Short Pump, VA October 2023

Welcome to the Food and Drink Issue, Short Pump!

October is upon us, and fall brings cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, wonderful campfires, and family traditions as we prepare for the upcoming holidays! Time seems to fly faster. I know that with my son now 19 years old, it looks like we’re at warp speed! Lately, I’ve enjoyed taking time to slow down and be present for myself and others. I recommend others do the same. This time of year is refreshing, crisp, and colorful!

Speaking of slowing down and enjoying the senses, we’re excited to bring you this year’s Food and Drink issue! Our entire staff had much fun creating and experiencing those in the community whose passion for culinary arts provides peak experiences for us right here in RVA and beyond! From hometown cakery delights to wine pairing and tasting experiences, we hope you will find these features motivating you to go and support your local community and enjoy a day trip or two to boot!

As always, we’re so grateful to you for allowing us into your homes each month, and we hope you’ll stay encouraged and inspired as we continue to be a community that is a delectable representation of hope and promise! Cheers!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Joanna Tannenbaum

joanna.tannenbaum@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Steven Casupanan | steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com

Ashley Sill | ashley.sill@citylifestyle.com

Jamie Aguilar | jamie.aguilar@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS

Naylor Taliaferro | lcrmediallc@gmail.com

Matt Polson | matt@thevideodepartmentrva.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nia Negrette Photography, Philip Andrews Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

AARON SWART, PUBLISHER

@SHORTPUMPCITYLIFESTYLE

Award-Winning Dog Training in the Richmond Metro Area

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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Say goodbye to generic diets and stressful fitness plans!

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A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Maymont Introduces Out-of-School Day Camps

In September, Maymont introduced a new option for Richmond families seeking after-school programs for their children when school is out of session. Out-of-School Day Camps operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with children participating in activities such as scavenger hunts, animal encounters, nature and history walks, and interacting with animal keepers. The camps are led by Maymont’s experienced educators and staff, trained in first aid and CPR.  Limited spaces are available for each grade level. maymont.org

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Ashton Creek Vineyard Opens Club Riverside

Last month, Ashton Creek Vineyard opened its sister location Club Riverside in Sutherland. The exclusive club is open to all Ashton Creek Wine Club members and has amenities such as a lakefront beach, paddle boats, kayaks, a climate-controlled tasting room, and award-winning wine. Club members are permitted to bring an unlimited amount of guests. ashtoncreekvineyard.com

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Genworth’s Broad Street Campus Under Contract with Greenberg Gibbons

After a Request for Proposals in 2021, Genworth Financial is finally under contract to sell its corporate campus in Henrico County to Greenberg Gibbon. A Baltimorebased developer and real estate investment firm, Greenberg Gibbons has not yet revealed its plans for the office complex or when the deal is expected to close.

Food Truck Park Begins Operations at the Former Innsbrook After Hours Location

Last month, The Glades, a four-acre food truck park, began operations at the former Innsbrook After Hours property at 4901 Lake Brook Drive. The park intends to feature twenty food trucks and covered seating for guests. Eventually, The Glades is expected to expand over time with plans to add a dog park and a kids’ play area and host events like farmers’ markets, art exhibitions, and live music. the-glades.com

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame To Host 2024 Induction in Henrico County

The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame will host its 2024 Induction Weekend events at Henrico County’s new Sports & Events Center on April 19 and 20, 2024.  The 2024 Induction events will include a Sponsor Welcome

Reception on Friday, April 19, Breakfast with Champions the morning of Saturday, April 20, and the 2024 Hall of Fame Reception and Induction Ceremony later that evening. The Hall of Fame’s Screening and Honors Court Committees will review open nominations and select the new class of inductees by late November.

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Pickleball Courts Coming to Pouncey Tract Park

In September, site work began for a 12-court pickleball complex at Pouncey Tract Park in western Henrico County. Set to include two championship courts, covered spectator seating, and LED sports lighting, the complex is located north of the Short Pump Middle School track. The project is expected to finish in June 2024. henrico.us

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Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ShortPump

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Our community is brimming with incredible food and drinks to indulge in and we’ve selected some of our picks that you must experience for yourself. Bon appetit and cheers!

Our Picks for Foods to Feast On

MCCORMACK'S BIG WHISKY GRILL: Named one of the Best Bourbon Bars in America by The Bourbon Review, don't sleep on the food here. They have one of the best ribeye steaks in town! 1420 North Parham Road, Richmond

CAMEO CAKERY AND CAFE: Our go-to place to grab our favorite cupcakes, savory cake, charcuterie spread, wine, beer, and so much more. Their signature Chocolate Salted Caramel cupcake with Heath is an absolute musthave! 306 Libbie Avenue, Richmond

RVA BIG MARKET: Shop local produce, handmade goods, and more at Bryan Park every Saturday! 4308 Hermitage Road, Richmond

RED SALT CHOPHOUSE & SUSHI: We love snagging the lunch bento boxes here at GreenGate. Our favorite appetizers include Yellowtail Ceviche and Tuna Tartare. 12221 West Broad Street, Henrico

YAYAS COOKBOOK: Come here for authentic Thai-forward Asian fusion cuisine paired with some pretty amazing cocktails. Our top selections include the Miss Me Mexico cocktail and the Bulgogi Beef appetizer! 11674 West Broad Street, Henrico

A Richmond native, Steven grew up in the Midlothian area and graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in IT—GO HOKIES!! By day (and sometimes night), he is a data conversion manager in healthcare IT, working on large-scale implementations nationwide. Additionally, he is a co-founder and Vice President of what started as a local nonprofit serving those with muscular dystrophy now impacting those with a neuromuscular disease across the United States. If this isn’t enough to keep him busy, Steven is a dog dad, uncle to four nephews, a foodie, and enjoys the impromptu getaway to some domestic or international destination—beach vibes, mountains, snowboarding, desert, river/lake life—bring it on!

Airington Law is the proud sponsor of the 2023 Hike For Kids. Join us as we support the Blue Sky Fund in its mission to provide transformational experiences for Richmond area youth through outdoor education. Hike for Kids is our largest fundraising event supporting our programming. We invite our community from the Richmond metro area, along with Blue Sky Fund supporters across the country, to participate and fundraise for Blue Sky.

SWEET AND SAVORY

Cameo Cakery and Café is Richmond’s Premier Spot for Decadent Desserts and Flavorful Dishes

The atmosphere is comfortable and ornate, and the colossal cupcakes are aplenty. With frothy lattes and flaky croissants to jumpstart the day and flavorful savory cakes like bacon and roasted tomato paired with a cocktail to end the evening, Cameo Cakery and Café is a sweet, tranquil spot amid Richmond, perfect for a casual lunch, a cozy date night, or brunch with friends. Having recently celebrated its second anniversary last month, Cameo Cakery caught up with  Midlothian Lifestyle and  Short Pump City Lifestyle on what’s current and in store for 2024.

Owner Christina Miller excitedly shares, “We will be expanding sometime late this year and early next year, but the details are currently top secret!” With a new general manager and four full-time bakers and decorators having joined the team, Christina incorporated gluten free and vegan pizzas and cheesecakes to her exclusive menu this year. Additionally, she added live jazz music every other Friday to provide customers with upbeat yet soothing sounds for the perfect way to end the work week.

Fall is a treasured time for food and food lovers, and Cameo certainly delivers. From pumpkin spice and chai lattes to specialty cupcakes like maple bacon, chocolate bourbon pecan, pumpkin spice, and apple chai, Cameo is the ultimate place to achieve those comfy fall vibes against a seasonally decorated setting.  Enjoy Cameo daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday – Tuesday and 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, located at 306 Libbie Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23226. cameocakery.com

“Cameo is absolutely one of my favorite bakeries! I recommend keeping an eye out on their social media for daily and weekly specials. If they offer their carrot cake, banana cream, or cookie dough flavor, make sure you run to grab them! You can easily order online if you would like to grab some sweets ahead of time; they also have pizzas, savory croissants, savory cakes, and more. The bakery is so cute and colorful!” – Casey S.

Ruby Scoops is located in Northside Richmond and creates handcrafted ice cream and non dairy frozen desserts, owned by Food Network’s “Clash of the Cones” winner Rabia Kamara

“This Virginia Ice Cream Shop is worth planning a trip around. Really.“

-Food & Wine

Using locally sourced ingredients for the finest, richest ice creams, sorbets, sherbets, and baked goods.

