West End's Best July/Aug 2018 by Advertising Concepts, Inc.

Happy Hour Guide : Events Calendar : Tastebudz News

July / August 2018

RichmondNavigator.com

She Sheds

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Trends in Eye Care and Eye Wear Getting Real in

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CONTENTS JULY / AUGUST 2018

56 10 West End's Best

RichmondNavigator.com

Meet Sundeep Deorah,

MD, MPH, FACS

Virginia Urology, Reynolds Crossing Office

Dr. Deorah is one of the many highly skilled physicians at Virginia Urology utilizing the latest technologies to provide the best possible patient care. Specializing in urological oncology, Dr. Deorah takes advantage of minimally invasive robotic surgical technology to diagnose and treat tumors in the urinary system, including cancer of the prostate, bladder and kidneys. His interest also includes the treatment and management of kidney stones.

M.D. Degree All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, 2000

Certification American Board of Urology, 2014

Fellowship Urologic Oncology & Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 2011-12

Membership Endourological Society American Urological Association Mid Atlantic Section-American Urological Association Society of Urologic Oncology Fellow of American College of Surgeons Richmond Academy of Medicine

THINGS TO DO

18 Calendar of Events

WEST END LIFE

20 Virtual Reality Invades RVA 22 Pulse of the City: New Bus Line 24 Pool Fun and Safety 25 Pediatric Care At Your Door

HEALTH

26 Eye Care and Eyewear Trends 29 Top 5 Questions Patients Ask About Dental Implants

FLAVOR

33 Late Night Dining In The City 35 In Search Of: Tacos 38 Tastebudz 41 Happy Hour Guide 43 Beer Budz 44 Kid-friendly Dining

TRAVEL

48 Getting Real In Farmville

52 Virginia Is For Music Lovers

HOME 56 She Sheds 62 Versatile Ceramic Tile: Always in Style

44 12 West End's Best

RichmondNavigator.com

PERMANENT COSMETICS BY ASHLEY JOHNSON

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From the Editor

Contributors

If we can get through these next two months, I’ll be a happy man. Well, I’ll be a relatively happy man. The older I get, the grumpier I get about virtually everything. But even as a child, I had a reputation as a whiner and complainer. Noting the perpetual frown on my precious 10-year-old face, my grandfather once asked my mother, “Is Steve ever happy?” “Only when he’s miserable,” she replied. If that is indeed true, then this should be the happiest time of the year for me. I have so much to complain about. I really don’t like summer. It’s not the heat, it’s the…I’m sure any Richmonder can finish this one up for me. My grandmother used to say about those oppressive, hot, humid summer days, “It’s close outside.” I don’t know where she got that expression, but it accurately describes that stifling feeling that someone has put a handful of hot air right over your nose and is trying to suffocate you with it. I don’t hate everything about summertime. I love thunderstorms. I love those dark, dreary overcast days. I think I suffer from cloud deprivation disorder. Of course, I self-diagnosed, so I’m not sure if that is actually a real thing. I also like going to the beach. This may seem a bit selfish, but I wish there was only one week of hot, sunny days each summer and that would be the week that I go to the beach. The rest of the season can be stormy. One thing that I do like about this time of year is the abundance of really cool music festivals around the state. I am not that familiar with what other states have to offer when it comes to such events, but Virginia has a few music festivals that are simply amazing. Our guide to these festivals, in this issue, may turn you on to some events that, perhaps, you weren’t aware of. The Old Fiddlers Convention (August 6–11) in Galax may be the granddaddy of all music festivals, at least in Virginia. And right here in town, the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont (August 9–12) brings in some of the greatest musicians in the world. This is also a good time of year to pack up the babies, grab the old ladies and take the family out for a night on the town. Our Family Friendly Dining Guide offers a few suggestions for dining out with the crew. And if anyone tells you to get out of town, read our piece on Farmville before you actually hit the road. It’s only about an hour away from Richmond and offers plenty of activities for the whole family. We’re working now on our September/October issue. It’s one of my favorite issues because the emphasis is on the great beer, wine and cocktail scenes, both locally and around the state. We will also be searching for our favorite barbecue for our next issue. If you have any suggestions, email me at steve@RichmondNavigator.com. I’ll see you at the end of summer. Fall weather is just about perfect in Virginia, which, sadly enough, means I’ll have very little to complain about. Oh, by the way, if you’re wondering why there is no upside down section in this issue, it’s because we have separated River City Magazine from West End’s Best. River City Magazine now a stand-alone magazine. If you miss the regular features found in River City Magazine, you can still find them all online at RichmondNavigator.com. And you can also find the “new” River city Magazine at hotels, restaurants, markets, breweries and other cool spots throughout the Downtown area.

Steve Cook,

Steve@RichmondNavigator.com

14 West End's Best

RichmondNavigator.com

Zach Brown

Zach first moved to Richmond to attend VCU, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Writing in 2010. Serving as a poster child for obsessive behavior, Zach has never been able to casually enjoy anything as subjects that interest him hit ‘all-consuming’ levels in a matter of days. The greatest example of this defect being his love of writing. When he wraps up his daily word quota, you’ll find him playing drums with his band, reading, or enjoying a craft beer from one of his many favorite local brewers.

Derrick Hooley

Derrick first moved to Richmond from Mathews County, to attend VCU, where he graduated with a BS in Psychology. After working as a technical writer in the pharmaceutical sector for over a decade, he decided to try his hand at something a bit more personal. As a long time science fiction fan and gamer, he now enjoys writing stories and finding inspiration from his favorite authors and artists. When not reading or writing, he’s looking for an excuse not to go to the gym. He also might be found enjoying a local craft beer or two.

Whitney Kiatsuranon

A native Richmonder, Whitney enjoys freelance writing, hiking along the James and exploring the city like a tourist. When she is not trying new restaurants and socializing over wine, you’ll find her at home in the Fan being an ordinary goofball with her two kids. While she loves her hometown at any time you’ll find her enjoying some of her favorite places such as NYC, Charleston or her all-time favorite (so far) Saint Martin. All of the adventures she seeks on a day-to-day basis make for interesting articles on beauty, food and fitness.

Angela Weight

Angela is a native of Middle Georgia who followed her husband (and his job) to Richmond in 2014. An insatiably curious freelance writer, she has covered everything from monster truck racing to the latest embalming techniques (though not in the same article). When Angela isn’t clicking away on her laptop, she can usually be found at a baseball field cheering for one of her sons.

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PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER William J. Davis, Jr. VICE-PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER Cheryl T. Davis EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Steve Cook ASSISTANT EDITOR Ashley Jefferson COPY EDITOR Tammy Wersinger CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michael Lay GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ryan Hooley DIGITAL MANAGER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joey Wharton PHOTOGRAPHERS David Masucci, Joey Wharton, Josh Young

THE MOST FUN YOUR DOG CAN HAVE THIS SUMMER (without you, of course).

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BigStockPhoto.com CONTRIBUTORS Zach Brown, Derrick Hooley, Whitney Kiatsuranon, John Stoner, Victoria Rickman Taylor, Angela Weight EDITORIAL INTERN Cosima Pellis DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jimmy Davis

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SALES CONSULTANT Emily Sanders ADVERTISING West End’s Best Magazine is published bimonthly by Richmond Navigator Media 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/RichmondNav 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

A Division of Advertising Concepts, Inc. ALL ARTICLES AND CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINIONS OR THOUGHTS OF WEST END’S BEST MAGAZINE, ADVERTISING CONCEPTS, INC OR THE PUBLISHER.

ABOUT OUR COVER

The tool shed is dead. Long live the She Shed! That might be a slight exaggeration, but why have an drabby, old tool shed in your backyard when you can have a really cool she shed that reflects your personality and provides the perfect venue for hobbies or crafts? VPC Builders, in North Carolina, provided our cover image. You’ll find this and other sheds in our feature, “She Said ‘She Shed.’”

16 West End's Best

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Events Calendar by West End’s Best staff

art — many of which have never before been exhibited in the United States — in their current exhibit, Napoleon: Power and Splendor. The exhibition of international loans reveals the intricacies of the Emperor’s daily life and the range of works commissioned by and for him.

THROUGH JULY 29

West Side Story

Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday ‘til 9 p.m. / $ / Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard, 804-340-1400 / VMFA.museum

This endearing musical, which tells the tale of star-crossed lovers, is being staged at the November Theatre. See website for times and ticket prices / November Theatre, 114 W. Broad St., 804-282-2620 / VA-Rep.org

JULY 26 – AUGUST 14

Washington Redskins Training Camp The Washington Redskins 2018 training camp is set to take place at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center from July 26 through August 14. The schedule features a total of 25 public on-field sessions available to fans, highlighted by Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 4 and joint practices with the New York Jets, Sunday, August 12th through Tuesday, August 14th. Admission is free for all fans, but registration is required. See website for the full schedule and registration information / Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center, 2401 W. Leigh St. / Redskins.com/ trainingcamp

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3

Body Worlds: Animals Inside Out

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3

Flying Squirrels Baseball The Richmond Flying Squirrel Double-A baseball team creates plenty of fun throughout the summer. With giveaways, fireworks, concerts and more, there’s always something going on, including great baseball. See their website for schedule, game times and upcoming promotions / $8 - $14 (individual game tickets) / The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard, 804-3593866 / SquirrelsBaseball.com

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3

Napoleon: Power and Splendor. The VMFA showcasing more than 200 works of 18 West End's Best

Embark on an anatomical safari and explore the intricate biology, zoology and physiology of the world’s most spectacular creatures. From goats to giraffes, squids to sharks and octopuses to ostriches, discover the form and function of animals in the touring exhibition “BODY WORLDS: ANIMAL INSIDE OUT.” See website for times and ticket prices / Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., 804-8641400 / SMV.org

JULY 21

Pulse Pedal Pursuit The hunt is on! The Pulse Pedal Pursuit is an all-day celebration of all things RVA, and our new public transit options! Scour the Broad Street corridor on foot, by RVA Bike Share, or by the brand new GRTC Pulse bus rapid transit system. All you need is a team (optional…you can go solo!), and a smart phone to document your journey. Go your own pace, and at the end of day stop at River City Roll to tally points, declare ultimate winners, and share stories from the day. 9 a.m. / $20-25 / From Willow Lawn to Rockett’s Landing, see website for full details / SportsBackers.org

RichmondNavigator.com

JULY 26

Star Trek II – Special Screening William Shatner, the original Captain Kirk, is heading to the Altria on July 26 for a live conversation and audience Q&A following a screening of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” 7:30 p.m. / $41 - $61 / Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St., 800-514-3849 / AltriaTheater.com

AUGUST 9 TO 12

Richmond Jazz Festival What a weekend for jazz- and music-lovers of all genres at the Richmond Jazz Festival. Scheduled performers include: Gladys Knight, The O’Jays, Joss Stone, Tony! Toni! Toné!, George Clinton and Maze. See website for full schedule and ticket prices / Maymont, 1700 Hampton St. / JazzAtMaymont.com

AUGUST 10-11

13th Annual Filipino Festival The Filipino Festival is a community event which showcases the richness of the Filipino culture and promotes a respect for and appreciation of the Filipino heritage. Featuring a delectable cuisine, folk dances and music, the Filipino Festival has attracted thousands of attendees from Richmond and surrounding cities and counties who want to experience the best of the Philippine islands without leaving Virginia.

