Weekly Food News: Donut burgers, a look at two forthcoming restaurants, return of an icon, and more

All the news that’s fit to eat

Salt and Forge set to open this week in Jackson Ward – Salt and Forge, a new restaurant from former Chipotle corporate manager David Hahn, is set to open this week in Jackson Ward. The restaurant is aiming for the middle ground between what he calls “fast” and “good,” offering up breakfast and lunch fare in the burgeoning neighborhood. It looks pretty tasty. Here’s what you can expect.

Happy Empanada is now open in Westover Hills – South Richmonders, you’ve got yet another delicious option in the area (along with so many others recently). Happy Empanada, best known for its food truck, officially opened the doors to its brick and mortar spot located at 1203 Westover Hills Boulevard last week, and man does it look delicious. Don’t forget this is a carry-out place, so don’t go and expect table service. Our own Richard Hayes has a look at the menu here.

Luther Burger is now open inside Sugar Shack Donuts – Just down the road from the Hills and Heights area, Sugar Shack Donuts has opened its new burger concept, Luther Burger, on Huguenot Road. What exactly is a luther burger, you ask? Yep, you guessed it–the burger buns are Sugar Shack donuts! The spot opened its doors on Monday. Put on your stretchy pants and head over and check it out. Here’s what you need to know.

A more in-depth look at Perch in Scott’s Addition – Chef Mike Ledesma’s forthcoming restaurant in Scott’s Addition, to be housed in the former Joy Garden space, is coming along, and Richmond Magazine has a preview of what to expect at the Pacific-inspired restaurant that will pay homage to his Filipino heritage and offer inventive cuisine. He’s all in on the forthcoming space, saying, “Let’s do the best, and if we fall a little short it’s better than nothing. If I got scared, it would be paralysis of my analysis. It’s like dropping in on a big wave, you gotta commit. If you don’t commit, you’re done.” Read more here.

A return of the iconic Climax Beverage Co. is on the horizon – Depending on your age, you may or may not remember the iconic Richmond brand, Climax Beverage Co. The long-defunct maker of everything from ginger ale and cherry cola to root beer and sparkling wine is about to get a reboot from the same couple pouring their heart and souls into a myriad of other ventures in Manchester, the Hilds. They’re the folks behind Hot Diggity Donuts, The Butter Bean Market, Dogtown Brewing Co., and Manastoh Brewing. Now they’re back with a new announcement that will involve the relaunch of the brand, which you can read more about here.

Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Company named best in Virginia – “Here is the absolute best kind of roaster—relentlessly focused, but also accommodating to the curious public. Working from an industrial section of the city’s northern fringe, one of the state’s top operations offers Friday public cuppings and tries to keep its door open as much as possible.” That’s what Food & Wine said of the Richmond, based company. The ranking is part of a listing of “The Best Coffee in Every State” and was released earlier this week. Check it out here.

This week’s restaurant reviews

• The Broken Tulip (Richmond Magazine)
• Camden’s Dogtown Market (Richmond Times-Dispatch)