RIVER
CITY
Cruisin' for Brews By Emily Jones, Photos by Jason Parks and Brandon Montijo
T
When Tommy Miller was busy pursuing advanced degrees, he never guessed he’d be running brewery tours instead of a development company. The Virginia Commonwealth University graduate – who has a bachelor’s degree in real estate and land development and a master’s in urban and regional planning – decided to add entrepreneur to his resume when he went on a brewing tour while attending a wedding in San Diego about two years ago.
His West Coast beer-sampling adventure led to a new passion and prompted him to start Richmond Brewery Tours. “I thought San Diego Brewery Tours was a great excursion for both locals and tourists, so I wanted to bring it back to our area,’’ Miller said. “Once legislation was passed supporting local craft breweries, and I saw so many potential breweries breaking into the market, I thought there would be no better time to begin the tours here.” Richmond is already home to Center of the Universe, Extra Billy's, Hardywood Park, Midnight and Legend breweries. In addition, at least four more are planning to open in the near future. Miller uses a mini-bus to take groups of up to 14 people on a four-hour guided tour that begins with a brief Beer 101 course and
Once Miller has perfected Richmond’s tours, he’ll have plenty of
two complimentary tastings at Capital Ale House in downtown
options to expand throughout Virginia, which is home to about 40
Richmond. Next, they head to three other breweries for some serious
craft breweries, with many more on the horizon.
VIP treatment, with reserved seating and sample flights of craft beer.
“Tour goers get special attention from the pros – all while having
In addition, guests will receive a behind-the-scenes tour at one of the
a designated driver shuttling them between sites,” Miller said “The
breweries they visit, where they discuss what it takes to make a fine
allure of Richmond Brewery Tours is being able to have a good time
craft beer.
with family and friends, while taking in the sights of the region and
If learning the ins and outs about ambers and ales isn’t enough, guides also serve up some interesting facts about the Richmond region, along with a free souvenir, complimentary snacks and 44
refreshments.
enjoying local craft beer,” Miller said. For more information on booking a tour or joining a pre-arranged one, visit www.rvabrewerytours.com or call (804) 404-BREW. n MAY/JUNE 2013
www.richmondnavigator.com
45
RIVER
Seedowntown
CITY
more events FRIDAY CHEERS Brown's Island. Venturerichmond.com
5/10 The Lone Bellow Radical Face 5/24 RVA Music Night with NO BS! Brass Band Murphy's Kids Former Champions
Dominion Riverrock May 17–19 The community is united with a mix of sports, music and fun, set against the backdrop of the downtown riverfront. Watch participants in a mud run, freestyle
5/31 The Head and The Heart Black Girls 6/7 Charles Gradley & His Extraordinaries
bike competition and high-adrenaline activities in and around the river. Even your furry friend can compete in the Ultimate Air Dogs event! Brown's Island. Dominionriverrock.com
RVA Fireworks on the James July 3 This family-fun event features performances by the SPARC, the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Richmond Ballet’s Mind’s in Motion. Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy a music simulcast and see the state’s largest fireworks show! Brown's Island. Fireworksonthejames.com
6/14 Kishi Bashi Lake Street Dive 6/21 Karl Denson's Tiny Universe The Pimps of Joytime 6/28 Infamous Stringdusters James Justin & Co.
THE NATIONAL The National. thenationalva.com
3/15 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/15 46
Shooter Jennings The Shins The Legwarmers Best Coast The National Tame Impala Local Natives MAY/JUNE 2013
Take a shot at our 18-hole Championship Course Book a Tee Time Today!
804.598.4221 1525 Mill Quarter Road in historic Powhatan
Let us entertain you at our festive summer concert series featuring the latest and greatest hits in music, fashion, food and fun. Enjoy our many restaurants and unique stores, 40 of which can only be found here.
May 25 through September 2 Thursday-Saturday 4-8 pm • Sunday l-5 pm For performers and other details, visit ShopStonyPoint.com
$24
per person with cart
up to 4 players
After 3 pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Must present this coupon. Limit one coupon per visit. Expires 7/1/13
Saks Fifth Avenue | Dillard’s | Dick’s Sporting Goods | Cine´Bistro Located off Chippenham Parkway. Take the Stony Point Parkway exit. 804 - 560 - SHOP
Presented by
$19
per person with cart
up to 4 players
After 3 pm, Monday–Friday. Must present this coupon. Limit one coupon per visit. Expires 7/1/13
millquarter.com Open to public year round. Booking in advance recommended.
www.richmondnavigator.com
47
RIVER
CITY
Richmond Shakespeare
T B y
J o d y
R a t h g e b ,
P h o t o s
b y
B r u c e
P a r k e r
The best teachers of Shakespeare help their students to understand that the bard is fun and fascinating, and that his plays are full
RS at Agecroft Hall (Photo credit: Bruce Parker)
of universal emotions and sly plays on words and stereotypes.
Richmond Shakespeare is among the best, giving audiences both delight and deep thought in its summer festivals at Agecroft Hall and its three-show winter season.
ment.” The intimate space seats about 150, allowing the audience to see the spectacle and hear the beauty of Shakespeare’s language. Powell says she chose this summer’s shows for their contrast.
