Food News: Cocktail passports, a new brewery, and great charity events!

If you can believe it, Richmond summer events are in full swing, and the #rvadine scene leads the way with upcoming restaurant openings, new chefs joining popular venues, and various charitable events that will help the community.

June 12, 2014; 9:02 AM • by Scotti Cutlip

Heritage introduced their Cocktail Passport last week, and no you don’t have to set an appointment and wait two weeks to get it. As a cocktail-exclusive gift certificate, the $145 or $225 passport includes 15 or 25 selections for you, or someone you love, to redeem and get a page in the book stamped. Here’s to feeling accomplished and drinking well!

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Come to Pasture’s 5:00-7:00 PM happy hour tonight, and remember to bring a gently-used piece of luggage for their Case for Hope event. Your duffle bag/suitcase/carry-on will benefit foster children who often move from one home to another and are in dire need of something to hold their belongings.

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Beer lovers, rejoice! Again! You probably sampled these guys at the Carytown Craft Beer Festival last weekend, but now Ardent Craft Ales fully opens this Friday. With summery suds like a honey ginger and a saison, they’ll have no problem fitting into RVA’s beer scene.

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The Roosevelt’s Lee Gregory and Heritage’s Joe Sparatta combined their amazing talents to open a new restaurant, Southbound, on the Southside this fall. The menu includes house-made pastas, crudo, sandwiches, and more delicious goodness that we’re too anxious to wait for.

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The late Dixie Chicken’s chef Todd Brady will join Society to revamp their menu. We’re confident he’ll make the hot spot for dancing and drinks into an amazing restaurant on the side. We’re happy to have you back, Todd!

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On June 24th, