Home is more than four walls and roof. Home is a door opening to you, your family, your pets, your lifestyle, your neighborhood, your community, your city. It’s all encompassing on so many levels.
Slimming Down RVA
Eating healthy in RVA was never so easy. We have everything from Vegan to Mediterranean cuisine readily available to help you get that Summer bod in check!
Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux | Kismet Modern Kitchen
Yes, it’s true, we have some amazing restaurants here and the number is growing. We also have Operation Summer Bod Health Journey initiating amongst our denizens. So although, I really want to indulge in our A-Class bakeries and hear the crunch of Southern fried chicken, I’m on the hunt for some healthier options.
Kismet modern Kitchen
This newly installed amazingness is nothing short of tantalizing flavors and fresh plates. Portion control may be a little harder here.
Little Nickel
Little Nickel has the biggest and some of the best salads. They are crisp and light and you can add healthy protein options.
Cava | Mezeh | Roots Natural Kitchen
I’m lumping these three together because although, different flavors same concept. If you want delicious, quick, healthy bowls, i love these spots who have various locations in RVA.
North End Juice Company
I cannot say enough good things about this little gem. Organic and whole foods splendidly made.
Fresca on Addison
This sweet place has been in RVA for quite sometime and has always been a great dining option for those looking for a tasty vegetarian or vegan dish.
Fighting Fish
You can’t go wrong with eating Japanese food. You won’t be disappointed with the sushi and dishes at Fighting Fish.
Jannat Indian Cuisine
I don’t know about you, but I get real tired of salads when I’m trying to be lose weight or be healthier. Indian food is one of the healthiest cuisines and probably the tastiest!
Any Way You Slice It
No matter how you slice it, we will be celebrating #NationalPizzaMonth with these local pizza joints!
Photo by: Jo Ann L Breaux | Crozet Pizza
Having lived in New York for some time, you really do get to know your pie joints. There’s the I’m going to wait in line for an hour or two place and there’s the it’s 3am, my heels are killing me, I’m drunk and I just want a slice. One of my favorite images in Williamsburg, NY was watching the late night crowd sit on the curb and devour their piping hot slices from Anna Maria’s on Bedford.
A good slice should entail the following:
Handheld Capability
Fresh Ingredients, no I do not think Pineapple belongs on pizza. Canada, we love you, but you really messed this up.
A Solid Sauce, not too sweet and not too salty
A Perfect Crust, maybe a little char on there, but definitely omitting any cardboard like quality
Cheese, for the love of all that is holy, cheese but create ribbons of melty goodness from the pie to your mouth
We here in RVA have an abundance of pizza joints worth checking out and to satisfy all tastes, from Chicago to NY style, we’ve got it! So thank you Italy for taking the Chinese invention and bringing it to what it is today—the most perfect food on Earth. To celebrate #NationalPizzaMonth, I give you my faves in the city and yes, I know there are more to mention, but these are my most frequently and loved in the city.
The Hills Have It
I have dreams of Mama Zu. I miss ordering white pizza there. I miss the grit and the overwhelming smell of garlic. I can’t think about it too much or else I will begin shedding tears over the loss of my favorite culinary delight in Richmond. Thank goodness for the Italians of RVA who created these pies of delights.
8 1/2 | The Fan | Church Hill
My hands down favorite pie in RVA. The fresh ingredients alone tantalizes the taste buds. I love grabbing this za and sitting in Scuffletown Park wolfing it down.
Dinamo | Oregon Hill
The former Mama Zu’s sweet lil cousin site, it’s no surprise they have knock your socks off pizza. Fresh and perfect and enjoyed in a quaint and warm environment.
Galley Kitchen | Stratford Hills
Not of the Mama Zu family, but of another established RVA restaurant family, Galley has some of the best pizzas I’ve ever experienced. Thanks to the talents of Giustino Riccio for bringing his masterpiece pizzas to the neighborhood diner. The Fennel and Sausage is a must have!
Pizza and Beer Have No Fear
Nothing makes a greater combo than beer and pizza and I have these places I enjoy for this.
The Hop Craft Pizza and Beer | The Fan
I love the pizza here and it’s just a bonus that they have a craft brew market adjoined to the dining area. Try the Pickleback, so good! Unique options and if you’re not feeling pizza, get their meatballs to go and add it to your favorite pasta.
PBR | The Fan | Mechanicsville
I like this place for its Fan location for the patio and to be honest the pizza is pretty solid. Sometimes I get tired of the whole “personal” pizza schtick, but if you are with a group, this place is fantastic.
Triple Crossing Beer | Fulton
I think sometimes simple is best. A good woodfire pizza at a brewery is a perfectly simplistic and go to combo. I love their pizzas a lot.
The Only Living Pizza (s) in RVA
I love New York Style pizza and it has to be foldable goodness where you need extra napkins to soak up the puddles of grease collected.
Jo-Jo’s Pizza | Downtown | Midlothian
How could I not love a pizza joint with my name? This is where I go when I’m craving The City. Their lunch special is where it’s at: 2 slices and one bevvy for about $10 (I remember when it was $6). Midlo location is open til 9pm and downtown is unfortunately just until 3pm. I love how they operate like in new york, even implementing the “NEXT!” prompt. A pizza worth a NY attitude.
Zorch Pizza | Carytown
Food truck turned brick and mortar, Zorch satisfies the New York pizza yearnings, but also tantalises your tastebuds. Fresh ingredients and Vegan pies are available!
Benny Ventano’s | The Fan
One slice will do ya, but if you are feeding an army, one pie could do the same at Benny’s. 28” of slathery goodness.
