person very often. My grandson is now 6 — the perfect spoiling age! I immediately ran out and got him a bike, glove and bat, football, roller blades and all the appropriate headgear. I started making plans for Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens, Smithsonian tours, Squirrels games, river rafting, horseback riding, etc. I told my grandson of the wonders we would find at Duck
Donuts, Ray’s and Rita’s Italian Ice and Sweet Frog. I expounded upon the thrills of playing laser tag, the fun of midnight frisbee-throwing contests and the magnificence of Skyline Drive. I was on a roll. And then my daughter said the incomprehensible words, “Mom, you’ll spoil him.” Say what? Of course I’ll spoil him. First, I’m his grandmother and second, he’s my grandson. It’s a given that I’ll spoil him. I speak for all grandparents when I say that spoiling our grandchildren is our right. We made it through parenthood — the 3 a.m. ER visits, the tantrums, the first day of school, the first crush. We survived our children learning to drive, and then watched them drive off to the prom. We managed the litany of after-school activities, beforeschool activities, weekend activities and summer activities mixed in with play dates, dentist appointments and youth group trips. We suffered right alongside our children through their first heartbreaks and their really bad haircuts. And we did this with a loving heart, with patience and grace, all with this thought in mind: to help them reach their goals and become productive, contributing members of society. But also, with the real final goal in mind: to get to spoil the dickens out of their kids someday! To the victor go the spoils! We survived their childhoods, now we get to have fun! In explaining this all to my daughter, she continually fell back on the “line” issue. So I asked, “Who, pray tell, decides where the line is drawn?” She said smugly, “Each parent decides what is best for their child.” “Perfect,” I said, “And as your parent, I’m telling you, my child, you can’t draw that imaginary line.” Game, Set, Match. Let the spoiling begin!
May / June 2017
West End's Best 23
HEALTH
Smooth Operator Nervous to go under the knife? We’ve rounded up the latest tools for non-surgical fat loss, designed to target all the trouble spots.
N
by Susie Galvez
on-invasive: just the idea of it sounds alluring. The newest med spa treatments claim to contour all those hard-to-trim areas that oftentimes diet or exercise can’t combat. Last year, doctors performed over 300,000 of these procedures in the U.S., up five percent from 2015, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But, how much contouring can they actually do, and how quickly will results show up? First, it is important to note that non-surgical body contouring is not designed to be a weight loss treatment and not everyone is a candidate for treatment. Candidates should be in relatively good shape but have fat on their abdomen, flanks, back or thighs that are resistant to diet and exercise. Let’s take a look at three of the most well-received and cutting edge non-invasive procedures on the cosmetic non-surgery menu.
Coolsculpting “Coolsculpting uses a patented cooling technology — similar to Cryotherapy — to target very specific areas of accumulated fat, such as thighs, belly, and in some cases, double chins,” says Dr. Corrine Nelson, owner of Onsite Cool Body Sculpting in Manakin-Sabot. The “excess fat” is held between two metal plates that chill the fat without harming surrounding tissue or skin. The fat cells are destroyed and begin to die over several weeks, which the body will eliminate through the lymphatic system (simply put, via your urine). What’s left is a reduced layer of fat at the treated area. This process is controlled by your body’s own natural response mechanism, with typically noticeable changes within one to three months from the initial treatment. Often, more than one treatment is needed to achieve desired results. Liposonix Liposonix is a unique treatment that targets the mid-level layer of fat in larger, more general areas of the abdomen. It uses thermal ultrasonic energy to destroy the fat and stimulate the collagen around the treated area to firm up skin. A hand-held applicator glides across the target area, moving in a pattern to achieve the desired post-procedure shape. The ultrasonic heat penetrates, destroying the fat cells. The body eliminates the damaged fat cells through the lymphatic system. Results can be seen over two to four months, and multiple treatments may be performed if needed.
Zerona Zerona is typically used to treat areas of fat on the waist, hips and thighs. The treatment uses low-level “cold” lasers to disrupt fat cell membranes, increasing their permeability. Although the fat cells remain intact, they are decreased in size, leading to a slimmer silhouette. Zerona’s technology is based on laser-light stimulation, meaning that no part of the device actually touches the body. The laser diodes hover from above, emitting cold laser light in a circular pattern above the target areas. Results can be seen in as little as one month, but requires a modified diet and light cardio exercise to achieve best results.
Susie Galvez is an international image consultant, speaker, author, beauty industry expert. For more, visit SusieGalvez.com 24 West End's Best
RichmondNavigator.com
Body Beautiful Offering more than just a nip-and-tuck, these full-service medical spas boast an array of treatments to keep your face and body looking its best.
10120 West Broad St., Suite F, Glen Allen 800-656-8386 RenewMeToday.com 3809 Gaskins Rd., Henrico 804-270-3032 BetterFaces.com With an office adjacent to West End Dermatology, Medi Spa West serves as the cosmetic arm of the dual skincare facility run by Dr. Yvonne Knight. An assistant clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at the VCU Medical Center, Dr. Knight may look familiar due to her years as a medical news reporter for CBS’s Health Team Six. Medi Spa West, which has served this convenient West End location for six years (and before that in a location closer to Downtown Richmond for several years), offers a full range of aesthetic services from Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy and injectables to Thermage skin tightening for face and body. The medispa focuses on education, aftercare and preparing patients for healthful skincare habits at home.
Renew Health & Wellness specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, a procedure that works to replenish hormones lost through aging or other processes. Treating everything from hot flashes and migraines to dry skin and hair loss, a simple blood test gives the technicians at Renew all the information they need to create an exact biochemical match of your own hormones. The facility grew into a full-service medspa three years ago when their clientele wanted to, as Madison Kiley, the medical manager and a registered nurse at Renew says feel as beautiful outside as they did inside. Starting with laser hair removal, the spa now offers a full range of aesthetic services, including hydra facials, laser hair removal and 3-D eyebrow microblading. Staffed with a full medical team as well as a master aesthetician, Renew is an A4M Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine.
11000 Three Chopt Rd., Suite D, Henrico 804-935-7546 SculptureTotalSkinCare.com Licensed Master Aesthetician Laurie Wells, owner of Sculpture Total Skin Care for over 10 years, wants to make you feel better about yourself in a safe and healthy way. Her medispa offers a host of ways to brighten and tighten your face and body, from traditional spa facials — including services targeted specifically for men — and peels to cutting-edge treatments like Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy and standby services like Botox injections. Body treatments include laser hair removal, waxing, leg vein therapy, massage and reflexology. Sculpture also offers non-surgical body enhancement treatments that firm up trouble spots, with a board certified plastic surgeon on staff for surgical consults and procedures.
May / June 2017
West End's Best 25
HEALTH
My Thyroid Does What?
A
re you consistently eating a healthy diet, but experiencing significant weight losses or gains for no apparent reason? The cause may be your thyroid. Symptoms of common thyroid disorders include major weight changes, increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, higherthan-normal cholesterol, lethargy and sluggishness, muscle weakness, puffy face or neck, hair loss and depression. You should talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck that secretes a hormone into the blood, and is primarily involved in the regulation of metabolism throughout most tissues in the body. It is also essential for fetal development during early pregnancy and plays a role in bone health. Under normal conditions, our metabolic rate, calorie consumption and energy production are regulated by our thyroid gland. If the brain senses a need for increased energy consumption, the thyroid hormone is increased and more calories from fat and carbohydrates are burned in the body. If calorie intake is restricted, thyroid hormone levels decrease to reduce energy expenditure and preserve calories for more essential functions. There are special conditions associated with too much (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism) thyroid hormone. With hyperthyroidism, there is an increase in the release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland, often leading to weight loss, rapid heart rate and nervousness, and intolerance to heat. With hypothyroidism, insufficient thyroid hormone can cause weight gain, sluggishness and intolerance to cold. Most often, these are conditions that are associated with an autoimmune process. For example, Graves’ disease is caused by continuous stimulation of the thyroid to release the thyroid hormone. Hashimoto’s disease occurs when the thyroid gland is destroyed and thyroid hormone levels are too low or nonexistent. A simple blood test can be enough to inform your healthcare provider if your thyroid function is normal or not, and either your primary care physician or an endocrinologist can determine the best course of treatment in the event your levels are outside of the normal range. Keep your doctor abreast of your family history as that information will aid in an accurate diagnosis. 26 West End's Best
by John Clore, M.D.
SYMPTOMS OF COMMON THYROID DISORDERS major weight changes | increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures higher-than-normal cholesterol | lethargy and sluggishness | muscle weakness puffy face or neck | hair loss | depression hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone): weight loss | rapid heart rate and nervousness | intolerance to heat hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone): weight gain | sluggishness | intolerance to cold
John Clore, M.D., Richmond Diabetes and Endocrinology, part of the Bon Secours Medical Group Dr. Clore completed his endocrinology and metabolism fellowship at VCU School of Medicine, and is board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. RichmondNavigator.com
Root Canal:
What is it, and is it going to hurt? by Zain Hyder, DDS
Do Root Canals Hurt? Almost every day I see patients with toothaches who need a root canal to treat the tooth and relieve the pain. Usually the first reaction from the patient is fear – most likely from stories they have heard of root canals being a painful procedure. In reality, patients are numb throughout the whole procedure, similar to a filling. Many times patients fall asleep during a root canal because they are finally relaxed from the pain they were experiencing. The “pain” of a root canal is actually the pain from why you need a root canal, NOT the procedure itself! After a root canal there might be some soreness from the tooth healing but is usually much more tolerable than the discomfort before the procedure.