Festival in Carytown. The festival will be just as lively this summer with expectations of even more attendees than last year, nearly 50 performances scheduled and more than one hundred street vendors planning to transform Cary Street into the granddaddy of street festivals. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Free / Carytown, Richmond / CarytownRVA.com

Fri., 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. / Free / Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 8200 Woodman Rd. / FilipinoFestival.org

SEPTEMBER 1

Shockoe on the Half Shell

AUGUST 16

Grateful Dead Tribute Show After nearly 19 years and over 2600 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead concert experience. Their shows are built off The Dead’s extensive catalog and the talent of these seven fine musicians.

Virginia is for oyster lovers! Join the Enrichmond Foundation in The Bottom to celebrate one of Virginia’s most iconic foods. The 11th Annual Shockoe on the Half Shell festival fundraiser features some of the area’s most popular restaurants with oyster shuckers serving up every kind of oyster – smoked, grilled, roasted, fried, and on the half shell. 11 a.m. / $1 suggested donation to Enrichmond / 17th Street Market, 100 N 17 St. / Enrichmond.org

Gates open 5 p.m., ShowTime 6 p.m. / $31 / SERVPRO of Richmond Pavilion, 4901 Lake Brook Dr., Glen Allen, 804-423-1779 / InnsbrookAfterHours.com

AUGUST 18 AUGUST 11

Dragon Boat Races Dragon boating — Richmond’s biggest spectacle on water — returns to the James. Led by the rhythmic beat of a drum, teams of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer and one steersperson race 500 meters up the river in 40-foot canoes rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails. Get your team together and get ready to roar. 8:30 a.m. – first race / $1,095 - $1,595 to compete; spectators free / Rocketts Landing, 5000 Old Osborne Turnpike / SportsBackers.org

Travis Tritt More than 27 years after Travis Tritt launched his music career, the Southern rock influenced artist continues to display strong sales activity, sell-out shows, and stay true and relevant to country music fans across the globe. Gates open 5 p.m., ShowTime 6 p.m. / $21 - $99 / SERVPRO of Richmond Pavilion, 4901 Lake Brook Dr., Glen Allen, 804-423-1779 / InnsbrookAfterHours.com

AUGUST 19

CAKE & Ben Folds You knew it as the Classic Amphitheater. It’s been renamed Virginia Credit Union LIVE at Richmond Raceway. This August 19 performance is part of their summer schedule. 7 p.m. / $75 and up / Virginia Credit Union LIVE at Richmond Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Ave. 804-6121900 / VACULive.com

AUGUST 23 AUGUST 12

Carytown Watermelon Festival Sweet smells of coconut-scented sunscreen and deep-fried elephant ears will soon waft across stages and past the crowds that topped 100,000 last year to experience the Watermelon

Kool & The Gang Rescheduled from the December 31, 2017 show, tickets for that show will be honored. Gates open 5 p.m., ShowTime 6 p.m. / $21 - $99 / SERVPRO of Richmond Pavilion, 4901 Lake Brook Dr., Glen Allen, 804-423-1779 / InnsbrookAfterHours.com

July / August 2018

SEPTEMBER 7

An Evening of Bluegrass – Commonwealth Bluegrass Band Enjoy a complete dinner with all the fixin’, a full bar and live music featuring The Commonwealth Bluegrass Band. The band plays traditional and modern bluegrass and is known for their close harmonies and high lonesome sound, as well as their fun, entertaining, and energetic spirit. 7 p.m. / $17 – general admission; $21 – at the door / Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen; 804-261-2787 / ArtsGlenAllen.com

West End's Best 19

Photo courtesy: Hologate

WEST END LIFE

VIRTUAL REALITY INVADES

UPTOWN ALLEY by Derrick Hooley

irtual Reality (VR), long a topic of science fiction, has arrived in the world of video games. For the uninitiated, VR allows the user to enter a simulated

environment through a headset. Rather than the usual experience of playing a game on a screen, you are playing a game inside the game itself. So, when I heard that Uptown Alley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a full service family entertainment center in Midlothian (6101 Brad McNeer Pkwy.) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; had a VR attraction, I was anxious to check it out.

20 West End's Best

RichmondNavigator.com

After a few seconds of target practice, I bought into the illusion and completely forgot about my surroundings. Derrick Hooley

Photo: Ryan Hooley

Hologate, a German media and VR company, creates exclusive content and accessories for VR, delivering an experience free of problems, such as motion sickness and latency that plagued early users. Currently, the Hologate system features two games: Simurai, a team-based cooperative shooter game; and Cold Clash, a snowball-fight simulator aimed at younger players and those looking for a more family-friendly game. With several game modes and new games on the way, there is plenty of content here.

Photo courtesy: Hologate

So, does Hologate deliver the promised experience? Yes! Within seconds after donning the hardwired HTC Vive head set, I found myself immersed in the world of Simurai. After a few seconds of target practice, I bought into the illusion and completely forgot about my surroundings. The headset includes noise cancelling headphones and a microphone to communicate with your teammates, ensuring complete immersion. I found myself defending a futuristic bunker from robot attackers. After defeating wave after wave of drones and mech-spiders, we faced off against the Sumo-bot mid boss and finally the Dragon-Boss. The sense of scale and depth of field was what really impressed me. Not only did everything look big, it felt big too in a way that a conventional video game just isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to convey. When those robots are running towards you at 90 frames a second, the sense of urgency is real because you get the impression that they are covering some actual distance and closing in. The game was easy enough to get a grasp of with only three buttons (shoot, reload and power up), but challenging enough to keep you on your toes. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or a beginner, this is a great way to experience VR. Everything is optimized and professionally calibrated. Afterward, enjoy a meal, bowl a game or two, or take in another of the many attractions at Uptown Alley.

July / August 2018

West End's Best 21

WEST END LIFE

of the City

Richmond’s New Bus System by Zach Brown

Editor’s Note: As we go to press, GRTC’s Pulse rapid transit system is set to begin service in late June. This article was written on the assumption that the city will execute the inauguration of the system flawlessly.

s Richmond continues to expand, residents have more options than ever for trekking across our city. However, in order to see as much of it as you can, you’ll need to do it fast. To help accomplish our need for speedy travel, the GRTC will start running the Pulse rapid transit system on June 24th. The 7.6-mile bus line will begin at Willow Lawn and end at Rocketts Landing. Richmonders will have the option to drop by popular hubs such as the Arts District, Shockoe Bottom and Scott’s Ad-

dition without having to wait any longer than an average of 10 to 15 minutes for a ride. “The Pulse is a premium service designed to give riders more time for life,” says Carrie Rose Pace, director of communications for GRTC. “Riders will spend less time riding and can spend more time working, playing, shopping, exploring or eating.” The rapid transit line — jointly sponsored by Bon Secours Richmond Health System and VCU Health System — is a new take on a system that lay in the very roots of the city, harkening back to the streetcars of the Richmond Union Passenger Railway in the early 20th century. However, Pace officials promise that its ease-of-use will be anything but old fashioned. “The [rapid transit] features include modern improvements like

GRTC Pulse is a modern, high capacity rapid transit system that serves a 7.6-mile route along Broad Street and Main Street, from Rocketts Landing in the City of Richmond to Willow Lawn in Henrico County. A Destination Guide is available at RideGRTC.com to help you plan your Pulse adventure. 22 West End's Best

RichmondNavigator.com

platforms for level-boarding, off-board fare collection and transit signal priority (TSP).â&#x20AC;? Furthermore, even after the June 24 kickoff, the TSP will continue to adapt and evolve as data is collected during the Pulse bus runs in order to optimize the service for its riders. During the construction period of the project, many of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s businesses and citizens vocalized their concerns over the disrupted traffic and reduced commerce. However initially, citizens will be offered free rides on the Pulse route during an introduction period. As Pace has assured, the system will not be optimized for a few more months as the system grows and evolves to best get passengers to their destinations. Furthermore, it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cost an arm and a leg, as the Pulse fares will remain the same as all other local routes. The ease-of-use and quick travel times along the routes will allow local foodies and shoppers easier access than ever before to the restaurants and shops along the bus line. Richmond has more reasons than ever to get out there and explore, and the GRTC Pulse might be the most convenient and affordable way to see it all.

All 14 stations offer off-board fare collection at Ticket Vending Machines ($1.50 fare), benches and lean rails, shelter from the elements, emergency call boxes, bike parking, real-time arrival signage and announcements and platform level boarding to provide greater accessibility for the disabled. July / August 2018

West End's Best 23

What’s Happening in the Northern Neck?

Fun and Safety in the Pool

Looking for the perfect afternoon or weekend getaway? Look no further than Virginia’s Northern Neck. Whether you’re into hiking, boating, dining on great seafood or just lazing away in the summer sun or under a moonlit sky, there’s plenty to do in the Northern Neck. For instance, have you ever considered… Kayaking on the Potomac at Sunset (July 15) Enjoy the breathtaking sunset while paddling a kayak down the Potomac River on Saturday, July 14, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This special kayaking experience is sponsored by Stratford Hall . For more information: StratfordHall. org/events.

by Whitney Kiatsuranon

Finding Fossils at Caledon (July 15) Did you know Caledon State Park (11617 Caledon Rd., King George) was once on the ocean floor? Find out how fossils form and look for your own on the Potomac shoreline (2 – 4 p.m.). Wear shoes that can get wet. The cost is $3 per person and $8 per family. To register stop by the Visitor Center, call 540-663-3861 or email Caledon@dcr.virginia.gov

Dancing to the Music of the Rhondels at Town Centre Park (July 19) The Original Rhondels are a premier party and dance band with a big sound playing Top 40, Motown, disco, jazz/big band swing, beach music and blues. Dance the evening away (5 – 8:30 p.m.) at Kilmarnock’s Music on the Half Shell in Town Centre Park, located at 201 N. Main St. Taking a Walk on the Wild Side at Caledon State Park (August 3) Why are we so afraid to walk in the forest at night? Could it be that we are not familiar with our surroundings and don’t know what we might find. ? Overcome your fears (maybe) with a night hike (8:30 – 9:30 p.m.) through the forest and fields of Caledon (11617 Caledon Rd., King George). You may encounter owls, mammals and insects along the way. To register, call 540-663-3861 or email Caledon@dcr.virginia.gov. Enjoy Family Fun on the Boardwalk at Colonial Beach (Aug. 25 & 26) The Colonial Beach Water Fest provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities including a bounce house, a water slide, sand and water games, and maybe a real, live mermaid. Local food vendors will also be on hand to lend to the merriment. For more details, go to ColonialBeach.org.

