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RVA Foodie Spotlight: Korean-Fried Cauliflower & Smoked BBQ Platters

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If there’s any activity our RVA Magazine team loves unanimously, it’s eating. And of all the dishes in the world, nothing tastes quite as good as the ones made right here in the River City. 

So in the spirit of eating ourselves into food comas in Richmond, we’re spotlighting our favorite local restaurants each week with the best #RVAFoodie finds around town. We’ll be searching weekly for the best of delicious local food in our community, from amazing restaurants to chefs, food trucks, pop-ups and more. Here’s a few close-to-home favorites this week to follow on Instagram. 

If you’ve got an awesome restaurant to spotlight, reach out to [email protected]! Support local, RVA! 

#RVAFoodie This Week 

@perlysrichmond

Have your heard?! ‼️We’ve reopened‼️ 

@soultacorva

Tomorrow’s the day! @oceanave.rva pop-up @switchrva If you haven’t made your reservation yet, do it now because this Korean Fried Cauli is 🔥and you don’t want to miss it!! 

@grisetterva

Atlantic Halibut, Butter Beans, Turnips, Lardons, Lobster Demi.

This gorgeous fish being featured all week alongside a menu of seriously tasty late summer/early autumn produce from our buddies @oldtavernfarmva. 

@hobnobrva

First day of fall, y’all! Celebrate with our Autumn Salad – available for both lunch and dinner – layered with fresh figs, prosciutto, apples, hazelnuts, blue cheese crumbles, mixed greens, and apple cider vinaigrette. Check our website for the full menu and call us at 804-264-7400 after 11am to place a pickup order between 11:30am-7:30pm. 🍁🐿🍂 

@peoplespieva

Bringing this ☝️ back! Our friends @pizzaforgirls inspired this one. I’m sure she is eating the real deal up north, but we will run it back here in RVA!

Langtown…

brown butta cream, confit lemon, clams, 🧀 

@zzqrva

Pre-Covid shot of a purty tray of smoked meats and sides. We sure miss building trays for our amazing customers but we remain committed to making delicious takeout BBQ for you to enjoy at home, or in our backyard!

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Stay safe, stay strong, and please wear a mask 😷

@intergalactictacos

Tacos until 8:30 tonight @theveilbrewing

Come grab some tacos and to go beers and enjoy the little things in life. You won’t regret it. 

@namaonbroad

Who else is ready for this Fall weather? Cooler weather calls for warm comfort food. We’re open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 4 pm, and don’t forget about Happy Hour from 4 – 7 pm.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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Reservations ➡️ www.namarva.com

@metzgerrva

Honeydew Sherbet — Lime Granita, Chocolate Malt, Pistachio, Basil 

That’s all for this week’s #RVAFoodie. See you next week, Richmond!

RVA Foodie Spotlight: Dessert Edition

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If there’s any activity our RVA Magazine team loves unanimously, it’s eating. And of all the dishes in the world, nothing tastes quite as good as the ones made right here in the River City. 

So in the spirit of eating ourselves into food comas in Richmond, we’re spotlighting our favorite local restaurants each week, with the best #RVAFoodie finds around town. We’ll be searching weekly for the best of delicious local food in our community, from amazing restaurants to chefs, food trucks, pop-ups, and more. Here are a few close-to-home favorites this week to follow on Instagram. 

If you’ve got an awesome restaurant to spotlight, reach out to [email protected]! Support local, RVA! 

#RVAFoodie This Week 

@whiskrva 

Triple Chocolate Ice Cream Macs, dropping tomorrow afternoon! 🤎🤍🖤

@wpasouthside 

“London Fog” cake: (chocolate with Lavender Earl Gray buttercream and salted caramel) 

@pearlsbakeshoppe 

Our cold case is full for your curbside pickup orders!⁣

Cap’n Crunch cheesecake – cream puffs – key lime pies – pistachio raspberry tarts – bourbon peach pies with an oat topping – lemon bars – flourless chocolate torte – tiramisu cups – eclairs!⁣ 

@scooprva 

Thanks to @sans_ocular_photography for snapping this shot of one of our dippers presenting a brownie sundae! Come by and get your own! A warm brownie (or caramel blondie!) topped with your choice of ice cream, whipped cream, hot fudge, and toppings of your choice! 

@shyndigzdessert 

We have Raspberry Almond for our cake of the day! Amazing almond-infused vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream icing and fresh raspberries! Come in tonight and try it out! 