The Late Night
I don’t know about you, but there is nothing worse than having a night on the town with your friends and then the immense hunger portion of the night hits you like a ton of bricks. It’s hard enough finding food after 10 here, but finding the perfect slice won’t be as challenging.
Patrick Henry Pub & Grill | Church Hill
While you are waiting for James to make you a drink, order a thin crust personal pizza here. It’s an unsuspecting spot to enjoy a pie, but it is actually incredibly good and satisfying.
The Veteran
Mary Angela’s | Carytown
Institution, Mary Angela’s comforts me with futbol and New York style pizza and is reminiscent of my college years at VCU.
The Comfort Za
You have those days that are just lazy. You want to binge on stream and not get out of those jammies type of day? These are my go to convenient and easy spots.
Christian’s | The Fan | West End
if you can deal with the starving VCU students at the Fan location, you will get a pizza that is very tasty. Only comes in one size but you can bet they’ll be leftovers for a day or two. I love this place for the convenience, slices, and overall goodness.
Belmont Pizza | The Fan
Belmont has been a consistently great place to get a pie, nothing fancy, just simplistic delivery/pickup goodness.
To Top It Off!
A pizza is only as good as its ingredients.
Hot for Pizza | Carver
I would not expect anything less from the boys at Cobra Cabana, the novelty alone is reason to delve into this pie heaven. If you are looking for unique pizzas with flare or some great Vegan options, this is the spot. The variety of toppings and crust is enticing, my only complaint is—$6 toppings are a bit much.
A Day in the Slice
Crozet Pizza | Crozet, VA
One of my favorite things to do in the Fall is go apple picking at Chiles Peach Orchard and Farm Market in Crozet, VA. We then go over to Starr Hill and have some brews and finally we go to the best pizza spot, Crozet Pizza. I cannot say enough great things about this place. The pizza is consistently knockout good and the service is excellent. It is the perfect end to a perfect day in Crozet. Sure, you have to travel an hour and fifteen, but man is it worth the experience.
What’s Your Favorite Slice?
Celebrating National Brunch Month
Celebrating National Brunch Month in RVA!
Brunch is probably my favorite meal of the day. To be honest, I can do brunch any time, any day, any week. Sometimes I want to just wake up with a tub of coffee and not eat until I’m hangry, which is around 10:30am. I used to miss Saturday New York brunches, and don’t get me wrong, I still do, but it’s nice that I can get one now in RVA. Heritage was the best Brunch I’ve had in town and I hope it comes back, until then, check out these ten choice spots:
NOTE: All photos were taken from their respective restaurant sites.
SB’s Lakeside Loveshack
Now with two locations (Lakeside & The Fan), this RVA spot is the jam (yes they serve that too). It’s kid friendly, the staff is excellent and the food hits the right spots, and the best theme ever.
Millie’s Diner
Opened Wed-Sunday, this RVA institution ranks high on everyone’s list. Be prepared to wait your turn, but the result is pure delight. Millie’s never disappoints when it comes to their brunch items or their daily specials (the biscuits and gravy are divine).
821 Cafe
If I want to feel at home, I go to 821 where I know everyone is going to treat me and my family well. This is my hangover cure brunch spot and they make a decent Bloody Mary. I also like that they have plentiful Vegetarian/Vegan options.
Kuba Kuba
You want something that is going to make you feel all warm and fuzzy? Kuba Kuba has one of the best brunches in RVA. The Roast Pork Omelet is on point and the portions here are plentiful. Pair it up with a Cafe con Leche and leave room for the Tres Leches, you’ll be rolled out accordingly.
Helen’s
Another RVA fave, Helen’s brunch is perfect and if you’re lucky to sit outside the people watching doesn’t disappoint (Hello, Walk-of-shamers!). Simple, Southern, and Delicious!
Partarre
This little hidden gem is a delight. Don’t want to stand at Perly’s? Check out this nestled yumfest at the Linden Row Inn. Get you a seat outside and enjoy the quaint and tranquil environment. The food is also delectable.
The Jefferson Champagne Brunch
Looking for something a bit more extravagant? You gotta do it at least once, if you can get a reservation. Perfect for moms and special occasions, this is a fun treat with a beautiful setting. Love their waffle station and so much to choose from!
Metzger Bar & Butchery
I have nothing but good things to say about Metzger. If you want to up your brunch game, this is the place to be. You are guaranteed to not only have a superb brunchtail, but you will not be disappointed by the brunchfare served here. So good.
Lunch.Supper.
I’m thankful I can still get brunch at lunch or supper. This place has always been a favorite of mine. I’ve always been a fan of their breakfast sandwich. The staff has always been kind and I love their Bloody Mary’s. Grab a seat outside and it can be a quite pleasant brunch spot. Afterwards, you can tour Scott’s Addition’s breweries.
THE CONTINENTAL
Give me that Limeaid! Lots of options and kid friendly, I love the old school vibe here. I’ve never had a bad brunch here and the food is great!
Who’s Your Daddy
Famous TV dads explore RVA…
Photo by: Jo Ann L. Breaux
I miss my dad. This past year was rough not doing our usual visit with each other. He resides in a very small town in Louisiana, and it isn’t always the easiest jaunt. I’m thankful for one thing during Covid, it brought me closer to my distanced family. I began a routine of calling them whilst I walked, which made me a) walk longer and b) really concentrate on having a conversation with them. I think once normalcy resumes in some capacity, we will be seeing more and more family gatherings especially with our families who live afar.
One of the things I love about our city is diversity in activity. No matter what you’re into, whether you’re a sporty dad or an artsy one, there’s something for every Father here. I decided to check out what our TV dads would do in RVA for their special day! (Click to enlarge)
