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Posted on September 2, 2014 by visitrichmondva

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Say Goodnight Gracie

Posted on September 23, 2013 by visitrichmondva

Scott Wichmann. Photo by Jay Paul.

I’ve been going to the theater since I was in grade school. I probably wouldn’t be as infatuated with the stage if it hadn’t been for my Aunt Roberta who thought I needed a healthy dose of culture in my life even though I was only 6 or 7. She made sure I knew about opera, the symphony, ballet and the theater.

One of the first productions I ever saw on stage in Richmond was “Hello Dolly.” Dolly’s love of life turned into my love for the theater. And, what I’ve discovered over the years is that Richmond has a wealth of theatrical talent, everything from savvy set designers to accomplished actors. One of the most talented actors in town, in my humble opinion, is Scott Wichmann.

I have had the pleasure over the years to watch him grow into his acting skin, taking on all sorts of roles, from Shakespeare’s “Richard III” to a hilarious scam artist in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” One of my favorite Scott stories comes from his performance in the zany comedy “Scapino” when he darted into the audience and took a seat next to a man who had fallen asleep during the show. Scott worked that awkward moment into the dialogue and had everyone but the Sleeping Beauty in stitches. The man’s wife thought it was hilarious, the man not so much.

Scott Wichmann. Photo by Jay Paul.

I’m very excited that Scott is now taking on the role of the legendary George Burns in Virginia Rep’s one-man show, “Say Goodnight Gracie,” at Hanover Tavern. The show is about the life of this beloved comedian and the love of his life, his wife, Gracie Allen. It runs through November 3.

In addition to being a fan of Scott, I am also a huge fan of Burns and Allen. Their television show aired from 1950 to 1958. Their fresh approach to humor endures through the ages. Theirs was one of the great love stories of all times and Scott tells me that the show at Hanover is really a love letter to Gracie, a celebration of her talent.

One thing that Burns and Allen were known for is their perfect timing and their illogical logic style of comedy. Getting that down and also zeroing in on the pitch and timber of George’s voice was a challenge for Scott in the beginning – everything has to be exact or it won’t be believable. In fact he says he panicked when it didn’t come as easily as he had hoped.

Knowing Scott, I’m sure he now has everything down and he and the production will be a big hit. I’m looking forward to seeing it all unfold on stage.

Joan Tupponce is a national award-winning freelancer who was born and raised in the Richmond area. You’ll often spot her out and about enjoying all the great cultural aspects of the area. Check out her websiteat http://joantupponcewrites.blogspot.com/.

National Menswear Pop-Up, Northern Grade, Comes to Richmond

Posted on September 17, 2013 by visitrichmondva

Menswear Pop-Up, Northern Grade, will make its debut in Richmond this weekend, September 21^st and 22^nd. This mobile market features the very best American-manufactured goods and it’s a must-see for the entire family. This is one of three stops for the unique event, traveling next to Chicago and then Minneapolis. Produced by Katherine and Mac McMillan, the team behind the menswear brand Pierrepont Hicks, Northern Grade is a market by a brand for the brands. Katherine McMillan said, “American brands are growing at a fast pace, and Northern Grade’s goal is to help. In the current world of today’s fashion and technology, the male consumer wants to know more about what is behind the brands he covets. Northern Grade gives him a chance to shake that designer’s hand and talk.”

Each Northern Grade market features music, spirits and great local food. While it’s about bringing in new brands from other regions, Northern Grade is largely about supporting local brands. And Richmond has some amazing local menswear brands. Need Supply Co. will host the event and helped secure one of Richmond’s most unique locations: the Power Plant at Haxall Point, a hydroelectic plant that formerly provided power to downtown Richmond. Local menswear giant, Ledbury, will be participating as well. Elisabeth Edelman, VP of Branding at Ledbury said, “Northern Grade is the ideal opportunity for Ledbury to showcase our Commonwealth Collection. These pieces are not just made in the United States, they were created in partnership with Virginia artisans who share our value for designing with the highest quality materials. One of our partners, Marcus Wiley of Wiley Belts in Free Union, VA, will join us at our booth, making belts on-site and walking guests through the hand-crafted process behind the belts. We will also be selling our Monroe Cufflinks, which were made with silversmith Joe Rhames of Charlottesville.”