@therichmondtable at Deluca Gelato 

Two words: homemade gelato 🍨 That’s what you’ll find at DeLuca Gelato in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center in the West End. They serve 36 flavors daily with at least 9 dairy-free sorbetto and 2 sugar free options. It’s as authentic Italian gelato as you can get 🇮🇹

@sweetfix 

R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman 💔#WakandaForever 

@carytowncupcakes 

Rva! We’re open until 8pm and we have S’mores cupcakes 👀🤗 While supplies last. Everyone be safe 💖 

@redeyecookie 

Peanut Butter obsessed? Same. Choose our Pick 1 Deal to get a whole box full of Peanut Butter cookies and save $$$ 😋 

@gelati_celesti 

The trifecta of deliciousness. Chocolate. Cheesecake. Ice cream. Now scooping everywhere for a limited time (coming soon to Bon Air) 

That’s all for this week’s #RVAFoodie. See you next week, Richmond!

RVA Foodie Spotlight: Breakfast Burritos & Nitro Stout Chipotle Wings

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If there’s any activity our RVA Magazine team loves unanimously, it’s eating. And of all the dishes in the world, nothing tastes quite as good as the ones made right here in the River City. 

So in the spirit of eating ourselves into food comas in Richmond, we’re spotlighting our favorite local restaurants each week with the best #RVAFoodie finds around town. We’ll be searching weekly for the best of delicious local food in our community, from amazing restaurants to chefs, food trucks, pop-ups, and more.

Here are a few close-to-home favorites this week to follow on Instagram. If you’ve got an awesome restaurant to spotlight, reach out to [email protected]! Support local, RVA! 

#RVAFoodie This Week 

@littlenickelgram 

chicken or pork bowl ~ roast pineapple, bacon, salsa verde, pico de gallo, pickled red onion, cilantro rice & coconut black beans ~ 4-9pm this evening, curbside pickup available on littlenickel.co ~ 🦜🔥

@capitalalehouse 

Dinner is being served! Jalapeño Clams Casino… steamed little neck clams with garlic, jalapeños, onions, red bell peppers and bacon crumbles in a savory seafood broth. Delicious! 

@thecobracabanarva 

Chef Todd has been working on this boy for a minute! PAUL’S REUBEN: Smoked corn beef on Texas toast w/ Dijon carrot kraut, smoked provolone, pickled red onion, coleslaw & zillion island dressing. W/ house made pickles and a side $12!!! 

@hotchickrva 

We’ve got Richmond’s favorite fried chicken available for pickup or delivery! Give us a call or go online 

@ensuboca_taqueria 

Nitro Stout Chipotle Wings 🍗 and Birria Tacos 🌮 on SPECIAL! Who’s excited? Come grab a seat on the patio and enjoy 🌴

— open 11 – 12 am —

@stellas 

Moussaka. Sauteed eggplant, spiced aromatic ground beef, baked with bechamel. Join us in Richmond from 12-10pm for half capacity indoor + outdoor dining, curbside pickup via stellasrichmond.com. 

@ellwoodsrva 

Lunch is served 😍 Thanks for loving our #vegan sushi, @eatsbyaustin🍣 Jeffery and his team make it easy with the freshest combinations and best service around! 

@rootsnk 

When the squad gets back together 🤗 Heads up tho, we won’t serve you without a mask 🛑 

@lunchorsupper 

Tonight we have @autumn_olive_farms autumn_olive_farms pork chop with buttery @ansonmills grits on special! Come and get it! 

@goatocado 

We have been working on some new stuff. Breakfast burritos are in your near future. 

That’s all for this week’s #RVAFoodie. See you next week, Richmond!

RVA Foodie Spotlight: Rum Raisin & Grilled Salmon

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Get hungry, Richmond.

If there’s any activity our RVA Magazine team loves unanimously, it’s eating. And of all the dishes in the world, nothing tastes quite as special as the ones made right here in the River City.

So in the spirit of eating ourselves into food comas in Richmond, we’re spotlighting our favorite local restaurants each week with the best #RVAFoodie finds around town. We’ll be searching weekly for the best of delicious local food in our community, from amazing restaurants to chefs, food trucks, pop-ups and more. Here’s a few close-to-home favorites this week to follow on Instagram.

We want to see your favorite spots: email [email protected] to feature your best local food. Support local & eat up, RVA!

#RVAFoodie This Week

@gelati_celesti

RUMMMMMMM RAISIN This classic, old school favorite is back at all locations and here to stay!

@tiopablorva

My head says gym but my heart says tacos!!🥺💖 

@cheddarjacksonrva

🧀⏰ ITS TIME TO DINE ⏰🧀 We’re more than just Grilled Cheese 😉 Check out our NEW MENU! Link in Bio.

@stellasgrocery

Grilled salmon, lemony white beans, broccoli rabe. Available at all Grocery locations. ✨

@properpieco

We often get asked what is our favorite pie. To which I generally quip something along the lines of “That’s like choosing a favorite child! There’s no way I could pick one!” That being said, there is something undeniably incredible about that Coconut Cream though. (Shh…don’t tell the others!) ❤️🧡💛🥧🥧🥧

@foodogrva

We have no shame with showing off our noods 😏 which one is your favorite? Happy Hour 4-9pm LETS GO!