When is a Root Canal Needed? A root canal may be needed for many reasons, but they are most commonly due to a large cavity or infection that has formed. The nerve of the tooth either dies or becomes inflamed and needs to be cleaned out. We start the procedure by making a small hole on the tooth to access the inflamed
or infected nerve. We then clean out the area with our instruments, administer medicine, and seal the tooth with a filler material. A root canal is similar to having a filling, but in the root of the tooth. Most of the time a filling and crown is needed after a root canal to give the tooth strength and prevent it from cracking. Don’t postpone getting the crown just because the tooth feels better! Sometimes I see patients neglect to get a crown and the tooth cracks to the point that it needs to be pulled. A root canal is not a procedure to be fearful of. It is a very common procedure that we do every day at Virginia Family Dentistry. With our highly trained dentists and latest equipment, we can get you feeling better from that awful toothache.
Dr. Zain Hyder is a graduate of Virginia Tech and VCU School of Dentistry. He practices at the Virginia Family Dentistry Huguenot location. When he is not practicing dentistry he enjoys traveling, playing basketball, and doing anything outdoors.
Virginia Family Dentistry is a group practice of more than 50 doctors specializing in Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Dental Implants, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Cosmetic and General Dentistry. With 12 convenient locations in the Richmond Metro Area, we can assist you in creating your youthful smile. For a location near you, visit VAdentist.com.
Our three West End locations: Staples Mill, (804) 672-4900; Short Pump, (804) 364-7010; Patterson/Parham, (804) 364-7090 — VAdentist.com May / June 2017
West End's Best 11 27 Hanover Lifestyle
Tip it. Sip it.
Repeat.
ULTRA PURE BOTTLED WATER Recommended by Doctors & Nutritionists Worldwide Voted “Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage in the Western Hemisphere”
Home & Office Delivery Le Bleu Central Virginia (804) 264-1362 | www.LeBleuCentralVA.com
welcome to your
adults-only rooftop bar, lounge, heated pool and hot tub.
acac Short Pump
playground.
I
804.464.0990
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2201 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen
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acac.com
Bringing You the Best of Local Food Dining & Drinks, Recipes & News
ISO: Dessert................31
tastebudz................... 35
Outdoor Dining.........38
Beer Budz.....................43 Happy Hour Guide................44
THE MELTING POT FLAMING TURTLE A buttery, flambĂŠed confection featuring milk chocolate, caramel and candied pecans
Photo: The Melting Pot
Elegant, yet relaxed. Some of the best brick oven pizza in Richmond! Dine inside or revel in the ambience of Fall’s pleasant weather on our inviting patio with repit. From a casual lunch Monday-Friday to celebratory dinners, the awardwinning Azzurro is the ideal choice. www.azzurros.com
River Road Shopping Center, 6221 River Road, Henrico, Virginia 23229 • (804) 282-1509
Have Your Next Affair At Our Place.
At Keagan’s Richmond, no matter the occasion, we can accommodate office parties, business meetings, rehearsal dinners, celebrations or just a fun time with your friends! Our private room can comfortably seat 60 or up to 100 standing with a buffet. With our private bar and buffet style menu options, we can customize a menu to fit any of your dining desires. The room includes a large projector screen and five flat screen TVs for your viewing pleasure.
R E S TAU R A N T & TAV E R N 804.360.9240 | keagansrichmond.com
West Broad Village, 2251 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen
11 a.m.-2 a.m. every day 5810 Grove Avenue, Richmond
804-285-1758 JackBrownsJoint.com
Desserts Melting Pot
9704 Gayton Road (Gayton Crossing); 804-741-3120 MeltingPot.com
Yin & Yang Photo: The Melting Pot
When I dip, you dip, we dip. Fondue is back (did it ever really leave?) and the Melting Pot is just the spot for this shareable treat. While the Gayton Crossing restaurant offers a huge range of cheeses, classic bourguinonne and other fondues, plus farm fresh salads and sprawling four-course prix fix meals, you’ll want to save room for their chocolate fondue. Served with fresh strawberries, blondies, bananas, pineapple, marshmallow treats, pound cake and brownies for dipping. Try the Yin & Yang, a balanced and tempting combination of dark and white chocolate, pictured here, with dipping goodies.
Chianti Ristorante & Pizzeria 1304 Gaskins Road (Gayton Crossing); 804-740-5050 ChiantiRichmond.com
Photo: Elena Marinaccio
Cannoli What better way to finish off a classic Italian dinner than with housemade cannoli? These crispy fried pastries, filled with sweet, creamy ricotta and topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar, are just one of many delicious desserts found at Chianti. Their unique assortment of cheesecakes are specially made by owners Frank and Marta Bussa’s family friend and delivered daily to the Gayton Crossing restaurant, while their creamy pear-roasted panna cotta is made in house.
May / June 2017
West End's Best 31
Desserts Hondos Prime
4120-B Cox Road, Glen Allen; 804-968-4323 hondosprime.com
Photo: Elena Marinaccio
Bananas Foster Cheesecake What better way to top off a fired-to-perfection steak dinner than with, well, more fire? Hondo Chef Paul Wielt’s take on the classic bananas foster (set ablaze tableside, of course) includes creamy New York-style cheesecake in lieu of vanilla ice cream, balancing out the dish’s rich caramelized banana flavor with a touch of tart.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House 11500 W. Huguenot Road (Bellgrade Shopping Center); 804-378-0600; RuthsChris.com
Crème Brûlée
32 West End's Best
Photo: Tammy Soto
Ruth’s Chris’ quiet, simple elegance will make any visit there an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re enjoying steaks and chops or one of their seafood specialties, complement your meal with one of their handcrafted, houseprepared selections. Their classic Crème Brûlée epitomizes the beauty of Ruth’s Chris’ simplicity, featuring egg custard topped with fresh berries.
RichmondNavigator.com
Desserts Hanover Tavern
13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd.; 804-537-5050; HanoverTavern.org
Photo: Elena Marinaccio
Crème Brûlée As if you needed another reason to visit to the historic Hanover Tavern, their ever-changing, small-batch desserts, created by Executive Chef Mary Catherine Ortolani, are delectably creative. The chef has carte blanche when it comes to desserts, and she wields her power in the most inspired way. For the Rose and Pink Peppercorn Crème Brûlée, pictured here, Ortolani says she captures the full flavor of her delicate ingredients by steeping the pink peppercorns as the custard heats, and only adds the rose water immediately before putting the dish into the oven. The delightful pop from the peppercorns, aromatic hint of rose, and the creamy, airy perfection of the custard elevate the dish to a sumptuous sophistication.
Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro
1840 Manakin Rd, Manakin-Sabot; 804-784-2000; LolasFarmhouseBistro.com
Photo: Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro
Lynn’s Decadent Chocolate Cake This reinvented bistro-style restaurant offers familyfriendly meals with a focus on traditional recipes and organic ingredients, and desserts are no exception. Treats like Lynn’s Decadent Chocolate Cake are the real deal, baked with all natural ingredients like butter and free-range eggs. Bonus: if you can’t make it out to Jackson Ward for some rich, creamy and inventive gelato from Stoplight Gelato Café, Lola’s now offers several flavors from the Richmond newcomer. Feel free to request that they carry your favorite flavor!
May / June 2017
West End's Best 33
RICHMOND’S PREMIER CHOPHOUSE
4120 Cox Rd., Glen Allen
804-968-4323
HondosPrime.com
Virginia’s Beer Authority
and more...
CapitalAleHouse.com 804-780-Ales
420 E Grace St. Richmond, Va 23219
tastebudz with Elena Marinaccio and Steve Cook
There’s a lot going on in this great big West End world of eating and
drinking. Let’s take a look at some of the exciting things both old and new. We’ll start with the new.
FRENCH FRY PIZZA: A pizza topped with French Fries is just one of the things that has made Belmont Pizzeria in the Museum District so popular with locals. Well, here’s some good news for you West End pizza lovers. Sal and Kristyna Nuara have recently opened their Short Pump version of Belmont Pizzeria (BelmontPizzeria.com) at 201 Town Center West Boulevard. Kristyna tells me that she and Sal have been looking around for a couple of years to expand to a new location. “We focused on Short Pump because of the great demand from our customers who live in the area. The massive growth and development within the last few years was also an incentive to open in Short Pump,” she says. I asked her if fans of Belmont Pizzeria, which opened in the Museum District in 2010, would see any substantial differences between the original and the new. “Our new pizzeria will feature dine-in seating and an excellent wine and beer selection,” she says. “Otherwise, our customers will receive the same great quality cuisine and customer service as at our downtown location.” Belmont has distinguished itself for such popular pies as their Potato Pizza as well as the Buffalo Chicken, the Margherita and the Siciliano Pizza. May / June 2017
OPEN THE BOOK: I’m talking about the cookbook, Ya Ya’s Cookbook. From all that I’ve seen and heard, this gourmet Thai/Asian Fusion restaurant is going to be a big West End hit. I’ve also heard that the place will be opening by the end of May. Ya Ya’s is a reunion of Sue Palaart (of Mom’s Siam Restaurant) and her two sons, Joe (My Noodle and Bar and Sabai) and Sonny (Fan Noodle Bar) Kiatsuranon. Learn more about beverage manager and part-owner, Frank Oley, in our article entitled “The Oley Way,” located towards the front of this magazine. Frank will be offering a fantastic bar program and while he will be mixing a variety of exotic cocktails, he admits, “My favorite cocktail is an Old Fashioned.” Why? Frank explains, “My biggest passion is bitters… reading about bitters, learning the history of bitters, making bitters. I’m known for my bitters. “The Oley Way,” by the way, will also be the name of his signature Old Fashioned at Ya Ya’s. It’s made with Templeton Rye and Frank’s favorite bitter, which he has named “Oley’s Original Bitters.” Frank modestly tells me, “My bitters are the best.”