So here are the details you need to know about spending your weekend in style:

Hours:

Saturday, September 21^st – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, September 22^nd – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brands in Attendance:

Need Supply Co.
Pierrepont Hicks
Osmium
Almond Surfboards
Shockoe Denim
Mother Freedom
Moore & Giles
Cadet
BillyKirk
Odd Couple Shop
Ursa Major
Woolrich
Billy Reid
The Hill-Side
Cause + Effect
Archival Clothing
Appalatch Outdoor Apparel Company
Square Trade Goods Co.
R. Riveter
Ledbury
Stock Manufacturing Co.
Lumina Superior Dry Goods
Jack Donnelly
Clay + Bros
Shwood

Food & Drinks by:

Lamplighter Roasting Co.
Pizza Tonight
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Photobooth by Smile Booth

Featuring a commissioned mural by Duncan Robertson

Men’s Grooming by David Foster of Foster Cuts

A kid’s lounge sponsored by bbgb books.

Northern Grade Richmond is free to the public. Parking is available by the Pipeline Overlook or at the James Parking Deck at 1001 Haxall Point. For more information, please contact: northerngrade@needsupply.com.

Courtney Skunda is a PR and Marketing Director in Richmond. She also works supporting local boutiques, designers and artists around the country with a company called The Nearby. You can keep up with her fashion musings on her blog, Cobblestone Couture, or on Twitter and Instagram.

Shopping in Carytown

Posted on August 22, 2013 by visitrichmondva

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some great cities in my lifetime. Some trips have been for work, others for fun and vacation. A common theme with me is that I always scope out the shopping before I take any trip, planning out the exact spots to hit before I even arrive. You can call me an experienced shopper. So, when it comes to the Richmond shopping scene, I don’t like to brag – but I’m kind of an expert.

People often ask me my favorite place to shop in Richmond. Without hesitation, I respond, “Carytown!” Why? It’s Richmond’s own equivalent of M Street in Georgetown, King Street in Charleston, or even a small SOHO in New York. What makes Carytown different? It’s 100% authentic and local, not to mention lively and eclectic. What’s wonderful about Carytown is that you can spend an entire day with your friends and family not only shopping but also looking at art, eating a great meal and enjoying a glass of wine – maybe even meeting some great street vendors along the way. Carytown is also pedestrian friendly, so you can leave your car at one end and walk all day.

So, did I mention the shopping? I mean let’s get serious here. It’s fantastic and incredibly diverse. Richmond has such a creative culture, so it doesn’t surprise me that we have stores that run the gamut. If you are visiting Richmond and have a few hours to spend in Carytown, here are my recommendations of where you should make a point to stop and take a look around. Tell them Courtney sent you and who knows, maybe you’ll get a discount!

1.) Bangles and Beads: Created by a mother and daughter team in 1985, Bangles and Beads primarily carries jewelry with a small collection of beads. Now, with the addition of a third generation, the store has expanded into one of the largest collections of beads and jewelry supplies in the United States. It always has an amazing selection, so check it out!

2.) Pink: Pink has been a women’s contemporary fashion mecca since 1987. Originally called The Pink Cadillac, it stocks women’s clothing, accessories, handbags, jewelry and shoes.

3.) Roan: Led by second-generation merchant Hank Greenberg, Roan is a luxury boutique with a team of experienced stylists. Roan features established designers as well as emerging talents, offering an ever-changing selection of ready-to-wear fashion, jewelry, shoes and accessories that keep its clients on the leading edge of fashion. Each season, Hank chooses pieces from the best collections in New York, Milan, Paris and beyond.

4.) Clementine: Voted “Best Consignment Shop in Central Virginia,” Clementine offers a diverse collection of top brands, including an entire section of premium denim. You’ll find brands like Citizens, Vince, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Anthropologie, Tibi, Rebecca Taylor, Tory Burch, J. Crew, Joe’s, Milly, Elizabeth and James, and DVF. It also carries new accessories at affordable prices.

