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Home Sweet Hallsley
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he foundation of Hallsley is the dramatic architecture of the homes. Authentic. Well proportioned. Detailed. That in itself has made Hallsley Richmond’s 2014 “Community of the Year.” But we’re just getting started.
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Our Residents Club is now open and includes: • Clubhouse with outdoor entertaining cabana bar and covered decks and porches • Resort-style pool with waterslide, zero entry, waterspouts, lap lanes and adult area • Miles of biking, walking, and nature trails • Parks, playground, and dog park • Bocce ball, pickle ball, tennis, volleyball • Playhouse village, treehouse, zipline • Year-round activities for all residents
From $400,000
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Information Center at 3900 Brightwalton Road, Midlothian VA 23112 15 minutes from Short Pump. Located on Old Hundred Road, 3 miles west of Rt. 288 and Rt. 60.
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10 West End’s Best
RichmondNavigator.com 11
MAY/JUNE 2015
Contents
MAY/JUNE 2015
29
16
First of All
News from Around Town 19
Shopping
Museum Gifts 23
Seniors
Constance-ville
OUR IN SEARCH OF FEATURE BROUGHT US TO HAYASHI SUSHI AND GRILL
25
Finance
Asset Location 27
Health
Teeth Whitening
Flavor 29
In Search of Sushi
32
Rock Bottom Restaurant A Local Favorite
35
Rico‘s
Authentic Mexican Food 37
Local Chefs & Recipes 804ork Cookbook
38
Mellow Mushroom
Richmond Reasons for Mellow Dining COURTESY OF HAYASHI SUSHI & GRILL
40
Dining & Drink News 42
Events
Local Happenings
19 LEFT: PHOTO BY JOEY WHARTON RIGHT: COURTESY OF ROCK BOTTOM
TasteBudz
32
Home 47
Relaxing Spaces
Design a Personal Haven 50
Neighborhoods
Community Developments
Travel 55
VA Beach
Three Beaches 59
Active Travelers
Tips From Richmonders
RichmondNavigator.com 13
MAY/JUNE 2015
From the Editor
PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER
A Cocktail Party of Ideas
William J. Davis, Jr. VICE-PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER
Cheryl T. Davis MANAGING EDITOR
Annie Tobey FOOD & TRAVEL EDITOR
Steve Cook ASSISTANT EDITOR
Tammie Wersinger CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Joey Wharton GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Nora Bollinger, Tara Bouldin-Evans ADVERTISING CONSULTANT
Jared Davis ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Beverly Montsinger, Michael Tillem DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Justin Warner PHOTOGRAPHERS
B
is like mingling at a cocktail party: you meet fascinating new people, learn unexpected news bits, draw inspiration and glean fresh ideas. In this month’s issue of West End’s Best, you’ll mingle with several active Richmond personalities – Jon Lugbill of Richmond Sports Backers; Don Garber, head coach of the Marathon Training Team; University of Richmond head field hockey coach Gina Lucido; and professional sports team physician Dr. Douglas Cutter. From their tales of travel and adventure, you can find inspiration for your next trip. Ever posed a question at a party and found the answers you were looking for? At this month’s magazine gathering, writer Angela Weight suggests venues for finding perfect gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or graduation. As a regular at West End’s Best parties, with a frequent focus on travel, I chat with you this issue about a new/old vacation beach destination for Richmonders: Virginia Beach. Though car bumpers may lead one to believe that locals go only to the OBX, our state coastline was our first favorite destination. And with all that today’s Virginia Beach has to offer, it’s still a worthy favorite! Whether you’re in the market for a new home or open for ways to improve the one you have, this issue can help. The staff of West End’s Best has compiled our favorite local residential developments, where residents not only spend quality time in their own crafted homes, they also enjoy community amenities and mix with neighbors. Providing tips on home enhancement, Erin Pittman presents experts’ ideas for creating relaxing spaces. Oh, and if a retirement home is in your not-too-distant future, you can relate to Constance Whitney’s whimsical look at her retirement Utopia. If you like talking food (certainly a popular party topic), you can pick up recipes from Richmond chefs, behind-the-scenes peeks into restaurant news and suggestions for local sushi spots. So put on some background music, grab your favorite beverage and finger foods and settle in with this issue of West End’s Best. Let our guests entertain, inform and inspire you. ROWSING A GREAT MAGAZINE
Annie Tobey Annie.Tobey@RichmondNavigator.com
Rick Bancroft, Stephanie Gross, Temple Hill, Christophile Konstas, Marcela Lee, Robert Thomas CONTRIBUTORS
Erin Pittman, Angela Weight, Constance Whitney ADVERTISING
West End’s Best magazine is published bimonthly by Advertising Concepts, Inc., 6301 Harbourside Drive, Suite 100 Midlothian, VA 23112 P: 804-639-9994 E: Info@RichmondNavigator.com ONLINE / SOCIAL
RichmondNavigator.com Facebook.com/RichmondNavigator Twitter.com/RVAnavigator All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.
A PUBLICATION OF
ALL ARTICLES AND CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINIONS OR THOUGHTS OF WEST END’S BEST MAGAZINE, ADVERTISING CONCEPTS, INC OR THE PUBLISHER. MARKS ADVERTISER-SUPPORTED CONTENT.
ABOUT OUR COVER Jason Alley of Comfort shares his pimento cheese recipe from the 804ork cookbook. Photo by Christophile Konstas for 804ork
RichmondNavigator.com 15
MAY/JUNE 2015
First of All
YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL TO TOUR! WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE about this city we call home, to be entertained while you’re educated? Then check out the 2015 season of Richmond’s Valentine history tours. The Valentine offers over 300 varied opportunities to explore Richmond history with trained and certified guides. Walking and bicycle tours are $15 ($5 for Valentine members), and bus tours are $25 ($20 for Valentine members). The History Hounds series returns this year, welcoming dogs and their owners. For meeting locations, a complete schedule, reservations and further details, visit RichmondHistoryTours.com or call 804-649-0711, ext. 301. Private group tours and step-on guide service are also available by contacting tours@thevalentine.org or 804-649-0711, ext. 319.
HERE’S JUST A SAMPLING OF MAY AND JUNE TOURS: CITY CENTER WALKING TOURS
CAPITOL SQUARE: JEFFERSON, WASHINGTON AND SPIELBERG WALKING TOUR
Offered Tuesday-Saturday, from 10-11:30 a.m., beginning May 5.
May 24, 2-4 p.m. Tour Capitol Square and the interior of the Capitol and hear about the filming of Spielberg’s Lincoln, for which the Square was the biggest backlot.
BARTON HEIGHTS WALKING TOUR May 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This Richmond neighborhood had its origins as a streetcar suburb in what was then Henrico County.
HIGHLIGHTS OF HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY WALKING TOUR May 14, 6-7:30 p.m. Established in 1847, Hollywood Cemetery was one of America‘s first parks. Learn about its history, artwork, symbolism and some of its famous residents.
HISTORY HOUNDS EXPLORE CHURCH HILL WALKING TOUR
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE VALENTINE
May 16, 10 a.m.-noon. For friendly, leashed dogs with current shots and their owners.
HISTORIC CEMETERIES BUS TOUR May 25, 1-5 p.m. Commemorate Memorial Day with a tour of Richmond’s 18th and 19th century cemeteries (free for all veterans).
WINDSOR FARMS BICYCLE TOUR June 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Once a par t of Henrico County, Windsor Farm includes examples of Richmond‘s notable architecture and landscaping, including Virginia House and Agecroft Hall.
CANAL BOATS AND COBBLESTONES WALKING TOUR
THE MURALS AND HISTORY OF JACKSON WARD WALKING TOUR
May 17, 2-4 p.m. Explore architectural treasures and preservation efforts along the James River and the canals.
June 20, 10 a.m.- noon. From history to today, see how art is shaping the face of Jackson Ward.
HISTORY HOUNDS EXPLORE BRYAN PARK June 27, 10 a.m.- noon. For friendly, leashed dogs with current shots and their owners.
16 West End’s Best
PHOTO: COURTESY OF RMHC
13 YEARS OF VEGGIES EVEN MEAT LOVERS can find something to love
Happy Wheels creator Alex Carpenter and RMHC volunteer coordinator Rachel Marsh.
HAPPY WHEELS AT THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE THE RICHMOND Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which celebrated their 35th anniversary in April, has announced a new program called Happy Wheels – no, not Happy Meals, it’s even better! The nonprofit RMHC provides a home away from home for seriously ill children and their families. The expansive Monument Avenue house is equipped with guest rooms and a large community kitchen for families who come from out of town for Richmond-area medical care for their children. The house not only provides lodging, it offers community and support, from the staff and volunteers who work there and from other families who are facing similar struggles. RMHC also provides family rooms in several local hospitals, including Children’s Hospital of
Richmond at VCU and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital. For the new Happy Wheels program, RMHC volunteers will push the hospitality cart through the pediatric and neonatal units of VCU Medical Center, stocked with comforts for children and their families. The cart will carry coffee, juice boxes, granola bars, crackers, coloring books, PlayDoh, toiletries and other items, all offered free of charge. Besides the immediate needs these small tokens can meet, they provide simple reminders to the families that they have a network of supporters during such a challenging time. To learn more about contributing to the mission of the Ronald McDonald House, financially or through the gift of your time, visit RMHC-Richmond.org.
