West of the Boulevard
Rumors of War
Now that the dust has settled a few thoughts on the latest monument unveiling.
“People are trapped in history, and history is trapped in them”
-James Baldwin
I’ve been having trouble putting into words what was seen on the afternoon of December 10th. Every outlet had a word, RTD, Style, VPM, Washington Post, the BBC!?!? What more could be said? What more could be shown?
Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.
– James Baldwin
On the way to speak at the Arthur Ashe Boulevard dedication ceremony, Representative John Lewis (Alabama) encountered a familiar foe. Traffic. He would be late for the ceremony for his late friend. State Police would be needed to extract him from the gridlock and guide him down to Richmond.
“Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by those doing it”
-James Baldwin
When Representative Lewis spoke, I found myself on Arthur Ashe Boulevard hearing the words echo. He spoke of a man who showed up at his office, the same man who nearly beat him to death many decades ago. He spoke of forgiveness, how he embraced the man from love. He spoke of how only progress can come from love and understanding. Echoes of words, ripples of change
“It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.”
-James Baldwin
December 10th was chilly, rainy, and glum. Around 1 PM, the shrouded Collousus rested, a soft glaze of rain glazed on the silver tarp, beading droplets that ran down to the base. Purple lights encircled, giving the covered Rumors an ethereal glow. The electricity was beginning to build.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced”
– James Baldwin
“I’ve heard word of protesters” whispers, from a friend… Nothing that I know of but that’s not something I follow. The crowd outside builds along the barriers created. Curiosity and the hungry gather to see a new history be made.
“I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
-James Baldwin
After all the confusion and disorganization, everyone is in their place at 320, awaiting the speakers and the reveal. The VIPs settle in with ponchos and umbrellas yet the rain has stopped. The speakers trickle in. The fog of magic settles in. Looking behind, there are rows and rows and rows of the enrapt going past Arthur Ashe Boulevard.
“What I love in art is that it takes known combinations and reorders them in a way that sheds light on something that they have never seen before or allows to consider the world in a slightly different way.”
-Kehinde Wiley
The marching band of ALL Richmond public schools made their presence known. This is the generation that is on that horse!
Governor Northram spoke, as well as Mayor Stoney and many others. Nothing stood more proud than the ALL Richmond marching band! Kehinde speaks! Time to unveil! A hitch. The tarp is caught. Kehinde smiles
“Life’s messy, it’s perfect”
-Kehinde Wiley
The Fire Department had to come cut it down.
Representative John Lewis bows his head in laughter.
Unforced error. Point Progress.
Community
Citizen Burger Turns Off the Grills
If internet rumors are to believed it might become an Indian restaurant. Again, this is only a rumor.
The rumor was bouncing around and yesterday it became official with an Instagram post. Citizen Burger is no more.
What an amazing run! After 7 years in this location, it is time for someone new to give it a go. Things have changed so much since we opened, including buying this historic building, opening new concepts in Cville, partnering on more projects here, getting married, having a kid, going through a pandemic…just about everything that can change has.
The staff here was actually some of the best I have ever seen, and anyone would be lucky to partner with them. I thank you all. Sincerely.
It’s no secret that after Covid we went through a challenging period. It was so so hard. There’s no right answer in these transition situations, nothing is real until it is already done, but I know for sure that this decision had nothing to do with this staff.
While I am proud of everyone, it would be inappropriate not to single out Ernesto Gonzalez. When you’ve been doing this a long time, you know when someone is special and is going to go far, and this is one of those people. There were so many stand outs, but Kyle, Travis, Tony, Alex, Sam, and Ruthie helped make the place. I know people were drinking during our sendoff, but they gushed about all of you and I was so proud.
A number of the staff recently announced that they have an exciting new concept in the works, an idea that will be new to Richmond and I can’t wait to see it. As I told many of you, if I had a new place right now I would pitch this entire team to move to it. I apologize for not being able to.
We also want to thank our amazingly supportive guests. Carytown has been a special place for us. Thank you so much for the support over the years.
Most of you know what we try to do here with local and responsible products, and thanking hard working local suppliers is always warranted. Our 100% grass finished Timbercreek beef is second to none. The completely natural buns from ABC are the perfect compliment to the pasture raised beef. The Mountainview farm cheese always makes me smile. And what hasn’t been said about Sugar and Salt. Lastly, the local beer support was super strong with this one. There are many more, I thank you all, we thank you all.
We thank everyone.
Community
PREVIEW: Kickers Face Playoff Nemesis Chattanooga
Revenge is a dish best served at City Stadium. Chattanooga knocked the Kickers out of the playoffs last year and the Kickers are looking for payback.
Opponent: Chattanooga (2-5-2)
Date/Time: Saturday, June 3rd, 7:00 PM
Last Result: Kickers 1 – Tormenta 1
Weather Forecast From WeatherBug.com
Three Things to Kick About
- Vinyals Returns – Nil Vinyals came off the bench last Saturday so barring a training setback he should be in the starting lineup. With the midfielder back in action expect the midfield to look better and hopefully more in control of the ball. In theory that control should lead to more transition into attack and more goals.
