Richmond Food News: Sept. 10-16

Taste of Virginia 

We often think of beer as just hops, malt and water, but what about ingredients foraged from the wild? The fifth annual OktoberForest Fest returns to Fine Creek Brewing Co. in Powhatan on Sept. 13, showcasing the products of the commonwealth’s varied landscapes — sassafras, eelgrass and longleaf pine, anyone? — in sudsy form. (Richmond magazine) 

The Long Game 

Almost a year after opening, a neighborhood bar has reintroduced itself with a fresh menu, a Michelin-trained chef helming the kitchen and a “Let’s ditch the fuss” attitude. Committing to a 30-year lease in the Fan, Cahoots is leaning into an everyday-priced Puerto Rican-inspired menu with seasonal dishes. (Richmond magazine) 

The Power of Free

Alex Na, known today as the “free tiramisu guy,” came to Richmond looking for a fresh start. A pan of leftover dessert — and a TikTok call asking strangers to help him eat it — ended up connecting him to a whole new community. Now, he’s giving away free slices around the city and discovering just how powerful a little generosity can be. (Richmond magazine)

Spotlight: Janey Gioiosa 

In our latest Spotlight feature, we head to the Forest Hill cafe that’s been drawing lines out the door since opening a year ago. Get acquainted with Janey Gioiosa, the co-owner, head baker and dog lover behind Janet’s Café & Bakery. Fun fact: The owners landed on the bakery’s name after autocorrect continually changed “Janey” to “Janet” in texts. (Richmond magazine)

Food Fest Season

• The 41st Lebanese Food Festival is back at St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church this weekend, Sept. 11-13, with stuffed grape leaves, kibbeh and baba ghanoush aplenty. Preparation for the weekend-long celebration of the region’s Lebanese community begins almost nine months in advance. Prefer to avoid the crowds? To-go options are also available.
• The Greater Richmond Convention Center transforms into a cultural gathering Sept. 12-13 with the return of the Festival of India. The annual event, which debuted in 1981, draws attendees from across the state — more than 20,000 last year alone. Expect dosa, samosas, tandoori chicken and Indian sweets, plus Bollywood and Bhangra performances, henna, cultural exhibits, and more.

ICYMI 

Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches launches a s’mores-flavored treat to benefit national parks. (Richmond magazine) 

A hemp-infused fizzy punch offers a unique alternative to alcohol. (Richmond magazine) 

Check out our latest collection of dishes we can’t stop dreaming about. (Richmond magazine) 

Personal Prose: I’m a sucker for a juicy memoir. Add in a Michelin-starred chef whose journey started in the boonies of Virginia and weaves in the restaurant scene, being gay in the 1950s and the influence of Julia Child? Say less. Patrick O’Connell, proprietor of The Inn at Little Washington, is visiting the The Virginia Museum of History & Culture to celebrate the release of his book “Main, Middle & Gay” on Sept. 16. Bonus: Tom Sietsema, the James Beard Award-winning author and former Washington Post food critic of 25 years, will be leading the convo.

Little Bites

• Grab a friend and, quickly, grab a plate: Richmond is now home to Kura Sushi. The revolving sushi restaurant, complete with drink-delivery robots and more than 100 dishes, is hosting its grand opening at 11331 W Broad St., Suite 125, on Sept. 18, marking the state’s second outpost. (News release)
• After a quick debut in June, followed by months of technical difficulties that put operations on pause, the Shyndigz 24/7 vending machine — located just outside the Cary Street bakery — is back in action dispersing whole cakes and other sweet treats at any time of day. 
• The owners of Zombie Pizza in South Side have expanded with a neighboring business at 3400 Semmes Ave. Enter Bliss Cafe, a coffee shop making waves for its fig matcha and also serving housemade bagels, doughnuts and gelato. 
• Virago Spirits just made it way more tempting to start the weekend early with a little Thirsty Thursday action. Every mini Friday, the tiny, tucked away cocktail bar is offering half-off cocktails.

Upcoming Events

• Tenth Anniversary Celebration, Laura Lee’s (Sept. 10-13): Enjoy a greatest-hits menu, patio market, and a wine and karaoke party with pours from original manager Michael Smith.
• A Pizza Art, Home Fire Gallery (Sept. 11): A benefit for RVA Community Fridges with local artists displaying their works on the humble pizza box, plus fresh pies from forthcoming Bellevue resident Timber Pizza Co.
• 12th Anniversary, The Answer Brewpub (Sept. 11-13): Steaming bowls of pho, limited beer drops, brewery collabs from near and far, and a retro video game swap
• Pups, Plates and Pours, participating locations (Sept. 11-13): Pet lovers and their furry friends are invited to visit restaurants and breweries including Daisy’s at Tredegar, Revel Market, Pizza Bones and The Lobby Bar in support of Richmond SPCA.
• Blue Crab Festival, Childsavers Overlook (Sept. 12): Get ready for a feast from the Rotary Club of Richmond featuring unlimited crustaceans.
• Virginia Distilled, Virginia Museum of History & Culture (Sept. 12): A walk-around libation education including unlimited samples from Virginia distillers
• Spice & Pints, Center of the Universe Brewing (Sept. 12): A corral of food trucks and suds on tap that bring the heat
• RVA Black Farmers Market, Shalom Farms (Sept. 13): Shop the bimonthly market showcasing Black farmers and purveyors.
• Wild-Ferment Mead Making Workshop, Celeste Farms (Sept. 13): A class led by Darci Sanner, founder of Summer Smiles Honey
• Cookbook & Supper Club, Fountain Bookstore (Sept. 13): A dive into “Hello, Home Cooking” from chef Ham El-Waylly where guests bring dishes they made from the book. 
• Silent Reading Party, Blue Bee Cider (Sept. 17): Bring a book, put the phone on DND and sip a cider during this no-noise gathering.