Weekly Food News: Casa Del Barco heads west, Anchor Bar announces opening date, Valentine’s pops and more

Casa Del Barco sets sail for Short Pump

The Boathouse Group is continuing to grow their local restaurant empire with yet another Richmond area location. The group’s Mexican concept Casa Del Barco, which has a location downtown, is dropping anchor at Short Pump Town Center later this year. The restaurant will replace Tara Thai, one of the mall’s original restaurants, which closed last month. The 8,400-square-foot space will offer a similar menu as the downtown location, but with some new additions–along with over 200 tequilas and mezcals.

We’ve got all the details and a rendering of the exterior here.

Anchor Bar announces opening date

Anchor Bar at Stony Point Fashion Park will open its doors to the public on Saturday, February 18th, it was announced Wednesday. The original restaurant, located in downtown Buffalo, New York, first opened its doors in 1935 and–legend has it–invented the very first chicken wing in 1964. The Stony Point location is the first to open in the U.S. outside of New York. “I’ve wanted to break into the restaurant business for a while now, but I knew it had to be the right concept for Richmond,” said David Allred, franchise owner of the Anchor Bar in Richmond, in a news release. “We’re thrilled to be bringing something new to Richmond and we’re excited to be a part of the redevelopment at Stony Point.” Anchor Bar has filled about half of its positions but is still looking to hire approximately 70 more people for the new restaurant.

Check out the full menu here.

Where to get your Super Bowl wing fix around town

Speaking of wings, the Super Bowl is upon us, and that means millions of folks will watch the Patriots and Falcons duke it out, but it also means there are lots of watch parties and food to be had around town! Lots of restaurants are offering wing and bucket specials, and lucky for you, Robey Martin of Richmond Magazine has narrowed down the list to some of Richmond’s favorites. I saw her conduct the research for this article, and I can assure you of two things. One, these are definitely some of the best spots in town; two, folks sure are opinionated about their chicken wings! I’d add two to her list though–I think the wings al pastor at En Su Boca and really any flavor at Mojo’s Philadeli are some of the very best in town, personally.

Check out the full article here.

King Of Pops offers Valentine’s Day pop-making class

Learn more and purchase tickets online here.

Black Market Barbecue set to open on Robinson in The Fan

Been curious about that little spot on the corner of Robinson and Floyd next to Commercial Taphouse like I have? I walk my dogs past it every morning and I may or may not have tried to peek into the brown paper-covered windows to get a look at what’s shaping up inside. Well, wonder no more! Stephanie Breijo, writing for Richmond Magazine, has all the slow-roasted details on the barbecue, beer, wine, and–the most dangerous thing to be located steps from my home–”heart-stopping mac and cheese.” Be still my heart. Literally.

Read on here.

Give your heart a break at Saadia’s Juicebox

If you’ve had a bit too much of the aforementioned mac and cheese, you might want to make like Demi Levato and give your heart a break (sorry–I’ll see myself out now) and head to Jackson Ward. That’s where you’ll find Saadia’s Juicebox. It’s one part yoga studio, one part juice bar. Owner Saadia Yasmin’s spot on N. Second Street serves up a variety of juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and something called “wellness shots” (you mean tequila doesn’t count?!). There are also baked goods and more.

Shape up and read more from Stephanie Breijo here.