5.) Need Supply: Originally opened in 1996, Need Supply Co. sells a unique collection of vintage pieces for men and women. As a Richmond-based boutique, it incorporates the culture and style of the city into its selection. Over the past decade, it has evolved to offer a well-edited assortment of contemporary designers and independent labels from the U.S. and abroad.

6.) Ruth and Ollie: Ruth & Ollie is a home furnishings store owned and operated by husband and wife team Mike and Kat Liebschwager. They pride themselves on selling pieces that are unique, modern and fresh. You’ll find upholstered furniture, lighting, pillows, art and accessories. Be sure to ask them about the original Ruth and Ollie – their grandmothers!

7.) Eurotrash: Anne Hughes founded Eurotrash out of her love of European fashion, culture and travel. She strives to bring what Europeans wear to the States – but at a better exchange rate. She seeks out little lines (and not-so-little lines!) to compile a broad collection of clothing at a range of styles and price points to suit every age, occasion, whim and budget.

8.) Thomas Hines Antiques: Thomas-Hines, Inc. was founded as an antique and interior design company in 1972. Over the years, the original shop has expanded to some 82,000 square feet of fine furniture, porcelain and accessories. Specializing in the sale of pieces from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, the shop is one of the premier sources of antiques on the East Coast, as well as one of the largest sources in Virginia.

Bacon and Veggies: The Hostess with the Most-est

Posted on July 23, 2013 by visitrichmondva

I love being a hostess. Nothing makes me happier than channeling a little Martha Stewart along with my grandmother’s rules of Southern Hospitality to prepare the perfect weekend getaway for visiting friends. But what good is a perfectly arranged guest room, freshly prepared snacks and munchies and fully stocked bar without a vibrant, culturally rich and inviting city to compliment it all? Not a bit of good!

I’ll start by telling you that I’m blessed with some pretty amazing girlfriends. We’ve been friends since middle school and we definitely value our girl time. With my fiancée out of town for two weeks, my girlfriends deemed it the perfect opportunity to visit, which gave me the perfect opportunity to show them my truly amazing city.

Girlfriend Weekend # 1: Bacon Festival, June 9, 2013

First up: My friend Tara drove up from Durham, N.C., to spend the night and accompany me to the first annual Richmond Bacon Festival. Our Saturday consisted of some Carytown shopping, Mint Juleps and hummus at Water Grill and an absolutely fabulous dinner at La Grotta. But the crown jewel of the weekend was indeed the Bacon Festival.

The Bacon Festival confirmed something for me – I. Love. Bacon. I just do. The very smell of it makes me smile. (I once tried to be a vegetarian after a science lab dissection that I won’t get into, but it was the smell of bacon that brought about the swift and painless end to my three-month vegetarian campaign.) I was made to enjoy bacon and let me assure you, Richmond’s chefs know a thing or two about bacon.

Yes, it was crowded. Yes, it was hot. Yes, there were lines. But there was bacon! So much bacon! So, with my carnivorous companion by my side, we embarked on a deliciously porky journey. Here are just a FEW of the things that we tried:

Bacon and Gruyere Pork Sausage
Bacon Pecan Pie
Bacon S’mores
Bacon and Watermelon Salad
Bacon Nachos

And everything was … amazing. (I have since dreamed about that Bacon and Watermelon salad.) Needless to say, Tara and I waddled back to the car and quickly proceeded back to my house for a much needed nap. Bacon Festival Weekend was a success – and possibly a new tradition!

Girlfriend Weekend #2: Vegetarian Festival, June 14, 2013

Okay, I should probably be honest about the real reason that my two friends Hillary and Kathryn drove down from New York City: My Bachelorette Party. I will spare you the details and keep this family-friendly, but let me take this moment to assure you, Richmond definitely has a thriving night life, even by New York City standards! So after a night of good food at Canal Bistro, lots of dancing at Off The Hookah and the late-night pillaging of my well-prepared hostess snacks, we decided to attend the Richmond Vegetarian Festival the next day.

The festival was held at Bryan Park (one of my favorite running spots) and Kathryn happens to be a vegetarian. She has been ever since she watched the movie Babe in third grade. It only seemed right to take my vegetarian friend to the Vegetarian Festival! Of course, Hillary and I also enjoy vegetables.

