Well, we promised you a new and improved TasteBudz and here it is. Of course, that’s just our opinion. You may disagree sharply and feel that TasteBudz is now four times better. One of the big improvements is that we now have our new assistant editor, Whitney Kiatsuranon as one of our weekly contributing Budz. She and I have been busy checking out the goings on with the local dining scene. Most of our visits took us in separate directions. However, we both were invited to sample the wares and take a peek at the new look of the Fan Noodle Bar. So, we’ll start with Whitney’s report on her findings. Everything she said, I agree. Although, while she may have thought the lettuce wraps were a tad too spicy, I’m more of the Goldilocks type. I thought they were just right.
FAN OF THE NOODLE: I had heard that Fan Noodle Bar on West Main has had a bit of a face lift and I wanted to check it out. In addition to the made=over bar, they have a beautiful mural spanning a majority of the wall that it is painted on. While I was there I decided I would try a few things. I had the opportunity to indulge in two very amazing appetizers! The appetizers are two for $10.00 dollars, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. I decided upon the Shanghai Dumplings and the Thai lettuce wraps. Each appetizer has a personality of its own; the Shanghai dumpling is something that I think anyone would love and you’ll be happy to know you getfour per serving. The Thai lettuce wrap is perfect for a warm summer night as the lettuce is crisp and cool and the spicy ground chicken is truly spicy! A must try if you can handle the heat!
Co-owner, Vow Bordeenuch says, “the most popular noodle dish is the Spicy Fan Spaghetti”, but after those lettuce wraps, I’m willing to take her at her word.
Vow also served me a Greyhound Pisco. Which I found to be a perfect summer drink for a hot July night. If you like grapefruit, you’ll love her perfect blend of grapefruit, Pisco and sugar, which makes me wonder. Will Pisco be Richmond’s new “it” liquor?
If you are in the Fan, swing by and see Vow and the crew and try the appetizers.
Shanghai Dumplings ($6.00) - Pan seared dumplings filled with minced chicken, shrimp, water chestnuts, onions, scallions and shiitake mushrooms.
The Thai lettuce wraps are intensely delish if you can handle a little heat. (WK)
THE BIG PICTURE: While I was checking out murals, I decided to head over to Sabai (2727 W. Broad) and see what they were up to. Besides a new side patio and beer garden that completely transforms the space and blocks all of the view of Broad St., so that you really do feel like you have left Richmond, Sabai is hosting the main reception for the Richmond Mural Project this Saturday (July 16) from 8 ‘til midnight. The event is RSVP only so be sure to visit the Richmond Mural Project website and sign up to be insured admission to this awesome yearly event.
CHANCES ARE 50/50. Actually, there is virtually a 100-percent chance that you’re going to find something you like when you take advantage of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar’s 50 Wines inJuly/50 Wines in August promotion. Over the course of two nights (Saturday, July 16 & Saturday, August 20), Flemings, in Stony Point Fashion Park, will be pouring all 100 of their wines. Take advantage of a unique opportunity to taste and compare varietals, flavors and styles. Savor the difference between California and Oregon Pinots. Sample Chardonnays side by side. Get introduced to those new reds from South Africa and Argentina. For details, just click here. (SC)
A HIDDEN GEM: I have to say that one of my favorite places around is The Cask Café & Market. If you haven’t heard of it, you will find it neatly tucked at the end of Robinson just adjacent from the old bus depot. The staff is always on point and I’m a sucker for a cheese plate and a bottle of Veltliner. Whenever I pop in, I always order the Brie, Manchego and Welsh Cheddar. It doesn’t last long as I am a pig. Beer lovers will love to know that Happy Hour runs from 3 to 7p.m. (seven days a week). The Cask Café & Market also does Growler hour from 5 to 6 p.m. and Kick the Keg every Tuesday. For more details, get in there and check em’ out! (WK)
ABC D MERCHANDISING POSSIBILITIES: Now it’s easier than ever to drink your favorite mixed drink straight out of a Virginia is for Lovers shot glass or pint glass. Thanks to a handy one-stop-shopping partnership deal, between Virginia ABC and the Virginia Tourism Corporation, you can now purchase select Virginia is for Lovers merchandise at four premier ABC stores, including the Short Pump store (3450 Pump Road). If you want to make a fashion statement when you’re in the market for a fifth, then you’ll want to check out this ultra swanky ABC Store. (SC)