GOING WHOLE HOG: When it comes to hogs, nobody knows more about how to serve ‘em up than Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue (BuzAndNeds.com). While you can always enjoy a platter or sandwich filled with their delicious barbecued pork, come Memorial Day (May 29), you’ll be able to enjoy the whole hog at their 8205 W. Broad St. location. The folks at the restaurant will smoke the pig and have it ready to serve buffet style come Monday afternoon. And yes, this is an all-you-can-eat buffet. As far as the sides that will accompany the pig, that hasn’t been determined as we go to press. But you can be sure that if it’s coming from Buz and Ned’s, it’s going to be fantastic. By the way, it’s almost summer. Let Buz and Ned’s handle all of your catering needs. West End's Best 35
MAMA MIA, THAT’S A BIG PIZZA: Are you looking to feed an army, or perhaps a little league softball team? And all they want is pizza? Well, let me introduce you to Rena Martin, coowner (with Frank Picone) of Gino’s Pizza (GinosPizzaShortPump.com) at 10444 Ridgefield Parkway, in the Glen Eagles Center. Rena has been running pizza restaurants for over 30 years and has been at her current location for over 10 years. I guess after all those years she’s learned that many customers want their pizzas big. So, Gino’s offers a 28-inch pie. You should see the pan that hangs over the counter to showcase the size of this pizza. It’s bigger than my first apartment. Rena says the pizza will serve 10 to 12 persons. Gino’s offers takeout and delivery only and besides serving pizzas in smaller sizes, too, you’ll find such Italian dishes as subs and strombolis on the menu.
HER NAME IS LOLA; SHE IS A PARROT: Lola is the namesake of the recently opened Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro (LolasFarmhouseBistro. com) at 1840 Manakin Road, in Goochland. You probably remember when the place was known as The Farmhouse at Manakin Road. It was one of the far, far West End’s most popular restaurants and wedding locales. That was then. This is now. Ronnie and Tommy Hussey who used to run the Farmhouse, are back in the restaurant biz. And once again the new incarnation is going gangbusters. So what’s the difference between the Farmhouse and Lola’s? “Lola’s is a bistro,” says Tommy “It’s more family friendly. The prices are lower.” It’s still the same quaint, cozy place, with its quaint cozy bar (now specializing in boutique wines and craft beer). When you visit, say hi to Lola. She’ll be perched on the patio.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE FRIES: Carytown Burgers & Fries (CarytownBurgers.com) is always improving their tastes! In April, they launched a redesigned menu, which kept all the classic favorites but debuted a few delicious (and highly requested) new items including sweet potato fries, plus some brand-new house specialties. The pork BBQ fries have quickly become a fan favorite. They start with a huge basket full of famous fries, then load it down with pork carnitas, shredded cheddar cheese and plenty of BBQ sauce. Or try the fully loaded fries on for size (chili, cheddar cheese sauce, and bacon, anyone?), or perhaps even the loaded baked potato fries, which are topped with bacon, shredded cheddar, sour cream and chives. From Carytown to Lakeside to Short Pump, Carytown Burgers & Fries is known throughout the Richmond area for innovative flavors, a unique setting and of course fantastic burgers. 36 West End's Best
Well, all this talk of food is making me hungry. Let me go do some more research. Look for weekly updates on the city’s food and beverage scene each Thursday in TasteBudz Online at RichmondNavigator.com.
HAVE YOU HEARD? TasteBudz Minutes are on the radio. These tidbits of the latest restaurant, food and brewery news can be heard throughout the day Wednesday through Friday on The Wolf – 98.9; Hank FM – 98.3 and BBT – 107.3. If you have any news to share email us at TasteBudz@RichmondNavigator.com.
RichmondNavigator.com
DINE IN - TAKE OUT - DELIVERY - CATERING
Voted #1 Pizzeria by Style Weekly in 2016 and 2015 and RVA Magazine Readers’ Poll in 2015 and 2014!
ORDER ONLINE
WWW. C ARY TOWNBURG ERS .COM
NOW OPEN IN SHORT PUMP! Across from the Hilton
www.belmontpizzeria.com Museum District: 602 North Belmont Ave., Richmond | 804.888.9861 Short Pump: 201 Towne Center West Blvd., #703, Henrico | 804.658.2790 Take-Out / Delivery / Short Pump location offers Dine-In
CARYTOWN
3500 W. Cary St. Richmond
SHORT PUMP 200 Towne Center W. Blvd. Henrico
LAKESIDE
5404 Lakeside Ave. Henrico
CUPERTINO'S NEW YORK BAGELS 3621 Cox Road Suite A, Henrico 804-747-4005
CupertinosBagels.com
May / June 2017
West End's Best 37
Outdoor Dining Ahh, the soothing rays of a late afternoon sun or the
refreshing breeze under a starlight canopy complement an already delectable dining experience at each of these popular local restaurants. by Steve Cook
MOSAIC Restaurant
Photos: Elena Marinaccio
Photos: Mosaic
6229 River Road (River Road Shopping Center) 804-288-7482; MosaicEdibles.com Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, this upscale River Road restaurant offers an ever-changing menu as well as wonderful specials. The delicious fare coupled with the beautiful setting across from the CCV and near the UR campus provides the perfect patio experience.
Azzurro Ristorante
6221 River Road (River Road Shopping Center) 804-282-1509; Azzurros.com You might feel that you’re enjoying the patio at your private club at Azzurro, which, by the way, is just a tee shot away from the Country Club of Virginia. Azzurro offers elevated Italian cuisine along with a global wine list. The brick oven pizza is fantastic. And you have a gluten-free option, too.
38 West End's Best
RichmondNavigator.com
Photos: John Dixon
California Pizza Kitchen
11800 W. Broad (Short Pump Town Center) 804-364-9047;CPK.com Located in the heart of the Short Pump Town Center, you’ll enjoy an afternoon or evening of people watching on the beautiful patio as you feast on CPK’s inventive pizzas, pastas and salads. Save room for their scrumptious strawberry shortcake.
11800 W. Broad St. (Short Pump Town Center) 804-237-1684 • RockBottom.com There’s always a lively patio crowd at Rock Bottom Brewery, which is located on the back side of the Town Center, near Dick’s Sporting Goods. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from your shopping and enjoy craft beers along with upscale pub food, including mini-street tacos, inventive salads and a wide variety of appetizers.
Photos: John Dixon
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Kona Grill
11221 W. Broad St.(West Broad Village), 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. You’ll discover some great cocktails, too.
Keagan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
2251 Old Brick Road (West Broad Village), Glen Allen 804-360-9240; KeagansRichmond.com Pub fare with an Irish flair, served up with frequent doses of live music. And for those warm summer evenings, take it outside to Keagan’s adjoining patio, on the Village’s beautiful Old Brick Road. It’s the perfect summer setting.
Photos: Joel Archibald
40 West End's Best
RichmondNavigator.com
Capital Ale House
Photos: Elena Marinaccio
4024 Cox Rd., Glen Allen 804-780-ALES (2537); CapitalAleHouse.com Who would expect a patio in a busy West End office park that offers such an idyllic setting? Enjoy your getaway to Capital Ale House. Choose from over 100 beers on tap and more than 200 in the bottle, as you delight to the melodious sound of the babbling brook, play cornhole on the extended patio, or enjoy live music while you dine. Terrific appetizers include Belgianstyle fries, smoked salmon and pierogies.
Fresh and Handmade Specialty Pizzas, Pastas, Calzones & Strombolis, Appetizers & Salads
Open for Lunch & Dinner: Wednesday through Sunday All New Sunday Brunch 10:00 a.m.
• Carryout & Delivery Only •
Just 4 Miles West of Short Pump Mall
10444 Ridgeeeld Parkway, Henrico, VA 23233
804-740-5001 • ginospizzashortpump.com
804-784-2000 | @LolasFarmhouseBistro | www.lolasfarmhousebistro.com 1840 Manakin Road, Manakin, Virginia 23103
May / June 2017
West End's Best 41
SHO AN RT P D O UM NLY P’S BRE FIRS WE T RY
MORE THAN West End’s Best
Rock Bottom Brewery and Restaurant Read Our Publications Online
navigator.com 804-639-9994
11800 West Broad St.
Located inside Short Pump Town Center (804) 237-1684 • RockBottom.com
Celebrating Great Food + Service for 20 years! Nourish Body & Soul while preserving the highest level of quality, service and value. Our ever-changing menus feature healthy, eclectic, world cuisine combined with local, seasonal ingredients to create dishes appealing to any palate. Full-service bar, al fresco dining and room for groups of all sizes. 14 craft beers and wine on tap.
