Ed 365: Peach Season, Amphitheater Parking, Goods That Matter
Hi!
How’re you doing on your summer bucket list? I know we’ve still got more than two months to go before fall gets here, but I’m already feeling the pressure to check off all my summer-y to-dos before the nearby stores start harvesting Mellowcreme Pumpkins again.
Just last week, I took a day trip out to Chiles Peach Orchard (my fave!) to collect some juicy gems (and a fridge magnet 😇), and I’ve been enjoying them every day ever since. But they ripen quickly, so if you’ve got a peach recipe that could use a visit, tell me about it. I can only make so many smoothies, you know?
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including Hot Tomato Summer participants, a new brewpub, VCU alumni-owned businesses, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Rain possible; high of 89°, low of 74°
Thursday: Partly cloudy; high of 92°, low of 77°
Friday: Storms possible; high of 93°, low of 77°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: DOMINION ENERGY JAZZ CAFE
Thursday, 6 am - 11 pm: DUKE’S HOT TOMATO SUMMER KICKOFF
Friday, 6:30 - 8:30 pm: SUMMER MOCKTAIL MIXOLOGY
CITY GUIDES
1. 7 LOCAL RESTAURANTS FOR A $10(ISH) LUNCH
Image Source: Richmond Chamber Players
RICHMONDER(S) TO KNOW
Richmond Chamber Players: The city's longest-running chamber music ensemble — founded in 1974 by Richmond Symphony Principal Violist Raymond Montoni and officially incorporated in 1977 — was the area’s first dedicated chamber music presenter. For nearly 50 years, the group has promoted chamber music in the community through performances that honor both tradition and innovation. Mark your cal for the ensemble’s next shows — Sonic Waves and Flights of Fantasy — happening, respectively, on August 17 and 29.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: @sweetpsrva
Image Source: @wpstudiorva via @daisys_at_tredegar
Image Source: @kelseyheintzistyping
Image Source: Goods that Matter
SOCIAL NEWS
Daisies are having a moment. Yes, the second track from Justin Bieber's new album is sprouting all over summertime TikToks, but more importantly (no offense, Beliebers), the “morning spot to grab coffee, an easygoing lunch destination, [and] happy hour hangout with river views,” Daisy’s, has officially opened. Helmed by chef Matt Kirwan (Grisette and The Roosevelt) and Rawleigh Easley (Neighbor), the spot blends approachable food with fine-dining techniques, all in close proximity to the new Allianz Amphitheater. On a regular day, look for a menu of egg sandwiches, French toast, Afterglow coffee, Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches, salads, and a special partnership with Sunday Bagel; on a show day, plan to order up festive eats like the Daisy Burger. (Richmond magazine)
In more amphitheater news, since its early-summer opening, the venue has generally avoided major parking issues despite lacking a dedicated garage, but some Oregon Hill residents aren’t loving that the city has now leased the nearby Belle Isle parking lot — co-owned with Venture Richmond — to the amphitheater for event use. The area holds about 60 spaces and is the closest public lot to Belle Isle, allowing extended closures for designated events. The park and trail access will remain open during normal hours. (The Richmonder)
It’s another brew-tiful day to be in Richmond. Coalesce Coffee Co, which originally launched as a mobile coffee truck three years ago, has opened its first brick-and-mortar café inside Independence Golf Club in Midlo, taking over the former Josie’s Coffee & Boutique space. The newly renovated café is now open daily from 7 am to noon, and owner Lindsay Korman plans to keep operating her truck for events. BTW, this spot is not one and the same as Coalescence Coffee, which recently opened downtown — but FWIW, coalesce (v) means “come together to form one mass or whole,” and coalescence (n) means “the joining or merging of elements to form one mass or whole.” The more you know. (Richmond BizSense)
Tomato summer is comin’ in hot — Hot Tomato Summer is back this week. The 10-day food event celebrating the Southern combo of tomatoes and Duke’s Mayo returns to the River City, stating July 17, with more than 115 local participants. To name a few, Jane Dough will serve mayo-based galettes and sandwiches at Celladora, Dorey Park Market, and the Na Nin kickoff party; Sweet P’s will offer a tomato- and Duke’s-focused tasting dinner; Chez Nous, Little House Green Grocery, and Dinner Party will contribute French-influenced dishes, tomato-forward snacks, and wine pairings; Mise en Place will host a Duke’s-themed cooking class; and Pi’s Coffee will debut a bold Indian cold brew topped with Duke’s and strawberry tomato cold foam. Wave if (when) you see Paige! (Style Weekly)
When good causes meet good buys: New-to-us biz Goods that Matter is a New Orleans- and Richmond-based company that creates eco-friendly, handmade-in-America products with a focus on social and environmental impact. As Louisiana’s first Benefit Corporation, the org donates 10% of proceeds to various causes and has contributed more than $71,000 to date, with a mission to offer high-quality, sustainable goods that support community well-being and global sustainability. We recently spotted the shop selling a jasmine-scented candle, which will send 10% of its proceeds to the Kerr County Relief Fund, providing support for first responder needs and people in need of rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. The news is tough out there these days; look for the helpers. (Goods that Matter)
The dog days are over. Long-vacant brewery Dogtown Brewing Co. (miss u, one of our pre-Covid faves!) is getting the revitalization treatment from Lindsey Food Group (Lillie Pearl, Buttermilk & Honey, Bully Burger, Jubilee, ML Steak, Farm & Oak) and Brainstorm Brewhouse. In the coming months, the crew is launching Bolo’s Eatery, a brewpub serving beer, fried chicken, oysters, and more across three floors and a rooftop. Named after LFG owner Mike Lindsey’s father, Bolo’s aims to be a welcoming neighborhood spot with approachable food and drinks, and the team plans to open in September with few renos needed. (Richmond BizSense)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🐏 We’re loving the Alumni-Owned Businesses series VCU’s been posting on Insta recently, including many of our very faves, like The Broadberry, Strawberry Fields & Finds, Riverbend Roastery, and then some. (Instagram, Instagram)
🐈⬛ The Purrfect Bean, the long-awaited cat cafe, officially opens next month on August 15. (Instagram)
Image Source: Richmond Jazz & Music Festival
Weekly Giveaway
Richmond Jazz & Music Festival
The Richmond Jazz & Music Festival returns August 8 through 10, bringing three days of incredible live music, amazing food, and nonstop vibes. This year’s lineup features T.I., Jodeci, Muni Long, Masego, CeeLo Green, Aloe Blacc, and many more. Come experience the best of RVA — the best music, the best food, the best vibes — all at one of the East Coast’s premier music festivals.
This week, we’re teaming up with the crew behind the Richmond Jazz & Music Festival to give away two weekend passes! We’re talkin’ a value of $250, folks.
To enter, tell us: What song do you have on repeat this summer?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Alyssa M., for winning the Purify giveaway!
Image Source: Virginia Repertory Theatre
Member Perks
Waitress
Need even more live music in your life? We’ve got a new perk for that. Now through August 3, discover a special recipe for finding happiness when you catch a (discounted!) showing of Waitress at The November Theatre.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get $10 off each ticket you purchase! Use code RichmondExpWaitress at checkout.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 18 new members this week: Susan R., Stephen F., María José U., Maggie K., Andreas A., Chaelin M., Larysa K., Amorie B., Anna D., Neil G., Sophie S., Lauren W., Adrianna G., Anna Beth K., Dana R., Patti R., Jill M., and Sarah S., 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 365 of The Weekly Insider.
Cheers!
- The Richmond Experience
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