at the popular Richmond Vegetarian Festival, which returns for its 13th year on June 20 in the Azalea Gardens at Bryan Park. From noon to 6 p.m., vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will gather for food, speakers, vendors and music in a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. The festival celebrates the vegetarian lifestyle, exploring many reasons to embrace a plantbased diet in a light, enjoyable setting. Area restaurants provide delicious vegetarian food options, demonstrating that life can still be good without meat. Richmond Vegetarian Festival 2015 features a wide variety of speakers, vendors and nonprofits, including bodybuilders Derek and Marcella from Vegan Muscle and Fitness, Richmond Animal League, Farm Animal Rights Movement, Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, The Vegetarian Resource Group and the Vegetarian Society of Richmond. Entertainment for the day comes from musicians, Jonathan the Juggler, a Moon Bounce and a scavenger hunt. Admission is free and leashed dogs with current vaccinations are welcome. VeggieFest.com
RICHMOND’S FIRST BLOWDRY BAR for your hair? Perhaps for a special date, party, job interview, girls’ night out or just because you know you deserve it? Then head to Shine Blowdry Bar, Richmond’s first salon dedicated exclusively to wash-and-blow styling. Like many popular trends, blowdry bars began in major metropolitan markets. There are no haircuts, colors or perms. Just wash, blow and go. A typical styling session lasts approximately 45 minutes, and the look can be maintained for several days. Shine offers haircare products designed to preserve a style. Shine welcomes walk-ins, but if you’re bringing your entire bridal party, you’ll want to make an appointment. “It’s no wonder why blowdry bars are trending,” says owner Allison Bridges. “They offer an easy, affordable boost, whether it’s for a special occasion or a fun pick-me-up.” The Shine experience typically starts with a complimentary cup of coffee or glass of wine (for the over-21 set) and a peek at a “Look Book” for style inspiration. Updos, braids, on-location styling, hair repair and massages are also available. Shine Blowdry Bar opened in April at 5227 W. Broad St. in Willow Lawn. ShineBlowDry.com
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KELLY VANCE
NEED A QUICK PERK-UP
RichmondNavigator.com 17
18 West End’s Best
MAY/JUNE 2015
Shopping
SHOP LOCAL MUSEUMS FOR A WORLD OF UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS by
Angela Weight
//
photos by
Joey Wharton (unless othewise noted)
F
INDING THE PERFECT GIFT, one that resonates with the personalities of friends and family members, can be thrilling. Some people, however, are harder to shop for than others – like my sister. For nearly a month, I’d been drawing a blank on what to get her for her birthday. I was still pondering the problem last week, when I chaperoned my son’s third-grade class field trip to the Science Museum of Virginia. As any mom knows, it’s hard to visit a museum without being guided into the gift shop by your child hoping to score a souvenir. I’m glad I didn’t resist, because Shop4Science, the store inside the museum, was really impressive. It had a surprising diversity of jewelry, home decor, games, puzzles, books and all sorts of fun craft projects. It also had the perfect gift for my sister, who collects and studies uncommon rocks and gemstones. With special occasions and graduation season upon us, it’s a great time to check out local museums for creative and uncommon gifts in all price ranges. In addition to finding items you don’t run across in mainstream stores, I love the idea of shopping locally and supporting our area’s cultural and historic venues.
Science Museum of Virginia 2500 W. Broad St. / SMV.org
Here are a few gift ideas from the SCIENCE MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA’S Shop4Science. • Put an end to those fights over electronics chargers with this SMV four-port USB hub. It looks like a high-tech flower that plugs into your computer and makes a great graduation gift. $25 • The Boogie Board ewriter is inexpensive, easy-to-use and handy for making lists, writing stories and even drawing a masterpiece. $39.95 • Geek Dad, Maker Dad and Man Crafts books are brimming with hundreds of fun DIY projects for hands-on dads. Starting at $15
the edgar allen poe museum
the virginia holocaust museum
1914 E. Main St. / PoeMuseum.org
2000 E. Cary St. / VA-Holocaust.com
THE EDGAR ALLAN POE MUSEUM gift shop proves
THE VIRGINIA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM’S
that morbid, playful and intellectual gifts can happily coexist under the same roof. Their collection is bound to offer something perfect for that quirky friend who appreciates anything off beat. Here’s what we’re “ravin’ ” about. • A must-have for the mustachioed man in your life, the humorous mug celebrates the world’s greatest mustache styles. $13.95 • This whimsical Poe-ka dot tote is perfect for carrying books, groceries, lunch or even a tell-tale heart. $24.95 • A set of raven-themed dinner napkins is splendid for anyone who loves to entertain. $28
gift shop carries a well thought-out array of reading material, art and collectibles that illustrate the struggles, hopes and triumphs of victims of religious persecution. • Grownup fans of America’s most celebrated children’s book author will love Dr. Seuss Goes to War. The political cartoon collection comes from Theodore Geisel’s work as a cartoonist for the New York daily newspaper during World War II. $21.95 • Izzy’s Fire recounts the gut-wrenching story of five Jewish families who escaped certain death in the Kosovo ghetto during the Holocaust and eventually settled here in Richmond. $19.95 RichmondNavigator.com 19
the valentine
200 N. Boulevard / VMFA.museum
If you’ve never been to THE VALENTINE , it’s worth a visit. Review Richmond’s 400-year history and browse the gift shop’s surprisingly large selection of merchandise created by local artisans and authors. Check out these favorite finds from the Valentine.
The VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS shop is a feast for the senses, showcasing incredible jewelry, hats, scarves, glassware, print reproductions and imaginative home décor pieces. We fell in love with these uncommon finds.
• Chesterf ield-based artist Tre Rockenback creates striking, conversation-piece bracelets that feature photos of Richmond places and landmarks. $33
• Burpee seed packets are the inspiration for unique brooches by designer Valerie Sanson. The wildflower beauties add a splash of color and class to any outfit. Starting at $25
• Vintage classic cotton dishtowels and aprons always make a smart gift for your favorite cook. They’re useful and inexpensive. Starting at $11.32
• Don’t buy Dad another silk tie for Father’s Day. Get him a wooden one. Switchwood bowties are the ultimate wearable conversation pieces. And no two are ever alike. $89.95
• Dad can hit the pubs and sample RVA’s huge selection of craft beers in his own Valentine’s Meat Juice pint-sized beer growler, one of the museum’s biggest sellers. $24
• This Mother’s Day, give your mom a spot of tea ... or a tea kettle that she can name “Spot.” Virginia artist Christy Crews Dunn gives teatime a funny canine twist with a ceramic bulldog teapot. $140
lewis ginter botanical garden
LEWIS GINTER PHOTO: COURTESY OF LEWIS GINTER
virginia museum of fine arts
1015 E. Clay St. / TheValentine.org
maggie walker house
1800 Lakeside Ave. / LewisGinter.org
600 N. 2nd St. / Nps.gov/Mawa
Horticulture enthusiasts will love something from The Garden Shop at LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN , featuring distinctive garden-themed containers, accents, statuary and home décor along with the latest gardening gadgets. Our top picks include:
The MAGGIE WALKER HOUSE in Jackson Ward offers a comprehensive collection of books that preserve and celebrate our region’s African-American heritage. The reader and history buff will treasure a gift from this local landmark.
• Special messages for Mom are engraved onto adorable garden marker spoons. The up-cycled utensils add kitschy charm to a patch of flowers or herbs. $13.95
• Pick up A Guidebook to Virginia’s Historical Markers and take Mom or Dad on a drive to see some of the 900 roadside posts that commemorate the notable events, people and places of the commonwealth. $19.95
• Felco brand pruners and pocket guard will be mainstays in Dad’s gardening toolkit. $46.50 and $19.95 • Mom’s Little Vase, handmade bud vases made of molten glass, are perfect for those spontaneous and special flower arrangements, presented by little hands straight from the playground or backyard. $20 20 West End’s Best
• Stitched from the Soul: Slave Quilts from the Antebellum South. With rich, full-color illustrations, this collector’s book is a must-have for anyone who admires the beauty and history of the art of quilting. $31.95
muscarelle museum of art If you’re planning a trip to historic Williamsburg, be sure to visit the MUSCARELLE MUSEUM OF ART. Their gift shop features everything from the exquisite to the eclectic. You’re sure to find a present that will thrill the art collector in your family.
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22 West End’s Best
MAY/JUNE 2015
Seniors
UTOPIA –THE SENIOR VERSION by
Constance Whitney
W
HEN I WAS A KID,
Marlo Thomas was That Girl on TV – young, beautiful, single and living on her own in New York City. To my adolescent mind, no homework, no fighting with siblings, no bedtimes equaled utopia. As a teenager, my view was redefined by the iconic hair and tight jeans of David Cassidy and I was sure that traveling around in a psychedelically painted bus was the true nirvana. Fast forward a few years with college behind me, a few kids around me and a fast-paced career in front of me, my utopian standards had more to do with dreams of a gummybear-free car, mud-free kitchen floors, and six hours of uninterrupted sleep. Now that the kids are grown, my car is no longer a sticky minefield and the painted bus has lost its allure, it is time to reinvent my version of heaven on Earth. With little in the way of television-based inspiration (the Iron Throne doesn’t really exist and I refuse to keep up with the Kardashians), I wondered what my utopia would look like in a senior community. My mom, bless her heart, retired to Las Vegas years ago. Mind you, not the Las Vegas of neon lights, showgirls and endless buffets – no, Mom moved to a gorgeous 55+ retirement community where the motto is less “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” and more “what happens in Vegas can be told at a church social.” The homes are specifically designed for older residents (wider hallways, no thresholds, no steps, easy maintenance, etc.), the view of the mountains is fit for a glossy postcard, and activities, healthcare and services in the area are focused on letting the residents make the most of their senior years. The idea of the 55-plus communities is growing throughout the nation, thanks to the aging baby boomers. With an average of 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day, senior living options are hot topics around the water cooler and in the Geritol aisle at the local Walgreens. Channeling Mom, who has inspired me throughout my life, I came up with my list of must-haves and a few sorta-probably-should-haves and created my nirvana. Constanceville – a senior living community conceived and designed by yours truly!
MUST HAVES: INDEPENDENCE – As a teenager, I waged an all-out battle with my parents to
earn my independence (though in those days it had more to do with staying out after curfew) and, as an adult, I have fiercely held on to that independence. In my nirvana, I’ll have my place set up and decorated exactly as I like, gardens that I can putter around in and a kitchen where I can cook and
bake to my heart’s content. But I’ll also have someone else clean my place, a gardener to take care of the petunias when I don’t want to and a five-star chef to create culinary masterpieces when my inner Rachael Ray is on vacation. EXCLUSIVITY – For the record, I have nothing against kids. I have a few myself and most of my friends have them as well. But I have done my fair share of Chucky Cheese birthday parties and triaging banged-up knees, scraped elbows and lost teeth. I’ve passed that baton to the younger generation and now watch gleefully as my daughter battles temper tantrums, spiders in pockets and finicky eaters. In Constanceville, children will be most welcome, enjoyed, played with and fed unlimited levels of sugar – then sent home to their loving parents, with arms full of spoil-inducing toys! Grandparenthood has its benefits!