Sunday 10am-9pm Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm Happy Hour with NEW bar bites menu Monday to Friday 3pm-7pm
6229-A River Road, River Road Shopping Center, Richmond, VA 23229 • 804-288-7482 • mosaicedibles.com/restaurant/richmond
r e e B udz B If the weather doesn’t tip you off to the fact that summer is indeed here, maybe our Beer Budz picks will. Chock full of summer pickin’ like raspberries, peaches and hot peppers, each packed with a higher-than-average ABV, these brews were certainly made for sipping outside.
Mango Habanero Brown Ale
Summer Moon Raspberry Lemonade Wheat Beer
Cuvée Peach Triple Ale
Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, Goochland 8.5% ABV Available May 20
This Limited Release Estate Series hoppy brown ale is brewed with Virginia six-row barley grown right on site at the Lickinghole Creek farm. Fresh mango flavor provides the sweetness and Mexican-grown habaneros provide the spice. Distributed in bottles and draft, this small batch brew will only be available for a limited amount of time — make sure to get to the award-winning farm brewery the day it’s released.
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Richmond and Charlottesville 5% ABV
Center of the Universe Brewing Company, Ashland
Available May 27
8.1% ABV Available now through the remainder of Summer Chris Ray, COTU’s co-founder, brewed this wheat beer with five cases worth of fresh lemon zest and 300 pounds of raspberries. While the beer will be available in early May, you’ll have to wait for Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the brew’s namesake, at the 5th Annual Summer Moon Music Festival. The free twoday festival features 13 local bands battling it out for their charity of choice. There will be several food trucks and three different draft beer stations on site.
The newest addition to Hardywood’s Barrel Series, Cuvée Peach is blended from small batches of Peach Tripel aged in white wine barrels. The resulting beer is beautifully complex with yeast derived stone fruit esters that harmonize with juicy peach undertones. This sparkling refresher offers a pleasantly dry finish with the slightest hint of vanilla from the toasted French Oak barrels. Available on draft and in 750mL bottles to go. The release party includes food from Arroz RVA and Slideways Mobile Bistro, plus live entertainment throughout the evening.
Love the brew? Leave us your tasting notes for these beers, or any others you just have to share, on our facebook page: RichmondNavigator. May / June 2017
West End's Best 43
Hondos Prime
Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue – West Broad
4120 Cox Rd. (Innsbrook Shoppes); 804-968-4323 HondosPrime.com You’ll feel more like you’re dining in your own private club as you enjoy the steaks, seafood, wine and top shelf cocktails at Hondos. Monday through Sunday 4 to 6:30 p.m. • Highballs (Tanqueray, Smirnoff, Jack Daniels, Bacardi, Cuervo Especial) – $3.50 • Select Martinis – $5.50 • House Wines – $5.50 • Beer, domestic bottles – $3.25 • Beer, draught – $1 off
• Crab Stuffed Mushrooms – $6 • Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail – $6 • Ahi Tuna – $6 • New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp – $6
Keagan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 2251 Old Brick Rd. (West Broad Village); 804-360-9240 KeagansRichmond.com
Dublin-inspired pub fare and local bands in an Irish pub setting with patio seating Monday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. • House highballs – $2 off • House wines – $2 off
• Select craft imports & premiums (16 oz. drafts) – $2 off
Virginia drafts – $1 off Chicken sliders (2) – $3 DAILY SPECIALS Margarita Monday – Buz-a-Ritas – $5 (3 to 9 p.m.) Tequila Tuesday – Featured Tequila flights (3 to 9 p.m.) Whiskey Wednesday – Featured whiskey/Bourbon flights (3 to 9 p.m.) Thirsty Thursday – Craft buckets – $15 (3 to 9 p.m.) Fill ‘er up Friday – Craft pitchers – $3 off (3 to 7 p.m.) Game Day Saturday & Sunday – Domestic buckets – $10/ Craft Buckets / $15 (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) One More Thing: Tuesday Nights feature discounts on their famous spare ribs. Flip to River City Magazine for Happy Hour details at Buz and Ned’s Boulevard location.
MOSAIC Restaurant
6229 River Rd. (River Road Shopping Center); 804-288-7482; MosaicEdibles.com MOSAIC’s menu features healthy, eclectic world cuisine designed to appeal to a broad range of tastes. The restaurant offers a daily happy hour featuring appetizer specials as well as drink specials that rotate daily. Monday through Sunday 3 to 7 p.m. (appetizer specials)
One More Thing: Monday night is “all day” Burger Night. Cheeseburger and one side – $5.
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
5810 Grove Ave.; 804-285-1758; JackBrownsJoint.com The name says it all. Jack Brown’s offers beers from around the corner and from around the world, along with an award-winning burger menu. Monday through Friday 4 to 7 p.m.
• Caprese Stack –$5
• Risotto croquettes – $5
• The Local Board (cheeses and meats) – $6
• Crispy pastrami pickles – $5
• MOSAIC burger – $7
• Edamame hummus – $6
• Black bean sliders – $5
DAILY SPECIALS Monday – Burger ‘n Brew – 4 to 9 p.m.; Beer, drafts – $4; Burgers – $7 Tuesday – Tequila Specials 3 to 7 p.m.; Specialty and house margaritas – $5 Wednesday – Wine Specials 4 to 9 p.m.; Wine, bottles – Half price (with purchase of an entrée); Wine on tap – $4 (3 to 7 p.m.)
Drafts – $1 off Beer, domestic – $2 One More Thing: Did we mention beer? This joint has over 100 craft beers.
Thursday – Health Care Professionals Appreciation Night 3 to 7 p.m. Wine and cocktails at specially discounted prices (with hospital badge or ID) Friday – Taps (3 to 7 p.m.); Beer, on tap – $4; Wine, on tap – $6; Beer flights (4 beers) – $8 Saturday and Sunday from open to 5 p.m.; Mimosa flights – $10; Mimosa and Bloody Mary carafes – $15
For a more extensive guide visit RichmondNavigator.com/flavor/happy-hour-guide 44 West End's Best
One of the city’s most popular barbecue spots, known for their ribs, brisket, chicken and sauce smoked in real hickory. Monday through Sunday 3 to 6 p.m.
• Calamari Frita – $6
One More Thing: Hondos offers a fantastic Sunday brunch buffet.
• Drafts, 20-oz (Miller Lite, Coors Light, Yuengling, Bud Light) – $3
8205 W. Broad St.; 804-346-4227; BuzAndNeds.com
One More Thing: Enjoy MOSAIC’s Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They also offer an extensive box lunch and to-go program.
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Events Calendar by West End’s Best staff
MAY 20
JUNE 3 – 4
Gordonsville “Famous Fried Chicken” Festival Gordonsville, famous for its Fried Chicken that was served to passengers of trains stopping in the Town of Gordonsville during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, earned the nickname “Chicken leg center of the universe.” The Chicken Festival will feature cook-off contests to judge special recipes for fried chicken and homemade pies. Artisans/crafters and specialty vendors will be available to sell their goods. Local wineries will be on-site for tastings and purchases. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Gordonsville Fire Department Fair Grounds / TownOfGordonsville.org
MAY 24 – JULY 26
Big-Screen Classics at the Byrd Theatre Every Wednesday enjoy a different big screen classic, such as This is Spinal Tap (5/24); Easy Rider (6/7); North by Northwest (6/28); Jaws (7/5); The Sting (7/12) 7:15 p.m. / $5 / The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St. / 804-353-9911 / ByrdTheatre.com
Rassawek Spring Jubilee
MAY 30 – JUNE 4
Broadway in Richmond presents Kinky Boots Inspired by true events, KINKY BOOTS takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper. See website for ticket prices and show times / Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St. / 804-592-3368 / BroadwayInRichmond.com
JUNE 1 – AUGUST 31, 2017
Children’s Nature Hunt at Berkeley Plantation Bring the family to Berkeley and learn its amazing history, while searching for treasures along the river shore, gardens and grounds. Children’s brochures and picnic area available. Nature hunt included with regular admission tickets. $12 per adult/$7 per child (ages 6-16) / 888-4666018 / berkeleyplantation.com
The Rassawek Spring Jubilee celebrates the local, the handmade and the homegrown. It spotlights the people and their passion for craftsmanship and creativity. You’ll discover 11 wineries, new entertainment, great kids’ activities and some incredible artisans and demonstrators…something for all ages. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. –Saturday; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Sunday / $10 General Admission, $30 for wine tasting ($35 at the gate), Children 12 and under free / Rassawek Vineyard, 6276 River Road West, Columbia / 804396-3098 / Rassawek.com
JUNE 2
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue An evening of jazz and New Orleans R&B awaits with Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. 8 p.m. / $40 - $52 / Carpenter Theatre @ Dominion Arts Center, 600 E. Grace St. / DominionArtsCenter.com
JUNE 3
T For 2 – Poetry on the Veranda casual outdoor readings on the veranda overlooking Library Park featuring local and regional poets. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Richmond Public Library, 101 E. Franklin St. / 804-646-7223 / RVALibrary.org
JUNE 4
Broad Appetit JUNE 2
An Evening Of Bluegrass / Tara Mills And Jimmy Stelling Inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the rich musical traditions tied to them, Tara Mills describes her music as, ‘original blue ridge mountain folk.’ Acclaimed banjo player, Jimmy Stelling joins Tara for this special evening of bluegrass.