- Everyone Scores – So far this year seven different Kickers have scored, with midfielder João Silva leading the pack with 3. The latest goal was a beautiful Olympico but Sukow that must be seen to be believed. Don’t whine at me that it was a cross. It goes into the books as a goal and will be celebrated as such. So far 8 goals have been produced by the midfielders and defenders. Meanwhile our forwards, you know the guys paid to put the ball in the net have racked up 4 goals.
- Hot Ticket – It does my jaded heart good to see the amount of support in the stands the team is getting this year. Every game so far has had over 5,000 in attendance. This is well over the 3,500 or so we averaged last year. I’m not sure what switch flipped in the community but I’m glad to see it happen. The drawback is longer lines for food and drink but the Kickers are addressing that with more trucks. If you’re looking for a drink don’t forget there are multiple beer stations you don’t have to go straight for the building in the center of the concourse.
Prediction
The Kickers had a tremendous season last year until their first playoff game. In that game, despite being a man up for the majority of the game they ended up losing to Chattanooga by a goal. The fans, coaches and certainly the players remember the night a little too well. A win would have meant hosting the Championship Game in City Stadium, instead, it ended with a crushing defeat. Revenge will be on everyone’s mind and Chattanooga is not having a great season. The Red Wolves sit in second to last place and have a -8 goal differential. If ever there was a time for the Kickers to rack up some goals and get their scoring mojo flowing this is it. I predict it will happen.
Kickers 3 – Chattanooga 0
Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral (30 Malvern Avenue) will be, as always, the site for the Richmond Greek Festival. This will be the 45th festival after a multi-year hiatus and expect the full line-up of food, drink, vendors, and events.
Photo: Richmond Greek Festival
Trevor put together these great tips on enjoying the festival.
Parking
If you’re in the general vicinity of the event (intersection of Malvern & Grove), walk or bike, as parking is very limited in the church lot, and sparse in the surrounding neighborhood. If you do drive, be prepared to hunt for a spot and walk at least a few blocks at peak times.
Timing
Speaking of peak times, avoid them if you can! Swing in for a late lunch, early dinner, etc. if possible to avoid long lines and hordes of hungry people. If you can’t avoid the lines, your best bet is to grab a wristband and snag a bottle of Greek wine to enjoy while you queue into the tents.
Queuing
The festival’s main food tent is buffet style, where you can select what you want to eat and pay as you exit. Cash and cards are accepted. If you plan on eating a big meal, this is the way to go, but be prepared to wait at least 20-30 minutes to get through the line at mealtimes. If you just want a few things to snack on, there are separate tents for things like calamari, lamb gyros, and beer and wine.
Eating
As Greek physician, Hippocrates once said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” If that’s true, you’re in for an overdose this weekend. You can view the full menu on the festival website. A few of the festival’s most popular items you should try include:
- Calamari – Individual pieces of lightly fried squid with lemon
- Dolmades – Tender grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice
- Souvlaki – A sizzling skewer of tender chicken breast or pork marinated with herbs of Mediterranean origin and cooked over an open flame
- Pastichio – Layers of imported Greek Pasta, grated cheese, and sautéed ground beef topped with a cream sauce (Béchamel) and baked
- Moussaka – Layers of eggplant and sautéed ground beef topped with a rich cream sauce (Béchamel) and baked
If you’ve saved enough room for dessert, try:
- Baklava – Chopped walnuts and cinnamon-sugar between layers of filo pastry dough, baked to a golden brown and drenched with a honey syrup
- Loukoumades – Fluffy and light puffs, served warm with a honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon
Culture-ing
The festival is more than just food! You can take in the culture and spirit of Greece with live music and traditional dancing on the outdoor stage, as well as browse and buy works by local artisans and craftspeople at the church’s indoor market. It’s worth a visit, trust me.
Festival details
- Thursday, June 1st, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday, June 2nd, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday, June 3rd, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday, June 4th, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Sts. Helen and Constantine Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Malvern Avenue in the Near West End
- For more information call 804.355.3687
- Drive-thru open from each day’s respective start time until dusk
- Cash and cards accepted at all booths and drive-thru
- Rain or shine event
Citizen Burger Turns Off the Grills
PREVIEW: Kickers Face Playoff Nemesis Chattanooga
Tiki Club RVA Sets Sail on Saturday
Photo of the Day: Morning Commute in Fog
WATCH: Richmond Region Tourism’s new marketing campaign proves Richmond “speaks for itself”
Virginia’s medical cannabis program has ‘improved’ but more needed to meet expectations
Richmond Needs This: Surfing
Renderings: James River Association breaks ground on James A. Buzzard River Education Center
Science Museum of Virginia offering special $10 admission days on 10 separate dates this year