It has been said that drowning is not like what we see in the movies. It’s not noisy; the swimmer cannot ask for help most of the time. In fact, drowning is silent and it can occur today more than ever due to distractions like Instagram, Facebook or even a good ol’ fashion book. “Any time kids are around water, designate a “water watcher” who will avoid cell phones, conversations, magazines and anything else that might distract the adult from watching swimming children EVERY SINGLE SECOND,” says Natalie Crawley, general manager at the Goldfish Swim School in Gayton Crossing Shopping Center. “After all, most children who drown are supervised,” she adds. The American Red Cross says that the number one thing that parents can do to keep kids safer around water is to enroll them in swim lessons. Swimming is an essential life-saving skill with numerous physical, mental and intellectual benefits. “Get swim lessons for yourself or any other caregiver who cannot swim or is afraid of water,” explains Crawley. With that in mind and not being a very strong swimmer, myself, I have made sure that my two young ones have a solid foundation as regards swimming, with no reservations about their love for the water. I fell in love with Goldfish Swim School from the start. Last summer, I had my kids at an outdoor pool for lessons and the water was so cold they couldn’t enjoy it. I decided then and there that I would find a better option. What appealed to me was the heated pool but what sold me is their eye for detail. Goldfish is equipped with showers, hairdryers and bathing suit spinners (dryers). Not only do my children enjoy their swim lessons, but we also enjoy family swim three times a week for an hour. That hour is just enough time and because the pool is indoors I never have to worry about sunscreen. We typically, make an afternoon of it; swim lessons, family swim, then lunch out. Honestly, it makes for a great day and they are tired when they get home. Goldfish Swim School is it is a great activity for traditional nuclear families and many grandparents and extended family bring their swimmers. This is a company you can tell cares about their clientele, which, at the end of the day, are the kids. Want to learn more? Phone Goldfish Swim School at 804-441-7882 or visit online at GoldfishSwimSchool.com.

The above suggestions barely scratch the surface. For more summertime suggestions visit NorthernNeck.org/happenings.

Photo: Debbie Biemeck

24 West End's Best

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Pediatric Care At Your Door

SPENDING TOO MUCH

ON INK AND TONER?

I EXPIRES 8/31/18

by Ashley Jefferson

magine this. It’s early Monday morning, around 1:00 am, when your little one bursts into your room crying about a tummy ache and a sore throat. You check her forehead to feel for a fever and sure enough, she’s burning up. Out of habit, you give her a dose of Children’s Tylenol. However, you want her to be checked out. So in the morning, you schedule an emergency visit with her pediatrician. After fighting your way through traffic, you wait to see the doctor and then you wait some more for lab work. And you may have to wait another hour for her prescription to be filled. All the while, you’re surrounded by a gaggle of other sick children and their disgruntled parents who are silently wishing that there was a better way to handle days like this. Finally, there is a better way. Dr. Jimmy Wiley of At Your Door Pediatrics understands the pitfalls of today’s healthcare system. And after 20 years of working as a primary care pediatric physician, he decided to do something about it. “I was getting frustrated with the day-to-day and how healthcare has been going in general,” says Dr. Wiley. “It’s very volume driven. So, I decided to set up a new model for my practice.” His new model is all about making house calls. Structured as a membership program, Dr. Wiley is able to give his patients’ unparalleled personal service and conveniences that they can’t get at a typical doctor’s office. No matter the time, Dr. Wiley can show up

at your home to diagnose and treat your little loved one. He’s even able to perform lab work and give vaccinations. Such convenience requires no waiting in traffic and no long lines at the doctor’s office. Plus, Dr. Wiley gets to know you and your family better, which means a better treatment and overall experience for you and your family. “Making house calls allows me to learn so much more about my patient,” explains Dr. Wiley. “I get to see actually how they are functioning. Plus, when it comes to things like child proofing, I don’t just talk about it. I can actually demonstrate and identify things that are kind of problematic.” But joining At Your Door Pediatrics will give you much more than house call visits. For one low monthly fee, members receive unlimited sick visits and wellness visits, labs that can be performed in the home and 24-hour communication with Dr. Wiley via his personal mobile phone, text messages and video chat picture messaging. And if you need additional care, Dr. Wiley will set up that appointment and speak to the specialist about your personalized needs. As a PCP, Dr. Wiley does it all. So, next time your precious one feels under the weather, remember Dr. Wiley of At Your Door Pediatrics. Your child’s healthcare will never be better. To learn more, call 804-248-0445 or visit online at Wiley.md.

HEALTH

d o a T y ’ s … Y T P r e S I Eye Care & Eyew nds ea in by Victoria Rickman Taylor

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“I spy something, and the color of it is blue.” I remember sitting on the back porch as a child playing a version of “I Spy” with my mother. We could play for hours, taking in the sights and sounds around us. Today, many children are looking to their smart phone or tablet to learn about the color of the grass and to search for the name of the animals they see. The digital age has encouraged early development for our children, which many parents may perceive as a positive change. However, it also presents eye care concerns that could plague our younger generations for years to come. There are lots of products out there that claim they can enhance eye health, and we can’t try all of them. So, it is time to talk with some Richmond-area optical experts about their top eye care concerns and what we

can do now to preserve and rebuild our eye health. Blue light from devices, fatigue, macular degeneration, nearsightedness and old-fashioned sun exposure are some common threads throughout the conversations. “A quick search for ‘blue light’ will turn up information about insomnia, migraines, macular degeneration, cataracts and obesity,” says Norma Spittle, O.D., half of the husband-and-wife team who own The Eye Place, an optometry practice in Midlothian. “While all of that is true at some level, the key point is that protecting the eyes from sunlight and UV exposure is important—and our eyes are the most sensitive during our youth. Our suspicion that computer screens (and tablets and phones) are unhealthy is turning out to be true.”

July / August 2018

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A quick search for ‘blue light’ will turn up information about insomnia, migraines, macular degeneration, cataracts and obesity

Norma Spittle, O.D.

What do our experts say we can do now to protect our eyes from the natural and manufactured threats they face every day? Focus on light protection. Sunglasses or optical glasses with Transitions lenses and/or UV protection built into the lenses are a must.

It is estimated that 10 hours of screen exposure are equivalent to 15 minutes of direct sun exposure, and that number can be lowered by five percent by turning on night mode or dimming screens. “Thankfully, there are products in the marketplace, with and without prescription, that block 90 percent of the harmful light without weird tints,’’ she adds. “We would all benefit from healthier and more-comfortable eyes.” Virginia Eye Institute has partnered with one of the largest lens manufacturers to offer the newest digital surface lenses “to help give our patients the clearest sight possible,” adds Richard Myott, Director of Optical Services. “These lenses are both progressive and single vision, with one of the largest growing concerns in the eye industry being blue light protection.” Mark MacMillan, O.D., agrees that blue light is a growing concern for everyone in the digital age, but especially for children. “Blue light has been linked to macular degeneration-type disorders. It is also responsible for the maintenance of sleep cycles,’’ he says. “This is why it is harder to fall asleep at night after staring at your phone, tablet, TV or computer screens late into the night. By utilizing blue light blockers on glasses, we can minimize the effects of this potentially harmful light radiation.” Dry eye is also becoming a prevalent eye care concern, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune conditions and something we will all face — aging eyes. “This is a major condition that affects 4.91 million Americans, ages 50 years and older,” MacMillan explains. “We stay at the forefront of it by monitoring progression of the disease with Tear Lab instrumentation and utilizing the most up-to-date medications and procedures to treat the condition.” 28 West End's Best

Practice healthy habits. Sunglasses, a healthy diet and abstaining from nicotine could reduce your chances of developing macular degeneration. Consider special lenses. Look for a lens that reduces fatigue and blocks harmful light (now available with clear lenses). Schedule your checkups. Visit an eye care professional regularly. Encourage family members and friends to do the same. Function Over Fashion? Though eyewear has become highly specialized to the needs of each consumer, let’s not forget that a new pair of frames is an opportunity to make a fashion statement. (Yes, this applies to the gentlemen, too.) Our experts tell us bold, statement frames are in style this season, as well as florals and neutrals. Iconic, bold yet classic, frames are all the rage for the adventurous side in all of us. And who can forget Aviators, with thin, lightweight metals, which are also popular this season. Whatever your personal style may be, function and fashion are both available by visiting an eye care professional near you!

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HEALTH SPONSORED CONTENT

Top 5 Questions My Patients Ask About Implants by Pete Appleby, DDS 1. Do they hurt? Perhaps you have suffered from a toothache for a long time? Maybe the removal of that tooth you are now considering replacing was a painful experience? These negative experiences can affect pursuing dental care and I understand. Often painful experiences around dentistry result from longstanding infections. Implants on the other hand are placed in healthy mouths with healthy tissue. This makes for very predictable pain control. Most patients report little if any post operative pain. Rest assured, current implant technology allows for dental procedures that can replace your missing teeth with little to no downtime.

absorb substantial force when chewing. Cracking of fillings and roots is unfortunately quite common. This is where an x-ray and in some cases a 3D image (often referred to as a CBCT or “cone beam”) can help your dentist assess the tooth as a candidate to save or to consider replacing with an implant. Implants should always be part of a comprehensive plan involving your whole mouth. Not just the missing tooth or teeth! Have a discussion with your dentist and see which is best for you.