@hangspacerva

Our Not So Pad Thai Fries are delicious 🤩 give them a try! Grab a Chik-Fil-Ain’t Togo too!! Open Thursday Friday Saturday 1pm-8pm give us a call or order online for Contactless Curbside takeout! Thanks ✨💙✨

@unionmarketrva

Today’s special is the Sesame Turkey & Kale with sliced turkey, plum ginger jam, sesame kale with cherry tomatoes, sprouts, and red onion on a @labellavitabakery bun! Soup of the moment is White Bean & Kale.

@craftedrva

Tile Fish, oh, Tile Fish…😍 🐟
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We’ve got a limited quantity of our Tile Fish Dinner Special tonight 🔥 This amazing fish (I mean dish) has smoked red pepper coulis, cauliflower purée, zucchini ribbon, and basil oil.

That’s all for this week’s #RVAFoodie. See you next week, Richmond!

Richmond Squares Off Over Meals Tax at City Council, Vote Set for Next Monday

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Opponents and proponents squared off last night at the Organizational Development Committee, the only committee meeting to take public comments on Mayor Levar Stoney’s controversial proposal to raise the meal taxes. While the rhetoric over the proposal has become quite contentious, especially online, the mood at City Council was congenial if not somewhat emotional, with people on both sides of the issue respectfully stating their case.

The session opened with a presentation by the city on how the taxes would be collected and implemented. David Rose, one of the city’s financial advisors, gave a broad overview of the city’s debt structure and the decisions that were made leading to the proposed meal’s tax increase, which he said was congruent with cities like Hampton and Newport News. “We tried to look at all the revenue sources available from four factors,” he told council. “Is the revenue source sustainable, reliable, does the locality have discretion and then finally, is it available?”

Part of the confusion over the proposed tax has been where money can be collected from. Rose sought to clarify this, explaining why it cannot be collected from sectors like the hospitality industry. “When we say available, you’ll notice that the lodging tax is not available,” he said, stating that those revenues are dedicated to debt repayment for things like the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Chris Hilbert. Richmond City Council President

Another of the counter-arguments made against the city’s proposal has been the suggestion that property taxes should be raised, which was also addressed by Rose. “For example, personal property tax for real estate is 100 percent born by city residents like you and I,” said Rose, explaining that the meals tax is shared by tourists and people coming in from the counties and not solely shared by residents, “from the confines of the city.” He finished by explaining that Virginia is limited by its lack of income tax to bond off of – citing Cincinnati, Ohio as an example of a city that has the kind of bonding capacity that the Commonwealth lacks to raise revenues.

Stoney’s proposal will raise Richmond’s meal tax 1.5 percent, which would raise the current tax to 7.5 percent, and when combined with the state sales tax would total 12.8 percent. The meal’s tax was increased in 2003, from 5 to 6 percent to help pay for the Centerstage Theatre. Upon completion of the theatre the tax was supposed to be rescinded, however, it was made permanent in 2006 to pay for “operational costs” to Richmond’s general fund – a long-standing grievance cited by the restaurant community.

After the city completed its presentation, the floor was opened for both sides to make comments. Each side had 30 minutes to highlight their perspective with each speaker being given three minutes to state their case. After some initial confusion over whose turn it was to speak, including a school board member and the new school board superintendent, Jason Kamras, Richmond restauranteurs made their case.

“We support RPS [Richmond Public Schools] and the urgent need to revitalize the school system,” said Shannon Conway who spoke on behalf of the Rueger Restaurant Group. “We do not support the meals tax for several reasons, one being this is only a plan and it is the only plan in play. How are we to believe this plan is comprehensive and carefully considered when it is the only one.”

Referencing the first meals tax hike, Conway voiced her concerns on trusting the city to allocate all of the funds to Richmond schools.

“The meals tax has been used before to raise funds that have not gone to the project in which they were intended. The 2003 hike was one such example which was supposed to sunset after a year…there is no guarantee that all funds from this tax hike will go to RPS,” she said.

Jason Kamras, Richmond’s New School Superintendent

The restaurant community has been one of the most vocal critics of Stoney’s proposal, citing a potential loss of business, the previous tax hike, and an inevitable shift of cost to customers, all of which is targeting their industry uniquely. “We’ve been through a lot lately, the downtown restaurants…when taxes go up people don’t come out as often,” said Liz Kinkaid who spoke on behalf of the restaurant group that owns Little Saint, Tarrant’s, and Max’s on Broad. In addition to the potential consequences of the meals tax, she also cited construction of The Pulse along Broad Street as a factor in declining business, citing a 5 percent drop in sales. “When sales go down, waitresses can’t make their mortgages, people can’t make rent. When taxes go up in the city, we feel that,” she said.

