Food & Drink
Go Eat at Abuelita’s on Midlothian
I’m not wise to the ways of restaurant reviewers but I hope you’ll take my word for it and give this fairly new restaurant a try.
Richmond is lucky to have more than a few excellent restaurant reviewers. I’m not one of them. I do however eat out way more than I should. My dining out shows in my vast waistline and empty. So while not an expert in the writing of food I do have strong opinions and one of those opinions I’m dropping on you right now.
If you want to get a plate of authentic home-made Mexican food you need to get your stomach over to Abuelita’s. Abuelita’s is at 6400 Midlothian Turnpike, near my favorite taco spot Taqueria Panchito. You’re not going to find your typical Americanized taco, nacho fare instead owners Karina Benavides and Everardo Fonseca serve up Mexican stews called guisos. Don’t be put off by the fast-food chain looking building, this place is anything but chain style Mexican.
Every day they have a menu (usually posted daily on their FB page) for the different stews they’re serving up. The one below is from a few days ago so don’t head out there today expecting these items.
You have options of a small plate pick one of the items above and one side (black beans, refried beans, rice) or a large plate pick two and a side. Regardless of large or small, you get made on site tortillas. Fresh tortillas are a completely different beast from what you’ll find any nearly every other Mexican restaurant in town. The owners and worker there are so nice and will happily answer questions and guide you through your first visit.
Un Plato de Huevos con Chorizo, Papas con Ejotes y Frijoles Fritos es más rico con una salsa de Tomatillo, queso y cebolla con habanero.
Photo from Abuelito’s Facebook.
I’ve tried about six different dishes and haven’t been disappointed in any. The meat is always tender and flavorful. Nothing I’ve sampled dips into the spicy category but fear not my heat-seekers there is a selection of 6-8 homemade salsas and pickled jalapenos if you need to kick it up a bit. All the salsas have their own distinctive flavor and all fall into the hot category with none going into the sweet Jesus what the hell is this hot lava I just put in my mouth category. Also before I forget, Sunday is tamale day and the tamales are great.
No ABC license but they do make a kick-ass aqua fresco, Jarrito’s, and the usual lineup of Coke products.
If you received your most recent Valpak there should be a coupon with 20% which will make an already reasonable meal cheap. We picked up a small, large, soda, and aqua fresco for right around $20. Bottom line if you want to try something different head over to Midlothian Turnpike and put some stew in your belly.
If like me you want more places serving up authentic, inexpensive, homemade dishes in Richmond you need to get out there and support these efforts.
Photo from Abuelito’s Facebook
Food & Drink
Taziki’s Mediterranean Café offering $5 gyro meals to celebrate 10th anniversary in Richmond
Taziki’s Innsbrook, Chesterfield, and Midlothian restaurants will offer $5 Grilled Chicken or Grilled Veggie Gyro meals all day on May 23 to dine-in guests.
Fast casual chain Taziki’s Mediterranean Café will honor 10 years of serving its Mediterranean fare with the Richmond community on Tuesday, May 23rd.
Taziki’s Innsbrook, Chesterfield, and Midlothian restaurants will offer $5 Grilled Chicken or Grilled Veggie Gyro meals all day on May 23 to dine-in guests.
“We are grateful to the Richmond community for these 10 wonderful years,” said operator Jona Ford. “Residents have welcomed us with open arms, and we plan to continue serving our fun, modern Mediterranean fare to the people we love for at least another 10.”
As a brand, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is also celebrating 25 years.
Downtown
Island Shrimp Co. to hold rum seminar with acclaimed Brooklyn spirits author, educator
Shannon Mustipher is an acclaimed author and founder of the Women Who Tiki pop-up. She has received a number of accolades for her work in the bar industry, including the Tales of the Cocktail Pioneer Award and induction into the Dame Hall of Fame.
Island Shrimp Co. at Rockett’s Landing is set to host a rum tasting event on Saturday, May 27th at 2:30pm, featuring Brooklyn-based spirits author and educator Shannon Mustipher. The event will showcase a range of regional rum styles, with a welcome cocktail and eight sample selections for attendees to try. Tickets for the seminar are priced at $35 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
Shannon Mustipher is an acclaimed author and founder of the Women Who Tiki pop-up. She has received a number of accolades for her work in the bar industry, including the Tales of the Cocktail Pioneer Award and induction into the Dame Hall of Fame. Most recently, she was named on the Bar World 100 list of the most influential people in the industry.
In addition to the rum tasting, Shannon will be signing copies of her book “Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails,” and will remain at the venue for a special happy hour from 4-6pm. The happy hour event is open to the public and will feature three cocktails from the book.
Downtown
New tea room now open downtown is fit for a queen
The Queen’s Library Tea Room provides guests with unique experiences, including a wide range of teas, baked goods from local bakeries, and other tasty treats.
The Queen’s Library Tea Room, a new addition to Downtown Richmond, has announced its grand opening. This cozy and charming tea room bills itself as the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a classic afternoon tea with family and friends.
The Queen’s Library Tea Room provides guests with unique experiences, including a wide range of teas, baked goods from local bakeries, and other tasty treats. With classic English tea time favorites and more modern options to cater to all palates, the tearoom offers something for everyone.
The vintage-inspired interior of the tearoom features antique furnishings, Richmond furniture pieces, and delicate china, creating the perfect setting for a special occasion or a quiet moment of relaxation with loved ones.
Daniel Luna, the owner of The Queen’s Library Tea Room, says, “We’re thrilled to finally open our doors to the community. Our team has put a lot of love and care into creating this space and our menu, and we can’t wait to share it with our guests.”
The tearoom operates from Tuesday to Saturday and reservations are required. Reservations can be made on their website at hequeenslibrarytearoom.com or by phone at 804-215-6568.
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