Food & Drink
Belly Up to the Bar in a Safe Rule Filled Manner
Governor Northman updated one of his executive orders to now include bar seating as an option with caveats.
The Governor updated the executive order that regulates businesses during these Covid times. The order that was updated is right here if you want to dive in. The important information for those missing the bar experience is, “patrons may be seated at the bar for service, provided a minimum of six feet is provided between parties.”
That doesn’t mean things are back to normal. Many of the restrictions remain.
- No alcoholic beverage shall be sold, consumed, or possessed on premises between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. in any restaurant, dining establishment, food court, brewery, microbrewery, distillery, winery, or tasting room.
- All private bookings are limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors
- All parties must be separated by at least six feet, including in the bar area.
- Employees must wear masks over their nose and mouth while working at their place of employment.
- Patrons must wear masks over their nose and mouth, except while eating or drinking.
Although this seems to be a step in the right direction towards restaurant/bar profitability not everyone is jumping on the bar seating bandwagon.
Karri Piefer at Richmond.com talked with some restaurants and bars to get their takes and it’s a decided mix of those that will be opening those seats and those that won’t.
And EAT Restaurant Partners — the largest independently owned restaurant group in the Richmond area — said it’s hurrying to open the bars at all 15 of its local restaurants, however they can and by the end of Thursday.
“Where we can seat people at the bar safely, we’re going to seat them immediately,” said Chris Staples, director of marketing for the group.
In some cases, Staples said, the restaurant will push tables up against the bar to maximize seating. In others, to keep enough distance between the bar seats and existing tables, such as at Wong Gonzales in downtown Richmond — customers will find traditional bar seating — with 6 feet between parties.
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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