WHO SAID THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A FREE BRUNCH: The Speakeasy Grill, located in historic Jackson Ward, is the perfect place to find “food for your soul”. If good soul food for dinner isn’t enough, be sure to check out their brunch menu. Think chicken and waffles, but on their menu you’ll have to order Yardbird and waffles. You can order the Yardbird and Waffles Jr. ($7.99), the Famous Yardbird & Waffle or the Hot N’ Spicy Yardbird & Waffle both priced at ($15.99). And get this. You still have a couple of weeks to get in on their BOGO brunch special every Sunday in July. It’s a simple concept: Purchase any regular priced brunch menu item, and the folks at the Grill will buy your guest any item of equal or lesser value. You can really impress your date, or if you don’t mind being labeled a cheapskate, get your guest to split the bill and you’re eating for half price. If you’re doing it that way, though, just make sure you order the more expensive meal. (WK & SC)
A SHORE BET: Visit Graffiato at 123 W. Broad from July 19 to 31 to celebrate Jersey Shore
Week. Graffiato will be featuring boardwalk favorites and beachy cocktails. The Boardwalk Fries ($9) and the Jersey Tomato Pie ($12) are sounding good. Even if you don't have time to enjoy a meal, you should still swing by on your way home and pick-up one of their take-away pizza kits. I’m heading over next week for a sneak peek and I’ll share more, then. (WK)
STONE COLDER: Last Friday was a big day in the city’s brewing history. Stone Brewing celebrated the first kegging and tapping of their very own locally brewed beers. They really are, in a very the California-based brewery has received for us Southerners.
Stone
“We’re really pleased with how the Richmond community has responded to our arrival,” he told me. “When we first opened the doors to our Stone Company Store, people had driven hours to be there. The place was packed with fans showing their support and we were blown away. We’ve already done some collaborations with local brewers including Ardent Craft Ales, Triple Crossing Brewing, Midnight Brewing and Champion Brewing. They’ve been incredibly welcoming of our brewing team. Overall, being a part of the Richmond community is exceeding our expectations. “
Of course, with the Richmond operation producing its own beer, that can only mean good things for lovers of Stone’s brews on the East Coast. “We pride ourselves on innovation, quality and freshness,” Pat said. “Our fans on the Atlantic will now get uber fresh beer brewed on their coast, new collaborations with great brewers and a uniquely Stone experience to visit and take pride in as our fans on the west coast do.”
A CO-LABOR OF LOVE: Speaking of beers and collaborations and such, I had the opportunity to meet with three of the guys who’ll be heading up the Richmond operation of Three Notch’d Brewing Company’s Scott’s Addition brewery and Collab House. These guys are really, really into collaborations, with other businesses, non-profits, musicians and media. Griffin Johnson handles sales in this market. Aaron Thackery will be managing the taproom/collab house and Stefan McFayden will be the head brewer. I get the distinct impression that some very interesting beers will be coming out of this brewery which opened in Charlottesville about three years ago. They also have a facility in Harrisonburg. Who knows, with all that collaborating, maybe we’ll see a TasteBudz brew one day. (SC)
IS IT LEMONAID OR LEMONADE: When life hands us lemons most of the time we make lemonade. Join The Kitchen on Cary as they host the Anthem Lemonaid Restaurant Challenge July 15th & 16th. A portion of the proceeds from a special lemon-themed menu goes to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Why not join them in making a difference and eating a delicious meal at the same time? Check out their Facebook page for information on the event and to preview their menu. (WK)
MY WEEKEND CONDITION: There’s lots of cool stuff happening around town this weekend, including the National Beer Expo. In fact, the Metro area has so much going on that we’re adding a new Friday Feature to TasteBudz. It’ll be called My Weekend Condition. Get it. It’s a pun. Anyway, look for our big weekend calendar of events every Friday right here on Richmond Navigator.
