Weekly Food News
Weekly Food News: National accolades, bye-bye Betty, two spots celebrate 15 years, and more
Two local restaurants celebrate 15 years in business, another closes just after its third anniversary, two restaurant weeks to take advantage of, and much more in this week’s Food News.
All the news that’s fit to eat
Bye-bye, Betty: The Betty on Davis closing at the end of the week – After three years in business, The Betty on Davis is closing its doors at the end of the week, the owners have announced. Luray and Cole Bucholtz and David Al-Attiyah just celebrated the restaurant’s three year anniversary last Friday, in fact. This cozy spots had great food (and honestly one of the best reuben sandwiches I’ve had in town). Sunday, September 24th will be their last day in business. Read the letter regarding The Betty’s closing here.
Popular yakitori spot Yaki looking for new space – Chef John Maher’s popular yakitori spot near Broad and Boulevard will soon be vacant. Maher tells Richmond Magazine’s Piet Jones that he won’t be renewing the lease on the restaurant, and will instead search for a smaller spot for his concept. It’s not due to lack of business, but rather state ABC laws, Maher says. Due to the size of the space and in order to make the dreaded, mandated ratio of food to liquor sales, he says he was forced to expand the menu beyond his original, simple vision for the restaurant. More on his plans here.
A pair of local restaurants celebrate 15 years in business – This weekend, two local spots are celebrating 15 years in business with some great specials. Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream in Woodland Heights is celebrating the milestone with three days of live entertainment, a breakfast cabaret, and drink specials–Friday through Sunday. More details here. Comfort in Downtown Richmond is also celebrating a decade and a half, offering all entrées for $15 on Saturday, along with PBRs and shots of Kentucky Gentlemen for $1.50 each. Now that’s a party.
Bike Restaurant Week rolls on through Thursday – Bike Restaurant Week, a week of specials at 21 area establishments put together by Bike Walk RVA, continues through Thursday. The initiative encourages patrons to ride their bicycles to their next lunch or dinner out, and rewards them for doing so. Learn more about who’s offering what and get on your bike and ride!
Fall Richmond Restaurant Week participants announced – It’s almost time for the fall rendition of Richmond Restaurant Week. Forty of the area’s best chefs will whip up three-course prix fixe meals for $29.17 apiece, all to benefit FeedMore, the week of October 23rd. There are lots of tasty choices; be sure to make your reservations soon as spots fill up fast. Learn more and see the menus here.
New Orleans-style restaurant headed to Forest Hill – A new New Orleans-style restaurant is coming to the former Kinsfolk space on Forest Hill Avenue, the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Karri Peifer reports. Owner Bulkley plans to open Thirstys Bar & Grill in the building. It’s his first restaurant, but he tells Peifer, “he’s been honing his cooking chops for years in the kitchens of area chain restaurants, such as Ruby Tuesday’s and O’Charley’s.” No word on whether the restaurant will include an “Endless Garden Bar™” or free pie on Wednesdays. I’m kidding. Sort of. More of the RTD’s coverage here.
More national accolades for Richmond’s dining scene – Another week, more national accolades for Richmond restaurants! This week, three major publications have cited Richmond for its food and culture. Thrillist has named Babe’s of Carytown the best dive bar in Virginia in a new list. Garden & Gun has selected our city as one of “The Best Southern Food Towns” in their most recent issue. Finally, Condé Nast Traveler says we’re one of the best cities–in the world, no less–to visit in November. Pretty cool!
This week’s restaurant reviews