2. How long do they take to do? Implants can be done in as little as one day. Walk in with a missing tooth, walk out with a tooth. Yes, this can happen just as you’ve seen advertised. Typically, the tooth, bridge, or denture that you walk out with is “temporary” and is replaced by a final, permanent tooth, when you are done healing. Healing is variable, with most patients back “to normal” within a week or two. 3. I was told I need to have a “graft” done before I can get an implant. What does that mean? When a tooth is lost, the bone that supported that tooth recedes over time. In some people this happens quite quickly. For implants to function properly and also look beautiful in your smile, they need to be housed in solid bone and surrounded by healthy gum tissue. If you’ve lost bone or gum tissue that will be needed to support your new implant, your dentist may need to replace it. This is an important conversation to have with your dentist. There are many options with regards to techniques and materials used to do this grafting. Thankfully, in most cases, only one appointment is required to complete the procedure and it can sometimes be done at the same time the implant is placed. 4. Should I get a root canal or should I get an implant? Root canals can save a healthy tooth that has an unhealthy nerve. So, just because you have a toothache or a deep cavity, doesn’t mean the tooth can’t go on! Save it if it can be saved. Much of the decision should be based on how strong your dentist thinks the tooth will be. Human teeth

5. Can I wait until next year? Yes and no. If you have lost a tooth or are considering your options with a problem tooth now, it’s important to have a plan. See your dentist to better understand your specific situation. This is especially important with the teeth you show when you smile. If you have recently lost one of these teeth it’s important to act quickly to preserve the bone and gum around the area. Your gums are a very important part of your overall smile. Preserve them too! Under a dentist’s supervision, some people can wait, others need to act fast. Healing is variable and your specific situation deserves a consultation. Remember, an empty space in your mouth is a quick way to develop shifting, uneven wear, or problems with other teeth! Wear and shifting can age your smile beyond your years. Your teeth have developed to work together as a team to allow you to speak, chew, and show the world your smile. Don’t let them down! Dr. Pete Appleby is an alumnus of UVA, VCU Dental School and the University of California’s Advanced General Dentistry program, with a focus on dental implants. Dr. Appleby is a Fellow in the Academy of Oral Implantology, a member of the Richmond Dental Society, and a member of the American Dental Association. Dr. Appleby prides himself not only on the quality of his care, but establishing open and honest communication with his patients. In his spare time Pete is a licensed pilot, shadetree mechanic, and garage engineer. Virginia Family Dentistry is a group practice of more than 50 doctors specializing in Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Dental Implants, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Cosmetic and General Dentistry. With 14 convenient locations in the Richmond Metro Area, we can assist you in creating your youthful smile. For a location near you, visit VAdentist.com.

Our four West End locations: Short Pump (804) 364-7010; West End Orthodontic & Pediatric Specialty Center (804) 351-5432; Patterson/Parham (804) 364-7090; Staples Mill (804) 672-4900 — VAdentist.com July / August 2018

West End's Best 29

NEXT ISSUE IN

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BARBECUE WINE & SPIRITS

FLAVOR

ONLINE

.com 30 West End's Best

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Bringing You the Best of Local Food Dining & Drinks, Recipes & News

CAPITAL ALE HOUSE CUBAN PORK TACO This popular diamond classic combines a top quality hot dog with chili, diced onions and cheese to hit all the right flavor notes youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll recall from family cookouts and youthful outings at the local ballpark.

Photo: Dave Masucci

July / August 2018

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LET’S

TACO

ENJOY SUMMER BY THE RAILROAD TRACKS

‘BOUT IT!

Enjoy Street Tacos on the patio! We have an excellent variety including: thai chili shrimp buttermilk chicken haddock (fish)

| steak

BakersCrust.com Short Pump Town Center 11800 W. Broad Street 804-377-9060 Carytown 3553 W. Cary Street 804-213-0800 32 West End's Best

NOW OPEN

HENRICO

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1300 Sycamore Square

Gleneagles Shopping Center

893-4093 RichmondNavigator.com

10498 Ridgeeeld Pkwy

FLAVOR

LATE NIGHT DINING IN THE CITY

Is there life after dark in Richmond. You bet! The city has plenty of bars that don’t close their doors ‘til the wee hours of the morning. And depending on how much liquid refreshment you’ve consumed, they’re open ‘til the wee wee hours of the morning. Here are some of our favorite spots where you can not only consume an adult beverage, but also enjoy a delicious meal late into the night.

The Jasper

Poe’s Pub

You know that hunger you get when you’re enjoying a refreshing, finely crafted cocktail? You don’t want a full meal, just something to snack on while you savor your drink? Well, that’s what you’ll find at The Jasper, the city’s hottest new bar. The cocktails are the main attraction, but there are plenty of small plates and cool snack foods, including potato chips with French onion dip. You can order off the menu right up ‘til closing time, which is 2 a.m. seven nights a week.

Got a late-night hankering for some delicious corned beef and cabbage or a home-style meatloaf. Then do what many of the locals do. Head for Poe’s. Great burgers, sandwiches and salads are served along with cold beer and your favorite cocktails. Poe’s is open ‘til 2 am every night except Sunday and Monday. The kitchen closes at 11 p.m. weeknights and at midnight on weekends.

3113 W. Cary St.; JasperBarRVA.com

2706 E. Main St.; 804-648-2120; Facebook.com/PoesPub1

Lalo’s Cocina Bar & Grill

Sabai

2727 W. Broad St.; 804-367-4992; SabaiRVA.com

2617 W. Broad St.; 804-351-8602; LalosCocina.com

Discover all your Mexican favorites, including Lalo’s own homemade chorizo and authentic soft tacos at this popular Boulevard-area restaurant. The wrap-around bar is one of the coolest (and hottest) in town. The Cocina is open ‘til 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. And that includes the cocina (the kitchen), which stays open, serving your favorite dishes right up ‘til closing time.

My Noodle and Bar

1600 Monument Ave.; 804-308-1613; MyNoodleAndBar.com

Authentic Thai dishes and appetizers in a fun “underground” setting. My Noodle is open ‘til 2 a.m. Friday–Sunday nights. The rest of the week they close at midnight. The kitchen is open ‘til midnight every day.

The Pizza Place

Sabai brings authentic Thai street food to the streets of Richmond… Broad Street to be exact. In addition to the food, Sabai offers a lively bar scene. The restaurant is open until 2 a.m. every night and the kitchen doesn’t close until 1:30 a.m.

Station 2

2016 E. Main St.; 804-249-4702; Station2Richmond.com

Enjoy a wide selection of starters, gourmet burgers and an extensive beer list late into the night. This laid-back Shockoe Bottom hot spot is open ‘til 2 a.m. seven days a week. Order anything from the menu up into 1 a.m. On Monday nights, appetizers are half-priced from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Weezie’s Kitchen

3123 W. Cary St.; 804-726-1270; WeeziesKitchen.com

1731 E. Main St., 804-343-1300; RichmondPizzaPlace.com

Looking for authentic, hand-tossed NY-style pizza…after midnight? This is the place to come. The pizzas are served on Tuesday through Sunday ‘til 3 a.m. (They tell me that sometimes they’re open as late as 4 or 4:30 a.m. on the weekends). Order your favorite slice or whole pizza up until closing time.

Feast on sensational starters, such as seared Ahi tuna and sliders, along with salads and entrees in this cozy Carytown restaurant and bar. Weezie’s is open until 2 a.m. seven nights a week. The kitchen doesn’t close until 1 a.m.

July / August 2018

West End's Best 33

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34 West End's Best

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The taco has become one of the most ubiquitous foods to be found in both Mexican and non-Mexican eateries around town. Have you ever wondered about its origins? Jeffrey Pilcher, author of Planet Taco: A Global History of Mexican Food (Oxford University Press) , suggests that it dates from the 18th century and the silver mines in Mexico, because in those mines the word “taco” referred to the little charges they would use to excavate the ore. “When you think about it,” Pilcher says, “a chicken taquito with a good hot sauce is really a lot like a stick of dynamite.” Regardless of where it started, here is where many locals end up when in search of a great taco.

Baker’s Crust

11800 W. Broad St., 804-377-9060; BakersCrust.com Get ready for an explosion of flavor at Baker’s Crust. Their Steak Taco is good enough to write about. And we aren’t just saying that. Flat iron steak, tomato tarragon slaw, avocado, pickled onions, chipotle aioli and cilantro are stuffed into a flour tortilla and served with a side of grilled corn on the cob with queso fresco. The presentation itself is almost too beautiful to eat. But we encourage you to eat it.

Capital Ale House

4024 Cox Rd. A, Glen Allen; (804) 780-2537 CapitalAleHouse.com One of Virginia’s most popular restaurants takes us all the way to Cuba with their Cuban Pork Taco. This juicy taco is stuffed with marinated pulled pork, house slaw, a pickle slice, roasted corn and beans. And if that’s not enough, the taco is also served with your choice of a salad or French fries. Hungry tummies rejoice!

Photo: Dave Masucci

July / August 2018

West End's Best 35

LATITUDE SEAFOOD CO. 15532 WC Commons Way, Midlothian –and– 9200 Stony Point Pkwy. (Stony Point Fashion Park) – Coming Soon! 804-379-8100 LatitudeSeafoodCo.com

When it comes to seafood, Latitude has all the flavor. This high end restaurant keeps the pace, even with their taco’s. And they are a treat that you won’t want to miss. On your next visit, try the Fish Taco, which includes tequila-lime marinated and blackened, spicy cabbage on a flour tortilla. Add the pineapple salsa and guacamole for an added kick.

DON’T LOOK BACK – TRIPLE 3306 W. Broad St.; 804-655-2770 DontLookBack.co

The best taco experience in town is the goal of the folks at Don’t Look Back, located in what was once The Triple pool hall. Tacos are definitely their specialty and are made fresh with quality ingredients and loads of flavor. Our favorite is the traditional-style Shrimp Taco. Served on a flour tortilla, this treat is filled with cabbage slaw, sour cream, cilantro, onion and lime. And it’s one taco that you won’t want to miss.

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PLAZA AZTECA

10099 Brook Rd., Glen Allen; 804-897-1124 6623 W Broad St., Richmond; (804) 888-9984 PlazaAzteca.com Plaza Azteca claims to be your shortcut to Mexico, which seems to be true. They offer a genuine welcoming, warm and friendly atmosphere that makes their customers feel right at home. And their award-winning food adds to that sentiment. We love their California Fish Taco. Your choice of a flour or corn tortilla is filled with a fish fillet and topped with red cabbage and a creamy chipotle sauce. One bite will send you right across the border.

THE DAILY KITCHEN & BAR 2934 W. Cary St.; 804-342-8990 12201 W. Broad St. (GreenGate); 804-360-3800 TheDailyKitchenAndBar.com

The folks at The Daily strive to serve foods that are not only delicious but also health conscious, environmentally friendly and socially responsible. That goes for their tasty tacos filled with chimichurri chicken (as pictured), red cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, corn, avocado, cilantro lime sauce and house made hot sauce. You can also choose from blackened mahi, carnitas or vegetarian tacos.

July / August 2018

West End's Best 37

tastebudz with Ashley Jefferson And Steve Cook

Well, we have a new addition to our TasteBudz family. Ashley Jefferson has joined our staff as our assistant editor. And as someone who enjoys all that the Richmond area has to offer, including our amazing dining scene, Ashley is a perfect addition to help out with our TasteBudz column.