The setting was obviously quite different from the Bacon Festival’s 17^th Street Farmer’s Market location. There was ample shade, dogs and children, plenty of personal space, an assortment of animal/earth/vegan/vegetarian/green-friendly vendors, and of course, an absence of bacon. But believe it or not, I didn’t find myself missing the meat. Probably because the Vegetarian Festival featured some 26 local food vendors who were turning out some pretty amazing grub.

We started with India K’Raja’s vegetable korma and homemade naan bread, which was delicious. We also had some of the best spring rolls ever from Green Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant. We finished our vegetarian food sampling by picking up some piña colada and mango frozen dessert from Soul Ice before finding a shaded seat in front of the music stage where we listened to the Vulgar Bulgars, a local Klezmer band. (Not sure what Klezmer is? I wasn’t either, but it’s a bit like Fiddler on the Roof meets the 21^st Century.) The Vegetarian Festival ended up being a total a hit with my friends and the perfect activity for a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

From meat-loving masses to tempeh-toting vegans, my back-to-back festival weekends couldn’t have been more different. But isn’t that what we love about our fair Region? With every approaching weekend (heck – weekdays, too!), there’s always something fun and uniquely “Richmond” to do. Not to mention it gives me loads of activities to add to my most-est hostess repertoire. Take that, Martha Stewart.

Liz Stewart is the Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Richmond Region Tourism. Born in Nashville, TN, Liz moved to Richmond in 2011 with her fiancé, Frankie. They currently live in Lakeside and are looking forward to getting married in September! Liz enjoys cooking, crafting and exploring the Richmond food scene.

Big Menu and Great Taste at Tarrant’s Café

Posted on July 15, 2013 by visitrichmondva

I visited an old favorite for lunch the other day. Tarrant’s Café is just down the street from one of my other restaurant loves, Comfort. Both have the same old-Richmond simple, southern vibe, but Tarrant’s is a bit more eclectic in décor and menu. Even though we were a group of six without a reservation during a bustling lunch hour, we were seated quickly, and the staff greeted us with friendly smiles.

I knew my order before even looking at the large menu of sandwiches, pizzas, salads and lunch specials. The fish tacos with grilled mahi-mahi were calling my name. The tacos come with large chunks of flaky white fish, a crunchy seasoned corn relish and guacamole. They were served with sides of black beans and quinoa, topped with fresh diced tomatoes and onions. Always a tasty and filling meal.

The salads, available in full and half sizes, feature lots of beautiful greens and plentiful toppings, and sandwiches are served with one of 14 sides, from fruit salad to onion straws. BLTs, Reubens, Cubans, Sailors, and other classic sandwich options are on Tarrant’s lunch menu along with traditional pizzas, 10 different salads and fish entrees. Dinner choices also highlight fish and seafood as well as pastas, steak and pork. The fully-stocked bar looks like an inviting spot for happy hour or drinks after a show. The restaurant is situated close to several theaters and The Richmond Coliseum.

Tarrant’s was a drugstore from 1883 to 1987, and the dark wood entrance and stained glass signs take you back to its turn-of-the-century roots. The flavorful food, friendly atmosphere and lively location, on the other hand, make this café a timeless destination for every modern appetite.

Tarrant’s Café
1 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 225-0035

Carla Murray is a Richmond Region native who enjoys outings in RVA with her husband and daughters, lunches with friends at new restaurants, and promoting Maymont via social media. Her obsessions include turtles, Cirque du Soleil, Costa Rica, books and wine.

Pop Art & Beyond: Tom Wesselmann

Posted on June 17, 2013 by visitrichmondva

Still Life with Liz, 1992. Alkyd oil on cut-out steel ,72 x 96 inches © Estate of Tom
Wesselmann/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Pop Art was inspired in the early 1960s by popular culture, advertising and kitsch. Think about soup cans, pictures of iconic celebrities, comic book-inspired pictures and bigger-than-life billboard advertising. The artist Tom Wesselmann was a leading Pop Artist, and his peers included Warhol, Lichtenstein and Oldenburg, all of whom are represented in VMFA’s collection.