Broad Appétit is a foodie paradise - and for just $3 per sample ($5 includes dessert), you can taste signature dishes from over 60 of Richmond’s finest local restaurants. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Admission free / 100 – 400 W. Broad St. / 804-305-0601 / BroadAppetit.com
7 p.m. / $15 – advance, $20 – at the door / Cultural Arts Center Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road / ArtsGlenAllen.com
May / June 2017
West End's Best 47
Host Your Next Event at
PRESENTS
Berkeley Plantation
JUNE 11, 2017 ALTRIA THEATER
Rob Thomas | Jason Mraz Colbie Caillat | Grace VanderWaal Paul Williams | Rayvon Owen Justin Willman | Ben Lee | Chris Caswell Desirée Roots | Steve Bassett | Daniel Clarke Susan Greenbaum | Samson Trinh
Weddings & Receptions | Corporate Events | Meetings sis beautiful historic site offers breathtaking gardens and vistas to suit every wedding and event. By offering a variety of function spaces, we’re able to accommodate your group, whether formal or casual, large or small.
Purchase tickets at:
sparconline.org Memorial Foundation for Children
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Fred & Patty Wood
The Stanley and Kim
MARKEL
Memorial Fund
of The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia
PRODUCERS
R.E.B. Foundation* Dominion Foundation Ron and Benita Felmus
Kathy Mays Coleman Barbara B. and James E Ukrop Fund* E.J. Wade Foundation
*of the Community Foundation serving Richmond and Central Virginia
MEDIA SPONSORS
48 West End's Best
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
Pam and Bruce Belleman Drs. Anne Marie Irani and Larry Schwartz The Katherine W. Mays Revocable Trust True Farr Luck and Charles S. Luck, III Lois Snitkoff and Hadar Pedhazur
Sakina Paige and Jamal Thomas Durham Foundation Tina and Ajay Reddy Terry R. Sisisky Fund* Sara Belle and Neil November Troutman Sanders, LLP
Estes Express Lines Electric Power Inc. Lakhena Luy Rejena Carreras Stacy Gannon William Talley
All proceeds benefit SPARC, School of Performing Arts in the Richmond
RichmondNavigator.com
On the James River Berkeley Plantation
Between Richmond and Williamsburg On Scenic Route 5
1-804-829-6018 • BerkeleyPlantation.com
JUNE 6 – 7
JUNE 30
No matter where you’re from or where you’ve been, everyone is special – so join in! Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies.
One of the area’s most popular musical stars performs on stage at The Tin Pan
Susan Greenbaum Band in Concert
Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend
6 p.m. Doors open; 8 p.m. Showtime / $15 advance; $20 at the door / The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Road / 804-447-8189 / TinPanRVA.com
JULY 4
6:30 p.m. June 6; 10:30 a.m. June 7 / $15 - $62 / Carpenter Theatre @ Dominion Arts Center, 600 E. Grace St. / DominionArtsCenter.com
Red, White and Lights Enjoy activities for the whole family, food trucks, and performance by the Richmond Symphony with a laser light show finale. 4 p.m. Gates open / Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Road, Glen Allen / 804-6521455 / Henrico.us/Rec
JUNE 10
Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival
Summertime is beer, bourbon and BBQ time. Enjoy a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an all-you-care –totaste sampling of over 60 beers and 40 bourbons. Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry.
Elvis Costello & The Imposters He’s been called the most evocative, innovative, and gifted songwriter since Bob Dylan, with songs that offer highly personal takes on love and politics. Join Elvis Costello and the Imposters for their Imperial Bedroom & Other Chambers Tour. 8 p.m. / $35 - $75 / The Classic Ampitheater at Richmond International Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Ave. / TheNationalVA.com/The-Classic-Ampitheater
JUNE 24
Richmond Vegetarian Festival The festival features food, music, speakers and local vendors.
JULY 7 – 23
Henrico Theater Company Presents She Loves Me The musical that inspired the Tom Hanks/ Meg Ryan film, You’ve Got Mail. Based on the play by Miklos Laszlo, Georg and Amalia are two feuding clerks in a European parfumerie during the 1930s who secretly find solace in their anonymous pen pals, little knowing their respective correspondents are none other than each other. Cultural Arts Center Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen / For more information, visit website: Henrico.us/Rec/CulturalArts
Noon – 6 p.m. Free/ Azalea Gardens at Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road / VeggieFest.org
Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Noon – 6 p.m. / $49, $29 for designated drivers / Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Ave. / 804-228-7500 / BeerAndBourbon.com
JUNE 20
JUNE 9
MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES Multi-Grammy Award winner Delbert McClinton appears on stage at the historic Beacon Theatre. Doors open 6:30 p.m. / $35–$80 / The Beacon Theatre, 401 N. Main St., Hopewell / TheBeaconTheatreVA.com
May / June 2017
West End's Best 49
HOME
A Touch of
INDUSTRIAL by Jordan Langley
THE SUBURBS OF RICHMOND exude a cozy vibe, with homes arranged in tight-knit communities along tree-lined streets. Most popular are craftsman, country cottage and farmhouse styles, often with interior décor to match. But what if a homeowner in Hanover was to buck expectations and weave modern, industrial design into the hub of the home: the kitchen? Residential industrial kitchens are defined by an open studio space that includes eat-in dining, a multi-station prep area and professional-grade appliances. “Purists might say it’s only for urban areas,” says Carmela Wengraitis, president at Richmond-based Kitchens ETC. “And it’s true, this style is born out of the trend of converting old lofts with high ceilings and exposed venting. If you like the clean purity and honesty of natural materials, why not go industrial?” Most homes in suburban areas don’t have the exposed brick and pipework found in many city dwellings. “Don’t install brick veneer on a wall where no brick would have been when the house was built,” says Wengraitis, “Stay light and natural with color. Use raw steel, reclaimed woods and glass with a sense of restraint.”
Photos: Carmela Wengratis, KitchensETC
Abigail F. Bishop, principal at Richmond-based Katheryn Robertson, believes the industrial aesthetic can work in a suburban kitchen if there is a desire for the style. “Borrow elements from the house you have and mimic the repetition and shape with different materials, steel or aluminum, to make [it] modern.” Commercial-grade appliances are the showstoppers that still allow form to follow function. The “approachable pro” trend, as dubbed by the folks at Ferguson, includes 36-inch stainless steel ranges and refrigerators that can easily accommodate commercial-size sheet pans. Meanwhile, a kitchen island, available in a variety of finishes, provides the ultimate food prep space. “Concrete is so malleable,” says Bishop. “It can be poured in many ways, painted, colored.” Open shelving, either tucked underneath an island or installed on a wall, are hallmarks of industrial style. “Industrial can be somewhat serious. There’s no reason not to add color to your cabinets,” says Wengraitis. For cabinets, high gloss foils, acrylic panels, stainless steel and glass doors have a sleeker look than traditional face-framed cabinets. Industrial lighting calls for mixed metals, modern cable tracks with options for pendants or halogens, and recessed lighting. Undercabinet lighting is also helpful in the perimeter prep zones. Bishop says she loves a super-modern chandelier in the dining area to carry over the style. “Successful design is enjoyed, and over time, represents you,” says Bishop.
50 West End's Best
RichmondNavigator.com
May / June 2017
West End's Best 51
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52 West End's Best
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West End's Best 53
HOME
Take it outside!
We Virginians savor our outdoor living, especially during these “tween” months, when winter’s chill is behind us, and summer’s swelter hasn’t set in. It’s the perfect time to enjoy family dinners and drinks with friends out on the patio. Want to add more functionality, coziness and charm to your outdoor cooking and dining spaces? Check out these must-haves. by Angela Weight
Photo: Vin de Flame
Come On Baby, Light My Table
54 West End's Best
RichmondNavigator.com
You don’t have to be a pyromaniac to enjoy a good fire. Hence the overwhelming popularity of the fire pit, which has become a backyard staple over the past few years. Today, though, many outdoor enthusiasts are kicking it up a notch with flaming furniture. Well, tables, to be more specific. (Flaming chairs might not go over so well.) Thanks to the practicality of gas logs, we can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of fire pits built into our outdoor dining tables, coffee tables and bars. Those who appreciate space-saving versatility will fall in love with multifunctional stone tables that can pull triple duty as a fire pit, ice bucket and umbrella stand. Not at the same time, of course.
It’s Not Delivery
Photo: Pizzacraft®
There’s a new cooking appliance in town. The classic pizza oven has emerged from behind the pizzeria counter to claim a prime spot in today’s well-appointed outdoor kitchens. Many homeowners are including these compact kilns as a built-in bonus to their outdoor fireplaces. For those who aren’t ready to embark on a masonry project, there are dozens of countertop and stand-alone models to choose from. Serious pizza chefs with extra dough to spare can spend up to $5,000 on a stainless steel, professional grade, natural gas oven. However, those of us with more of a thin-crust budget can still find a good selection of outdoor ovens for around $100.
Photo: Oakland Living
Water Coolers You’ll Want to Gather ‘Round
No backyard get-together is complete without a frosty bucket of brewskis...or waters, depending on your crowd. Though utilitarian in function, drink coolers certainly don’t have to be boring. In fact, creative homeowners are adding pizazz and personality to their outdoor spaces with freestanding, brightly colored one-of-a-kind ice chests. From recycled flea market rescues to handcrafted works of art, they’re serving dual purpose as outdoor staple and conversation piece.
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West End's Best 55
Napoleon Prestige Pro500
Big Green Egg
OPENFIRE Cooker
Cook an entire meal outdoors on a campfire. A tried-and-true design offers a variety of attachments and pans for options to stir fry, smoke, boil and sear.