FAMILY FRIENDLY FARMHOUSE DINING: At Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro, you’ll feel more like you’re at home than you will a restaurant. Which is no surprise. It’s located at 1840 Manakin Rd., inside a beautiful Victorian style home. And the food is just as good as the country décor. Frittata’s, shrimp and grits, linguini with meatballs and chicken piccata are just some of the items on the menu. But the real treat is brunch. If you can, reserve a space on the patio for a quiet dinning experience with the best customer service. (AJ)

IT’S AWFUL IN THE WEST END, AGAIN: Yep, you heard me. Awful Arthur’s Seafood Raw Bar & Restaurant now has its own West End location. Now, you don’t have to drive across the river to Midlothian to enjoy the fresh seafood, succulent steaks and the fabulous Happy Hour specials that make Awful Arthur’s such a cool restaurant. Mel Burns has just opened his new place at 10426 Ridgefield Pkwy. (Gleneagles Shopping Center). For you old timers, you may remember that Burns had once, several years ago, operated a West End version of his restaurant on West Broad Street, just west of Glenside Drive. (SC)

CHOP CHOP: Everyone loves a good, American chophouse. But when you want one that has truly delicious food and great dining specials, you go to Hondos (4120 Cox Rd Glen Allen). On Sundays, the restaurant features their Surf & Turf special, which includes a three-course dinner for just $32.95. Start with your choice of a soup or salad, then move on to your lobster and steak entrée, and finally finish up with a slice of key lime pie or a chocolate torte for dessert. If you just want a place to unwind after work, check out their Happy Hour. From 4 to 6:30 p.m., You can enjoy calamari frita, crab stuffed mushrooms, Ahi tuna and New Orleans BBQ shrimp all for just $6 each. (AJ)

PUT THIS ON YOUR GROCERY LIST: Oh, you may laugh when someone tells you that they are going to the grocery store for Date Night. But, as the saying goes, ‘Don’t knock it before you try it.’ I went to Wegmans to grab a few items and was surprised to see The Pub (12200 Wegmans Blvd.), their full-scale restaurant and bar. The menu was nothing short of spectacular, especially for a grocery store. The apps included crispy coconut shrimp, crab cakes and calamari. And the entrée’s were just as delightful with steak frites, Atlantic salmon and cavatappi with shrimp and tomato on the list. I enjoyed everything that I ordered and found it as no surprise that The Pub was a 2016 Open Table Diner’ Choice Winner. If I were a judge, they definitely would have had my vote. And yes, I will gladly enjoy my next Date Night there. (AJ)

38 West End's Best

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WHERE THERE’S SMOHK, THERE’S FARE: The fare I’m talking about is fantastic barbecue, which you can enjoy at Smohk, located at 3112 W. Leigh St. in Scott’s Addition. I stopped by there just a few days ago for a little take-home. The food coming out of the kitchen in this little hideaway never fails to impress me. I love BBQ, but to be honest, that there are very few BBQ joints that absolutely blow me away. Smohk does…. blow me away, that is. Maybe it’s partly because I’m partial to the little guys, and Smohk is indeed a tiny spot tucked away in a little parking lot off Leigh Street. Just follow your nose. The aroma of hickory-smoked barbecue will lead the way. My only minor complaint about the place was that there was hardly any room to sit down and enjoy the barbecue after being served and who wants to have to wait when that delicious smell is wafting through the room. Well, when I was there the other day, co-owner Roby Williams showed me what they had done with the place. They’ve taken what used to be a storage area and turned it into a fullfledged restaurant. It’s still small, but there’s plenty of room for 25 to 30 to sit right down and enjoy some of the best BBQ in the state. While I’m partial to the ribs, everything I’ve tried is exceptional, especially when you top it with some of Roby’s own Smoky Apple BBQ sauce. Wow! Delicious. They cater, too. (SC)

DAILY BREAD AND MORE: It seems like every month, I’m trying a new diet. And it’s not because I want to lose any weight (yeah right!). No matter my diet plans, I always find something to enjoy at The Daily Kitchen & Bar (12201 W. Broad St.,). I love how their menu accommodates my ever-changing food needs. Be it vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or whatever, The Daily always has something to offer. And what’s even better is that their new Short Pump restaurant is located right by my home. So yea, I’m there rather frequently. (AJ)

DELIGHTFUL DINER DINING: Can I get an AMEN for the delicious waffles, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict and French toast at the Metro Diner (11525 W. Broad St. and 5625 W. Broad St.)? I know this restaurant is supposed to be, well, a diner. But everything there is delicious. Even their fruit salad is good! There’s absolutely no surprise to me that Metro was featured on the Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I mean, the food really is that good. Luckily, I always make a point to visit during off peak hours. This way I don’t have to wait as long for a seat and my entrée. (AJ)

A GOOCHLAND HIDDEN GEM: Have you ever visited the Courthouse Market & Grill in the Goochland Courthouse (2962 River Road W.)? I love this little place. Amin Rayess and his wife, Kari, run the small, cozy restaurant, which is open for breakfast and lunch from Monday through Saturday. Amin used to run a pizza place in Short Pump, so his popular pizzas are on the menu, but there’s much more including calzones, Cuban sandwiches, and, says Amin, “really good burgers.” (SC)

WHAT’S YOUR FLAVOR: Have you been to Cava yet? I have. It’s good. Located at 1178 W. Broad St., this restaurant serves up a hodgepodge of Greek and Mediterranean dishes that really packs a punch with flavor. Yes, everything on the menu is flavorful. And that’s probably because at Cava, you’re able to pick your own flavors. Here’s how it works, when you get there, you can select a base meal, like a salad, grain bowl or pita. There are a few options to choose from. So, you can pick the one that best fits you. Next, you select your dip or spread. My favorite is the eggplant and red pepper dip. Then, you select your protein. The braised lamb is to die for! Afterwards, you select your topping. And then finally, you get to select a dressing. The whole process makes for one terrific entrée that you pretty much built from the pan up. (AJ)

FRUGAL FOODIE: Let me tell you about one of my favorite neighborhood hangouts – Big Al Sports Bar located at 3601 Cox Road. I really enjoy stopping in here to grab a bite and watch the game, especially since Big Al has some great nightly specials. For instance, Monday night is Burger Night. Grab a burger with chips for just $4. On Thursday nights, wings are just 60 cents each and on Wednesday you can rip Al off for a steak and baked potato for just $8.99. That’s an 8-ounce sirloin filet. (SC)

That’ll do us for this edition. Don’t forget to look for TasteBudz Online each week at RichmondNavigator. com. And if you have any restaurant news or just a great local dining experience, share it. Email us at Tastebudz@RichmondNavigator.com.

Read Tastebudz Online each week at RichmondNavigator. com. If you have any restaurant news or recommendations, email us at TasteBudz@RichmondNavigator.com.

July / August 2018

West End's Best 39

JOIN US FOR

BRUNCH

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT 9:00 AM 40 West End's Best

12201 WEST BROAD STREET / HENRICO, VA 23233 / 804.360.3800 THEDAILYKITCHENANDBAR.COM RichmondNavigator.com

HAPPY HOUR GUIDE Baker’s Crust Artisan Kitchen

Julep’s New Southern Cuisine

11800 W. Broad St. (Short Pump Town Center) | 804-377-9060

420 E. Grace St. | 804-377-3968

If you want your happy hour to be an “appy” hour, this is the place. Baker’s Crust offers some amazing appetizer specials during their Happy Hour. The restaurant offers nightly specials Mondays through Thursdays. Check their website for details.

Dubbed “5 at 5,” the two-hour after-work celebration is offered every Monday-Friday and is probably the most affordable, fine-dining happy hour in the area.

DAILY: 3 TO 6 P.M. (BAR AREA AND PATIO ONLY)

• Select appetizers - $5

• Beer, on tap - $5

• Tavern chips - $5

• Wine, on tap - $5

• Fried calamari - $5

• Cocktail, daily special - $6

• Fresh Cut Fries - $4

• Chicken taco - $3.50

• Caprese bruschetta - $5

• Cheese pizza - $7

• BBQ chicken slider - $5

MONDAY-FRIDAY 5 TO 7 P.M. • House brand mix drinks - $5 • 12oz draft beer - $5 • White and red wine by the glass - $5

The Melting Pot 9704 Gayton Road | 804-741-3120

Greek Taverna 1903 Staples Mill Rd. | 804-477-6216 Authentic Greek dining at its best, with traditional favorites you won’t find anywhere else in Richmond. MONDAY - FRIDAY: 4 TO 7:30 P.M.

• All-you-can-eat cheese and chocolate fondue - $20

• Mixed drinks, upscale rails - $1 off • “Opa” Hour happy hour food at the bar and discounts on select appetizers.

The Stables at Belmont

WEDNESDAYS: ALL DAY

201 N. Belmont Ave.; 804-588-9231; TheStablesRVA.com

• ½ price bottles of Greek Wine

The Stables offers a tantalizing variety of exceptional small plates to be enjoyed along with finely crafted cocktails and some excellent wines. Entrees include boneless ribeye, duck breast and grilled lamb lollipops, as well as vegan options. Sunday brunch begins at 10 a.m.

JJ’s Grille

TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 4 TO 7 P.M.

10298 Staples Mill Rd. | 804-755-6229 From Great burgers and sandwiches to juicy steak and seafood, JJ’s Grille offers an excellent place to dine in a fun and casual atmosphere. Nightly specials include a $6 loaded baked potato on Mondays and a $6 burger and fries meal on Tuesdays. Bring a friend on Wednesday nights and enjoy a fun game of team trivia at 6pm. And when you’re done testing your knowledge, you can order a tender sirloin for only $11. Come back again on Thursday nights, which is dubbed Wing Night, and enjoy some wings for only 79 cents each!

• Domestic: draft and bottle - $2.50 • House wine - $4 • Highballs - $3.50 THURSDAY 3 TO 9 P.M.

• Specialty cocktails - $3 off • All beer - $1 off

• Wine, House red and white, glass - $1 off; carafes - $3 off

• Well drinks - $3.50

MONDAY - FRIDAY: 5 TO 8 P.M.; SUNDAY: 4 TO 7 P.M. • Select glasses of wine - $2 off

• Beer, select drafts - $1 off

MONDAY - FRIDAY: 3 TO 7 P.M.; SATURDAY: NOON TO 5 P.M.

A Richmond favorite for fun, frivolity and fondue. Guests enjoy several fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees, salads, and indulgent desserts. The Melting Pot has often been described as Richmond’s most romantic restaurant.

• Craft cocktails - $2 off • Wine - $1 off • Beer, draught - $1 off • Small plates - $2 off

If you are a restaurant or beverage manager, please send your Happy Hour specials to Steve@RichmondNavigator.com. Our Happy Hour Guide is provided as a service to our readers. This is not an advertisement, nor is any compensation involved. All happy hour listings are subject to change. Please drink responsibly.

