Richmond Food News: Sept. 3-9

The Great Outdoors

On Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches CEO Hannah Pollack’s bucket list: Visit every national park in the U.S. So, when the booming local business was dreaming up its new, super nostalgic s’mores flavor sandwiches, they knew exactly where to look for inspiration. (Richmond magazine) 

Purveyor: The Haymaker Collective

A centuries-old fizzy drink is getting a modern makeover. Richmond’s Haymaker Collective, launched by Ninja Kombucha founder Brett Nobile with partners Dan Curran and Zach Jillani, is putting a fresh spin on the traditional switchel. (Richmond magazine)  

Best Bites

We’re back with another serving of unforgettable local dishes, this time featuring a dip that can level up any snack, a pie unlike any other in the city and a burger that hits every time. (Richmond magazine) 

Thirsty Days

Virginia once had thousands of distilleries, with the 1810 census recording more than 3,600 operating across the state. We aren’t quite at that number today — probably a good thing — but our spirits scene is still worth getting to know. Virginia Distilled returns Sept. 12 to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture for a walk-around libation education including unlimited samples from Virginia distillers; two master classes; and the finale of the Virginia Cocktail Games, a bartender battle among six of the state’s top bartenders.

ICYMI 

Newly opened Pizzeria Delores serves Sicilian-inspired pies and nostalgia in Scott’s Addition. (Richmond magazine) 

As grocer Ellwood Thompson’s parent company prepares for a merger, local purveyors say they aren’t getting paid. (Richmond magazine)

Duron Chavis is at the forefront of an agricultural revolution. (Richmond magazine) 

Check out the Food & Drink results from our annual Best & Worst survey, with readers’ picks for everything from Best New Restaurant to Best Date-Night Destination. (Richmond magazine)

Party All the Time: Pizza Bones and attached wine hangout Friend Bar are inviting out-of-town pals to join their latest dance party. On Sept. 26, seafood-focused pop-up Acid Fish and natural wine store Natural VB from the 757 will make the trip to Union Hill. Entry is free, and the mirror ball will spin until midnight. 

Unidentified Baker: The city’s mysterious, hiding-behind-a-boule baker, Jane Dough, is committing to a weekly pop-up ahead of debuting her brick-and-mortar shop in Bellevue. Every Wednesday in September, find her set up on MacArthur Avenue and slinging baked goods from 4 to 7 p.m.   

10 Years in the Making: Laura Lee’s is marking a decade of holding it down in South Side with a weekend-long party. From Sept. 10-13, the Forest Hill Avenue fern bar from restaurateur Kendra Feather is celebrating with a greatest hits selection of classic dishes — fan favorites that have left the menu — a patio market, and a wine and karaoke party with pours from original manager Michael Smith.

Little Bites

• Friday, Sept. 4, is a double celebration for Beyoncé fans: The Queen turns 45, and her landmark album “B’Day” celebrates its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Brookland Park’s Ruby Scoops is dropping a limited-edition menu inspired by the artist with special flavors available starting Friday while supplies last.
• Charlotte’s Southern Deli’s last day of service is Sept. 4 as owners Nikki and Paul Polk prepare for a new venture, Viola’s. 
• Opened earlier this summer at 9125 W. Broad St., The Bep Teahouse is serving up bevvies including boba tea and triple-shot Vietnamese coffee along with street-food-style snacks.
• Last week, I mentioned recent sightings of pawpaws — the tropical, custardy native fruit that can be spotted along wooded riverbanks in Virginia — and immediately after, Alewife dropped an intriguing paw paw rice pudding dessert special featuring Carolina gold rice with raisins and toasted coconut.
• The team behind Broad Street’s Mr. Noodle has expanded with another Asian concept near VCU. Noodle House is now open at 814 W. Grace Street. On the menu: fresh-made noodles, soup dumplings and more.

Upcoming Events

• Tasting Thursday, Blue Bee Cider (Sept. 3): Pop by the cidery for the free monthly tasting.
• Tourist Trap, Odd Bird (Sept. 4): Slushees, focaccia hot dogs from Still Sunday and T-shirt printing during First Fridays 
• Vendors Day, Good Foods Grocery (Sept. 4): The longtime Bon Air grocer hosts local vendors for a sampling session.
• Latino Farmers Market, 13900 Hull Street Road (Sept. 5): Shop the vibrant market featuring Latin purveyors and producers.
• Sankofa Community Orchard Farm Tour, Sankofa Community Orchard (Sept. 9): Tour the 5-acre green space. 
• Orange Wines and Skin Contact, Echelon Wine Bar (Sept. 9): A class exploring orange wines, aka white wines made using red wine techniques
• Brewvies, Buskey Cider (Sept. 10): Watch a Richmond-made film with cider in hand.