MEET ME IN MIDDLEBURG

Virginia’s Countryside Destination for Lavish Resorts and Premium Vineyards

ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY

Middleburg, Virginia, nestled against the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains fifty miles from Washington, D.C., is a picturesque town rich in local art, historical landmarks, equine events, and boutique shopping. With rolling hills and farmland in abundance, it is no wonder Middleburg is also known for its exquisite vineyards and fine eateries. City Lifestyle staff Aaron Swart, Steven Casupanan, and Joanna Tannenbaum, with her husband Brian, invited  Midlothian Lifestyle partner Larry King and his wife Mary for a weekend getaway to experience the best Middleburg has to offer with a private wine tasting at the exclusive RdV Vineyards and lunch at the Gold Cup Wine Bar at the elegant Salamander Middleburg. CONTINUED >

The first stop on their adventure was the gorgeous RdV Vineyards. Winemaker Joshua Grainer, a New Kent native and managing director at the vineyard, invited City Lifestyle to introduce RdV to local Richmonders. Just two and a half hours away, the vineyard is a secret destination not many Richmonders know about. "The property was absolutely stunning from entering through the front gates, driving up to their signature white silo, and taking in the manicured landscaping," says Steven. "It's like we entered a whole new world— truly a hidden gem in Virginia!" RdV's hospitality director, friendly and wine-savvy Karl Kuhn, welcomed all with a glass of champagne and steered everyone outdoors to begin a private tour of the vineyards, starting with the sixteen acres of vines on the hill.

Karl first explained how Rutger de Vink found the perfect site for his vineyard. After five years of exploring destinations along the East and West Coasts of America, Rutger settled on a distinct hillside made of granite near the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. “Granite gives us incredible drainage. This soil is horrible for agriculture; nothing will grow there, but it is perfect for vines because you want to restrict their water,” Karl explained. “You want the vines to be stressed out, so they shut down and focus on a sweet inner berry; therefore, we can make a great wine out of it.”

Next on the tour, Karl guided everyone inside and showed a large display of photos showcasing the vineyard building. After walking downstairs toward the caves, Karl pointed out samples of granite. Because Rutger believed granite would be the key to great wine, he took core samples before purchasing the property, which now hang on the wall to show visitors how granite varies from the topsoil to the bedrock and 36 feet down. Karl rounded the corner and brought the group into the "heart of the winery," where the bulk of the work happens. After vineyard workers handpick the grapes, the fruit is brought to the large metal vats to ferment and macerate into wine.

Cool temperatures and dimly lit tunnels lined with wine-filled oak barrels led guests to a dark room where the wine rests for three years: two years in the barrel, one year in the bottle. To illustrate the timeline from grape to wine, Karl explained how Rutger purchased the property in 2003, workers picked the first grapes in 2008, and RdV sold its first bottle in 2011! The group walked to the end of the tunnel, where they found themselves upon a granite wall. "I loved the rock display, showing the graduation of granite and how the drainage system worked with the grape vines' root systems amidst the rock," Aaron says. "I enjoyed learning

about the incredible cellar and aging process, where we had another unexpected and delightful tasting!"

Karl showed the group the bottling machine, stating it could produce 30,000 bottles of wine in 30 hours! When it comes to the creative labels, Rutgers great-grandfather unknowingly designed them. Vink means finch in Dutch. "Rutger's great-grandfather had a sketch in one of his journals, and we think he wanted to use it for a family crest back in the day, but it never came to fruition," Karl said. "And we decided to use it for the labels." The finch on the left-hand side faces backward to reflect the past, and the other two birds face forward to highlight the progress and direction of RdV Vineyards.

After a quick visit to a room lined wall-to-wall with vintage wines worldwide, the group enjoyed a vertical flight of three red wines and a handcrafted charcuterie and cheese board with seasonal items. The tasting ended shortly after with pleasant conversation and delectable wines and snacks, but not before Karl gifted everyone a bottle of honey from the vineyard's hives! "Karl was great! Very informative, friendly, and hospitable while being very responsive to everyone's questions," Brian says.