PROBABLY SHOULD HAVES: SECURITY – One only needs to watch the nightly news so many times before the reality that the world is not a safe place is driven home in ghastly detail. Though I’m not naïve enough to think that absolute security exists anywhere, in Constanceville I’ll be able to go for a walk after dinner without fear of anything other than mosquitoes, while being serenaded by the cicadas and entertained by the ducks and geese on Swift Creek. HEALTH CARE – In watching my mom and all her friends, it is obvious that having extraordinarily good health care is essential as we progress through maturity. While I am not yet ready to admit any age-related decline, just like my ’04 Mustang, I know parts will start wearing out and others will just give out. In my nirvana, doctors will be plentiful, affordable, and available – and all look like George Clooney!
Constanceville will also feature endless walking trails around gorgeous ponds inhabited by swans and geese that leave no droppings, an activity center with crystal blue swimming pools that are always the right temperature, exercise rooms that do workouts for you so you don’t have to sweat, gourmet restaurants staffed by Gordon Ramsey but without the cussing, a movie theater that never shows martial arts movies, shopping centers with designer clothing at Goodwill prices ... and a few flying unicorns and fluffy white clouds made out of cotton candy. Constanceville – dreaming the possible dream? WEB RichmondNavigator.com 23
24 West End’s Best
MAY/JUNE 2015
Finance
UNCLE SAM CAME A-KNOCKIN’ by
G. Carl Mahler, Jr, CFP ®
T
AX TIME CAME AND WENT,
again. Personally, I wait until the deadline every year to get my information to my accountant to prepare my annual bloodletting. It’s like I’m hoping for some eleventh-hour tax lottery winning ticket giving me a reprieve for the year. I haven’t won yet! Just between us, I hate taxes. I do everything humanly possible to avoid paying them. Last year our elected off icials in Washington raised the marginal tax rates on everything, some more than others. The rates on investment income have been elevated to excitingly painful new levels. It draws our attention to some of the guiding investment principals that we follow when advising clients about wealth creation. The one I’m talking about today is called Asset Location. It is the allocation of assets between taxable and tax-advantage accounts. In establishing appropriate accounts to build your net worth, you have the opportunity to create accounts that “tax me now,” “tax me later” or “tax me never.” While your eyes might quickly lock in on one of these categories, I must point out that there are strings attached to each type, but my point here is you need more than one type, possibly two or all three that you fund during the accumulation phase of your life. Having more than one when you retire will provide a means to control your taxes, enhance long-term returns and, ultimately, more money to
spend in retirement or to pass to heirs. From a ta x perspective, optimal portfolio construction minimizes ta xes by holding broad ma rket equit y investments in ta xable accounts and ta xable bonds within ta x-advantaged accounts. The person who retires holding virtually all of his assets in a ta x-advantaged account like an IR A is at a tremendous disadvantage when needing cash to buy large items, like a new car, because ever y dollar withdrawn is ta xed as ordinar y income. Needing $30,000 for the car requires you to withdraw $35-40,000 to net enough after ta xes. Did I mention I hate paying taxes? We do everything humanly possible to minimize taxes in our quest to help clients achieve their financial goals. Tax season puts this right smack in front of you. Find a way to deal with it, unless you’re waiting for that winning tax lottery ticket. Right!
The Pinnacle Group An Independent Wealth Management Firm Your Wealth. Your Life. Our Focus. 3748 Winterfield Road Midlothian, VA 23113 804-378-1624 PinnacleGroup.net G. Carl Mahler, Jr. is a Certified Financial Planner ®. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Any opinions are those of G. Carl Mahler, Jr. and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. L i k e u s on Facebook to receive daily f inanc ial infor mat ion on your newsfee d. Search: “ T he P innacle Group, An Independent Wealth Management F ir m, RJ F S”
RichmondNavigator.com 25
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MAY/JUNE 2015
Health
AT-HOME WHITENING VS. IN-OFFICE – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? by
Mark Bond, DDS
O
NE OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS my patients ask me regards teeth bleaching and whitening options. Whitening/bleaching is the most common cosmetic procedure performed by dentists. A quick Internet search reveals that Americans spend an estimated $1.4 billion on various tooth-whitening products each year. This proves that marketing by dental companies works wonders to entice people to buy these products. However, the vast majority of patients are misinformed about what they are really buying. Most of my patients report using a whitening toothpaste, and many of them are surprised to hear that the whitening toothpaste is not truly changing the color of their teeth.
AT-HOME WHITENING: SURFACE STAIN REMOVAL Tooth whitening is a process that makes the teeth appear lighter in color. Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes give the appearance of making the teeth lighter by removal of surface stains. This process uses abrasives and chemicals to physically remove surface stains caused by smoking, coffee, or tea. Another method used for “whitening” uses Blue Covarine, which is a chemical that doesn’t remove stain but acts by attaching to the tooth surface to give a lighter appearance. These methods do not actually change the color of the enamel. With excessive or improper use, these abrasives and chemicals can damage enamel and cause wear and sensitivity.
acac
rooftop
acac Short Pump
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804.464.0990
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IN-OFFICE BLEACHING: LIGHTEN THE COLOR OF TEETH Alternatively, true “bleaching” products use carbamide peroxide to oxidize the enamel and effectively change (lighten) the true color of the tooth. These products are applied at their most effective concentrations by dental professionals. Options include in-office application with the use of a light as an accelerator to achieve quicker results. The dentist can also fabricate custom bleaching trays, which would enable the patients to bleach at home. Bleaching products can also be purchased at lower concentrations over the counter (i.e., Crest Whitestrips). The most common side effect of bleaching is sensitivity. Studies have shown no damage to enamel from bleaching products and the sensitivity is typically transient.
WHICH WORKS BEST? There are numerous whitening/bleaching options available for patients both over the counter and in the office. My concern is the misconception that most patients purchase whitening toothpastes wanting more than removal of surface stain. They believe the product is truly lightening the color of their teeth. The best way to truly lighten the color of teeth is to use in-office applications of bleaching products.
Dr. Mark Bond was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. After completing his Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech, he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia. To further his education, he completed a post-graduate residency where he received his Certificate of Advanced General Dentistry from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. This residency focused on Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, including placement and restoration of dental implants, crowns, bridges and root canal therapy. This additional education laid the foundation for Dr. Bond to provide all aspects of dental care to patients of all ages.
the ultimate escape
2201 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen
expanded seating rooftop lounge outdoor jacuzzi fire pit
I
acac.com RichmondNavigator.com 27
28 West End’s Best
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In Search of Sushi
HAYASHI SUSHI & GRILL
PHOTO: RICK BANCROFT
A FEW OF THE WEST END'S BEST SUSHI RESTAURANTS
As you enter the sleek, contemporary dining room of Hayashi Sushi & Grill, you may forget the long, noble history of traditional Japanese cuisine, of sushi and hibachi chefs – until the food arrives. Then you’ll realize that the artfully prepared dishes and upscale interior are a perfect blend of tradition and quality. Hayashi’s Little Wasabi special maki sushi roll will have your palate swimming with delight: shrimp tempura, tobiko and unagi (flying fish roe and eel) on the inside and shrimp and avocado outside, topped with eel sauce and wasabi sauce. Authentic and fresh! 2160 John Rolfe Pkwy., Henrico 804-360-1642 HayashiSushiGrill.com
KABUTO JAPANESE HOUSE OF STEAKS
8052 W. Broad St. 804-747-9573 KabutoWestEnd.com
PHOTO: RICK BANCROFT
Kabuto dining is about the experience as well as about their delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine. From the skilled, entertaining hibachi chefs, to the comfortable bar with TV and giant aquarium, to the sushi bar where you can watch your sushi, sashimi or California rolls being prepared just for you – Kabuto will provide you with enjoyable and tasty memories. Pictured is the blue fin tuna roll with seven seasonings of Japan, set against the fresh fish case in the background.
In Search of Sushi PHOTO: ROBERT THOMAS
A FEW OF THE WEST END'S BEST SUSHI RESTAURANTS
7 STARS ASIAN CUISINE AND LOUNGE The food is as delightful as the décor is trendy at this new West End restaurant, serving a variety of Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Thai and Japanese. The 7 Stars signature roll, the Golden Dragon, combines the bold and the subtle, the tastes and the textures of tempura lobster, spicy crabmeat, mango, avocado, masago and soy pepper. This Golden Dragon will melt in your mouth! 11331 W. Broad St. 804-360-1788 7StarsRVA.com
WEB
KONA GRILL Kona Grill provides your exotic escape from the everyday, featuring the freshest fish, including tuna flown in from Hawaii, award-winning sushi, and innovative entrees, all prepared from scratch with the freshest possible ingredients – the way it should be. Kona’s creative Caterpillar Roll is prepared with eel, cucumber, avocado and eel sauce, a luscious burst of freshness. For even more perfection, pair it with the Sayuri Nigori Sake.