For a more extensive guide visit RichmondNavigator.com/flavor/happy-hour-guide

• House wine bottles - $10

July / August 2018

West End's Best 41

NEW SOUTHERN CUISINE

2003

Classic French Cuisine

A Fresh Mix of Flavor in an Elegant Atmosphere

a la Carte | Private Dining

For reservations, call (804) 754-3464 Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30pm to 9pm 10622 Patterson Ave | ChezMaxVA.com

Book on Yelp or Call 804.377.3968 for reservations | Juleps.net

! OW N S ET

GET

420 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA Monday - Saturday 4:30pm-Close • Sunday Brunch 10am-3pm

RICHMOND’S PREMIER CHOPHOUSE

CK R TI

YOU

BY BETH HENLEY DIRECTION BY STEVE PERIGARD

• Sizzling Steaks Nightly from 4:30 PM • Lunch, Monday-Friday, 11 AM–2:30 PM • Sunday Brunch Buﬀet, 10 AM–2 PM

JULY 20-AUGUST 26 | VIRGINIAREP.ORG | 804-282-2620 42 West End's Best

Hondos at Innsbrook, 4120 Cox Rd. 804-968-4323 | www.HondosPrime.com

RichmondNavigator.com

r e e B udz B by John Stoner

It’s Summertime! Time for beer festivals, and to find new breweries and cold beers to escape Richmond’s sweltering heat! Join me in my exploration.

beer theme will be Wild/Funky/Sour beers, and more than a couple dozen of the best producers of such beers from around the world will be there, including Brasserie Cantillon, Jester King, Cloudwater, and Hill Farmstead. And the Veil, of course. Tickets to the first two Forever Summer festivals sold out quickly, so you don’t want to wait on this.

Camden’s Dogtown Market 201 W 7th Street (Manchester) CDMRVA.com

Brewing Tree Beer Company 9278 Rockfish Valley Highway (Route 151), Afton Brewing Tree just opened in June, and heralds the return to brewing by its owner and brewer, Mark Thompson. Mark was the founder and award-winning head brewer at Starr Hill. He took a three-year sabbatical from brewing to refresh himself and to re-center his energies. He has done so with a different philosophy: “No cans, no kegs, no distribution.” The only way you are able to get his beer is to go to the taproom. You can enjoy it there or fill a growler to take home with you. And you’ll surely enjoy it: they will specialize in clean, classic styles. When Beer Budz visited in June, there were a number of crisp, light beers on tap. We enjoyed the Chapter 2 IPA and the Philinda Vienna Lager the most. Because Brewing Tree has a very small brewing house – they make a half-barrel of beer at a time – there will frequently be new beers on line. As Mark believes in supporting other brewers and breweries, he intends to always have one collaboration beer on tap (a collaboration with Champion, when Beer Budz visited) and one guest tap. Finally, Brewing Tree will give back to the community – for every pint you have there, you will get a $1 wooden token to give to your choice of local charities. You’ll frequently find food trucks and music every Sunday, as well. Welcome back to the world of beer, Mark!

Tabol Brewing 704 Dawn St. TabolBrewing.com Opening in the Battery Park area of Richmond in July or early August, Tabol Brewing is a small-batch brewery specializing in local yeasts and wooden fermentation vessels. They’re looking to do “rustic” beers – wild, sour, and funky – but will have regular beer styles as well. Beer Budz is looking forward to the Saison, which will be just right to beat the summer heat.

The Veil Brewing Co. 1301 Roseneath Road (Scott’s Addition) TheVeilBrewing.com On Saturday, August 25, the Veil will have its third annual Forever Summer beer festival. This year, it’s being held at the Virginia War Memorial. Beer Budz attended the first two Forever Summer festivals, and thinks they are the highlight of the Richmond beer festival scene. This year’s

Over in Manchester – across the river from Downtown Richmond, and a block and a half downstream from Legend Brewing, in the historic Corrugated Box Building, sits Camden’s, a 35-seat restaurant with a gourmet neighborhood market. More to the point, it’s a bottle shop with an excellent wine selection and coolers full of craft beer – and the latter is just right for grabbing a six-pack on the way to the river for the afternoon. Camden’s has wine dinners about every six weeks – the one in late July or early August will feature Greek wines with seafood. There are also weekly winetastings on Friday afternoons, where yours truly usually pours the wine.

Courthouse Creek Cider 1581 Maidens Road, Maidens and 3300 W. Broad St. (Scott’s Addition) CourthouseCreek.com Courthouse Creek Cider opened its second location in early July, in Scott’s Addition. Enjoy their tasting room and cider garden Tuesday through Sunday. The Scott’s Addition location joins their tasting room at their cidery in Maidens (in Goochland County), which is open Friday through Sunday. They use heirloom cider varieties, a rustic style of cider making, and all their ciders touch wood through barrel fermenting or aging. Beer Budz’ favorite is the Black Twig. One of our favorite Beer Budz, Josh Young, had the opportunity to speak with the folks at Legends Brewing. Here’s his report:

Legend Brewing Co 2307 7th St. (Manchester) LegendBrewing.com A good story and a good brew-who could ask for more? Legend Brewing’s ongoing Urban Legend series is spicing up their summer beer lineup with some tasty brews that come with a backstory. As the oldest micro-brewery in Richmond, Legend has established a strong lineup of summer beers, including their flagship brown ale, and let us not forget the immensely refreshing Z-Dam. But the Fairy Cross Raspberry Saison that was just rolled out is an incredibly refreshing addition to your summer choices. It’s light in body with a dry finish, with the perfect amount of raspberry tartness. It’s named in honor of Fairy Stone State Park in Southwestern Virginia, where if you listen, you can hear the giggles of little fae creatures. Fairies or not, it’s a tasty beer.

July / August 2018

West End's Best 43

FLAVOR

Kidfriendly Dining by Ashley Jefferson

Few things are more enjoyable than getting the whole family together at their favorite dining spot to enjoy a delicious meal in one of West End’s many fine restaurants. Many of our favorite places also offer kids’ menus and special children’s discounts to make the meal even more fun for the younger ones.

Ray’s Other Place

3061 Lauderdale Dr.; 804-482-0895 RaysItalianWaterIce.com If your kids love Ray’s Italian Water Ice & Frozen Custard, they’ll be sure to enjoy Ray’s Other Place. This restaurant and bar serves food that both you and the kids will enjoy. Kids menu items include grilled cheese, PB&J and Mac-n-cheese for only $5. A chicken finger basket, mini corn dog basket and a cheeseburger basket can be purchased for just a dollar more. All kids meals come with a beverage and one kids side.

Maggiano’s Little Italy

11800 West Broad St.; 804-253-0900 Maggianos.com Take family night up a notch at Maggiano’s Little Italy. While you dine on the finest of Italian cuisine, your little ones can enjoy cheese ravioli, lasagna, ziti pasta and more, all for just $5.95. Kids meals include a beverage and a choice of a lemon cookie or vanilla ice cream. And if that’s not enough, you can add a cup of soup or a side salad for just $1.95 more. 44 West End's Best

Silver Diner

10890 West Broad Street, Glen Allen; 804-346-2020; SilverDiner.com For over 25 years, this nostalgic, American icon has continued to bring bright smiles and warm plates to families all across the nation. Serving both comfort food and light fare, every family member will find something here to enjoy. Most Kids meal items are under $6 and include tasty selections like, Gluten-Free Quinoa Coconut Pancakes, the Champion Breakfast, chicken tenders, and much more. RichmondNavigator.com

Metro Diner

11525 West Broad St.; 804-767-4594 MetroDiner.com Metro Diner’s unique recipes and imaginative twists on old classics, makes them a fan favorite all across the country. Which is why it comes as no surprise that this famous eatery was featured on Food Network’s hit show, ‘Diners, Drive-Ins’ and Dives.’ And while the TV cameras have stopped rolling in their dining room, you can still enjoy fan favorites including Metro’s Pittsburg Steak Salad and the Yo Halla Stuffed French Toast. Kids can also enjoy some delicious and affordable bites including a breakfast platter, pancakes, chicken tenders and more, all for $6 or less.

West Coast Provisions Texas de Brazil

11800 West Broad St.; 804-750-2003 TexasDeBrazil.com Sometimes, a good “stick-it-to-your-bones” meal is in order. In this case, come to Texas de Brazil. Here, you’ll be able to savor traditional Brazilian churrasco-style cooking, served with generous spirit and hospitality that Texas is known for. Children two years and under are complimentary. Children three to five years old are just $5. And children six to twelve dine for half price.

Capital Ale House

4024 Cox Road, Glen Allen; 804-273-0261 CapitalAleHouse.com You can always count on Capital Ale House to provide great meals and great times. And nothing changes when the kids are around. While you grab a bite and a beer from their extensive craft and imported brew menu, kids can order a hot dog with fries or veggies, chicken fingers with the same sides, fish-n-chips or a mac-ncheese meal for only $6.95. All kids meals include a drink and a dessert.

301A Maltby Blvd.; 804-360-1090 WestCoastRVA.com If you’re craving seafood, you’ve come to the right place. This West Coast-influenced seafood restaurant offers a delicious oyster bar, sushi and hand-cut steaks. Oh, and it also offers a kids menu which includes, Fish & Chips for $10. But if your little ones are craving more turf than surf, there is also a cheeseburger meal and two pasta meals on the menu for just $7 each.

The Daily

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

11800 West Broad St.; 804-364-9744 FirebirdsRestaurants.com This American Restaurant and Steakhouse serves authentic wood-fire steaks, seafood, specialty cocktails and wine. But what’s just as impressive is their Kids Menu, which is a part of the Kids LiveWell program. The menu was designed to meet specific nutritional criteria established by leading health organizations’ scientific guidelines and has been verified by the National Restaurant Association and Healthy Dining.

12201 West Broad St.; 804-3600-3800 TheDailyKitchenAndBar.com The Daily understands that you only want to serve the best to your family. Which is why it is their mission to only use organic, all natural, local and sustainable ingredients as much as possible. And if your family is vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or Paleo, you’ll have more than enough options to select from, even on the children’s menu. The children’s menu at The Daily is extensive and includes the Classic Caesar Salad, black bean quesadilla, and a grilled cheese sandwich, all of which are vegan optional and are just $5.

Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria

3434 Lauderdale Dr.; 804-360-8044 VinnysInShortPump.com There’s nearly no better way to fill up an empty tummy than with Italian food, especially when it’s affordable. Vinny’s offers the freshest Italian food at family friendly prices. And the Bambino menu is one of the best around. Kids can order a Smiley Face Pizza for only $2.75. A plate of delicious lasagna is only $5.50. July / August 2018

Photo: Josh Young

The Flying Squirrels

The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard; 804-359-3866; SquirrelsBaseball.com Hot dogs and baseball is a combination that delights the kids in all of us, especially the way the Flying Squirrels do it. We’ve told you previsouly about the Squirrels Dog House, which serves up some of the best frankfurters in the city. In addition to the dogs, fries, cotton candy and all the other stadium concessions that are sure to please the kids, the Squirrels also offer a Brunch before their Sunday home games. Check their website for their Brunch & Baseball packages. West End's Best 45

NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH IN SHORT PUMP

301A MALTBY BLVD 804.353.3411 WESTCOASTRVA.COM

LOVE IT

PLAY IT

STREAM IT

FIND US ONLINE

.com

BOOMTOWNRICHMOND.COM

July / August 2018

West End's Best 47

TRAVEL

Travel Navigator Your Guide to All Things Travel

Small Town Virginia:

Getting Real in

Farmville by Steve Cook

hances are that you’ve heard of Farmville. No, I’m not talking about a game that you play on your smart phone. I’m not talking about virtual reality. I’m talking about reality, itself, which is somewhat novel these days. I’m talking about what may be one of the most charming and interesting small towns in all of Virginia. My only regret is that I didn’t know that about Farmville until very recently. Since it’s only a little over an hour from Richmond, I’m surprised that I have never been. I guess the word “farm” threw me off. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love farms, but, honestly, I’m more into seeing the “villes.” I want the charm that one has come to expect in so many of the state’s small towns. For some reason, I didn’t expect to find that in Farmville. Lately, however, several folks have told me how much they love this small town of about 8,000 that sits in both Prince Edward and Cumberland counties in the heart of South Central Virginia. They made it sound so inviting, I decided to pay a visit on a recent Saturday. I only wish I’d planned an entire weekend getaway, or more. There’s so much to see and do. One place that I had heard many good things about is a furniture store — Green Front Furniture (GreenFront.com). “You just have to go to Green Front,” I was told. “You can’t miss Green Front.” I was so psyched that the first place I went when I got into town was Green Front. As I approached Main Street, there was a sign instructing me to turn right to get to Green Front Furniture. As soon as I turned the corner, there it was…a store…with furniture. 48 West End's Best

This is just a furniture store, I was thinking. It was fine, but I’ve seen furniture stores before. So, after looking around for a few minutes, I left. As I walked down the street, I began to see other Green Front storefronts, some offering really cool, eclectic furnishings. My eyes were opened. Green Front is everywhere in downtown Farmville. I turned the corner at Mill Street and there, sitting along the sidewalk was more furniture and more Green Front buildings. There are actually 12 different buildings housing nearly a million square feet of furniture. For those of you who’ve lived around Central Virginia for a while, think an upscale version of the old Williamsburg Pottery. If you’re in the market for furniture or if you’re just into visiting what amounts to a furniture museum, plan a weekend getaway to Green Front. Of course, there’s much more to Farmville. As home to both Longwood University and HampdenSydney college, the town comes replete with all that you’d hope to find in a small college town. In fact, whether you’re looking for history, recreation or dining and entertainment, Farmville offers it all. You can even go glamping just outside of town. The History Prince Edward County has never completely lived down a dark period in its history. In 1959, when ordered to integrate its public school system, county administrators chose, instead, to shut down their schools. For five years, most black and many white students, who couldn’t afford private schooling, went without an education.

RichmondNavigator.com

Regarding that story and its retelling at the Robert Russa Moton Museum (900GriffinBoulevard), Magi Van Eps, tourism coordinator for Prince Edward County, says, “We don’t proudly tell the story but this is history and the story needs to be told.” The museum is housed in what was once the Robert Russa Moton High School. In 1951, a group of students at the all-black school, led by 16-year-old Barbara Rose Johns, staged a walkout to protest the deplorable conditions of the overcrowded schoolhouse, which had no cafeteria and no bathrooms for the teachers. That action was a motivating factor in what eventually resulted in the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit in 1954. The result of the lawsuit was the Supreme Court’s ruling that segregation of public school systems was unconstitutional. Today, the museum’s permanent exhibit — “The Moton School Story, Children Of Courage,” tells the story of those eventful years in the nation’s and in Prince Edward County’s history. “The Moton story is an important story for our country, because it shows that change can happen when you use the tools of constitutional democracy to bring about change,” says Cameron Patterson, managing director at the museum. “We were doing this prior to Montgomery,” Patterson says. “Martin Luther King was still in school.” It’s no wonder that Moton High School is considered to be “the student birthplace of the America’s Civil Rights Movement.” Learn more about the museum at MotonMuseum.org.

The Moton story is an important story for our country, because it shows that change can happen, when you use the tools of constitutional democracy to bring about change Cameron Patterson

Photos: VisitFarmville.com

Recreation Rather than playing Farmville on your electronic device. You can play in Farmville and its surrounds. Hiking, biking and kayaking await along the High Bridge Trail. This state park, with an entrance right in the heart of downtown Farmville, offers a 31-mile trail along what was once a rail bed. The wide, level and generally flat trail is ideal for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. The centerpiece to the park is the High Bridge. This 2,400 foot-long bridge, which sits 125 feet above the Appomattox River is the state’s longest recreational bridge and one of the longest in the nation. Watersports such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing are available on the Appomattox. The state park system’s website provides the details that you may desire in planning your visit (DCR.Virginia.gov/State-Parks. Search “High Bridge.”). One of the coolest recreational facilities in the state is located just minutes outside of Farmville at Sandy River Outdoor Adventures. Your excitement will reach new heights as you zipline July / August 2018

West End's Best 49

Photo: VisitFarmville.com

through the sky in a 3-hour session at the Adventure Park, featuring more than 60 obstacles and 20 zip lines. After a full day of fun and frolicking atop the trees, it’s time to enjoy the great indoors. Perhaps you’ve heard the term “glamping.” For the uninitiated, it refers to camping in something a bit more glamorous than a pup tent. Sandy River doesn’t have tents. They have tipis. These are luxury tipis with the emphasis on luxury. The tipis come with radiant heated floors, air conditioning, a full bathroom, kitchenette and an outdoor fire-pit/grill. You even have Wi-Fi, internet TV and Netflix. The facility offers furnished log cabins, as well. Check their website for more details (SandyRiverOutdoorAdventures.com) 50 West End's Best

Photos: Sandy River Adventure Photography

RichmondNavigator.com

Photos: VisitFarmville.com

Photo: The Fishin’ Pig

Other local dining options include: The Fishin’ Pig – 5169 Farmville Road; FishinPig.com Smoked meats and fresh seafood top the menu at this fun, family dining spot. The menu says, “Dine in or Pig out.”

Photo: Charley’s Waterfront Café & Wine Bar

Dining and Entertainment After all the action, whether it be ziplining or shopping, you’re going to have worked up an appetite. Fortunately, you’ll have excellent dining options in Farmville. On my visit, we had lunch at Charley’s Waterfront Café & Wine Bar at 201 B Mill St. (CharleysWaterfront.com). I was quite impressed both with the quality of the food as well as the casual atmosphere and the friendly, customer-oriented staff. Because it was a sweltering, muggy early June afternoon, we chose to dine inside, but if you prefer, there’s a spacious patio overlooking the Appomattox River. My Smithfield ham and pimento grilled cheese sandwich was perfection. The sourdough panini was stuffed with ham, gouda pimento and slices of heirloom tomatoes. I also sampled their eight-ounce Waterfront burger, which was cooked just the way I like it. The extensive menu offers a variety of salads, appetizers, sandwiches and entrees such as filet mignon, Charley’s crabcakes and shrimp and grits.

Mill Street /Sweets – 218 N. Main St.; MillStreetSweetsVA.com Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade doughnuts, cupcakes and other specialty pastry items. They do customized cakes, too. Photo: Mill Street Sweets

Pino’s Italian Restaurant – 404 S. Main St. This family-friendly spot serves pizzas and subs.

Walker’s Diner – 307 N. Main St. Enjoy hearty, tasty breakfast and lunch in a true diner setting. Open from 7a.m. weekdays (closed on Mondays), 8 a.m. on the weekends and closes at 2:30 p.m. (4 p.m. on Saturday). If you’re looking to accumulate experience points, stick with the electronic game. But if you’re looking for a true, real-life experience that allows you and your family to enjoy all the adventure, amenities and welcoming atmosphere that typify today’s really cool small towns, I predict that you’re going to be very happy with the real town of Farmville.

July / August 2018

West End's Best 51

TRAVEL

Virginia Is For Music Lovers

et ready to dance to the sounds of your favorite genre of music as Music Festival Season is finally here. From Smooth Jazz to Rock & Roll, there will be something for you to enjoy. Here’s a list of some upcoming festivals that you won’t want to miss.

Mountain Music, Galax has been hosting the convention since 1935. And this year will be no different.

Tickets are sold at the door only and are available for $6 to $40. Children under 12 admitted free with paid escort. For more information, please visit OldFiddlersConvention.com

AUGUST 9

- AUGUST 12

RICHMOND JAZZ FESTIVAL JULY 25

The roots of American musical culture will be on display at the 9th annual Richmond Jazz Festival. This four-day event will bring smooth jazz, R&B and Neo-Soul to the city’s Maymont Park. Over 20 local and national jazz bands will perform on two main stages. Local vendors will provide food, beverages, and tastings of Virginia wines.

- JULY 29

FLOYDFEST 18~WILD

For more information, visit www.RichmondJazzFestival.com.

Music, Magic, and Mountains abound at Milepost 170.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd. This five-day festival will feature more than 100 artists on eight stages. Additional entertainment and activities will include: outdoor adventures, community celebrations, vibrant vendors, quality brews and chews, healing arts, children’s activities and more. Complete event schedule and tickets are available now at FloydFest.com

AUGUST 10,

- AUGUST 19

STAUNTON MUSIC FESTIVAL AUGUST 06

- AUGUST 11

GALAX OLD FIDDLERS’ CONVENTION Experience the sounds of the Blue Ridge Mountains as musicians near and far gather in Felts Park to perform at the oldest and largest fiddlers convention in the world. Designated as the Worlds Capital of Old Time 52 West End's Best

Chamber music from the Middle Ages to world premieres, performed by vocalists and instrumentalists from across Europe and the U.S. will reign supreme during the 21st annual Staunton Music Festival. This 10-day event will feature some of the greatest chamber music by Mozart, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and dozens of others. The songs of more recent composers such Gabriela Lena Frank, Zach Wadsworth, Eric Guinivan will also be included. German composer Stefan Heucke will be in residence.

Most concerts are $23 Adult, $8 Student, and Free for Youth 18-and-under; also 12 concerts free for everyone begin at noon. Visit StauntonMusicFestival.org for more information.

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AUGUST 23

- AUGUST 26

LOCKN’ FESTIVAL

Enjoy music, camping, outdoor activities, regional food, beverages and artisans in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the LOCKN’ Music Festival at Infinity Downs Farm and Oak Ridge Farm in Nelson County. Musical artists will perform for four days and appear in once-ina-lifetime artist collaborations. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring their bikes, enjoy the hiking/biking trails, yoga, and other outdoor lifestyle activities. On-site camping packages available. For more information, visit LocknFestival.com.

OCTOBER 12

- OCTOBER 14

RICHMOND FOLK FESTIVAL AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 2

AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL The largest outdoor music event on the East Coast takes place in Virginia Beach this Labor Day. Spanning three full days, the 25th Annual American Music Festival will blend rock, jazz, country, blues, R&B, and many more genres into a spectacular gathering of beach-front fun. Talent will range from local bands to national acts including ZZ Top, Goo Goo Dolls, Ziggy Marley and SOJA. Artists will play on the four main concert stages along with side stages off the boardwalk for local performances. Visit BeachStreetUSA.com for ticket and scheduling information.