The museum’s permanent collection also includes an entire room dedicated to the Pop Art movement. In fact, two of VMFA’s own Wesselmann works are traveling as a part of the Pop Art and Beyond exhibition. The Wesselmann estate has loaned two additional works for permanent collection galleries so his work can be represented in the context of that important collection.

This show is a retrospective, which means it is an overview of an artist’s entire lifetime of work. Wesselmann made his mark as a Pop Artist, but his work continued to evolve throughout his career, and that’s what makes this exhibition so rich and informative. Retrospectives allow viewers to understand the complete artist, rather than to just see several of his works in isolation.

Color and scale have a dramatic effect on the visitor’s experience. Some of the elements are taken directly from billboard advertising, as the artist appropriated these elements of popular culture. But the art is also grounded in formal art history. Just like the Mona Lisa, many of his paintings contain a window with a curtain and a view to the world beyond. This artist had a creative vision which included rich, saturated color that shaped his work throughout his entire career.

VMFA always offers dimensional experiences for all age groups, providing many ways to deepen understanding and enjoyment of art. Adult lectures and classes, programs for teens and younger children, and free daily tours throughout the museum are offered. Amuse Restaurant and the VMFA shop allow the art to inspire their offerings as well, so you can appreciate Pop Art when you shop and dine as well! Find a list of related programs here: http://vmfa.museum/exhibitions/wesselmann.aspx

VMFA is lucky to have a magnificent building and over 40,000 members. And they are the only art museum in the US which is open 365 days a year. So don your beret and indulge your artsy side!

Casa Del Barco: Upscale Mexican on the Canal

Posted on April 18, 2013 by visitrichmondva

My favorite food is Mexican. I love the sauces, cheeses, seasoned shredded meats… yum! There are several good options in Richmond where I can get my enchilada and taco fix, but Casa Del Barco brings some unique, upscale menu items to the table. You can still find favorites like guacamole and empanadas. Casa Del Barco adds some interesting twists though, like guacamole with crab and tacos with slow roasted duck. The restaurant is also one of the latest to join the local, sustainable food trend.

Situated along the canal across from some of the coolest wall murals in the city, the scenic location is a bit challenging to find in a car. I’d suggest calling for directions instead of relying on a GPS. On the other hand, it’s in a perfect location if you’re exploring the Canal Walk, an easy stroll along the canal from Brown’s Island and The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. The interior is dramatic with high, custom-stenciled ceilings, Mexican-style chandeliers, exposed brick walls and dark wood furnishings. A long bar on one windowed wall offers plenty of space for a hopping happy hour.

On a recent lunch visit, our table started with an order of guacamole with bacon and tomato. The guacamole was super fresh, and the bacon added a nice salty crunch. I mean, how can you go wrong with that combination? I ordered the queso fresco (fresh cheese) enchilada for my main dish. My gluten-free friend and I were both excited that the enchiladas are served with corn tortillas instead of flour. This was not your average rolled up and filled enchilada. Instead, it was served in a dish with layers of tortilla, cheese and sauce. It was an interesting, light and tasty alternative to the norm, but the real standout of the meal was the side serving of frijoles negros, or black beans. They were sprinkled with bits of queso fresco and fresh cilantro, and they were incredibly flavorful…my favorite black beans ever.

Besides its upscale take on Mexican favorites, Casa Del Barco’s other claim to Richmond fame is its extensive tequila bar. Who knew there were more than 100 different kinds of tequila, much less that you could find 140 in one place?!

Casa Del Barco
320 South 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 775-2628

Carla Murray is Assistant Director of Marketing & PR for Maymont. She is a Richmond native and a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate. She lives in New Kent with her husband, two daughters, a dog, a cat and a turtle. Some of her favorite activities include letterboxing, long walks, Cirque du Soleil shows, wine tastings, reading novels, and spending time with family and friends.

Richmond Ballet’s Leap Week

Posted on March 15, 2013 by visitrichmondva

The Richmond Region will be swept off its feet March 17-24 when Richmond Ballet takes dance off of the stage and into the community for the first-ever Leap Week, a weeklong celebration of the Ballet’s recent successes and dance as a whole.