A quick thirty-minute drive is all it took to reach Salamander Middleburg’s resort of "pure magic and majestic grounds," as Aaron describes it. With 25 acres dedicated to horse riding, the charming and exquisite resort features 168 guestrooms with scenic views of the gorgeous countryside. With activities such as zip lining, tennis, nature hikes, and archery available, there is never a dull moment at the Salamander. Additionally, health and wellness are top priorities for guests, and the Salamander offers an expansive spa with fourteen treatment rooms and a private outdoor courtyard, complete with a heated pool!

The City Lifestyle group was lucky to experience the refined and marvelous setting and cuisine of Gold Cup Wine Bar in the resort. The restaurant presented an exceptional lineup to suit everyone's tastes, from savory appetizers and tasty beverages to fulfilling mains and delicious desserts. Steven started with a smokey .37 Special cocktail accompanied by Braised PEI Mussels, Bistecca Y Chorizo, and sushi. He finished with Gold Cup's signature dessert, a slice of Salamander Cake, and what a treat it was! "Not too sweet, well-balanced, backed with a crunch and flavors of pumpkin chocolate chip cake, dark chocolate devil's food cake, cream cheese buttercream, and candied hazelnut crunch texture made it simply the best," Steven says.

"The Gold Cup Wine Bar was classic and rustic, and the drinks were top shelf!" Aaron says. "My favorite

drink of the day was the Ice Dragon, a wonderful, refreshing cocktail, and the signature cake- holy cow—what a tower of delight!" Brian tried the Chapel Hill Farm Meatballs. “As a New Yorker well-versed in Italian fare, the meatballs were truly exceptional,” he claims After the meatballs, he ordered the Salamander Smash Burger, handcrafted with quality beef, Tillamook cheddar, and special sauce, stacked between a fresh brioche bun. "The burger was superior, packed with flavor, and cooked to a flawless medium," Brian says. As for Mary, she appreciated all the appetizers accompanied by a glass of smooth red wine, and her steak was cooked to perfection.

After lunch, the group strolled around the resort and grounds, taking in all its grandeur. "I enjoyed walking around and looking at all the different style rooms," Larry says. "Outside, every bush was perfectly cut, and the landscape was well maintained." Aaron adds, "The grounds were majestic, and the main house filled with splendid decor and lavish furniture. One can tell that this was a place of timelessness- the art and the grandeur beckoned my curiosity, for sure."

As City Lifestyle's weekend getaway to Middleburg ended, the group agreed they had a wonderful experience. "I learned a lot and will be back; it's a great little town close by," Larry says. "The tour at RdV and lunch at Gold Cup Wine Bar were complementary to one another," Brian says, "creating the ultimate weekend getaway." To experience a magical getaway close to home, reserve a private wine tasting at RdV Vineyard and an overnight stay at the luxurious Salamander Middleburg. Visit  rdvvineyards.com and salamanderresort.com

RdV Vineyards

2550 Delaplane Grade Road

Delaplane, Virginia 20144

(540) 364-0221

Salamander Middleburg

500 North Pendleton Street

Middleburg, Virginia 20117

(540) 326-4000

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER 4TH

National Hispanic Heritage Month Film Festival

TWIN HICKORY AREA LIBRARY | 6:30 PM

Celebrate National Hispanic heritage month with a special viewing of 2013’s  Bless Me, Ultima (rated PG-13), a turbulent coming-of-age story about a young boy growing up in New Mexico during World War II and based on author Rudolfo Anaya’s novel of the same name. For adult audiences, meet in the TW Meeting Room. Till 9:00 p.m. henricolibrary.org

OCTOBER 13TH

Nu-Blu Bluegrass Artists

HENRICO THEATRE | 7:00 PM

Listen to the music of Nu-Blu, a lively and entertaining Americana-bluegrass band with a traditional, yet innovative sound that delivers a fresh sparkle to contemporary acoustic music. bandsintown.com

OCTOBER 14TH

Richmond Water Lantern Festival

CRUMP PARK | 4:00 PM

Experience the magic and soft lights of the Water Lantern Festival. This is a ticketed event, and each adult ticket comes with a wristband for entry into the festival area with access to food trucks, a floating lantern kit, an LED candle, a commemorative drawstring bag, a marker, and conversation cards. Till 8:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. waterlanternfestival.com

