Ed 354: Trivia in Richmond, Sandwich Shop, Cocktail Lounge
Powered by Cirrus Vodka — the new tasting room at Ballast is officially open, and it pairs perfectly with something(s) like the Spicy Briny Boy or Dryball. Start getting your patio-plan inspo here!
Happy almost-May!
Mother’s Day happens on Sunday, May 11, which is quickly approaching, and not to be your mom, but have you figured out your plans for Mom?? We recently updated our Mother’s Day Gift Guide; Monday Morning Press is a local shop we typically love to highlight in this roundup, and they reached out with a discount code, in case you think the mother figure in your life would like some extremely cute and colorful handmade paper earrings. (Hint: She def would.)
Otherwise, if you’re still trying to nail down something fun to do to celebrate that weekend, I noticed the first-ever Henrico SkyGlow happens Saturday, May 10. The (free!) event features fam-friendly activities, live music, and food trucks, while it builds up to a 20-minute display of a bunch of tethered balloons lighting up the night sky in sync with music. It looks super cute, and I’ve for sure got it on the radar for my own Mother’s Day partying. Consider it for the family cal!
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including Riverrock plans, a seafood pop-up, a Japanese fusion concept, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy; high of 88°, low of 63°
Thursday: Partly cloudy; high of 87°, low of 67°
Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 87°, low of 66°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 7 pm: PROFS & PINTS: THE PHYSICS OF BASEBALL
Thursday, 5 - 7 pm: DINNER PARTY FREE WINE TASTING
Friday, 6:30 - 9:30 pm: FRIDAY CHEERS KICKOFF
CITY GUIDES
1. THINGS WE’RE WAY LOVING RIGHT NOW: APRIL 2025
2. WHERE TO PLAY TRIVIA IN RICHMOND, EVERY NIGHT OF THE WORKWEEK
3. CELEBRATE BIKE MONTH WITH YOUR GUIDE TO RICHMOND ON TWO WHEELS
Image Source: Indianapolis Colts
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Tyler Warren: The Mechanicsville native and Atlee High School alumnus was selected 14th overall by the Indianapolis Colts last Thursday in the 2025 NFL Draft. After high school, Tyler excelled as a tight end at Penn State, winning the John Mackey Award in 2024 and setting several school records for the position.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Coalescence Coffee Co.
Image Source: Akoya Japanese Kitchen
Image Source: Dominion Energy Riverrock
Image Source: Julio’s Bagel Shop
SOCIAL NEWS
Sally’s somewhere screaming, crying, throwing up. (And, like, same, Sally.) Chef Brittanny Anderson, known (ofc) for Richmond staples like Brenner Pass and Metzger Bar & Butchery, has launched a new seafood pop-up called Seashell, inspired by her Tidewater roots and great-grandmother, Dora Henderson, who operated Henderson’s General Store in Montross for nearly four decades. Starting last weekend, Seashell Saturdays kicked off and will take place every other Saturday from 3 to 6 pm on Brenner Pass’s patio, offering a casual, coastal dining experience. Brittanny describes Seashell as “a fun fish shack kind of cooking, but with modern global twists.” Expect a menu of (first-come, first-served) chilled seafood, such as oyster shooters, ceviches, crudo, crab, and lobster, with a focus on locally sourced Virginia oysters. (Richmond magazine)
Chimborazo is on a roll. A new addition to Richmond’s Church Hill dining scene just opened up, coming to us from Alexa Schuett, owner of Liberty Public House and Riverbend Roastery, and Liberty’s kitchen manager, Austin Curtis. Chimbo Sandwich Shoppe now fills out the former 8½ East End space and pulls inspiration from the now-closed Black Sheep, known for its large, imaginative sandwiches. The spot’s substantial, creative sandwiches are made with fresh, in-house baked bread and baguettes; head there for takes on classics like The Club or The Chicken Caesar, or try something original like The Sheep or The Fried Chokes. (Richmond BizSense, Chimbo Sandwich Shoppe)
Get ready to Riverrock: Dominion Energy Riverrock, the best of the best outdoor sports and music festival, is coming back to town in May with an expanded footprint and exciting new events. Organized by Sports Backers and Venture Richmond, the fest will reclaim space at Kanawha Plaza, stretch further into Historic Tredegar, and include 7th St closures to enhance accessibility and programming. New happenings to look for include the Dog Agility Competition, Skimboarding Demo Pool, and James River Gauntlet, while returning attractions, such as Subaru’s Ultimate Air Dogs and the Slackline Highline, will undoubtedly remain fan faves again this year. Mark your cal for May 16, 17, and 18 to celebrate adventure, sports, music, and community in the heart of the River City. (Press Release)
