Review: Blue Bee Cider Dinner

by | Oct 9, 2019 | GOOD EATS

Every project that Richmond chef Mike Ledesma touches lately has transformed into a success. From reviving the Kabana Rooftop menu, to his Passport Pop-Ups at Belle & James, to local beer dinners, his innovative and creative menus, fusing together multiple cuisines, has earned him a superior place in the local restaurant scene. I’ve enjoyed seeing what he brings to the table (literally),  and he’s quickly becoming one of my favorite chefs in the city, so when the opportunity popped up to try his dishes at a local cidery, I jumped at the chance.

Ledesma recently premiered a little preview of what’s to come at his forthcoming Scott’s Addition restaurant, Perch, at a cider dinner at Blue Bee, which was nothing short of excellent. Since I usually immerse myself so heavily in the craft beer scene here, I hadn’t the chance to venture over to the Summit Avenue cidery before, and it was a visit I won’t forget.

From the rustic stables-converted taproom with bistro lighting and votives, and their delicious variety of ciders, I definitely will be making a followup trip. Anyway, let’s get down to the dinner. It was the perfect mix of rustic and fine dining. A five-course (with one surprise) fall feast of Ledesma’s French-country/ take on seasonal dishes paired with Blue Bee’s light and refreshing ciders made for a warm cure for my chilly winter blues.

For the first course, Ledesma served up potato leek soup with Virginia oysters, paired with Charred Ordinary, a crisp and clean cider made with wine sap apples. It

Amy David

Amy David

Amy David was the Web Editor for RVAMag.com from May 2015 until September 2018. She covered craft beer, food, music, art and more. She's been a journalist since 2010 and attended Radford University. She enjoys dogs, beer, tacos, and Bob's Burgers references.




more in eat drink

Richmond Day Tripper! Waynesboro Will Surprise You

In Virginia's countryside, picture a scene straight out of a postcard – rolling hills, farms, and winding roads leading through the sometimes misty mountains. That's Waynesboro for you, a cozy town nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. With about 22,000 folks calling it...

Science Museum of Virginia Brings Boozy Fun with Science on Tap

Many of our readers have probably heard of or seen the Science Museum of Virginia — it’s that giant regal-looking building down on West Broad past the DMV — but how many of you have actually been inside? Notable for its wonderful architecture, having been a train...

“Smash the Byrd” Returns to Help VCU Children’s Hospital

Dawnstar Games and its devoted regulars are no strangers to a good melee or two. Saturday, March 16th “The Star” ups the ante and welcomes the return of its anticipated “Smash the Byrd” charity event to The Byrd Theater. While Dawnstar Games regularly has various...

Deep in the Cut with Hip Hop Henry & Billy Crystal Fingers

In this laid-back interview, I caught up with Richmond party scene vets Hip Hop Henry and Billy Crystal Fingers about their weekly Wednesday night event, Acid's Groove at Get Tight Lounge. They discuss the origins of the name, their love for acid jazz and rare...

A Guide to The Perfect Goth Date in Richmond

For those who dare to embrace the darker side of love, writer Lauren Vincelli unveils an array of gothic date spots across the city in time for Valentine's Day. From eerie matinees at Dracula ballets to sultry nights filled with sugar baby shopping sprees and...

Grab Your Passport! Vegan Restaurant Week Ends This Weekend

We know, we are late on this, but better late than never? This is the last weekend for Richmond's Vegan Restaurant Week, also known as V72x2, that runs through Sunday, Jan. 28. This plant-powered event, organized by Richmond Vegan Action, brings together local...

RVA Meals Tax Fiasco: A 5-Part Tragic Opera

Hope you had a great holiday and the New Year is off to a great start! This week’s news has been dominated by one major topic and it’s so important we are breaking it down in a free-to-all-readers, five-part story sadly worthy of a tragic opera.  More from Jon Baliles...

Pin It on Pinterest