A bestseller in sleek stainless steel with an option for infrared side and rear burners. 80,000 BTUs and a full-width drip plate means the perfect sear with none of the mess.
56 West End's Best
Photo: Big Green Egg
Ceramic is back. With a design based on millennia-old Japanese stoves, these kamado-style outdoor ovens run on lump charcoal and can easily reach and maintain super high temps.
RichmondNavigator.com
Photo: OPENFIRE
Photo: Napoleon Grills
What’s a patio party without an impressive looking grill at the center of it all? We checked in with Macon Richardson, general manager of Bon Air Hearth, Porch and Patio, to find the latest and greatest in outdoor cooking. From infrared to open flame, we’ve got you covered.
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West End's Best 57
by Elena Marinaccio
onument Square, the planned community from Gumenick Properties that sits on the Richmond-Henrico border, aims to bring the distinct charm of the historic Fan District to the West End, but with way more parking spaces. “The design falls in line with a lot of the architecture you see around Richmond City,” says Laurenso Williams, marketing analyst for Gumenick, which owns and operates Monument Square. “A lot of the inspiration for the architecture at Monument Square comes from the Monument Avenue corridor…and the Fan, with sidewalks and pocket parks being a big draw for the residents in our community.” Adjacent to one of Richmond’s first suburbs and its very first shopping mall, Willow Lawn, Monument Square’s prime locale on the corner of Monument Avenue and Willow Lawn Drive is often considered a major accommodation in and of itself. Henrico real estate directly west of 58 West End's Best
Richmond is in high demand, boasting more lively suburban living with direct access to the city. “There are lots of things to do right [within] five to 10 minutes,” says Williams. “That’s a really big key. The surrounding area destinations are often considered amenities.” Willow Lawn, with a Kroger, Duck Donuts and plenty of restaurants, plus over 20 storefronts, is less than a 10-minute walk north on Willow Lawn Drive. “The location of Willow Lawn right around the corner is great,” echoes Williams. “Lots of folks enjoy the proximity to shopping and the grocery store.” And with a five-minute drive, or 20-minute walk, in the other direction, you’ll find the boutique shopping and mom-and-pop restaurants along Patterson and Grove Avenues. The walkability of the immediate surrounding area acts as just another amenity. “The location of Monument Square is a really big key here,” says Williams. “You can go one direction on Monument Avenue and get to Richmond RichmondNavigator.com
in five minutes. You’re pretty close to I-64, you can easily go west further into Henrico.” Something else close by are the Henrico County schools. Monument Square is zoned for Crestview Elementary, Tuckahoe Middle and Douglas L. Freeman High. While Williams says there are perhaps a few families who moved in with their older teens still in tow, the biggest demographic at Monument Square consists of empty nesters and retirees — people looking for maintenance-light living with style. “At Gumenick Properties we really take a lot of time to pay attention to the detail of the structures: outside, inside, the landscaping and hardscaping, the streets, the sidewalks and road networks.” At Monument Square professional landscaping, irrigation and property maintenance is included. Monument Square offers single-level living with their Mansion Condos, as well as townhomes. “The mansion condos provide one-
Photo: Monument Square
Monumental Luxury
Photo: Monument Square
include dual-zone heating and air, a tankless water heater and a security system. Looking for more luxury and convenience? The standout non-standard feature to add to your townhome has to be an elevator. The luxury continues as you step out your front door. “We have an awesome space in the middle of the community,” says Williams, referring to Monument Square’s award-winning Shaffer Hall clubhouse. The clubhouse offers a great room, swathed in neutral tones and featuring coffered ceilings, a variety of seating, a fireplace and a flat-screen TV. In Shaffer Hall you’ll also find a gourmet caterer’s kitchen and a fitness center, as well a private locker rooms that lead out to the resort-style pool. “There’s a number of pocket parks and green spaces around Monument Square,” adds Williams. “They give it that green feel that you don’t see in a lot of communities around the city.”
Monument Square is almost sold out of condos, according to Williams, with only have a few townhome buildings to finish construction on. Gumenick has properties throughout Henrico’s West End, with planned communities — housing a mix of apartments, townhomes and condos — at The Estates at Horsepen,
Photo: Monument Square
level living,” says Williams. “They’re a really big draw for an older demographic.” The twobedroom two-and-a-half-bath condos include designer light fixtures, hardwood floors, a fireplace, two-piece crown molding, a security system and a private balcony. Kitchens come standard with Kohler faucets, black GE appliances and maple cabinetry. Remaining single level condominium style homes average 1,700 square feet and start in the low $400,000s. The penthouses (which as of printing are all sold out) double your square-footage and start at approximately $1.2 million. Filling out the space with three bedrooms and three-and-ahalf baths, the two penthouse floor plans boast perks like Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances lining the gourmet kitchen, a library, three balconies, two parking spaces and a private elevator. While the four-story Federal-style mansion condos recall, perhaps, a drive down the manor-lined Monument Avenue, the townhomes, which start in the mid $500,000s, reflect the Queen Anne-style row houses of the Upper Fan District. The three-level townhomes, presented in four distinct exterior styles featuring dentil molding, standing seam roofs, brick accents and ornamental ironwork, all range right under 3,000 square feet and offer two to four bedrooms and up to three-and-a-half baths. Each comes with a balcony on every level, as well as a two-car garage with remote access. The luxurious interior design elements are truly customizable, and hardwood floors, stacked closets, and crown molding and chair rails all come standard. Each townhouse kitchen offers granite countertops and stainless GE appliances, while the third floor boasts an owner’s suite with a dressing room and private terrace. Standard features also
The Village at Horsepen, Grayson Hill and Libbie MillMidtown. Gumenick also developed Malvern Manor, just two miles southwest of Monument Square at Cary Street and Malvern Avenue in Richmond, as well as communities in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and South Beach Miami.
May / June 2017
West End's Best 59
Farmhouse Rules Homearama Shows Off An Updated Classic And Everything In Between by Elena Marinaccio
All Photos: Homearama
T
he Farmhouse is back. Think sprawling wraparound front porch, efit ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, whom they’ve partnered with gray trim details against warm white interior walls, and all the for the third year in a row. shiplap you can handle. After a decade of homebuyers charmed by early With leading custom builders like Lifestyle Home Builders and Craft20th century Craftsman style, builders say they’re starting to see all those Master Homes at the helm, you can expect to see a range of styles in adArts & Crafts references develop into an aesthetic that harkens even furdition to the updated Farmhouse, including Pacific Northwest, Shingle ther back. Style, Dutch Colonial, Low Country and of course, the classic Crafts“Well, it’s a modern farmhouse,” says Craig Toalson, CEO of Home man. On finding the balance between local and national trends, ToalBuilding Association of Richmond. These are brand new homes we’re son says they let the local market serve as their guide, “We push it to talking about, after all. While you might find a vintage farmhouse here where the market is, but we don’t go over the line.” House prices are in in the Richmond area, you’d be hard pressed to find one filled with high the $600,000 range, and he says in the past years all 10 homes have sold end finishes, ample closet space, a chef’s kitchen or an owner’s en suite by the end of the show. spa-style bathroom. You will, however, find houses like this at HBAR’s Chesterfield leads the market in new home sales for the region, and Homearama, set in the RounTrey neighborhood of RounTrey developer Danny Sowers says the neighNewMarket Estates in Midlothian this year. borhood, which broke ground in 2006, has seen a HOMEARAMA | MAY 6 – 21 For 10 days through the month of May, 10 designificant boom in the last two-and-a-half years. signer homes — each from a different builder, each The neighborhood had a record-setting year in 2016, Thursdays 11 a.m – 8 p.m. constructed in a unique yet on-trend style — are with 96 contracts signed, says Sowers, a lifelong resiFridays – Saturdays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. open to the public. But don’t call it just a home dent of the area. RounTrey boasts frontage on the NewMarket Estates at RounTrey show. “It’s like a big block party,” says Toalson. Swift Creek Reservoir, in addition to amenities like a Amethyst Dr., Midlothian Every night offers food trucks, craft beer and live clubhouse, Olympic-size pool and plans for winding $10 adults; Under 18 free music, punctuated with special themed weekend walking trails along the water and a dog park. “I deevents like Family Fun, Taste of Richmond and signed it and I’m so proud of it,” says Sowers, a thirdRichmondHomearama.com Mom’s Day Out. Proceeds from Homearama bengeneration developer. “I want to show it off.”
AFTER BEFORE
MIRACLE METHOD SURFACE REFINISHING Offering Exceptional Quality, Value and Customer Service WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN, IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, YOUR COMPANY GOES OUT OF BUSINESS, LEAVING YOU OUT OF A JOB?
That’s the situation one Goochland resident found himself in back in 2009, when his employer, Circuit City, closed their doors for good. “You decide to go into business for yourself,” explains David Dowdy. Although his wife Elizabeth continued in her career as a consultant in customer service training, David says the two of them decided that they wanted to control their own destiny. “If we ever found ourselves out of work again, it would be because of decisions we had made,” he says. So the Dowdys began searching for a franchise that they could believe in. Their search led them to Miracle Method, the largest bath and kitchen refinishing company in the country. “The owners were such good, Christian people, with an outstanding product,” Elizabeth Dowdy says, explaining why they chose this particular business. The Dowdys recognized the value that the company brings to the consumer. Instead of homeowners spending $20,000 or more on a complete kitchen remodel, they could invest a small fraction of that and have a beautiful “new” kitchen. As a wife and a mother of three daughters, Elizabeth also recognized the benefit of being able to offer countertop refinishing with much less disruption to the family. The typical kitchen refinishing, she says, can be done in a day and a half.
