This weekend, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host its very first Oktoberfest at the Robin’s Teahouse.
This weekend, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host its very first Oktoberfest at the Robin’s Teahouse.
The event includes a four-course brunch with beer pairings provided by Center of the Universe Brewing and live music, and runs from 11:30-3:00 on
This event came into being as an effort to make Robins Teahouse and Lewis Ginter itself a bigger part of the Richmond public.
“A huge goal of mine was to bring awareness to the talent located in this quiet little corner of the Garden,” says Heather Finch, Meriwether Godsey’s Retail Manager, who is the exclusive in-house caterer for Lewis Ginter.
“Robins Teahouse has an outstanding chef (Lisa Legerwood), remarkable food, and knowledgeable staff, but very few know we are out here.” This first Oktoberfest is Robins Teahouse’s first attempt at doing just that.
Chris Ray of Center of the Universe had already contacted Lewis Ginter about doing an event with them in the holiday season when the perfect opportunity arose for him and his beers with this new event.
“He wanted to set up a meeting to taste us on his brews, but I had something a little different in mind,” says Finch.
Finch had yearned to set up events such as wine dinners, beer brunches, and charity events since she first started at Lewis Ginter. “After meeting Chris, I knew COTU would be the perfect partner for exactly this.” Ray’s knowledge about how to market and brand the people in the city Richmond was also helpful to Ginter staff, as both COTU and Lewis Ginter are just north of the city. “Did I mention the beer is ridiculously delicious too?!”
The beers were carefully selected to complement the food on the event’s menu.
“This is a high quality and well thought out menu with options for everyone. We really try to cater to those who have Celiacs, or are vegetarians, and for those of us who are carnivores at heart. This is true for our everyday Fall Menu [as well],” says Finch.
Entrees for Oktoberfest include pork pies, short rib sandwiches, and stewed apple French toast paired with COTU’s Oktoberfest beer, and are preceded and followed appetizers and desserts with their own beer pairings.
For the musical guest, Chad Mosson was invited to perform. “He is a local favorite at spots like Keagan’s in Short Pump,” shared Finch. “He is an unbelievable artist, with undeniable passion, a way with the crowd, and a song list to please any audience.”
Tickets are $30 plus Garden Admission or Garden membership, and reservations are highly recommended. Finch advised, “…if you love the Garden as much as we think you will, we can credit your daily admission fee toward the purchase of a Garden Membership, which will allow unlimited daytime visits throughout the year.”
Hurry and grab your reservation for great food, beer, and music with the beautiful backdrop of Robins Teahouse before it’s too late.