OCTOBER 15TH

Frozen

ALTRIA THEATER | 1:00 PM

Frozen, the Tony-nominated Best Musical, is on tour across North America and at Altria Theater! Featuring songs from the original Oscar-winning Disney film and new musical scores, this is a memorable theatrical experience filled with impressive special effects, beautiful sets and costumes, and outstanding performances. Purchase tickets online at: etix.com

OCTOBER 15TH

“BAKED” 1st Annual Dessert Festival

DOREY PARK AND RECREATION CENTER | 2:00 PM

Check out this sweet festival new to Richmond with dessert vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly fun! Till 6:00 p.m. Admission is FREE. Reserve a spot online. eventbrite.com

OCTOBER 16TH

Digitize Your Photos and Home Movies

TUCKAHOE AREA LIBRARY | 2:00 PM

With instructions on using the photo scanner and VHS cassette converter, learn how to preserve photos and old home movies by digitizing them in the library’s Digital Media Lab. In the TU Digital Meeting Lab till 3:30 p.m. Must register online. henricolibrary.org

Is Your Outdoor Furniture Ready for the Fall?

Suzy Sno is an homage to New Orleans style snowballs. Unlike a snow cone, the ice of a snowball is fine and fluffy like freshly fallen snow. All of our snowballs are made in-house with organic sugar and come in over 60 flavors!

OCTOBER 20TH-21ST

Garden Glow MAYMONT

Maymont’s sixth annual Garden Glow is back and better than ever from October 19th - November 12th! Luminating lighting will transform the historic grounds into an unforgettable experience with a walking tour, cozy fire pits in the Glow Village, and refreshments from the Glow Bar. maymont.org

Richmond Oktoberfest

FARM BUREAU CENTER AT THE MEADOW EVENT PARK | 6:00 PM FRIDAY, 3:00 PM SATURDAY

Come to the 53rd Annual Richmond Oktoberfest at its new location this year! Die Lustigen Almdudlers, The ACCA Sauerkraut Band, The Hirschjaeger Bavarian Dancers, and Dan Smith provide live entertainment. Various German beers, wines, and food are available for purchase. Till 11:00 p.m.  $12.00 ticket fee for seniors 65+, military, and college students. The ticket price for all others is $15.00. Children 15 and younger are free. richmondoktoberfestinc.com

OCTOBER 20TH-22ND

Richmond Tattoo, Art, and Music Festival

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL RICHMOND - MIDLOTHIAN

Join the fun and connect with like-minded individuals at The Richmond Tattoo & Arts Festival. Showcasing tattoo art and artists from around the world, this festival is a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and community. Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.; Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.; and Sunday, 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. DRIPBaR will be on-site on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased online. richmondtattooconvention.com

OCTOBER 21ST

Plant Native! Festival

MEADOW FARM MUSEUM AT CRUMP PARK | 10:00 AM

Celebrate the benefits of native plants with a special emphasis on  Fall is for Planting. Vendors include A Wise Gardener, Davis Natives, Good Seed Natives, Greenwitch Gardens and Native Plants, Parallel Nursery, and RVA Homegrown Natives. Nancy Lawson, author of  The Humane Gardener and  Wildscape, will speak at 2:30 p.m. henrico.us

OCTOBER 21ST-22ND

Rassawek Autumn Festival

RASSAWEK VINEYARDS | 10:00 AM

The Rassawek Autumn Festival is a non-profit event highlighting trade skills and vocational work. The vineyard partners with local companies to provide onsite demonstrations of trade work, craftsmanship, and insight into a vocational career. The proceeds from this event go towards Vocational Education. Till 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online. rassawek.com

OCTOBER 27TH-29TH

Yoga Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains

WALDEN HALL

Join Guiding Tree Yoga for a weekend retreat at Walden Hall by Lightwell in Reva, VA. Rest and relax with Reiki, Yoga, and Community on the property’s 10 acres with luxury accommodations. There are various pricing options from $500 - $1200/person depending on the level of privacy you desire and whether you are traveling with a friend or partner. Please email Caleighyoga@gmail.com to inquire. guidingtreeyoga.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ShortPump