COURTESY OF KONA GRILL
11221 W. Broad St. 804-364-5660 KonaGrill.com
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A Local Favorite for Fresh Beer & Food ROCK BOTTOM RESTAURANT & BREWERY
B
EFORE THE GENERAL MANAGER of Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brew-
ery spoke about the restaurant’s food and drink, he talked about its people. “We’ve received a really warm welcome from the West End community,” Dale Nelson told me. He was pleased that the new Short Pump Town Center restaurant brought 140 jobs to the area when it opened a year ago. Since then, the restaurant’s loyalty program has grown steadily, bringing special events and rewards to thousands of repeat customers. Then Nelson began talking about the Rock Bottom staff, notably the head brewer and chefs. “Becky Hammond is one of the hardest-working people I know,” he said of their head brewer. “She doesn’t stop.” Although Hammond is brewing on a modest eight-barrel system, this busy restaurant has never had an empty tap. He bragged on her creativity and skill as a brewer, too. Nelson served me the Ducky’s Nitro Coffee Stout she brewed – this beer should be entered into the prestigious Great American Beer Festival competition, he declared. The nitro-pour stout came out with a picturesque burst of foam. The head was creamy and the nose was roasty. The mouthfeel was smooth and luscious, as a touch of coffee, roasted malts and subtle sweetness played on my palate. Next Nelson began touting his chefs, all hired locally from here in Richmond: Sean Akans, Bryn Purser and Daniel Barton. He described a recent brewer’s dinner with food made especially for the event, including lobster BLT, wild mushroom risotto, certified Angus beef and s’mores brownie, all paired with fresh Rock Bottom ales. 32 West End’s Best
The menu at Rock Bottom has a Southwest feel, with bold flavors and complex tastes filling your mouth with each bite. The kitchen has recently revamped the menu, providing new variety. When you go, you might try the Cajun Pasta, a rich mix of grilled chicken breast, flavorful andouille sausage and shrimp tossed with onions, celery and green peppers in a Cajun cream sauce and served over linguine. Or go for the Lobster & Shrimp Enchiladas; Rock Bottom tacos with lobster and shrimp; cold smoked sockeye salmon with one of five signature sauces; Bacon Chicken Mac ’n Cheese; or the Santa Fe Chicken Ranchero. “Our burgers are certified Angus beef,” Nelson told me, “always made fresh, never frozen. We have a scratch-made kitchen, too,” for menu items created in-house from fresh ingredients. Fresh made, like the beer. Four of the beers, the “house” beers, are made using the same recipes as other Rock Bottom restaurants around the country for continuity of taste, and brewed in-house for freshness. Six other rotating taps and two casks are beers created and brewed on site by head brewer Becky Hammond. The bar also has two Virginia craft beers on tap as well as Bold Rock Cider from Nelson County and Bud Light. As a professionally trained chef and a home brewer, Nelson appreciates what this Short Pump restaurant has to offer. “I value fresh food and fresh beer,” he said. “Here at Rock Bottom, we have all of that” – and quality staff and customers, too. What more could a restaurant ask for? 11800 W. Broad St.
/
804-237-1684
/
RockBottom.com
Taste the Menu
BEEF BARBACOA SLIDERS slowly braised beef barbacoa sliders on garlic butter-grilled torta buns. The tender meat is topped with housemade sweet pickled onions, fresh cilantro and chipotle mayonnaise and garnished with julienne radish.
TWO BEER INFUSED
GRILLED QUESADILLAS TWO CRISPY FLOUR TORTILLAS filled with black beans, cheddar and pepper jack cheeses and roasted corn, garnished with crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh chopped cilantro and served with charred habenero tomato salsa for dipping. Our quesadillas have an option for pulled pork (pictured), beef barbacoa or smoked chicken.
SMASHED AND STACKED BURGER certified Angus beef, never frozen – the Smashed and Stacked burger is loaded with two certified Angus beef patties, smothered with our signature pub sauce and loaded with cheddar cheese and shaved pickles.
ROCK BOTTOM'S BURGERS ARE
RichmondNavigator.com 33
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r, e t n i W e y b d o Go ! Hello Spring OUR PATIOS ARE NOW OPEN!
Richmond 623 East Main St Richmond, VA 23219
Innsbrook 4024-A Cox Road Glen Allen, VA 23060
Midlothian 13831 Village Place Dr Midlothian, VA 23114
Also, visit us in Historic Downtown Fredericksburg and Historic Downtown Harrisonburg!
804-780-ALES
|
CapitalAleHouse.com
Keep ’Em Coming Back – To Rico’s Mexican Grill
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you can take your family to enjoy authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices? Then your family needs to meet the Ramirez family. And the best place to do that is at one of their three Rico’s Mexican Grills. In the West End, you’ll find them at 11321 Nuckols Rd. “We’ve been in the business for over 15 years,” says Carlos Ramirez Jr., manager of the Nuckols Road location. The family opened their first grill in Midlothian seven years ago (see website for other locations). About three years later, they opened in Glen Allen. A hallmark of each of the three restaurants is a commitment to quality food and great customer service. “I like serving people,” Carlos says. “I like to see them enjoy their meal. That’s my goal. I like to see them come back.” One way they ensure that guests keep coming back is with their popular weekly Dollar Taco Day. In Glen Allen, that day is Thursday. “We serve from 1,500 to 2,000 tacos every Thursday,” he says. Speaking of saving money, Carlos says that for Cinco de Mayo, all three locations will be offering some fantastic money-saving specials. “We’ll have a variety to please all tastes.” But the primary reason folks keep coming back is not simply because the price is right. First and foremost, it’s the food. “We put a lot of work into our food [preparation],” Carlos says. “Everything we serve is fresh and homemade. We prepare our dishes each morning. Nothing is left over from the night before. We spend a lot of time working with many spices to produce our flavorful dishes.” It’s a simple formula: delicious food, great value and caring customer service. Put all of that together, throw in their commitment to the community, especially in donating both food and dollars to the local schools, and you have a successful family business. To the Ramirez family, customers really do matter. Carlos sums it up well: “I care about every face,” he says. “Every face has to be happy. That makes me feel like I’m doing my job.” Visit online at RicosMexicanGrill.com. OOKING FOR A PLACE WHERE
RichmondNavigator.com 35
NOW A PROUD RESIDENT OF THE WEST END.
L O C AT E D AT 403 N. RIDGE ROAD
36 West End’s Best
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PHOTO: CHRISTOPHILE KONSTAS FOR 804ORK
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804ork: People & Recipes Behind Richmond’s Favorites by
Annie Tobey
T
HIS RECIPE BOOK is as much about the people as about food. It not only
presents you with the recipes behind some of Richmond’s favorite dishes, it presents you – perhaps more importantly – with the people behind them. The book begins with mouthwatering bios, concise but filling, of nearly two dozen local chefs. You meet renowned newcomer Joe Sparatta as well as local staples Manny Mendez of Kuba Kuba, An Bui of Mekong and Stella Dikos of Stella’s. You get a peek into the stories, people and dining at upscale restaurants, including Lemaire’s at The Jefferson and Can Can Brasserie, plus casual fare that similarly thrills your palate at Q BBQ and Bellytimber Tavern. The creative book is eye candy in itself, scattered with artful photos and info tidbits, including chefs’ last meal requests and contents of their fridges and pantries. And then come the recipes, food porn of a sort, though of the understated variety, ranging from simpler recipes for the cooking virgin to more complex, multi- and odd-ingredient and specialized-equipment dishes for the culinary Casanova. The preface to the recipe section is spot-on: “We recommend reading over a recipe carefully before you start.” Considering that the recipes come straight from the experts, they don’t always consider the novice cook and may leave out details like how many servings, exact quantities needed and anticipated preparation time. For example, I had to experiment with the lentil burger recipe, succeeding after two tries only by reading between the lines. Other recipes were a complete joy to make and more so to eat: pimento cheese from Jason Alley at Comfort; black bean soup from Manny Mendez at Kuba Kuba; and bacon-wrapped meatloaf from Patrick Stamper at Bellytimber Tavern. There are plenty more on my wish list, including chicken and kumara pie from Proper Pie Co., Southern Delight from Lemaire and foie gras pound cake from The Roosevelt.
If you haven’t already explored all of these restaurants, this book will become your checklist of where to go. And its handy directory on page 225 will be your new best friend. To order your copy or find out where in Richmond to pick one up, visit 804ork.com. Happy eating! WEB PIMENTO CHEESE From Jason Alley at Comfort, 200 W. Broad St.
INGREDIENTS 1 ½ lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated 2 medium red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded, and finely diced 1 small shallot, minced 2 sprigs tarragon, leaves removed, minced 1 ¼ c mayonnaise, Duke’s, if homemade is unavailable 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce 1 dash hot pepper sauce
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until wellblended. 2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to one day. 3. Serve with crackers, pickles, and crudités.
Recipe as published in 804ork. Copyright 2014, Blunt Objects, LLC.
I assuredly did not make my own mayonnaise, but the recipe was still a huge success at the party where I presented it.
1 tsp black pepper
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What’s Your Reason for Dining at Mellow Mushroom?
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MELLOW MUSHROOM
A
S IF YOU’D NEED ANY OTHER REASON to go to Mellow Mushroom but
the pizza. The signature crust is uniquely tasty, and just right – not too thin, not too thick. The specialty pies are creative and funky, in combinations that you swear would never work – but they do – like the Red Skin Potato Pie, the best-selling Holy Shiitake, Thai Dye or Bayou Bleu. If you like a basic pizza, you can build your own. The generous toppings are always fresh and the hearty pies are filling, so you’ll probably be toting leftovers home in a Mellow to-go box. Owner Scott Douglas cares about the quality of the food that his restaurant serves, too, because he cares about the customers. “Every time I send a pizza out of the kitchen,” he tells me, “it’s a very big deal. I don’t want it to disappoint.” Other menu items provide an excuse to dine at Mellow Mushroom, too. Start your meal with an appetizing munchie and salad or soup, fill up with a hoagie or calzone and finish off with a dessert. If your diet’s gluten free, the kitchen even prepares a pizza for you. The ambiance is fun here, and uniquely Richmond. In fact, it’s uniquely Carytown and uniquely 3012 W. Cary St. You see, Plan 9 used to be here, and the restaurant’s décor celebrates Richmond’s classic record store. One wall is plastered with vinyl records, albums, tape reels, 8-tracks and other audio memorabilia. Plan 9 recently celebrated its 33 1/3 birthday, and Mellow Mushroom carried Hardywood Park Craft Brewery’s tribute Plan 9 Black Vinyl Stout. “One reason I chose this location,” Douglas tells me, “is because of its vibe.” 38 West End’s Best
Across the restaurant, the Richmond landmark wall catches your attention, with a large mural painted by well-known local artist Mickael Broth stretching from end to end. The 40 taps at Mellow Mushroom provide another reason to visit, ranging from craft ciders, wheat beers and brown ales to classic IPAs and Belgian-style beers to porters and barrel-aged stouts, including plenty of Virginia brews. The amazing craft beer prices and the half-price growler special, every Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., provide additional excuses. Like Carytown itself, Mellow Mushroom appeals to a variety of customers, often depending upon the time of day. “It’s a very inclusive type place, a place that anyone can feel comfortable coming to,” says Douglas. “People are pretty laid back. It’s mellow – that’s our name!” In fact, he adds, Mellow Mushroom is probably the most family-friendly restaurant in Carytown. Besides the pizza (many kids’ favorite food!) and kids’ menu choices, the restaurant offers Abita craft root beer – no alcohol, loads of flavor! Once you’ve found your reason to visit Mellow Mushroom, you’ll surely catch the enthusiasm that owner Scott Douglas has for the place. “I absolutely love it,” he proclaims, “and I’m a big believer in getting people to sample our products. Once they come here and eat our food, they’ll be sold.” 3012 W. Cary St. / 804-370-8210 / MellowMushroom.com
Taste the Menu
HOUSE SPECIAL PIZZA WARM, GOOEY MELTED CHEESE , red sauce, Mellow’s unique pizza dough and generous servings of their most popular fresh veggies and meat – the House Special Pizza comes with mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olives, tomatoes, pepperoni, sausage, beef, ham and Applewood smoked bacon.
