Ed 431: Garnett’s Gobbler, Holiday Wine tasting, Friendsgiving Options
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Image Source: The Richmond Experience
Hiii, there!
Have you seen all this scuttlebutt about folks in Chicago meeting up to move The Bean a few inches to the left? Apparently, 250 people met at Millennium Park earlier this week to make an attempt, but couldn’t get the sculpture to budge. I saw someone in St Louis then post this, which, of course made me laugh (and continue laughing as I scrolled the comments), but it also made me wonder: What should we move, then? Chloe? Let me know — we can mock up the flyer next.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including Criterion Cinemas revamp, Punjabi specialties, Short Pump Town Center throwback, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Mostly sunny; high of 72°, low of 48°
Thursday: Morning clouds; high of 68°, low of 44°
Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 54°, low of 37°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 5 - 8 pm: HOLIDAY WINE TASTING
Thursday, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm: VMFA SHOP HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Friday, 6 - 11 pm: TREASURES IN PARADISE
CITY GUIDES
1. 7 THINGS TO BRING TO FRIENDSGIVING THAT AREN’T MASHED POTATOES
2. 7 NEARBY HALLMARK-Y TOWNS TO CHECK OUT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Image Source: Garnett’s Cafe
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Garnett’s Gobbler: It would appear Garnett’s Cafe is officially getting in on the Thanksgiving-style sandwich game with the special that dropped this week. Pop over there ASAP for turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, crispy onions, and Mornay sauce on toasted ciabatta — according to the comments, it’ll be there for a few days. Of course, if you miss it, we say the Louisville Hot Brown would hit the spot, too.
THE LATEST
Image Source: Lehja
Image Source: The Faithful Lemon
Image Source: Short Pump Town Center
Image Source: Shenandoah Mansions
SOCIAL NEWS
Let’s all go to the lobby(ish). As you may remember hearing over the summer, the former Criterion Cinemas space at Movieland at Boulevard Square is getting a new lease on life as Tribeca Kitchen & Hospitality, a deli concept from local catering company Inflight Provisions, which specializes in meals for private aviation customers. The 5,300-square-foot space has been closed since the pandemic, but you can walk through the doors yet again for the grand opening next Monday, November 16. (Richmond BizSense, Instagram)
Opa! Eric and Marianne Hess, formerly of Lola's Farmhouse Bistro, just opened Opa! Social, a new upscale Greek- and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Libbie Mill. The menu features everything from moussaka and dolmades to gyros and branzino, and from the looks of it, it’s got the dreamy atmosphere to match. (Richmond Magazine)
Prepare to be gatekeeping. The team behind Lehja is expanding with Tashan Indian Kitchen, a new spot planned for Westchester Commons. The concept will feature Punjabi specialties, an expanded selection of Indian street-food-inspired chaats, and dishes that aren't currently on Lehja's menu. We regularly see Lehja listed on folks’ rundowns of hidden gems in the city, so we have to expect Tashan will have that same kinda vibe. (Axios Richmond)
The group chat was on fire for this one. A new restaurant from Manny Baiden, founder of Manny Eats, is coming to the former Sam Miller's space in Shockoe Slip. Called Aya, the concept will draw inspo from Manny’s Ghanaian roots and cuisines from across the African diaspora, including Caribbean influences. (Richmond BizSense)
This is how you ring in the new year. The long-awaited Shenandoah Mansions boutique hotel is targeting a New Year's Eve opening in the Fan District, with Richmond chef Brittanny Anderson overseeing three food and drink concepts — Daughter, Shenandoah Cafe, and Phone Inn. The cafe is expected to open alongside the hotel itself, while Daughter and Phone Inn are planned for early 2027. (Axios Richmond)
Bless. The Faithful Lemon has traded its mobile pop-up setup for a permanent storefront at Stony Point Fashion Park. ICYDK, the family-owned lemonade cafe serves more than 20 fresh-squeezed lemonade flavors, along with specialty coffee, flavored energy drinks, hot chocolate, and treats from local bakers. (12 On Your Side)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🌭 ICYMI over the weekend, Bravo-lebrity TJ Dinch has brought his gourmet hot dog pop-up to a permanent home at Scotty’s Taphouse. The Richmond native’s concept gives you another reason to stick around, with a self-serve beer wall, duckpin bowling, live music, and more. (Sir Wieners)
📺 Our alg somehow sent us back to 2023 with a throwback Short Pump Town Center clip, but we got a kick out of it all the same. (Instagram)
🎅 Holiday reservations are officially open for Cameo Cakery & Cafe. (Instagram)
Image Source: North End Juice Co
Weekly Giveaway
North End Juice Co
We’ve recently made this walk-up window our go-to when we’re out and about in the Museum District, but if you haven’t swung by recently, we’d love to help you with that. You’re in for fresh-pressed juices, made-to-order smoothies, açai bowls, and then some, friend.
This week, we’re giving away $25 to North End Juice Co! Don’t forget the Blue Jean Baby bowl has recently been added to the menu — like, if you need help making a decision.
To enter, tell us: What’s your fave Thanksgiving side dish?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Sydney O, for winning the Polpetti giveaway!
Image Source: Zoom Room
Member Perks
Zoom Room
Zoom Room is an indoor dog training gym focused on building confidence, socialization, and stronger relationships between doggos and their owners through positive reinforcement. And with family coming into town for the holidays, there’s no better time than the present for Fido to brush up on his skills.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 15% off your first purchase! Just let the front desk know when you book you’re a member.
What’s trending from RVAx
👇
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 9 new members this week: Caree H, Georgia R, Cristine C, Camila V, Sara T, Alix S, Lorrie C, Cyndi H, and Nancy T, 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 431 of The Weekly Insider.
Cozy regards ☕️
- The Richmond Experience
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