Weekly Food News: Thai flavors, a taste of Rome, and ice cream sandwiches in November

YaYa’s Cookbook set to bring Thai flavor to Short Pump

The owners of several area Asian restaurants are taking a gamble on Short Pump. Richmond BizSense reports brothers Joe and Sonny Kiatsuranon will open a new Thai concept, YaYa’s Cookbook, in the space formerly occupied by Osaka next to Regal Cinemas in the Downtown Short Pump shopping center. Interestingly, the restauranteurs open all of their restaurants on the 27th of the month, claiming the move is good luck. YaYa’s will open March 27th, 2017.

Read more here.

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Gourmet ice cream sandwiches all the rage–in November?

Fro-yo, popsicles–these treats have been all the rage for years in town, but what about ice cream sandwiches? One local entrepreneur is bringing them to the table, with unique flavors to boot. Hannah Pollack, chef at Greenleaf’s Pool Room, started making ice cream sandwiches in the pool hall’s kitchen before recently expanding to a space inside Westbury Pharmacy in the West End. Style Weekly’s Brandon Fox has a great feature on the business.

Read it here.

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Enjoy a taste of Rome at Nota Bene Sunday night

Rome-based writer Katie Parla will be hosting a Tasting Rome dinner at Nota Bene Restaurant and Bar in Shockoe Bottom this Sunday. Part of the restaurant’s ongoing Sunday supper series, the 5:00 PM dinner will feature Chef Randall Doetzer creating courses inspired by the book. The menu will highlight Katie’s Rome and its historic and unique cuisine featuring recipes from Tasting Rome: Fresh Flavors and Forgotten Recipes from an Ancient City. Courses will include, anchovy crostini, Legume soup, artichoke salad or braised artichokes (depending on quality of artichokes available), house made pasta with chicory and bottarga, either ox tail or lamb stew and ricotta tart with boozy fruit. Reservations are $65 per person and can be made by calling 804.477.3355.

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Thanksgiving without the cooking and cleanup

Looking for a great meal this Thanksgiving without all the planning, cooking, and mess in the kitchen afterwards? A whole corocopia of Richmond restaurants are hosting Thanksgiving dinners this year. You have a lot of options too–unlike some years past. Karri Peifer with the RTD has the full list.

Check out your options here.