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June 5, 2013

Eating Your Way Through Richmond, VA

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“Why are you going to Richmond?”

I got asked this question so many more times than I care to remember before taking the hour and a half flight from Newark into Virginia’s capital.

Why.

Mainly because I have learned that often times some of the best experiences can be found in the places you least expect to find them, and because I love to eat!

I kind of expected to taste some pretty yummy food, but what I didn’t expect was that I would meet such passionate people, who in this community not only all know each other but also really support each other.

The immediate story I kept hearing about was that of Sub Rosa Bakery, a newly arrived favorite in town with a strong following. Despite being new in town, the brother and sister team, Evrim and Evin Dogu, were feeling the love right away, but never more so than when their bakery and upper level home caught fire this past April (2013), causing significant damage that forced them to close. At this point, their community of customers, but most importantly of fellow restauranteurs, came together and held benefits, dinners, and more to raise money to help them get back on their feet. They hope to reopen later this summer. I saw the devastation from the fire, met Evin as she toured us around, and my heart would’ve felt nothing but sadness if not for knowing that Richmond foodies had their back and were just as eager to get them back in business. That’s pretty rare in the world of food, when often times everything and everyone is so cut throat.

Richmond, VA food

But instead of meeting overly ambitious, overly eager food providers, I keep meeting people who were just trying to live the dream, their dream, to the fullest. Doing what they love and more than happy to share it with anyone who would sit at one of their tables or walk into their shop.

Tanya Cauthen, of Belmont Butchery, found her way to this happy place, first as a food writer, then as a Swiss-trained chef, and now as the owner of the most celebrated, award-winning butchery in town. To watch Tanya work, one gains a new-found respect and admiration for her craft – if only we were so talented. Instead, us simple folks must find our joy in her shop, where we can find artisanal hand-cut meats and house-cured sausages.

Richmond, VA food

When you go to Richmond, you must drink (everywhere, but especially) at two specific places:

Secco Wine Bar, owned by the fabulously witty and sassy Julia Battaglini. But don’t just drink whatever wine.

No. Really.

Give in to the experience by asking Julia to take you on a journey (she will love it, but you will more) of perfect pairings to whatever awesome Chef Tim Bereika is serving. You will have a nice selection to choose from among their list of  award-winning Old World wines and rare finds.

Richmond, VA food Richmond, VA food

Mekong is a Vietnamese restaurant owned by An Bui, who also happens to be a huge fan and connoisseur of everything craft beer-related and whose devotion to the same has led Mekong to be voted the “Best Beer Bar” by CraftBeer.com. His connection to the craft beer community and key players, and his continual support of them, provides him with access to both serve and play with various beer flavors and blends, all of which his guests often benefit the most from.

Richmond, VA food

If you have a chance to meet An, be ready. His laughter and happy personality is contagious. Oh, and if you really, really love beer, then check out the Richmond Brewery Tour. Totally worth it, as this is a really vibrant scene in Richmond and you will find many favorites.

If you want to meet a local food celebrity, then you have to stop in to Comfort, co-owned by Chef Jason Alley, who along with Michele Jones (and Ry Marchant at Pasture) and Chris Chandler (at Comfort), are taking the Richmond food scene by storm and finding ways to make sure that their communities and neighbors benefit as much from their success as possible.

Richmond, VA food

Everyone I spoke to about Jason told me how he was funny and kind. Especially kind. How he goes into Richmond neighborhoods that others might not really even be considering and he brings good food to the area. Food that bring consumers; consumers that spend money and keep coming back for more, helping to transform and grow that once neglected neighborhood.

After meeting Jason, Chris, and Michele, I have to agree that I fell a bit in love, with not only their kick-ass food and spirits, but also with their passion and knowledge. Dining as often as I did with Jason and Michele especially was a highlight for me, without a doubt, as I adore anyone who can take the pretentiousness out of the culinary experience and focus it all on just bringing forth good food that encourages all the things that only good food can.

Another good soul and a symbol, in my eyes, of a foodie rock star goddess is Kendra Feather, co-owner of several eateries in Richmond – all successful, all unique, and all her dreams come true. They are The Roosevelt, WPA Bakery, Garnett’s, and Ipanema (vegetarian). I got a pretty neat t-shirt from The Roosevelt, which I’ve been fighting my husband and teen away from, but most importantly, I had a divine dining experience. This is a perfect date night spot, or spot to come out with your friends for a nice evening out. Great space, really good drinks, and friendly service. You can easily spend hours here enjoying yourself. I got to chat with Chef Lee Gregory, who recently made an appearance as the guest of the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, and got to hear about his whole philosophy on community, food, family, and friendship which I found endearing and refreshing. There’s something about all of it that just makes the food so dang good and the ambiance so dang special.

Richmond, VA food Richmond, VA food

Now, if you want to see where all these awesome people hang out after hours, on weekends, or when looking to relax, then you need to head on over to Heritage. Owned by Emilia Sparatta and her husband, Chef Joe Sparratta. Along with Emilia’s brother, who often works the bar, they run that special place in the community where people – including other chefs and restauranteurs – like to come in and spend some time for a drink or celebration. And I get it. Not only are they charming, welcoming, and warm, the food is, well, really you’d have to experience it yourself. Start with brunch…and no matter what anyone says, have the Big Hot Mess (bbq pulled pork, potatoes, smoked jalapeno cream cheese, tomato aioli
add soft poached egg). You can thank me later.