ENLIGHTENED SALAD that’s as healthy as it is delicious, try their Enlightened Salad. Fresh spinach is topped with homemade candied pecans, dried cherries, apple and feta cheese, served with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
FOR A MELLOW DISH
PRETZELS Mellow dough, the pretzels are served fresh and hot, the perfect blend of crispy and chewy. Choose from the popular garlic butter and parmesan pretzels with a side of red sauce (pictured), butter and kosher salt pretzels with a side of mustard, or cinnamon sugar and honey. Savory or sweet, these pretzels are a treat.
MADE WITH SIGNATURE
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TasteBudz FOOD AND DINING NEWS
with
Steve Cook
James River Cellars. Photo by Robert Thomas
G
OGI ON THE GO: The Gogi BiBimBap Ko-
rean Restaurant (GogiBiBimBap.com) has opened in the former Rocoto Chicken space next to Country Style Donuts in Gold’s Gym Plaza. The restaurant, featuring the Korean barbecue concept, is owned by Johnny Kim, who opened his f irst Gogi BiBimBap in Midlothian last May. “My mission is to bring the goodness of Korean cuisine to the Richmond area,” says Johnny. “Opening a Gogi BiBimBap in the West End area will give people a chance to try something new and different. It’s fast, healthy and f illing food, and a great place to just hang out or have meetings. It’s different and everything has a Gogi twist.” AND TAKE THE KIDS : Willow Lawn Shopping Center
is not-so-slowly becoming a Near West End hub for great dining. For the past year, the center – one of the oldest in the city – has been going through another reinvention phase, one in which it’s become somewhat of a dining center. First came American Taproom, Zoës Kitchen and Travinia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. And now Family Meal 40 West End’s Best
[richmond.voltfamilymeal.com] has opened. This bright, modern dining spot is the creation of Top Chef of seasons 5 and 6, Bryan Voltaggio. Amanda Leddon, general manager for the Richmond location, describes Family Meal as a “modern American diner, offering a chef ’s take on Southern comfort food.” Amanda, who has worked with Voltaggio for over six years, says she is very passionate about the Family Meal concept. She explains that while the chef flourishes in fine dining, he has three children of his own and discovered it to be very difficult to find a place where he could take his children and still enjoy the food. “His partner, Hilda Staples, had the same issue,” Amanda says. “So they developed this concept to satisfy the needs of the two of them.” Apparently, the concept is satisfying the needs of countless others. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (7 a.m.-10 p.m.). So I asked Amanda, for a f irst-time visit, what should I try? “We’re known for our fried chicken. But our meatloaf is a big seller, too. It’s absolutely delicious,” she says.
MIXED EMOTIONS :
A couple years back or so – time goes by so fast these days, I’m not really sure – when I heard that one of my favorite breakfast places, MacLeans out on Route 33, was closing down, I was sad. It was like losing an old friend. Then I heard someone was taking the place over and it would soon reopen. Then I was happy. But it took so long that I kind of gave up on the idea that there’d be a new breakfast place out on Staples Mill Road, so I was sad again. Then, sure enough, the place opened and I was happy. I went that first day. The place was crowded and, to be honest, the service was not all that good. I was sad. But, since I’m always looking for a great breakfast spot, I decided to give ’em a second chance. So a couple of months ago I went back to Eat 33 at 6901 Staples Mill Rd. (Eat33.net). Everything has greatly improved. So, once more, I’m happy. Before I wrote this, though, I decided to check the place out again, and again, and again. I guess Eat 33 has become my regular morning
BROAD APPÉTIT PHOTOS: JOEY WHARTON
hangout. The food is delicious. And the staff, well, they’re just as friendly as the folks at MacLeans used to be. I’ll have to admit that I’m partial to Cindy, but everyone has been great. Eat 33 is owned by Allen Davis, who formerly operated Shenanigans in Richmond’s North Side. You can even order yourself a Shenanigan burger at Eat 33. The place is open for breakfast and lunch (6 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.3 p.m. on the weekends) with a really super brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Besides the standard fare, their breakfast menu may be one of the most creative in town. James River Cellars (11008 Washington Hwy., JamesRiversCellars.com) is holding what promises to be a fantastic festival for fans of our state’s craft beverages. Everyone Drink Virginia! takes place on May 23. Sample the amazing things Virginia has to offer, including wine, beer and cider. The action runs from noon until 5 p.m., and there’ll be music by one of my favorite local groups, The Taters. Local food trucks will be on hand offering plenty of great tastes, just begging to be washed down. The cost for the event is 20 bucks per person. THE VINE INTERVENTION :
Here’s the scoop: Rassawek Spring Jubilee (Rassawek.com): June 6-7. There are wine fests and then there’s the Spring Jubilee out in western Goochland. This event is unlike any wine festival you’ll ever attend, anywhere. First, it’s not really a wine festival. It’s a celebration of the local, the hand grown and the homemade. It’s an opportunity to show off our culture, our community and our heritage and to sample some fabulous foods and wonderful wines while taking it all in. I’m not sure exactly how one would describe the vineyards at Rassawek. The website might give you a better idea, but you really have to go in order to fully grasp just what this place is all about. Broad Appétit (BroadAppetit.com): Okay, so go to Rassawek on Saturday and save Sunday, June 7, for the ultimate Richmond foodie experience. Over 60 of the city’s top chefs come together for a fantastic street festival on Broad Street, just east of Belvidere. Each chef prepares a $3 mini-dish for you and about a million of your friends and neighbors to sample. It’s that simple. There’s also live music, events for kids, a few Virginia beers to taste and lots of fun. Check the website for more info. SOUND BITEZ :
CALLING ALL DOPPELGANGERS : Unfortunately for
those of us who enjoy wine and food festivals, two of the best that the metro Richmond area has to offer occur on the same weekend. If you are unable to clone yourself (I hear it’s somewhat costly), you may be happy to know that one of the festivals is a two-day, full-weekend event.
With this issue of TasteBudz, we introduce a new feature, Sound Bitez, with Shannon Montsinger. As owner and booking agent at Montsinger Entertainment, Shannon has her f inger on the pulse of Richmond ’s dynamic music scene. She’ll be updating us regularly here in print and at TasteBudz online (RichmondNavigator.com) on upcoming en-
tertainment in the local restaurants and bars, as well as at other venues and events. Innsbrook After Hours outdoor concert series in Glen Allen kicks off its 30th season this year with some great musical acts beginning in May and June. Catch Foreigner on May 29, Lee Brice on May 30, The Wailers and Rusted Root on May 31, Michael McDonald on June 10 and Chris Young on June 25. On May 16, head over to The Broadberry to check out the awesome Love Canon, a bluegrass/80s band (yes, folks, this is a very unique and entertaining combination). For incredible variety in one band, catch The Mashup. The band is so named because that’s what they do, create mashups that combine and synchronize tracks from various songs. You can hear them at Kings Dominion on May 3, The Pour House on May 8, Siné Irish Pub on May 15, Stony Point Fashion Park on June 5 and Enzo’s on June 20. Whatever your music and entertainment needs may be for a private event or festival, visit MontsingerEntertainment.com. That’s going to do it for this issue of TasteBudz. If you have any interesting tidbits of restaurant news, upcoming events or even a recommendation, I’ d love to hear from you. In the September/October issue of West End ’s Best, we’ ll salute the area’s favorite bartenders. Send us your nomination and both you and your bartender could win some great prizes. Submit your bartender nomination as well as food news or upcoming food events to TasteBudz @RichmondNavigator.com. WEB RichmondNavigator.com 41
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COURTESY OF THE TIN PAN
To Do
JUNE 13
Annabelle’s Curse The Tin Pan Annabelle’s Curse is a five-piece alternative folk band from Tennessee with a style similar to that of Mumford and Sons and The Decemberists. TinPanRVA.com
JUNE 13
MAY 15-17
Grammy-winning musician John Mellencamp has touched the heart and souls of music listeners and influenced American culture with enduring songs. Receive a free digital download of his latest record with the purchase of tickets to the tour. AltriaTheater.com
The nation’s premier outdoor sports and music festival features a variety of events including trail running, kayaking, biking, bouldering, stand up paddleboarding, and dog jumping against the backdrop of downtown Richmond’s urban riverfront. DominionRiverrock.com
John Mellencamp Altria Theater
42 West End’s Best
Dominion Riverrock Brown’s Island
MAY 28-31
Richmond Greek Festival St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral Fill up on moussaka, pastisio, souvlaki and baklava while watching traditional Greek dances at one of Richmond’s best festivals! GreekFestival.com
WORK BY AMY HR DONAHUE
MAY 7
Opening Reception for Close to Home Gallery Flux Four Virginia artists will be exhibiting new works for two months. The artists in this show find inspiration “close to home” and can be identified by their own unique style. GalleryFlux.com
MAY 15-16
Carbon Leaf ’s Ragtime Carnival and Campout Pocahontas State Park As part of the Pocahontas Live concert series join this two-day music event featuring three sets by Carbon Leaf as well as People’s Blues of Richmond, Sons of Bill, Scythian and more. PocahontasLive.com
JUNE 4-JULY 18
You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water’s Running Swift Creek Mill Theatre A play about human relationships, this comedic event runs Thursday through Saturday evenings. Tickets are $38 but senior, military and student rates apply. SwiftCreekMill.com RichmondNavigator.com 43
THURSDAYS JUNE-AUGUST
Flowers After 5 Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Kick back and relax at the Garden on Thursday evenings. Stroll through the gardens; enjoy wine, music, dining al fresco and shopping outside the Historic Bloemendaal House. LewisGinter.org
JUNE 26 COURTESY OF STEPHANIE GROSS
Family Night Hike at Maymont Maymont Ever wonder who stays awake while you sleep? Meet some of Maymont’s nighttime residents and learn about their nocturnal adaptations through a hike of the grounds. Maymont.org
JUNE 20
MAY 30-SEPT 27
Vegetarian Festival Bryan Park A Richmond favorite for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, the 13th annual festival will be held from 12 to 6 with food, speakers and music in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Admission is free and currently vaccinated, leashed dogs are welcome. About two dozen area restaurants will provide some of the best cuisine around, from Indian to Thai to vegetarian sushi and pizza and frozen desserts. VeggieFest.org
FRIDAYS FROM MAY 1-JUNE 26 Friday Cheers Brown’s Island
Celebrating its 31st season, Venture Richmond’s premier outdoor concert series returns to Brown’s Island with a stellar line up of bands you won’t want to miss. Enjoy breakout bands, national acts, and Richmond’s hometown talent. Facebook.com/FridayCheers
Japanese Tattoo: Perseverance, Art, and Tradition Virginia Museum of Fine Arts This exhibit will focus on the work of seven internationally acclaimed tattoo artists inspired by the Japanese tradition of tattooing and heavily inf luenced by the traditional Japanese arts of calligraphy and ukiyo-e woodblock printmaking. Specially commissioned photographs of work by each artist will be displayed alongside tools and relief carvings, as well as a recreated Shinto shrine. VMFA.museum
JUNE 7
Broad Appétit Downtown Broad Street Come out and experience cuisine from the best local restaurants Richmond has to offer – and all at $3 a plate! Bring your appetite and plan on grazing your way down Broad Street. BroadAppetit.com
MAY 13
COURTESY OF MARCELLA LEE
The Snyder Family Band The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen Experience the music and talents of the next generation of bluegrass musicians: Zeb and Owen on guitar, Samantha on fiddle, Bud on upright bass and Laine providing three-part harmony. ArtsGlenAllen.com View our full event calendar online at RichmondNavigator.com. 44 West End’s Best
Spring is finally springing.
