We're back from a brief hiatus and coming at you this week with three tips from guest editor Keya Wingfield designed to help you celebrate and explore this place we love to call home.
Equal parts chef, entrepreneur, instructor, and mother, Chef Keya is as dynamic as the food she creates. While her formal culinary education took place in RVA, her love and passion for food began in her hometown of Bombay, India. The reigning champion of Food Network’s “Spring Baking Championship,” Keya not only enjoys baking, but is also involved in other ventures, such as recipe development, as well as her own brand of potato chips, aptly named “Bombay Chips.” Owning her own business for almost fifteen years has given Keya a unique perspective on how food can bring people, and cultures, together. A common thread throughout everything she does is adapting the roots of her rich heritage to the world at large. While thousands have enjoyed Keya’s food, her biggest challenge to date is getting her three-year old to eat something other than Mac and Cheese.
Take it away, Keya...
Temptation Free
Tasting at Point 5
Point 5 is our city’s first stand-alone alcohol free bottle shop. They have everything you can possibly need to stock your nonalcoholic bar. I personally love nonalcoholic beverages and the options at Point 5 are phenomenal. You’ll be able to sample from Crescent Simples and Dhos Spirits at the Temptation Free Tasting Event on April 15th form 12 pm to 4 pm. I can vouch for Crescent Simples, they carry a line of simple syrups made with fresh fruit, herbs, raw sugar and no preservatives. I’m excited to get to know more about Dhos Spirits, they hand craft zero sugar, 0 to 5 calories, certified pesticide and alcohol free spirits.
Vitals:
Point 5 / 3435 W. Cary Street / Temptation Free Tasting Event --April 15 from noon to 4 pm
Welcome Spring
Garden Party
Pinky’s is one of those restaurants built with heart and love and I’m always up for supporting their events, like the Welcome Spring Garden Party on April 17th from 5 pm to 8 pm. This one in particular caught my eye because of its mission, which is to benefit Birth In Color RVA. There will be cocktails, vendors like our beloved Belle Isle Moonshine and fluffy clouds of marshmallows and desserts by Karmalitas, music by DJ Ant Boogie, and food of course to ring in spring patio season. If there is one thing we love in our city, its patio season, a crisp cool cocktail and a sundress. I’ll see you there!
Vitals:
Pinky's / 3015 Norfolk St. / Welcome Spring Garden Party -- April 17 from 5 pm to 8 pm
Elephant & Piggie
at Virginia Rep
In talking about events around town, I can’t leave out the little ones. I’ll be taking my 4 year old to this adorable vaudevillian romp called Elephant & Piggie by Virginia Rep's Children's Entertainment & Education. Written by Mo Willems, Elephant & Piggie is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the joy of putting on a play. An elephant named Gerald and a pig named Piggie solve problems, sing, make each other laugh and even teach the audience a dance known as the Flippy Floppy Floory. It’s too adorable to miss! Best for ages 3 to 7.
Vitals:
Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education / 4204 Hermitage Rd. (Previously the Scottish Rite Temple) / Elephant & Piggie's "We Are in a Play" -- April 14th through May 7th
More from Chef Keya
Food is Keya's love language and she puts her heart into everything she creates. If you'd like to follow her adventures beyond today's tips for Here Weekly, give her a follow on Instagram and check out her popular cooking channel on YouTube. Keya also offers a chance to bake with her as part of a variety of class offerings and she runs a dessert studio, formerly known as Candy Valley Cake Company, now called Keya & Co.
Happy 804 Day, Richmond! Let’s get out there and celebrate all things that make our little city by the river one of the best places to call home. Elaine Digges, a small biz hype woman always on the move, has managed to round up a list of ways you can tip your hat to the 804.“804 Day acknowledges, embraces, and celebrates Richmond,” says Elaine. “Of course, the area code encompasses much more than the River City, but this lens is focused on Richmond’s small businesses. In a time where prices are increasing, these businesses and organizations contributed their resources and more to help bring everyone together.”
Let’s go ...
Cheers to Local
Buskey Cider grew up in the 804 and created the RVA Cider in honor of our awesome city back in 2016. Fast forward to their 6th annual #804Day party at their cidery in Scott’s Addition where they plan to drop a limited release draft batch of Dry Berry Cider with Agriberry Farm. But don’t worry, classic fans, Buskey will still have their tried-and-true RVA Cider flowing too! The fun kicks off at 3 PM today. Want to do your own celebrating at home? Head to the West End to pick up the goods at Barrel Thief on Patterson Avenue today to enjoy 8% off any four bottles or more. Want to celebrate with other locals? Make your way up to Church Hill for a pitstop at The Liberty Public House for a "Locals Only" event with all locally sourced beverages and a special $8.04 cocktail list. Meanwhile, Little Mexico in the Fan is offering their El James Mule for $8.04!
