WPA Bakery opens, so does Proper Pie Co., and Hardywood releases its Gingerbread Stout

A popular chef and TV personality is heading to town, two new pie-related businesses have popped up, plus a local culinary powerhouse forms to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

November 15, 2012; 9:36 AM • by RVANews staff

Anthony Bourdain will speak in Richmond at the Landmark Theater on April 23rd, 2013 as part of his Guts & Glory tour. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10:00 AM. Dining is one of our best hobbies in RVA, so when a foodie of this caliber comes to town we all get our autograph books out and ready. Strawberry Street Cafe was chosen as the official caterers by the producers of Bourdain’s tour. The producers analyze the dining scene in each city, and choose the official restaurant partner, using the following criteria:

Zagat ratings
Community involvement
Active online and with social media
Is the restaurant an active promotional partner with both venue and community?

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According to Church Hill People’s News, Proper Pie Co. is officially open! The long awaited savory pie place has opened its doors at 2505 E. Broad Street. The official hours are:

Wednesday – Saturday • 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday • 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

However, according to co-owner Nikki Price, the store will be operating on a restricted schedule as the store gets its feet on the ground. For the next few weeks, the hours will be:

Wednesday – Sunday • 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Mondays and Tuesdays • CLOSED

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If the music on Lite98 is any indication, the holiday season is upon us and two wonderful things happen(ed) this week that scream TIS THE SEASON:

1) WPA Bakery opened on Wednesday in Church Hill, and nothing says happy holidays quite like a delectable baked good. The bakery is co-owned by David Rohrer and Kendra Feather (the latter, owner of Ipanema, Garnett’s, and The Roosevelt). The two set up the spot as a place to grab a quick morning pastry and coffee, or make a day out of eating as many cakes and pies as humanly possible. They are open seven days a week from 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM at 2707 W. Marshall Street. Gluten free and vegan options are available.

2) This Saturday, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery will release its Gingerbread Stout. This beer earned a 100 in Beer Advocate magazine last year and took home a bronze medal at the 2012 World Beer Cup. Both of these are extremely impressive accomplishments and two more reasons why you should come out to sample and then stock up on this holiday brew. Bottle and merchandise sales go from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 17th with the tasting room opening at 2:00 PM. Take note: last call is at 8:45 PM.

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Some of Richmond’s own restaurateurs are teaming up to help in the Sandy relief efforts on Monday, November 19th. Chefs Tim Bereika of Secco, Owen Lane of the Magpie, Winburn Carmack, formerly of McCrady’s, and recent addition Lee Gregory of The Roosevelt will team up in Heritage’s kitchen with their head chef Joe Sparatta to prepare a five course menu for one night only. Heritage’s acclaimed bartender, Mattias Hägglund, will team up with T Leggett from the Roosevelt to pair cocktails with each course. Tickets are $75 per person with 100% of the proceeds going to the Stephen Siller Foundation to help those in need. Dinner will be served between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. Reservations can be made by calling Heritage at 804.353.4060 or visiting their website.

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We’ve been counting down the days until the opening of Rappahannock, the Richmond restaurant brought to you by the people behind Rappahannock River Oysters. According to Richmond.com, it’s soon: Friday, December 7th. The restaurant will feature two shucking stations, 12 beers on tap, prosecco on tap, and judging from the food samples we’ve had from Chef Dylan Fultineer, diners are in for a real treat. Mark your calendars.

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Rumors are flying about an indoor food truck court coming into the Aurora space at 401 E. Grace Street. We spoke with Michael Ng, owner of Thai Cabin and mastermind behind the idea, and he says he’s moving along with the required paperwork and is hoping for an opening around the first of the year. We should have more details for you next week.