Weekly Food News: Boka Tavern shutters, World of Beer heads to town, Underground Kitchen, and more

Owen Lane leaving not only Vagabond, but Richmond too

“It was one of the most high-profile restaurant moves of 2015: chef Owen Lane landing in the restaurant space adjacent to The National music venue just two months after he shuttered his chef-driven spot The Magpie in Richmond’s Carver area. But now Lane has moved on again.”

That’s the news from Karri Peifer at the RTD, who says Lane has not only left the restaurant, but is also leaving Richmond. But don’t worry, the restaurant is in good hands with a dedicated sous chef, and Peifer has all the details as to what’s behind his move and where he’s heading.

Get the full scoop here.

Beijing on Grove debuts in Westhampton next week

EAT Restaurant Partners, the group behind a whole host of Richmond restaurants, is finally making a long-announced transition official. Next week, The Blue Goat will become Beijing on Grove, paying homage to the former Peking on Grove restaurant that once occupied the building in Westhampton. The menu, which was released in full on the restaurant’s Facebook page this week, looks like a page from the playbook of sister restaurants Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen & Bar and Wong Gonzalez, but with plenty of variations. No word on what day the restaurant will officially open, but we’ll keep you updated.

Check out the full menu here.

Boka Tavern shutters on W. Broad Street

After seven months and several concepts, restauranteur Patrick Harris has thrown in the towel on a space he revamped last year as Antler & Fin and later Boka Tavern on W. Broad Street near the Arts District. The former restaurant, a higher end concept, gave way to a Downtown take on Harris’ “tako” bar concepts around town. The restaurant never found its footing, though.

Check out what’s next for Harris and more behind his decision from Richmond BizSense.

World of Beer takes over former TGI Friday’s spot

The closure of the Short Pump T.G.I. Friday’s this past week was sad news to almost no one. In fact, it follows a recent pattern that’s seen both the nearby Applebee’s and Chili’s at Short Pump Town Center close their doors as newer chains take their place and older ones are choked out by both newcomers and an increasing number of local West End restaurants. In this particular situation, Florida-based World of Beer is taking over the vacated space, located in the Downtown Short Pump shopping center. The restaurant is known for its huge selection of craft beers and higher end bar food.

Learn more about the chain and when you can try it out yourself right here.

Cava Grill opening first Richmond location soon

In related news, the new-to-Richmond chain set to take over the former Applebee’s in Short Pump is just about ready to open. Stephanie Breijo, writing for Richmond Magazine, has a look at this fresh new concept, details on when it’s expected to open, and some of the local entities the brand plans to partner with as it seeks to work with suppliers and vendors in the community.

Learn more about Cava Grill here.

Underground Kitchen returns for dinner in a room with a view

Richmond can be seen from many vantage points, but the first Underground Kitchen of 2017 is the only one that can offer you a “Room with a View.” The dinner series, which is held at a secret location, gives attendees access to a five-to-seven course pop-up dinner with a noted chef. The first one of 2017 is scheduled for Monday, January 23rd. Cocktails are served at 6:30 PM followed by dinner at 7:00. Tickets are $125 per person and are all-inclusive.

Learn more and purchase tickets online here.