Let’s celebrate.
Is there anything sweeter than emerging from winter’s chill to toast your survival with close friends? Maybe one of our 500 craft beers.
Sunday, june 7
W. BROAD BETWEEN HENRY & ADAMS 70+ LOCAL RESTAURANTS OFFERING $3 SMALL PLATES
broadappetit.com
Sedona Taphouse is here for you. With succulent starters, specialties and sides to choose from, it’s always a good time to celebrate. Cheers to that. RELAXING ATMOSPHERE WINE & SPIRITS 500 CRAFT BEERS GREAT FOOD
15732 WC Main St., Westchester Commons, Midlothian
www.sedonataphouse.com
SED15001_Chesterfield Lving Ad_3.5625W x 4.8125H.indd 1
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Our mission is to prepare our students for college and for life in a community defined by robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care. We invite you to learn why so many families have chosen to become part of our community. Visit our campus or register for one of our summer camps to get a preview what life is like at Steward.
www.stewardschool.org
11600 Gayton Road
46 West End’s Best
Richmond, Virginia 23238
804.740.3394
MAY/JUNE 2015
HOME
RELAXING SPACES Create a Personal Retreat at Home
T
by
Erin Pittman
HESE DAYS WE ALL SEEM TO GO NONSTOP — meetings, carpools, afterschool activities, work, travel. To maintain this demanding pace, it’s impera-
tive to make a conscious effort to relax. Since most of our budgets don’t allow for a daily visit to the spa, here’s an alternative: create your ideal relaxation spot in your own home. With these design tips, you’ll be melting away stress in your personal haven in no time.
CHOOSE A SPACE.
LIGHT IT UP.
in creating your relaxation spot is to choose one. Do you have a cluttered room that you would like to revamp? How about a favorite spot that could simply use some improvements? Bedrooms, Florida rooms and living areas can all be transformed into escapes within the home. Next, consider how you wish to relax in your new room. Do you want a reading nook, a space to sprawl or even an easel for painting? Plan your design around the relaxing activities you wish to do there.
WHEN DECIDING UPON LIGHTING , again consider how you will use the space.
YOUR FIRST STEP
THINK COLOR. colors affect our moods. Warm colors, likes reds and oranges, are relaxing and create cozy areas. Cool colors, such as greens and blues, are soothing and calming. Virginia Johnston, a Richmond-area certified interior designer, suggests warm colors for bedrooms to evoke a cozy, relaxing mood for sleep. For a Florida room filled with light and views of nature, you might prefer softer, nature-inspired colors. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT
What time of day do you want to relax there? Is there already plenty of natural light or less of a need for brighter lighting? If your space will have dual uses, you may need multilevel lighting. “With small children, we use our living room as a place to watch TV and gather together to read and play. Lighting is multilevel. We can turn it up high when we are playing or drawing with the kids in the early evening, then we can turn it down when the kids are in bed and we just want to relax with a good book,” says Johnston. In bedrooms, you’ll likely be looking for soft lighting and ways to darken the space. Choose lamps with low-wattage bulbs on nightstands or lighting on dimmer switches, and purchase blackout shades to deliver restful sleep.
FOCUS ON FURNISHINGS. YOU MUST BE COMFORTABLE in order to relax, so perfect seating is essential.
Oversized chairs by the fire, couches lined with inviting pillows and chaises RichmondNavigator.com 47
for lounging are all great options. Place end tables or coffee tables within reach for easy access to that perfect cup of coffee or glass of wine and your favorite books. The same goes for a bedroom. “A bed should look soft to make you want to jump in and curl up,” says Johnston. And you’ll certainly want to have easy access to items without having to get out of your comfy nest, so nightstands are essential. Local Feng Shui expert TUNE IN TO YOUR Robyn Bentley suggests EMOTIONAL RESPONSES stepping back from your layout and considering the TO HELP YOU ARRANGE first thing you see when you enter your room. How does YOUR SPACE FOR it make you feel — positive RELAXATION. or negative? Tune in to your emotional responses to help you arrange your space for relaxation. Take the overall layout of your space into account as well, and make sure your traffic areas are free of obstacles.
DECIDE ABOUT ELECTRONICS. FOR SOME, THE MOST RELAXING THING is to veg out in front of the tube and binge-watch a new series on Netflix. For others, the constant chatter from a TV grates on their nerves like nails on a chalkboard. Let your personal response guide you when choosing whether or not to include electronics in your room. “I am not a fan of electronics in a room designed to escape mentally,” says Johnston. “For true relaxation, I think it best to turn off the outside world.”
48 West End’s Best
Bentley is concerned with the placement of electronics due to electromagnetic field exposure. “EMF exposure from TVs, computers and power strips is fatiguing and can affect your mood and sleep. EMFs reduce your melatonin, so it is a good idea to limit your exposure by keeping your body at least one or two feet away from sources.” If total silence and electronic noises are both too much for you, find something in between – perhaps a sound machine or tabletop fountain.
ADD ACCENTS. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, add
your personal touches. “For complete relaxation, a space needs to be suited to all the senses,” says Johnston. “Think about touch – soft fabrics, high thread-count sheets or chenille blankets that do not scratch the skin.” Choose soothing scents. Lavender floral arrangements or vanilla-scented candles have calming effects. Think about what you want to see when you escape from your day. Pieces of a treasured collection, plants and flowers, and family photos may help you further unwind. (Be careful not to clutter up your area, though, as too much “stuff ” can cause more stress.) Think back to that sound machine, CD player or fountain for soothing sounds. And there might not be a “taste” to your room, but if you get it just right it may call to you to come savor the perfect cup of tea.
KEEP IT SERENE. from your space, be sure to give it regular maintenance. Keep clutter to a minimum. Keep pillows arranged just the way you like them. These simple touches will ensure that your new escape remains the relaxing haven you’ve been craving. WEB
IN ORDER TO GET THE MOST
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MAY/JUNE 2015
HOME
PHOTO COURTESY OF MONUMENT SQUARE
NEIGHBORHOODS THAT NURTURE
ELLINGTON WOODS
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOONE HOMES
HOME. It’s so much more than just a place to lay your head at night. Home provides a refuge for you and your family and a gathering place for your friends in a setting tailored to meet your needs and to feed your soul. The communities that we have chosen for this month’s issue of West End’s Best meet two important criteria. First, they offer beautiful, high-quality homes, many custombuilt to perfectly please the owners. But these developments provide their residents so much more than just a pretty building to live in: they provide amenities that make the neighborhood an essential, extended part of home. Trails and playgrounds, sports fields and golf courses, pools and clubhouses offer convenience for family fun and opportunities to meet and mingle with neighbors. Home – community – neighborhoods. These developments reach to the heart of all three.