Kinkaid wrapped up by voicing her support for rehabilitating schools, but urged the city to seek out an alternative to another meals tax increase.

“I know we need money for schools, we all know that. We would ask that you take the same six months to really look for a better plan. When I go apply for an awning permit it took six months, so I don’t understand why in just a few weeks we can roll out a whole new tax program,” she said.

Liz Kinkaid Addressing Council

Ultimately, the committee voted to take the proposal for full approval at next week’s council meeting. The recommendation was supported by Councilpersons Addison, Hilbert, Robertson, Newbille, and Jones, while the other members sought to slow down the process in order to meet with constituents. Nonetheless, in a Facebook post after the vote, Stoney said, “Tonight’s vote was a recognition that we shouldn’t delay in getting our kids the schools they deserve.” Regardless of the outcome, the meals tax will continue to prove divisive and has set the stage for a wider conversation on how to best administer the critical needs of the River City.

Photos by Landon Shroder

Former School Board Member Calls for Boycott of Restaurants Fighting Proposed Meals Tax Hike

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*This story has been updated to note that Menz-Erb has withdrawn her candidacy for the Education Compact Team this afternoon. 

Former 3rd District School Board member and Education Compact team-nominee, Cindy Menz-Erb has launched an email campaign asking people to avoid restaurants who don’t support Mayor Stoney’s proposal to raise the meals tax. In an email that was forwarded to RVA Mag, Menz-Erb, encouraged people to, “Only patronize restaurants who support the meals tax. There will be signs for restaurants to display soon but in the meantime, just ask if they support it.”

The Mayor has proposed increasing the city’s meals tax to 7.5 percent to help rehabilitate and renovate Richmond Public Schools, which would produce approximately $9.1 million a year and allow the city to borrow $150 million in new capital funding over the next five years. However, the issue has been contentious for the Richmond restaurant community, who were subject to a previous tax increase in 2003. If passed, the total tax would increase to 12.8 percent, which has led local restaurateurs and restaurant groups to form a new lobby group called the Richmond Restaurant Alliance, in partnership with the Virginia Restaurant, Travel and Lodging Association.

Menz-Erb, originally from New York, was an interim School Board member in 2017 before losing the seat in the open election to Kenya Gibson last November. Since then, she has been nominated to serve on the Education Compact Team pending a confirmation vote by City Council. The council is a volunteer board made up of members of City Council and the school board along with citizens nominated by the mayor, all tasked to help Richmond Public Schools reach “achievement to levels matching or exceeding statewide benchmarks,” and “implementing a concerted strategy to reduce child poverty by 50 percent by 2030 while mitigating the impact of poverty on learning.”

The email, which was circulated at 3 pm Wednesday, has led to a significant outcry among the restaurant community and other City Council members. In a post to Facebook, 5th District City Councilman, Parker Camp Agelasto said he emailed Stoney the following: “Cindy Menz-Erb has significantly misstepped in sending this email,” he said in the post. “This is not becoming for someone that you have nominated for the Education Compact Team.” He concluded with the following, “I particularly find her suggestion that supporters of the meals tax only patron those restaurants in support shows bad judgment. Too bad. I hope you will take proactive steps in fixing this problem as this email is out publically and there are many angry people…this is an issue.”

In response to the controversy surrounding this email, Stoney released a statement via Facebook at 9 am that said, “I do NOT support penalizing anyone, or any business, for their beliefs. In fact – I feel the exact opposite.” The statement goes on to say that he believes there is the opportunity to support the restaurant community and public schools at the same time and that public debate is healthy. ‘As this debate moves forward, I plan to visit restaurants on all sides of this issue, to thank them for what they do for our city, and to learn how, I, as Mayor, can do more to help them grow and thrive in Richmond. I hope everyone who sees this will do the same. ”

Menz-Erb withdrew her candidacy this afternoon. She apologized for her words and said she didn’t intend to promote a boycott.

“That was not my intent, and I apologize for the wording of my statement. We want all of our restaurants to be successful for the benefit of our schools,” she said in a statement she sent to the Times-Dispatch.

The issue surrounding the meals tax will likely remain contentious with proponents and opponents on both sides making their voice heard. Speaking to RVA Mag about the issue of public officials making statements such as this, Agelasto said, “Before yesterday, I [was positive on her appointment], she was an enthusiastic volunteer and school board member, but after what she did yesterday, that’s not the approach I want on a board that’s supposed to be collaborative.” He added that the city needs people to eat at local restaurants to support the meals tax that is already in place, “I’m against any boycott at all.”

RVA Mag reached out to Menz-Erb for comment, but she has yet to respond.

Photo by Stop the RVA Meal Tax