This October, take a trip to the Downtown Richmond waterfront to experience one of the largest events in Virginia. For three days, patrons will Celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional craft and food. The festival will feature more than 30 performing groups on seven live music stages with continuous music and dance performances, along with a Virginia Folk Life demonstration area, children’s activities, a folk arts marketplace, regional and ethnic foods and more.

The Richmond Folk Festival is produced by Venture Richmond in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA). For more information, visit RichmondFolkFestival.org.

July / August 2018

West End's Best 53

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Photo: The Hobby House – Gridley Graves Photography

HOME

She Said,“She Shed” he ladies have spoken. The days of the drab tool shed sitting out in the backyard are gone. Mark Longenecker, with Sheds Unlimited in Pennsylvania explains, “The designs of our buildings have proven to be so popular with women that some men order a shed for their backyard as a storage building and after it arrives, their wives don’t want to let them use the shed for storage anymore.” Yes, it’s time to shed any previously held notions or conceptions you may have. Take a look and see just some of the creative ways that today’s designing women are using their she sheds.

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Photo: The Hobby House – Gridley Graves Photography

by Steve Cook

aving your very own she shed is relatively simple. Deciding just how you want to use it, may take a little planning and imagination. There are virtually no limits to the myriads of uses and styles that you may desire. For inspiration, search “she sheds” online. You’ll find dozens of Pinterest pages offering a variety of inspiring images. Your “Google” search will also turn up plenty of additional websites where you will discover some she shed ideas that you may never have considered. We were especially impressed with Donna Jenkins shed, which she calls “The Hobby House.” Donna’s shed, which we showcased on the previous page, was built for her own personal use. “I didn’t have any inspiration to speak of,” she says. “ I literally just laid out my doors and decided how they went together. It sort of happened organically. I did all of the construction myself. My husband helped me with the four corners — getting the posts in the ground, true and straight and then again with the rafters. I personally did everything else myself with the millwork we had accumulated during our homes renovations.” Donna will be debuting her own website/online store (TinkerHouseTradingCompany.com) in mid-July. She says, “I have been gathering artisan made wares that are inspired by a life in the garden. I have been focused on small American companies and cottage industries. We will also be hosting workshops and events to teach everything from flower arranging, paper flower arts and other similar things.”

nother website that offered inspiration is Kelly Morse’s MontanaHappy.com, which epitomizes the beauty of “Life Made Simple.” On her site, Kelly shares a pair of sheds (pictured above) that she discovered while on a garden tour. “The garden alone was so beautiful,” she says, “but when I saw the pair of she sheds it was pure magic.” If you’ve got the ideas but not the know-how to build your very own shed, there are local builders who specialize in that sort of thing. James Sweeney of River City Enterprises (804-310-1661) says, “Virtually, our only limitation is your imagination.” In other words, you dream it up, he can make it a reality. He says that you could even turn your shed into a “stone” cottage using a manufactured stone application.

Photos this page: Kelly Morse

July / August 2018

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Photos this page: ShedsUnlimited.net

ongenecker (quoted previously) says that his Pennsylvania-based Sheds Unlimited (ShedsUnlimited.net), which delivers into the Richmond market, can provide the shells and the homeowner can do the conversion of the interior or hire a contractor to personalize their shed. “We have had customers convert modern sheds into art studios, recording studios, guest houses and more,” he says. His company also manufacturers “sheds” specifically designed to be used as pool houses.

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hile VPC Builders, a full-service construction firm specializing in commercial and residential construction, custom home building, Green Building, and remodeling, primarily serves residents in North Carolina and South Carolina, we found a lot of inspiration in their images showcasing one of their projects (pictured below). Jake Smith, project manager for VPC, says, “The communities in our area are home to a lot of clients that are outdoor-minded people. We get asked a lot to build small, outdoor buildings so that homeowners can pursue their hobbies while still getting to enjoy being outside. The garden shed that we completed for this homeowner was exactly that; we matched the style to the main house and gave her enough space to enjoy working outside while staying out of the elements.”

Photos this page: VPCBuilders.com

ow, put your imagination to work. Why settle for an uninspiring tool shed filled with nothing more than a lawn mower, a rake and a thousand other things that you just can’t bring yourself to throw out, when you can have your own private office, a guest house, a reading room, a writing nook, a sewing room, and yes, if you dress it up just right, your “she” shed could easily become a man-cave.

July / August 2018

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West End's Best 61

HOME

VERSATILE CERAMIC

ALWAYS IN STYLE by Angela Weight

ooking for an affordable and low maintenance way to add beauty and value to your home? Ceramic tile is your answer.

Versatile in Use: Fun fact: It’s impossible to spell the word versatile without tile. And for good reason. No other surface is as universally well suited for so many different areas of a home. Let’s count them: floors, walls, ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms, backsplashes, murals, showers, tubs, fireplaces, basements, porches, patios and swimming pools. You’d never see carpet on a backsplash or a floor covered in sheetrock. Just saying.

Staying Power: Ceramic tile can last for thousands of years! That’s no exaggeration! According to the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (yes, there is such a thing), intact tile works have been discovered among the ruins of Ancient Rome. So, your tile floor just may outlast your house, your neighborhood, heck, even modern civilization! Ceramic tile is dirt resistant, stain resistant and practically impervious to nature’s destructive elements like sun fading, frost, fire and water damage. Compare that kind of super strength durability to wood floors that tend to scratch if you merely look at them the wrong way. (That’s an exaggeration.)

Ceramic tile can last for thousands of years! That’s no exaggeration!

photo courtesy Wayfair.com

Versatile in Design: If there was ever an architectural version of little black dress meets favorite pair of running shoes, ceramic tile would certainly fit the bill. It’s equally at home recreating Claude Monet’s Waterlilies in a mosaic masterpiece as it is working underfoot in a high-traffic kitchen. This universal material can create any look you can imagine. High-end marble without the high-end price tag? Yes. An intricate stenciled pattern for around your pool? Yes again. Today’s tiles offer an endless variety of textures, colors, patterns, shapes and styles. They can even be disguised to look like other materials such as the aforementioned marble and wood plank flooring, which Scott Baumfalk, owner of Scott’s Tile in Chesterfield says is especially popular with his customers these days. But if you want the look of wood flooring, why not use the real thing? That’s a good question...with several good answers.

Low Maintenance: Baumfalk also points out that ceramic tile is easy to clean. It’s inhospitable to mold and dust mites. And thanks to the introduction of stain resistant grout, it doesn’t show wear-and-tear like other 62 West End's Best

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materials. No need for fancy wood conditioner or carpet shampooers; just a trusty mop and your favorite cleaner. For homeowners seeking eco-friendly and clean-air-promoting options, ceramic tile is a smart choice. It requires no trees to be harvested (obviously), has no VOC emissions and harbors none of those sneezeand wheeze-inducing microbes that love to hang out in carpet. Lasting Value: While installation may cost a little more per square foot than laminate or hardwood, your tile floor will last forever and increase your home’s resale value, leaving more green in your wallet in the long run. Speaking of longevity and value, Baumfalk advises his customers to choose patterns that will stand the test of time. “I tell them to be careful of trendy/flashy tile that might be popular today, while other looks may be more classical.” If you’re looking for a smart balance between trendy and timeless, here are some of our favorite ideas.

It’s impossible to spell the word versatile without tile.

Flooring: For kitchens and bathrooms, you can’t go wrong with classic black, white and gray patterns, like Forties or Mora ceramic field tiles found on Wayfair.com. The ever-popular vintage black and white penny tiles are perennial charmers. Wood plank patterns, as mentioned above, offer enduring underfoot style. Walls and Backsplashes: Different colors of tile set in herringbone or vertical subway patterns create an almost three-dimensional look, giving a pop of boldness to a small space. For more inspiration, log into Pinterest and search “ceramic tile ideas.” The possibilities are endless with this universal design element.

photos on this page courtesy Ceramic Tile Education Foundation

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West End's Best 63

Beautify Your Home and Increase Curb Appeal by Starting at the Top W by Ashley Jefferson

ell-manicured lawns and bright, colored shingles and shutters usually take center stage when it comes to curb appeal. But when considering the value of your home, almost nothing is as important as your roof. A dirty, unmaintained roof isn’t just unsightly. Insurance companies are actually cancelling policies because of the dirt and moss that grow on the roof, which over time, may cause expensive damage that they don’t want to pay for. So what’s a homeowner supposed to do? Well, the savvy ones give American Roof Brite (ARB) a call. According to Google, Better Business Bureau, Richmond Time-Dispatch, R•Home and Facebook, ARB is the highest rated roof cleaner. And it’s for good reason. For more than 40 years, ARB has cleaned and protected thousands of roofs with their patented High Volume and Low Pressure (HVLP) process. So, they know exactly how to ensure that you have the cleanest possible roof. These folks are true professionals. They don’t just fiddle around on your roof. “This proprietary cleaning system uses a special tool called the Roof Rover to gently rinse roof shingles,” explains Robert Sawyer, owner of ARB. “Unlike other companies, who stand on the ground and shoot bleach, acid, peroxide and other harmful chemicals onto the roof, we actually get on top of the roof to see exactly where algae, fungus, moss and lichen are growing.” Arb cleans the roof shingles first by spraying Roof Color Restorer on to the roof . Then with the Roof Rover Arb is able to gently rinse fungus away,

64 West End's Best

freeing the roof of all debris, dirt and decades of environmental build-up. Once the roof is sparkling clean, then, it is treated with environmentally safe, EPA-approved Stain BlockTM. This non-hazardous, transparent formula consists of a mold & fungus preventative and ground minerals that prevent the re-growth of algae, fungus, moss and lichen. Such a process is great for homeowners who want to keep their insurance intact. But the benefits don’t stop there. ARB offers a transferable, lifetime warranty that has them returning to your home every two to three years to re-treat your roof with Stain BlockTM to help prevent the future growth of algae, mold, fungus, moss and lichen. Continued treatment with Stain BEFORE BlockTMmeans you only have to get the roof cleaned one time. And ARB is the only roof cleaning company that offers this proprietary Stain BlockTM. The benefits of a great roof cleaning go well past curb appeal. Knowing that you have a beautiful, clean roof does more than just help you sleep better. It helps you breathe better. The removal of mold AFTER means fewer spores being released around your home, making for much cleaner in-home air quality. Plus, a clean, light-colored roof helps cool the home in the summertime, reducing energy costs. But whatever your reason, when you’re in the market for having your roof cleaned, give American Roof Brite a call. It’s a dirty job and they know how to do it. Let them take this time-consuming chore off your plate. Your roof and your insurance company will thank you for it. For more info, phone 804-553-1563 or online at AmericanRoofBriteVA.com

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