Richmond, VA food Richmond, VA food

So, why Richmond, VA?

I would say for its quirky and fun neighborhoods.

I would say for its love of pimento cheese (thanks to filmmaker Nicole Lang of “Pimento Cheese, Please!” and Jason Alley for the intro).

Richmond, VA food

I would say because of the kindness of strangers who are generous with their friendship and their food.

Richmond, VA food The Foodie Women of Richmond: Nicole Lang, Tanya Cauthen, Emilia Sparatta, and Julia Battaglini

I would say because a visit here is confirmation that as long as there are good friends, good food, and good drinks, you will never feel too far from home. And that is always a feeling worth experiencing where ever your travels might take you.

All photography is property of Girl Gone Travel and may not be used without permission from the publisher.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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10 Comments
  • Paige Conner Totaro
    June 6, 2013

    Aw, man! You're making me homesick! And I've never even been to ANY of the places you mentioned, but your write-ups all remind me of why I love Richmond.
    My recent post Photo Post: Calla’s ghost at the botanic garden in Buenos Aires.

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Paige Conner Totaro
      June 6, 2013

      Ahhh, Paige! I hope you can get back soon. It really is a wonderful community…and the food! Yum! Hope you get to taste it all real soon!

      Reply
  • Elena
    June 6, 2013

    Great tips! I am planning a mother daughter trip either this summer or fall so will definitely check these out!!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Elena
      June 6, 2013

      Thanks Elena! I know you and your daughter will have a fabulous time!

      Reply
  • localontheroad
    June 6, 2013

    If you come back, put Acacia on your list! I'm quite surprised the tourist board didn't recommend you go there. Between the expert chef (previous James Beard nominee) Dale Reitzer, his wife and the GM Aline (who orchestrates the city-wide Restaurant Week twice a year to benefit the local food back), and the best bartender in town (Danny McDermott) – it is a top spot in the city. You won't want to miss it on a return trip.
    I've visited nearly all the other restaurants you mention, and while they are excellent representations of the "food" city we live in, none are as consistent as Acacia.
    Thanks for spreading the word about our wonderful city – and for sharing all your gorgeous photos!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      localontheroad
      June 6, 2013

      Thank you! You are the second reader to mention Alcacia to me! I will definitely have to check it out on my return visit. In all fairness to the tourism peeps, we ate, consistently, a lot…I am not sure how much they were able to fit in (or us!). But i greatly appreciate the tip and look forward to stopping by when I return later this coming Fall with my family. Thanks again!

      Reply
  • That Girl Shelley
    June 7, 2013

    I am from Richmond and I have not visited any of those places either. Now when I go home to visit, I will add them to my list of places to eat.
    My recent post Regular, Bold, or Italic? What is Your Style to Success?

    Reply
    • caincarol
      That Girl Shelley
      June 9, 2013

      Wonderful!! Enjoy!

      Reply
  • Katrina
    March 31, 2014

    RVA pride! Excellent read. You’ve given me ideas for the next date night!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Katrina
      March 31, 2014

      @Katrina: YAY! So happy to hear! Have fun!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
📍@EatattheAudrey impressed us! It’s not your usual “hotel restaurant” and I would say it easily stands alone as an eatery worth checking out in Madison. Great breakfast options, cozy vibes, nice bar, and good service!
📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext
As I work on compiling all the good eats I experie As I work on compiling all the good eats I experienced in Madison, WI, I have to ask: what is your favorite meal of the day, and where did you experience a highlight of the same?

I am a huge fan of breakfast. This beauty was a blueberry pancake order from @shortstackeats. Pancakes are not a big thing for me, but these were pretty perfect. I am craving them still. 🥞♥️

#madisonwi #goodeats #travelingfoodie @destinationmadison
We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a qui We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a quick trip to Madison, WI - my first time back in 14 years! Though we were here for family matters, we did take a moment to explore a bit of what used to be a place we called home.

We couldn’t do anything else until we drove around Lake Monona, where we once had a home, and took in the wintery views (there is an epic 13.2-mile trail that loops around the lake that is worth exploring if you visit!). Though our time was limited, we were able to enjoy some of it along State Street exploring the shops, eateries, the FREE @mmocamadison, and the beautiful architecture of the WI State Capitol Building (the Dane County Farmers Market will soon pick up again - Saturdays, April 15 thru November 11, 2023 around the Capitol Building and it is one of the best farmers markets anywhere!). 

We booked a room at the @hiltonmadison Monona Terrace to be within walking distance of all the downtown fun (tip: for a room with a lake view make sure to book at the upper levels above 10th floor for an unobstructed view of Lake Monona). 

Madison, WI is a skip and a hop from the Finger Lakes so this short and sweet visit didn’t feel difficult at all. And we absolutely loved the winter scenery and seeing what has changed (a lot) since we lived here.

Stay tuned for my list of where we ate!

Have you ever been to Madison, WI?

#madisonwi #weekendgetaway #wisconsin @destinationmadison
The joy of that first sip of the day. #randommom The joy of that first sip of the day. 

#randommomentsarethebest
I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t be I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t believe how easily I’ve been waking up in the early mornings since our last trip. Not sure how to shake it, or if it’s temporary, but here it is: the rare sighting of me up and moving early in the day. Am I a morning person now? Has travel ever permanently changed any of your habits?

#morningperson #lifeinthecountry #newme <-😂

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