LOCATION
North of I-64 in western Henrico
AMENITIES AT WYNDHAM ELLINGTON WOODS OFFERS large, private, breathtak-
• Tennis courts
• Swimming pool
• Soccer field
• Amphitheater and other gathering spaces
• Basketball court • Tot lots BUILDER
• Boone Homes
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOONE HOMES
ing wooded home sites in an intimate community, part of the master-planned Wyndham Community. The new single-family homes offer up to 5,600 square feet of living space with brick exteriors, designer kitchens with upgraded features, luxurious master suites and the finest of features, always meeting the Wyndham standards of quality. Home plans offer three to five bedrooms and three-car garages. BooneHomes.net/Ellington-Woods
50 West End’s Best
LIESFELD FARM AT BACOVA
LOCATION
Off Pouncey Tract Road near downtown Short Pump
AMENITIES THE SMART, WELL-ENGINEERED and energy-efficient new
• Clubhouse
• Pavilion
• Community pond
• Pool
• Walking trails
• Fitness center
BUILDER
• Stanley Martin Homes
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIESFELD FARM AT BACOVA
homes in Liesfeld Farm at Bacova include four open, bright and airy designs with luxurious kitchens, generous storage space with large walk-in closets, four to five bedrooms with first floor masters and dual master suites available. Personalize your new home, choosing your finishes and adding features such as sunrooms, lofts and an extra room. The planned neighborhood provides a community clubhouse and other amenities. StanleyMartin.com
MONUMENT SQUARE
LOCATION
Richmond’s West End at the intersection of Willow Lawn and Monument
AMENITIES
a convenient West End location. Stately mansion and townhouse-style buildings nestle among relaxing green spaces, brick sidewalks, courtyards and pocket parks. Spacious one-story mansion homes range from 1,500 to 3,400 square feet. Three-story townhomes evoke the unmistakable charm of Richmond’s Fan District with decorative touches such as dentil molding, standing seam roofs, brick accents and ornamental ironwork. The clubhouse provides a gathering place, with added amenities for added enjoyment. MonumentSquare.com
• Clubhouse
• Caterer’s kitchen
• Resort-style pool
• Fitness center
• Club room
• Men’s and women’s private locker rooms
• Great room BUILDER
• Gumenick Properties
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONUMENT SQUARE
FIND THE LUXURIOUS, maintenance-free lifestyle you’ve been seeking in
RichmondNavigator.com 51
BELLINGHAM IN TWIN HICKORY
LOCATION
North of I-64 & I-295 in western Henrico County
AMENITIES ENJOY MAINTENANCE-FREE LIVING in the Bellingham neighborhood.
Instead of worrying about yard maintenance, gutter cleaning, exterior painting or roof maintenance, you can participate in the community amenities of beautiful Twin Hickory. Homes in Bellingham include ranch and two-story homes from 1,800 to over 3,000 square feet, with two- to five-bedroom options. Popular features are breakfast areas surrounded by windows, optional sunrooms, formal dining rooms, spacious living areas, attached two-car garages and more. BooneHomes.net/Bellingham-in-Twin-Hickory
• Twin Hickory amenities
• Tennis courts
• Weekly trash pickup
• 6 miles of walking trails
• Community pool
BUILDER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BELLINGHAM IN TWIN HICKORY
• Boone Homes
GREY OAKS THE SPACIOUS HOMES in the Grey Oaks neighborhoods provide
Near 288, I-64 and I-295 in western Henrico County
AMENITIES
• Swimming pool • Tennis courts
• Tree-lined sidewalks and walking paths
BUILDERS • Bain-Waring Builders • Boone Homes • Eagle Construction of VA
• Romm Builders • W.B. Garrett, Inc.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOONE HOMES
luxurious living on large lots in a beautiful setting, including 100-foot wide, well-treed lots adjoining natural areas. The Grey Oaks Homeowner’s Association and Grey Oaks Swim and Racquet Club provide exciting amenities, such as a swimming pool, tennis courts and natural walkways. Different neighborhoods offer a variety of resale dwellings and new construction, including estate homes on half-acre lots and maintenance-free homes. Some neighborhoods are almost sold out, while other builders still have inventory.
LOCATION
52 West End’s Best
Visit Come ew Our N ner Desigoom! r Show
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KINLOCH THIS QUIET COMMUNITY has been built around the beautiful
72-acre Kinloch Lake, used by residents for kayaking, fishing and canoeing. While nestled in a rural setting, the community’s proximity to Route 288 provides quick and easy access to conveniences. Kinloch neighborhoods are conveniently located beside the nationally ranked Kinloch Golf Club as well as full-service Hermitage Country Club, with golf, dining, swimming, tennis and fitness facilities. Kinloch neighborhoods offer a variety of custom homes and maintenance-free easy living. KinlochVA.com
• • •
We’re licensed and insured. Locally owned & operated We will provide you with references upon request.
LOCATION
Manakin-Sabot in eastern Goochland, south of I-64
AMENITIES
• 72-acre community lake for paddling and fishing • Maintenance-free living options
• Close to Hermitage Country Club • Convenient to Route 288, I-64 and I-295
• Close to Kinloch Golf Club BUILDERS • Bel Arbor Builders, Inc. • Boone Homes • W.B. Garrett, Inc.
• Lancaster Corp • John W. Montague Jr., Inc.
1ST PHOTO COURTESY OF KINLOCH. OTHER PHOTOS BOONE HOMES.
We offer a FREE Consultation
RichmondNavigator.com 53
54 West End’s Best
TRAVEL
virginia beach
THREE BEACHES, RIGHT UP THE ROAD: VIRGINIA BEACH by
Annie Tobey
O
NE DESTINATION, one easy drive from Rich-
mond, and three different beach experiences. What’s not to love about Virginia Beach? I admit it – this nearby beach had dropped from my radar until recently. I went there for the 2014 Shamrock Marathon, one of the area’s many successful racing events, and I saw the destination with fresh eyes.
Three Beaches If you’re like me, your first image of Virginia Beach is the resort area. The beautifully maintained boardwalk stretches for three miles, providing one pathway for strolling or jogging and another for biking or rollerblading. On one side of the boardwalk lie the Atlantic Ocean and the wide, sandy, lifeguard-patrolled beach. On the other side, you find plenty of top-notch hotel accommodations, a variety of restaurants and lots of shops. Several miles south of the resort is the laid-back Sandbridge neighborhood. At Sandbridge, you can play along the five miles of sand dunes and dancing sea oats and lifeguard-patrolled beaches, visit the natural wonders of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park, and
relax in rental beach homes. North of the resort lie the quieter waters of the Chesapeake Bay, gentle waves splashing on the shoreline. Here, you can visit First Landing State Park and romp on the beach or explore its lagoons, cypress trees and rare plants, or paddle the region’s backwaters. Agritourism One cuisine, and one cuisine only, pervades my thoughts at the beach: seafood, of course. And since I like to know where my food comes from and I love to enjoy it fresh, I was thrilled to take the oyster farm tour with Pleasure House Oysters. This boat tour along the Lynnhaven River gave me an enjoyable education into the farming of one of my favorite delicacies. Not only did the guide explain the process of growing and harvesting oysters, we even stopped at one of the oyster beds and waded through the fields of mollusks. Better yet – we tried oysters fresh from the riverbed. And even better – the guide also served us oysters from other regions so we could viscerally understand how the source affects the end product. Oh, and as if it could get any better, we also
had a charcuterie plate and a bottle of Virginia wine! PleasureHouseOysters.com From fruits of the water to fruits of the earth – I took a tour of New Earth Farm, a working, sustainable and educational farm. The farm grows and sells all-natural, chemical-free produce and products. It also hosts on-farm participatory cooking classes, where local chefs teach seasonal recipes and techniques, using ingredients straight from the garden. Students participate in harvesting, creating and enjoying a meal. Several Virginia Beach breweries provide fresh craft beer, straight from the source: Young Veteran’s (YVBC.com), Back Bay (BackBayBrewingCo. com), Pleasure House (PleasureHouseBrewing. com), Home Republic Brewpub (HomeRepublicVABeach.com) and Reaver Beach Brewing (formerly known as Beach Brewing, ReaverBeach. com), with more on the way. Adventure Surf play provides the obvious choice for active playtime in Virginia Beach, but there’s so much more! To take full advantage of water sports last summer, I hooked up with Surf & Adventure
The Boardwalk at Virginia Beach. Photo courtesy of VIrginia Beach Tourism
RichmondNavigator.com 55
TRAVEL
virginia beach
OUR PICKS FOR DINING Leaping Lizard Café The creative menu highlights fresh, seasonal local products. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, limited dinner hours. Also sells gifts, fresh produce and bakery items. On Facebook at Leaping Lizard Cafe EAT: An American Bistro The creative American cuisine makes use of seafood, meat and produce with unexpected but welcome twists, such as the Ants on a Log, basil-fed escargot on roasted bone and marrow, or the Eastern Shore oyster stew, using artisan bacon, corn and sherry to complement the local oysters. EatBistro.net
Paddleboarding in Chesapeake Bay. Photo courtesy of Virginia Beach Tourism
An oyster farm tour with Pleasure House Oysters. Photo courtesy of Tim Solanic
The Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium. Photo by Annie Tobey
A flight of beer at Young Veterans Brewing Co. Photo by Annie Tobey
RICHMONDERS AT VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA BEACH VISITORS from the Richmond area stay in a variety of accommodations: nearly half stay in a hotel or motel, more than 18 percent in a vacation rental home and about 16 percent at campgrounds. Nearly all Richmonders surveyed have been to Virginia Beach before, with over 96 percent of them very likely to return to Virginia Beach within the next two years. Richmond visitors spent an average of 3.95 nights in Virginia Beach.
Source: Continental Research Summer Overnight Visitor Profile, 2014.
for a guided paddle trip into Back Bay, with kayaks and SUPs (stand up paddle boards) and a group surf lesson. The company offers bike tours, too. SurfAndAdventure.com I enjoyed some airtime down at the beach, too, at the new Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium. This eco-friendly zipline and treetop playground has 170 tree platforms and 13 distinct color-coded aerial trails, from easy to very difficult, age 5 and up. The Adventure Park provides a course suitable for younger kids, too. VirginiaAquarium.com/Visit/The-Adventure-Park If you have visions of riding horses at the beach, this is your chance! Several local stables and farms offer horseback riding, including Virginia Beach Horseback, which offers beach horseback rides from October 1 through May 22. WEB 56 West End’s Best
Doc Taylor’s This popular beach breakfast and lunch eatery features down-home cooking in a relaxing atmosphere, housed in Dr. Waller Taylor Sr.’s circa 1939 beach home and office. Try Dr. Venner’s BLT, Scotty’s biscuits and gravy with andouille sausage or a Bloody Mary. DocTaylors.com Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant & Crabhouse This beach institution overlooking the Lynnhaven Inlet provides fresh seafood, delivered daily to their dock, served with natural entertainment – we watched cownose rays swimming beneath the surface of the water as we dined. BubbasSeafoodRestaurant.com Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro The upscale restaurant in The Town Center at Virginia Beach boasts a 400-bottle wine list, 70 wines available by the glass (flight and full) and a blend of eclectic American cuisine with a European bistro flair designed to pair well with wine. SonomaTownCenter.com Blue Pete’s A relaxing backwater venue, the Blue Pete’s location near the Back Bay National Wildlife Sanctuary makes it the perfect family spot. Enjoy local seafood as well as walkways along the calm waters of Tabernacle Creek – perfect for amusing the kids. BluePetesPungo.com
OUR PICK FOR LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS awaits in the heart of the Virginia Beach resort area. From the well-appointed room to the amenities of the hotel, your temporary home at the Oceanaire Resort serves as the perfect complement to your time on the beach. When you can pull yourself away from the comfort of your room, you’ll enjoy the 10th floor lounge and sundeck, oceanfront pools –including an adults-only infinity pool with bar service – the chic Ultra Martini Lounge, and more. Your Oceanaire experience will complete your trip to Virginia Beach.