The two most attractive features, as she explains, involve the great value in price and quality as well as the quick turnaround time. But, chances are you may want to know more. Such as: How does it work? The Miracle Method process, whether it be for countertops, bathtubs or flooring, involves the application of a nine-layer non porous coating which bonds to the existing surface. What will my countertop look like? “It looks like natural stone, “David says. “We have over 60 options of different stone finishes with lots of colors to choose from.” For bathtubs, the finish resembles that of your typical porcelain tub. She recommends visiting the showroom (see contact info below) to take a look at the textures and colors on display. The showroom is open from 9 a.m. ‘til 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment. Is it durable? Definitely. The Dowdys have many commercial customers and the process works well for high-use areas. For added peace of mind, your refinishing comes with a five-year adhesion warranty, although David says that through normal use, a homeowner should be able to enjoy 15 to 20 years of their new surface. What about mold and mildew? If there is an existing mold or mildew issue, Miracle Method will handle the abatement of such. Once the coating has bonded to the original surface, the likelihood of mold and mildew growth is eliminated. Are there any other services I might want to know about? Yes. Miracle Method can also make bathing safer with their Easy Step®. “We cut an opening in your existing tub which allows easier entry and exit for seniors and the mobility impaired,” David explains. More important than even the quality and value, Elizabeth says, is the customer service. “We strive to exceed our customer’s expectations on a regular basis.” But Elizabeth and David Dowdy’s commitment to service goes beyond their careers. As residents of the county for the past 11 years, they are both active in community service as well. He is a volunteer firefighter and EMT with Goochland County Fire & Rescue and she serves on the Board of Directors for the Goochland Chamber of Commerce.
"Outstanding job...5 times better than we imagined, highly recommend Miracle Method!"
- Dave R, Richmond
2410 Granite Ridge Rd. • Suite 1 • Rockville, VA 23146
Take 1-64 to the Rockville/Manakin exit. Go North on Ashland Road for one mile to Left on Commerce Center. First Left is Granite Ridge and Miracle Method is on the Right.
Visit the Showroom: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm or by appointment 804-749-8990 • MiracleMethod.com/richmond
How much do you know about
Richmond? by Steve Cook
B
efore you start making those vacation plans for the summer, take a minute to look at all that the Richmond Metro area has to offer. Whether you’re a lifer or a recent transplant, take this little quiz and find out how much you really do know about Richmond.
Question 1: Where do Barbie, Gumby and Mr. Potato Head live, Photo: Virginia Historical Society
at least while they’re in town?
Question 2: Many years ago, it was Camp Lee. It’s also been the site of baseball fields for some of the nation’s earliest professional teams, as well as the Hermitage Country Club, the fairgrounds and a railroad station. What is on this site today?
Question 3: This Western Henrico landmark was once a stagecoach stop. Can you name it?
Question 4: Who was Armistead Walker and what indelible contribution did he make to the city?
Question 5: True or False: Edgar Allen Poe was born in what is now known as the Poe Museum.
Answer 1: The Virginia Historical Society (428 N. Blvd.; VAHistori-
Question 6:
cal.org) offers an exhibition that the whole family will enjoy – from Junior to Grandma. If you remember Barbie, Gumby or the always loveable Mr. Potato Head, then you’re going to enjoy the Toys of the 50s, 60s and 70s exhibit, which runs through Sept. 4. The collection is sure to bring back those nostalgic memories of all the fun that comes with being a kid. Us-
What Richmond landmark was modeled after an ancient Roman temple? Whether you whizzed through this or were stumped at every turn, read on. There’s so much to discover right in your own backyard. 62 West End's Best
RichmondNavigator.com
Photo: Virginia Historical Society
Nearby Attraction
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (200 N. Blvd.; VMFA.Museum) Ongoing exhibits include Fabergé and Russian Decorative Arts, Early 20th Century Decorative Art, the McGlothlin Collection of American Art, and Native American Art.
Photo: Virginia Historical Society
Photo: Virginia Historical Society
ing three imagined living rooms that bring the decades back to life, the retrospective tells the stories of the kids who played with these toys, the adults who bought them, the child-rearing experts who judged them, and the people who invented them. Of course, there’s much more to the Historical Society. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s really a museum…the museum of Virginia’s history. The 10,500-square-foot Story of Virginia exhibition features soundscapes, as well as video, digital and hands-on interactive displays.
Nearby Dining
The Daily Kitchen and Bar (2934 W. Cary St.; TheDailyKitchenAndBar. com) Eclectic dining with an emphasis on healthy food and creative cocktails. Mellow Mushroom (3012 W. Cary St.; MellowMushroom.com) Funky chain pizzeria featuring craft beer and stone-baked pizzas. Mom’s Siam (2811 W. Cary St.; MomSiam.com) Authentic Thai food and craft cocktails.
May / June 2017
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Photo: Virginia Science Museum
Answer 2: The Science Museum of Virginia (2500 W. Broad St.; SMV.org) houses a variety of fun and educational exhibits in the cavernous building that was once Richmond’s Union Railroad Station. Opening this summer in the new Dewey Gottwald Center, a 21,000-square-foot exhibition and event facility, is the fascinating Da Vinci Alive — The Experience. This multi-sensory gallery redefines the traditional approach to Leonardo da Vinci, combining 75 machine inventions and interactive activities with a cutting-edge immersive walk-through cinema experience. Check the website for information on other exhibits as well as current movies playing in the high-tech digital dome theater.
Nearby Attraction
Children’s Museum of Richmond (2626 W. Broad St.; C-MOR.org) Learning through play is the underlying message at the Children’s Mu-
seum, which features interactive play areas with special themes like the grocery store, the farm, the news studio, the cave and much more.
Nearby Dining
Lalo’s Cocina (2617 W. Broad St.; LalosCocina.com) Mexican classics in a bright modern facility featuring a popular wraparound bar. Lunch. Supper! (1213 – 1215 Summit Ave.; LunchOrSupper.com) A classic Southern smokehouse, offering good food and gracious hospitality. Peter Chang (2816 W. Broad St.; PeterChangRestaurant.com) The awardwinning chef offers authentic Szechuan cuisine in the historic Hoffheimer Building.
Tavern (2892 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen; Henrico.us/rec/ places/walkerton), located along the historic Mountain Road corridor, is a restored historic tavern built by John Walker in 1825. Until 1941, it served travelers along Mountain Road. The tavern was equipped with a wine cellar, three ice houses, and a 20-horse stable to accommodate its guests. A variety of historical and educational programs, as well as private functions are held here. There is a small museum in the home, which is open to the public from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Nearby Attraction
Cultural Arts Center (2880 Mountain Road; ArtsGlenAllen.com) The theater at the Arts Center offers a variety of stage plays and musical entertainment. There are also several galleries, as well as a variety of art classes for children, teens and adults.
Photo: Henrico County
Answer 3: Walkerton
Virginia Randolph Museum (2200 Mountain Road; Henrico.us/rec/places/virginia-randolph-museum) The former home economics cottage for the Virginia Randolph Training Center is now a museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of the renowned Henrico County educator Virginia E. Randolph.
Nearby Dining
JJ’s Grille (10298 Staples Mill Rd., Cross Ridge Shopping Center; JJsGrille.com) From great burgers and sandwiches to juicy steaks and seafood, JJ’s Grille has something for every taste, along with an awesome happy hour. Tokyo Sushi (10274 Staples Mill Rd., Cross Ridge Shopping Center; TokyoSushiGlenAllen.com) Tokyo Sushi restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.
a wealthy black contractor who lived in the latter half of the 19th Century. He was also the husband of Maggie Walker, the first woman to ever charter a bank in the United States. Armistead Walker was the contractor who built the Leigh Street Armory in 1887. The castle-like structure served as the armory for Richmond’s black militia. The fact that the building was built by blacks is a story in itself. At the time, the city had decreed that only “native whites” could be employed on building projects. Today, the building serves as the home of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Richmond (122 W. Leigh St.; BlackHistoryMuseum. org). The museum’s permanent collection is a gateway to the rich history, heritage and significant accomplishments of African Americans in Virginia. The collection includes art, artifacts, textiles, photographs, rare books, music and other items.
Nearby Attraction
Maggie Lena Walker devoted her life to civil rights advancement, economic empowerment and educational opportunities for Jim Crow-era African Americans and women. As a bank president, newspaper editor and fraternal leader, Walker served as an inspiration of pride and progress. Today, Walker’s home is preserved as a tribute to her enduring legacy of vision, courage and determination.
Nearby Dining
Mama J’s Kitchen (415 N. 1st St.; MamaJsKitchen.com) Mama J’s, Richmond’s premiere soul food dining experience, celebrates the family tradition of going to grandma’s house for Sunday dinner. The Speakeasy Grill at the Hippodrome Theater (526 N. 2nd St.; TheSpeakeasyGrill.com) Serving seafood, craft burgers and Southern favorites, the Grill, located in a restored mansion, is adjacent to the historic Hippodrome Theater. Located in Jackson Ward, The “Hipp” was once the hub of entertainment in this popular black community, which came to be known as the “Harlem of the South.”