Pinkies up: Mink Cocktail Lounge is set to open next month in Carytown, occupying the long-vacant second-floor space above Bangles and Beads that formerly housed Xtra’s Cafe. Richmond native Jay Day is leading the new venture and envisions Mink as an upscale, moody cocktail bar reminiscent of venues in cities like Chicago and New York, catering to folks looking for a sophisticated atmosphere to sip their sips. The 3,400-square-foot space is undergoing extensive renovations, including a new bar, furniture, lighting, and a patio, aiming for a “cosmetically brand new” look, and the menu will focus on craft cocktails, featuring selections like a vanilla martini, complemented by small plates and classic comfort foods such as burgers, wings, and cheesesteaks. (Richmond BizSense)
Rice to see you again: Kokonut Grill, a Malaysian and Asian fusion restaurant that operated for a decade in The Fan, recently closed its doors, and in its place, Akoya Kitchen, a Japanese fusion concept by brothers — and former VCU students — Min Ho and Min Hyeok Im, is opening a second location. The Im bros previously took over Kokonut Grill’s former sister restaurant, Kokonut Box, in Innsbrook in 2023, setting up their first Akoya Kitchen. The Japanese kitchen offers hibachi meals and bento boxes and will be ready to go at its VCU spot later this spring. (Richmond BizSense)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🥯Julio’s Bagel Shop is now open in Northside. (Instagram)
👰♀️Blue Sage Bridal is hosting a Re-Wear Your Wedding Dress tea party on May 25 for folks looking for an excuse to wear their wedding dresses again. (Instagram)
☕️Norfolk-based Coalescence Coffee Co. is setting up shop in Richmond in June. (Richmond BizSense)
Image Source: Home for Good
Weekly Giveaway
Home for Good
With whimsical playhouses and a powerful purpose, Henrico CASA’s 5th Annual Home for Good event is here — and it’s more magical than ever! Now through May 11, check out seven custom-designed, enchanted playhouses on display at Short Pump Town Center and Libbie Mill Library. This event — made possible by amazing local builders, sponsors, and supporters — offers fun, fairytale builds to help spread awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month, reminding us that every child deserves a safe and happy childhood.
Want to take one home? For every $10 donation here, you’ll be entered to win a playhouse, all while supporting CASA’s advocacy for local kids.
This week, we’re giving away a $15 gift card to Grit Coffee! Because what pairs better with the kiddos happily playing in the playhouse than you sipping on a cup of Joe?
To enter, tell us: What is the only mammal capable of true flight (not gliding)?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Laura S., for winning the And Dim Sum giveaway!
Image Source: Elena Maria Aesthetics
Member Perks
Elena Maria Aesthetics
Elena Maria Aesthetics, in partnership with June Skin, offers concierge medical aesthetic treatments featuring botox, chemical peels, and skincare recs. Their team is dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty and boosting your confidence, bringing professional, personalized services to your home or biz and ensuring convenience and comfort.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get a free CO2Lift Pro Carboxy Treatment Mask with any concierge botox or chemical peel appointment! Just mention when you book you’re an RVAx member.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 16 new members this week: Christina T., Jessie C., Max P., Andrew T., Jeff M., Kenza Z., Paige M., Elliot H., Jemma D., Valerie H., Angela B., Grayson T., Amanda G., Sally Anne H., Kylie R., and Kristina D., we’re so glad you’re here!
It takes a village, so let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, feedback, tips, or recs! Thanks for reading edition 354 of The Weekly Insider.
TTYL!
- The Richmond Experience
Thank you to Cirrus Vodka for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
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