YOUR OCEANSIDE ROOM
WARNING Cell phone may drop in water. (On purpose.)
History and romance meet between the rivers of the Chesapeake Bay ‌ come stay in one of our historic inns and enjoy days filled with secluded beaches, wine and heritage trails, quaint towns, and pristine nature.
www.NorthernNeck.org
RichmondNavigator.com 57
Discover celebrated historic places, diverse local cuisine, and unique shops as Lynchburg is the perfect place to stay while exploring Central Virginia!
58 West End’s Best
TRAVEL
active travel
ACTIVE TRAVELERS: TIPS FROM RICHMOND’S ACTIVE COMMUNITY by
Annie Tobey
P
on a tropical beach: shimmering white sand, warm sunshine and gentle breezes, cerulean sky, crashing waves. In your vision, what are you doing? Are you lying in a lounger with a margarita and a magazine or are you hugging your board, eager to ride the waves? If you’d be hugging the surfboard, and if even the thought of lounging for hours on end makes you crazy with boredom, four Richmonders have some travel suggestions for you. ICTURE YOURSELF
Engage in the sports and the culture. COACH GINA LUCIDO of the University of Richmond
women’s field hockey team doesn’t immediately recall her last vacation, but she travels plenty on business, for recruiting trips and professional development. And since field hockey is one of the world’s most popular sports, her job takes her to interesting destinations, including Australia, Ireland, Germany, Northern Ireland, Holland and Uganda, experiencing the cultures and meeting countless people. As Lucido puts it, “It’s been pretty fabulous to see the world through my profession.” Though it would seem logical for the head coach to tour the area during, before or after each trip, she prefers a more low-key approach: “to enjoy and be in the place.” Lucido explains: “I try to find the little coffee shops and cafés and get to know the people. I’m almost always engaging with someone. I come away having some really neat personal experiences.” Lucido recommends similar engagements for other travelers and adds another suggestion: Wherever you are, attend a popular sporting event, like rugby, cricket, field hockey or football (the sport that we call soccer). “You get immediately connected to culture in that country so much faster because so much comes out from these events.” She recalls being in Holland at the World Cup, surrounded by the Dutch culture, clothing, food and passion. In fact, she adds, you also get terrific recommendations on local watering holes and hangouts that best reflect the country’s culture. Although Lucido is not the typical tourist, she
experiences the value of seeing other countries. “At the end of the day, once people taste travel, you realize how vast and big the world is,” she tells me. “There’s nothing better than being present and experiencing that…, expanding yourself as a person.” Sign up for a race or take to the Backroads. I FIRST REACHED OUT to Don Garber for his insights into
traveling to out-of-town races. After all, he’s not only head coach of Richmond’s Marathon Training Team, he’s also a member of the 50 States Marathon Club. When he and his wife, Betsy, travel to a race, he told me, they build in four to five extra days for sightseeing. When he ran the St. George Marathon, for example, they visited Zion Canyon afterwards. A Montana marathon was followed by tours of Glacier National Park, his Alaska marathon by whale watching and an Arizona race by a visit to the Grand Canyon. “You can’t do too much beforehand and sometimes you can’t do too much afterwards,” Betsy Garber comments. Betsy isn’t a runner, but she enjoys their racebased travels. Sometimes she’ll walk a shorter race that accompanies the marathon, and sometimes not. “You have to be willing to strike out on one’s own,” she advises non-runners, adding, “If [a trip] is about a race, then that’s the priority.” Don’s top recommendation for race-based travels? When you’re flying to a race, plan to arrive two days before to account for potential travel delays. Though neither Don nor Betsy are hardcore outdoorspeople – they enjoy hiking but don’t hesitate to
change plans when thunderstorms are rolling through, for example – they are typically active and outdoors even on non-marathon trips, often to national parks. “It’s what you want to do,” Don tells me. “If you’re an active person, you will seek an active vacation.” On trips that aren’t race based, Don will often look for a race to run. “If the running is an accessory to the vacation, look for a small race,” he advises. He and Betsy have chatted with lots of locals, earning fun memories plus insider tips and recommendations. The Garbers have another means of pursuing active adventures, too: guided bike trips by Backroads. This active travel company hosts thousands of guests annually on biking, walking, hiking and multisport trips, going to California wine country, Vermont, Utah, Brittany and Normandy in France, Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Bali, New Zealand, and scads of other scenic tours worldwide. The Garbers’ travel tales illuminate the appeal of the Backroads trips. They recount the European trip where one of their friends wanted to ride 50 miles on his 50th birthday – while Don accompanied him, Betsy and the birthday boy’s wife stopped to take pictures and for lunch and wine. The ladies arrived at the day’s finish in the shuttle bus as the men hit the 50-mile mark. The couple’s preferred tours are those that combine local history and culture with the biking, such as the informative talk by André Heintz, World War II French Resistance member. They also recall rich, sumptuous meals and high-end lodging. “We could’ve never had those experiences RichmondNavigator.com 59
TRAVEL
active travel
The Lugbill family, Jon, Stephanie, Gillian and Kelly, at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Photo courtesy of Jon Lugbill/Sports Backers.
Gina Lucido in Holland. Photo courtesy of GIna Lucido.
Don Garber and his wife Betsy. Photo courtesy of Don Garber.
on our own,” Don Garber says. Before their first trip, neither had ridden bikes much, but they conditioned themselves for the adventure. They even practiced riding, stopping for lunch, and then riding again. However, Don quips, “We didn’t practice for Napa, where you ride the bike, drink wine, ride the bike, drink wine.” The couple offered recommendations for these trips: pace yourself, know your limitations and condition yourself beforehand. “Make sure you’re willing to do the level of activity,” Don advises, “but don’t think you have to ride every mile if you’re not a regular cyclist; don’t think you’ve got to climb the mountain if all you ever ride in is Tidewater Virginia.” Whatever the trip, Don says, “I don’t leave town without my running gear – period.” Sitting in the Garbers’ home listening to them talk about their travels reminds me of one of the most important aspects of any journey: camaraderie. Smiles play over their faces as they recall their adventures together and the friends who have traveled with them. Be active, and accommodate your companions. NO SURPRISE, but the executive director of Richmond’s Sports Backers, Jon Lugbill, always finds something active to do on his travels. “I need to come home from vacation and rest up,” he admits. Even on business trips. “I always bring stuff to work out when I’m on the road,” he tells me. “I like to find parks or trails … [That’s] a great way to explore.” Preferred destinations include the Rockies – conveniently, his parents live in Boulder, Colorado – and the New River Gorge in West Virginia. “I 60 West End’s Best
used to go [to West Virginia] when I was into kayaking and my daughters were into rock climbing. It’s a real outdoor paradise, and not built up, not a normal tourism destination.” The caveat for Lugbill is that he and his wife have different vacationing styles. However, separate activities can keep everyone happy. On a past beach trip, for example, Jon Lugbill rented a surfboard and learned to surf, while his wife was free to spend beach time her own way. “When it’s a family vacation,” he tells me, “the big thing is involving the family in decisions.” He has found it helpful to plan the schedule in advance, building time in for those things his wife and daughters want to do. “Invariably – and it drives me nuts – the girls want to go shopping.” If shopping is built into the schedule, the shoppers have that to look forward to. And Jon Lugbill? “I’ll go do something else.” Lugbill recalls a favorite family vacation to Colorado about eight years ago, visiting a different location each day for seven days in a row: the U.S. Olympic training center in Colorado Springs, rock climbing at Garden of the Gods, the dunes near San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs hot springs and spas, Durango’s old town, Mesa Verde, a bike trail along Colorado River… And probably some shopping and workout time, too. “My daughters just loved it… [They] always look back on it as one of the big highlights.” Check in to an adventure resort. HCA Virginia Sports Medicine, medical director for the Richmond maraAS MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR
thon, a team physician for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, team physician for the University of Richmond and consulting physician for Chesterfield County high schools, Dr. Douglas Cutter understands the importance of staying active. For his patients, exercise isn’t just a route to health, it’s a lifestyle. For active vacations, he recommends the resorts that highlight healthful activities and food. He describes Hotel Domestique in South Carolina: “The resort provides the total experience of cycling. You can go to one of the best places in the world to stay, in a gorgeous setting, have outstanding food, be trained by top cyclists. This is the place, this is the pinnacle.” To accommodate my own passion for running, I did a little research into the running camps that Dr. Cutter alludes to. I found the ZAP Fitness Center in the North Carolina mountains, which hosts five adult running camps in 2015, including a running vacation weekend and a marathon training week. These running camps intrigue me – group runs along nicely groomed carriage trails at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, strength training and video analysis, guest speakers like Bill Rodgers and Bart Yasso, massage therapists, personalized coaching and, of course, three healthy meals each day. And yet, the camps are for runners of all levels, with all activities optional (i.e., no drill sergeant to send you on a guilt trip!). There’s also time to relax in the Blue Ridge Mountains and make use of the hammocks, hot tub or cold headwaters of the Yadkin River. As Don Garber puts it, “If you’re an active person, you will seek an active vacation.” As these Richmonders demonstrate, there’s no shortage of options. WEB
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