Photo: Poe Museum
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site (600 N. 2nd St.; NPS.gov/mawa)
Photo: Black History Museum
Answer 4: Armistead Walker was
Nearby Attractions
Canal Cruises (Tours start at the Turning BasinVirginia Street at the intersection of 14th and Dock treets; VentureRichmond.com/experience/canalridesRichmond) Canal Cruises offer an informative 40-minute, historically narrated tour of the James River and Kanawha Canal along Richmond’s historic Canal Walk. Segway of Richmond (1301 E. Cary St.; SegwayOfRichmond.biz) Offers one and two-hour tours of Richmond›s most beautiful and interesting sights and sounds. Guided tours come with a how-to and safety training lesson.
Nearby Dining
Answer 5: Not only is the answer False, but the truth is Edgar Allen Poe was probably never in the house. Although a staircase in the house was taken from the poet’s boyhood home. Some consider the house to be Richmond’s oldest home. Regardless, the Poe Museum (1914-16 E. Main St.; PoeMuseum.org) holds more of Edgar Allan Poe’s personal possessions than any other institution and comprises the world’s most comprehensive collection of Edgar Allan Poe artifacts and memorabilia. Learn more about the museum’s collection as well as the beautiful Enchanted Garden on the website.
23rd & Main Taproom & Kitchen (2300 E. Main St.; 23rdAndMain.com) Cozy, modern bar and grill serving wood-fired pizza, hearty pub fare, on-tap craft beers and cocktails. Poe’s Pub (2706 E. Main St. facebook: PoesPub1) An Irish pub with Southern hospitality offering a variety of great food, drinks and live entertainment.
Answer 6: The
Virginia State Capitol Building (1000 Bank St.; VirginiaGeneralAssembly.gov/VirginiaStateCapitol) was designed in 1785 by Thomas Jefferson with help from Charles-Louis Clérisseau. When the Virginia legislature voted to move the capital from Williamsburg to Richmond in 1779, Jefferson found inspiration in a source very far removed, geographically and historically, from the British colonial architecture of the day: the Maison Carrée, a classical Roman temple in southern France dating back to 16 B.C.E. Free one-hour guided tours are offered daily, including some holidays. Visitors also may tour on their own.
Nearby Attraction
The Valentine Museum’s Richmond History Tours (1015 E. Clay St.; TheValentine.org) In addition to its fascinating exhibits, which interpret the stories of the city’s history, The Valentine offers a variety of guided tours that explore the rich and diverse history of the city. Guided walking tours, specialty bus tours, custom group tours, school tours and step-on guides are among the services offered by the Valentine.
Nearby Dining
The Hard Shell (1411 E. Cary St.; TheHardShell.com) The Hard Shell offers the highest quality seafood, steaks and more in a warm, inviting and relaxing atmosphere. LaGrotta Ristorante (529 E. Broad St.; LaGrottaRVA.com) Beautiful eatery serving Northern Italian cuisine and a large wine list amid sophisticated surroundings.
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RichmondNavigator.com
804.409.0089
TRAVEL
Off-the-BeatenPathGuideto
Virginia’sBeach Getaways by Steve Cook
Looking for something a little different for this summer’s beach vacation? Check out our Off-the-Beaten Path Guide to Virginia’s Beach Getaways. (Approximate driving times from here to there in parentheses)
Assateague Island National Seashore – No
beach in Virginia allows one to get back to nature as does this windswept barrier island on the Eastern Shore. The quaint town of Chincoteague, offering dining and accommodations is nearby. (3.5 hours via Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel)
Atlantic Ocean beach that’s away from it all but close to everything. This state park beach can only be accessed by means of foot, bike, tram, boat, or beach transporter. No cars allowed.But, it’s only 5 miles from Sandbridge. (2.5 hours)
Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve, Onemo (Mathews County) – For
Westmoreland State Park, Montross – This
Colonial Beach – Want
Yorktown Beach – This
a true get-away-from-it-all experience, head to Mathews County and Bethel Beach. Featuring low dunes and salt marshes on the Chesapeake Bay, Bethel Beach offers plenty of parking, but no restrooms. (1.5 hours)
the feel of a 50s beach town? That’s what you’ll get in this riverside town that offers the second longest stretch of public beach in the state. Located in the Northern Neck. (1.5 hours)
68 West End's Best
False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach – Here’s an
RichmondNavigator.com
pristine Northern Neck oasis offers a Potomac River beach, swimming pool, power-boat ramp and boat rentals. Look for American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons and more. (1.5 hours)
two-acre beachfront along the York River makes for an ideal family getaway with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, fishing and boating. There are lots of summertime activities. (1 hour)
Photo: SmithMOuntainLake.com
Great Summer Escapes by Steve Cook
Get Wet at Smith Mountain Lake: With over 500 miles of shore-
line, Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia’s most popular lake. In addition to traditional water sports like swimming, fishing, boat launching and boating, you’ll also find plenty of room to enjoy hiking, camping and picnicking at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Smith-Mountain-Lake.com (3 hours)
been enjoying the pure, warm (always 98.5 degrees) crystal clear waters that flow through the county’s Jefferson Pools, named for Thomas Jefferson, who spent three weeks there in 1818. Bath County, located in the Allegheny Mountains, is a wonderful four-season destination, offering fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, biking...Need we go on? DiscoverBath.com (2.5 hours)
Photo: Luray Caverns
Get Underground in Luray: Go down about
Get Rhythm along The Crooked Road: The sounds
Photo: Virginia.org
of country music beat strong and pure along the Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. The trail connects major heritage music venues such as the Blue Ridge Music Center, Birthplace of Country Music Alliance and the Carter Family Fold. Numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to fishing and boating, are also available. Virginia.org/TheCrookedRoad (3.5 hours from closest point in Franklin County)
300 feet or so and discover Luray Caverns. Bad weather won’t affect your one-hour tour of the most visited caverns in the Eastern U.S. Luray is located right at the entrance to Shenandoah National Park, which offers cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and over 200,000 acres of family fun. TownOfLuray.com (2.5 hours)
Get Inspired in the Great Dismal Swamp: The gloomy eeriness
of the swamp has inspired poets, including Edgar Allen Poe. Virtually every group of people who have called the Great Dismal Swamp home have told stories of mystery monsters and terrifying creatures said to inhabit its waters, bogs and woods. You may be inspired by the variety of wild life. FWS.gov/Refuge/Great_Dismal_Swamp/ (2 hours)
May / June 2017
Photo: FWS.gov
Get in Hot Water in Bath County: Since 1761, folks have
Photo: DiscoverBath.com
Get Out of Town! No really, we mean it. There’s so much to see and do and taste and experience all over the state. Here are a few of our favorite spots for day trips or weekend getaways. (Approximate driving time in parentheses.)
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S P O N S O R E D M E S S AG E
Virginia’s Hidden Waterfront Destination I
would bet you have gone to or heard about ‘The River’ or as some call it ‘The Rivah’: A few counties, each with small waterfront towns, each with its own charm. Area features include wide waterfront ways on the Rivers, protected deepwater creeks and miles of shoreline. The properties can be unique, luxurious or a crab shack. Visitors here have fond memories of family times, evenings full of stars, crabbing off the docks and a friendly wave while walking through towns or riding on boats. If you are lucky enough to buy a piece of this splendor, you will want a local agent with the knowledge and expertise of the waterways, county setbacks and more. The market down in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas is bustling and busier than ever. As the spring and summertime approaches, more homes will be coming on the market. Prices are not increasing and the interest rates are still at a record low. Now is the time to buy! Many families will come to this area looking for the perfect summer home, retire-
70 End's Best 70 West Chesterfield Living
ment home or even something to buy as a second home for now and retire to in 10-plus years. With everyday life happening at a faster pace, it is nice to come down and enjoy a quieter way of life. Few stoplights, not many chain stores, farmers markets, public beaches, seafood dining and many more activities. “We do not just sell homes, we sell the lifestyle,” says Katie Horsley Dew, 3rd generation broker for IsaBell K. Horsley Real Estate. “We have four office locations in Urbana, Deltaville, Mathews and White Stone, and 35-plus agents who know this area. We have been in the business since 1975. We have something for everyone here, from high-end luxury to the waterfront cottage getaway. When working with a client you must listen. Listen to their story, what they want in a home, their lifestyle.” The best part about this area is its proximity to Richmond…an hour-plus to your home away from home. “We find many people will sell their beach homes in the Outer Banks and buy here because of the drive.” For more information visit www.HorsleyRealEstate.com.
RichmondNavigator.com RichmondNavigator.com
Robert H. Taylor, D.D.S. General Dentist
DENTURES | PARTIALS | EXTRACTIONS | IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES Dr. Taylor has provided denture related services for patients in Virginia for over 25 years.
ARE YOU TIRED OF LOOSE or
UNCOMFORTABLE DENTURES? Can't Eat What You Want? Can't Talk or Laugh with Confidence? Dr. Taylor has helped many patients stabilize their dentures with one simple procedure. Dental Implants have been a tremendous help for patients by freeing them from loose, painful, embarrassing dentures. This procedure allows patients to smile with confidence again, eat what they want, and eliminate denture sore spots. Dentures simply snap into place with little or no need for adhesives.
New Mechanicsville Location Conveniently located just off I-295 and HWY 360 in Hanover Plaza
valleydenturecare.com
Call (804)723-5658
to schedule your Complimentary Consultation!
Valley Denture Care 7472 Lee Davis Road | Mechanicsville, VA 23111
March / April 2017
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