Kick off Leap Week with an afternoon of four dance-themed films on Sunday, March 17, selected by our company dancers and then voted on by our Facebook fans. Enjoy amazing cuisine Monday evening at Can Can Brasserie, a French bistro in the heart of Carytown, while tasting specialty drinks such as the White Swan, the Balanchine and more – with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Richmond Ballet.

Head behind the scenes Tuesday with a special sneak peek of our company dancers and The School of Richmond Ballet as they train and rehearse in the Ballet’s spectacular home studios. Participants may also take a free Rhythm and Motion Class, a new dance-based workout originating in San Francisco, offered exclusively in Richmond by Richmond Ballet.

On Wednesday, dig deeper into the culture of dance by paying a visit to Assemblé, an art exhibit showcasing five acclaimed local artists’ depictions of Richmond Ballet dancers by invitation only. Mix and mingle with company dancers at Heritage’s after-party, again featuring dance-themed cocktails and benefitting the Richmond Ballet. (Assemblé will also be open to the public on March 30 and can be seen by appointment April 4-14 at Richmond Ballet New Works Festival.)

Ballet in the ‘Burbs headlines Thursday’s events as Minds in Motion, Team XXL, ambassadors for Richmond Ballet’s acclaimed education and outreach program, will head out to three Richmond Region libraries to perform dances based on different children’s books. Area restaurants will help Minds in Motion celebrate these performances by hosting an evening with the Ballet. Customers will have the opportunity to meet company dancers and can even enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to next season’s performance of The Nutcracker.

Round out the festivities in our Studio Theatre with performances by the Royal Ballet School, Richmond Ballet II, our touring company and Richmond Ballet trainees. A post-performance reception, catered by FeedMore Community Kitchen, will be held in honor of our guests from London.

Please visit RichmondBallet.com for the most up-to-date information on Leap Week happenings. We hope to see you showing your support at any or all of our fabulous events!

Richmond Ballet, The State Ballet of Virginia, is dedicated to the education, promotion, preservation, and continuing evolution of the art form of ballet. Richmond Ballet strives to keep meaningful works of dance alive and to produce and foster new works that remain true to these values. Now in its 29^th professional season, Richmond Ballet’s mission is to “awaken and uplift the human spirit, both for audiences and artists.”

Rappahannock: Fresh from the River

Posted on February 28, 2013 by visitrichmondva

Richmonders love the river. We live, work, dine and play along the banks of the James from Goochland to Downtown to Charles City. But we also like to travel a little further east, especially to the mouth of the Rappahannock River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. That’s where you’ll find what could possibly be the greatest tasting oysters in the world.

Rappahannock River Oysters has been growing the Chesapeake Bay’s native oysters since 1899, and they have developed a faithful following across the Commonwealth for their delicious delicacies. Their goal is to make sure Rappahannock oysters are consistently available and asked for by name. They’ve taken one step closer to that goal by bringing their plump, briny bivalves to the Richmond restaurant scene.

I visited their sleek new Rappahannock Restaurant on Grace Street for lunch recently. I didn’t have the oysters, but I did have seafood that tasted fresh off the boat. My grilled rockfish sandwich boasted a large filet of the white, flaky meat and dripped with a flavorful aioli and gribiche sauce. The fresh bread was just right for the hearty sandwich – two crunchy, chewy slices of baguette-style goodness. A salad of mixed greens with chunky home-made croutons and a light dressing served as the perfect complement to the meal. Lunch prices were slightly higher than my usual choices, but so worth it for truly fresh seafood.

Other lunch offerings included the server-recommended local fluke ceviche seasoned with an intriguing combination of citrus, Thai chile, coriander, pomegranate and cilantro as well as oyster chowder, shrimp, pork belly, caviar, clams, and of course, those famous raw oysters.

Already, this has become a hot spot for lunch, happy hour and dinner among the locals, building a fast reputation as the place for amazing seafood and outstanding cocktails. Make a reservation and be prepared for a vibrant crowd. Richmond diners are gathering in schools at this pearl of a restaurant.

Rappahannock Restaurant
320 East Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 545-0565
www.facebook.com/RappahannockRVA