Today is the day for small batch ice cream made on-site with the finest ingredients at Spoon in the Fan! Enjoy 8% off ice cream all day in celebration of 804 Day. Feel like pairing a tasty dish with a cocktail? Nearby in Carytown, Burger Bach is dishing up 50% off deals all day. Next, venture over the river to Riverside Tavern on Richmond’s southside for a special entrée + Virago Gin, made here in RVA, for just $8.04. And back downtown you’ll find food and drink specials at The Riviere for $8.04 as well!
Show your love for local by supporting Richmond based businesses like Tang & Biscuit today! This Scott’s Addition hot spot for all things fun and playful is hosting 804 Trivia Night (make a reservation ahead of time) with $8.04 half hour shuffleboard and $8.04 select pitchers. Feel like something a bit more active? Head to Square:code Fitness and use code "804DAY" for a free class at checkout! And at Basket & Bike you can blend exercise with good times by booking a downtown tour today for only $80.40.
Check out check Elaine's full list of 804 Day recommendations here. And make sure to follow her informative Instagram @miss_elaine_neous where she focuses on telling the stories of Richmond through the representation of all neighborhoods, small businesses, and local events.
Meet Chef Hamid Noori, this week’s guest editor, and owner of The Mantu and the soon-to-open The Mantu Market! Before coming to Richmond, Chef Noori was an executive chef in his native Afghanistan. In 2015, he and his family sought refuge in the U.S. amid increasing violence in his home country. When he moved to Richmond, he brought with him his lifelong dream of opening a restaurant, which came to fruition in 2019 with The Mantu, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Afghan cuisine in the modern style. Located in Carytown, The Mantu name has two meanings: the mantu dumpling, and also, “me and you,” which connects people – and Chef Noori’s story.
Since his arrival, Chef Noori has established himself as a culinary force in Richmond dining. In 2021, he made his first appearance on the Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay," and in spring 2022, he was profiled in The New York Times story, “They Fled Afghanistan for America. Now They Feed the Newest Arrivals.” Chef Noori is committed to helping other refugees coming to Virginia and the U.S. feel at home and welcome as they rebuild their lives and make a new start.
With the success of The Mantu, Chef Noori is now preparing to open The Mantu Market, a new café, bakery, and grocery in Henrico County.
This week, Chef Noori shares a few of his favorite RVA places. Take it away, Chef ...
International Rescue Committee
When I first arrived in the U.S. from Afghanistan, I connected with the International Rescue Committee, a humanitarian organization that helps refugees rebuild their lives, to help me find a job in a restaurant. That spirit of support has further inspired me to give back and help people who are in need. Through the IRC, I hired an Afghan refugee to work as a chef at The Mantu, and I’ve helped make and deliver meals to newly arrived immigrants. I encourage anyone to learn more about the IRC, meet people rebuilding their lives, and support their good work as a volunteer.
On Mondays, which is my day off, I usually go with my wife and kids to a local Indian restaurant on West Broad Street called Junoon Indian Cuisine, which has everything from eggplant masala and shrimp tandoori to coconut curry to North Indian-style biryani — so many delicious dishes to choose from. It’s a quiet place that’s great for families, and I love to support local, family-owned businesses that dedicate themselves to serving their authentic cuisines. Fortunately, Junoon is just down the street from The Mantu Market, so they might see me there more often!
My family and I also support the volunteer services of the local Ismaili Muslim community through the Ismaili CIVIC, whether that’s beautification work around the community or collecting food, donations, and supplies for new Afghan refugees resettling in Richmond. It’s in Afghan culture to serve people, and that’s what guides me, whether that’s at my restaurant or with the IRC or Ismaili CIVIC. I feel proud when I serve people, especially those from my homeland.
Coming this August, The Mantu Market will open its doors at 7510 W. Broad St. Get ready for authentically-made Afghani bread by Chef Norri plus grab-and-go Afghani dishes like kabobs, shawarma and chicken rolls. The Mantu Market will also offer a grocery area and a bakery!
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