The company, which will open its fifteenth summer festival with
Othello, which will feature Stephen Seals as Othello and Ryan Bechard
previews on June 13, draws on a base of professional local actors and
as Iago, is rich in emotion and language, offering what Powell calls “a
some guest artists, plus volunteers for both backstage and front-of-
saturated feeling.” On the other hand, A Comedy of Errors is “a fluffy,
the-house duties and paid technical positions. Jan Powell, artistic di-
sweet, fun, silly show” with a much larger ensemble cast.
rector, notes that the 2013 season will offer shows that highlight the company’s broad range of artistry. “As a new artistic director, I wanted to bring people in to see what we are doing now,” she says. Shows in the summer festival are A Com-
While the summer shows have already been cast, volunteers and other workers are always welcome at Richmond Shakespeare. For information, call (804) 232-4000 or visit www.richmondshakespeare.com.
edy of Errors and Othello. Richmond Shakespeare’s winter season, performed in various places including the Gottwald Theatre at Richmond CenterStage and the McVey Theatre at St. Catherine’s School, typically
The Richmond Shakespeare Festival will note its 15th
offers a fall and spring show plus a Christmas show connected with
summer with two plays at Agecroft Hall.
literature. Past offerings have included a show based on Dylan Thom-
A Comedy of Errors, June 13 through July 7
as’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales and a popular two-actor version of A
Othello, July 11 through August 4
Christmas Carol.
Performances are at 8 p.m.
The company’s main showcase is its summer festival at Agecroft. The authentic 15th-century English Tudor estate was dismantled and rebuilt at 4302 Sulgrave Road in the 1920s, providing a spot for theater that Powell can barely praise enough. “I love this place,” she says. “The grounds are gorgeous, and as a setting for Shakespeare, it’s perfect. When Shakespeare’s company toured, they played in the courtyards of estates, exactly this environ48
Performances may be canceled due to inclement weather, so audiences are advised to check with the box office if it is stormy or extremely hot. Information and tickets: (804) 232-4000, www.richmondshakespeare.com
MAY/JUNE 2013
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow… The future for Richmond Shakespeare holds an exciting collaboration as the com-
Join us every Sunday for Brunch. It all starts at 11am with a great brunch menu & Bloody Mary, Mimosa & Sangria Bar.
Restaurant & Bar Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11:30am - 11:00pm Fri.-Sat. 11:30am - Midnight Sun. 11:00am - 10:00pm
BlueGrass Music ay Every Sund Night
The area’s Award Winning Bar and Restaurant with great beer, great food, and captivating views of Richmond
Offering Appetizers ~ Snacks ~ Burgers ~ Sandwiches ~ Dinner Entrees
321 West 7th Street Richmond, VA (804) 232-3446 www.legendbrewing.com Close to all hotels in The River District & only a short drive from Broad St., Short Pump, Midlothian or the Airport pany will merge with Henley Street Theatre within the next two years. The change will be gradual, with operating management merging in the next fiscal year, followed by a full organizational merger. The arrangement will allow both companies to retain their names and identities, but will streamline business operations. Henley Street Theatre has produced classical and contemporary works since 2007. A previous collaboration with Richmond Shakespeare was a co-production of The Winter’s Tale in 2010-11. n
www.richmondnavigator.com
49
RIVER
CITYdining
CITY
dining happenings Jorge's Cantina Jorge’s Cantina (2526 Floyd Avenue. 918-1857) has opened in the Fan, providing a new authen-
A New Spot for Richmond's Sweet Tooth at Sugar Shack Donuts Richmond natives Ian Kelley and Casey Ward have reunited after their culinary
tic favorite for margaritas and Mexican cuisine. In addition to the usual fare such as sizzling fajitas, burritos and taquitos, break out of the box with dishes like avocado fries and fresh ceviche.
Broad Appétit
ventures around the country to bring Richmond a new spot to satisfy their sweet
On June 2, Broad Appétit returns to offer the
tooth. The partners of Sugar Shack Donuts, located at Leigh and Lombardy Streets,
best Richmond restaurants have to offer in one
have been busily experi-
place. Over sixty local eateries will show off their
menting with ingredi-
culinary skills with three-dollar mini-dishes. As
ents to bring a unique
you graze your way down Broad Street (between
variety of yeast, cake,
Henry and Adams), wash it all down with Virginia
vegan and gluten-free
wine and beer. Last year brought out everything
donuts. Along with the
from pan-seared scallops to pork belly tacos and
classics, expect seasonal
watermelon basil pops to lavender lemonade.
creations such as Straw-
Also, check out local art, produce from local
berries and Cream, Bour-
farmers, and live music and cooking demonstra-
bon Poached Peaches,
tions. Whet your appetite at www.broadappetit.
and Mangoes and Cinna-
com.
mon. Kids will jump for joy with flavors like Cotton Candy or Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Nothing
Specialty donuts will include creations like Peanut Butter & Jelly and a reverse version, Jelly & Peanut Butter.
pairs better with a fresh donut than coffee that will be roasted daily on-site. In addition to donuts, the duo is rolling out other baked goods including cheesecakes and bagels (try the Guinness flavor!). A full shop, coffee house and take-out window will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. At 6 p.m., the take-out window and patio will remain open until 9 p.m. or later. Delivery will also be available, including catering for company meetings. Saturdays will offer kids two workshop style classes where they can decorate warm donuts with a variety of icings, glazes and toppings. Before the kiddos devour their artwork, their photo will be taken to grace the Donut Hole of Fame wall. Go to www. facebook.com/SugarShackDonuts to keep an Some of their other baked items will include cheesecake, such as this Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor. 50
eye on what’s coming out of the test kitchen!
MAY/JUNE 2013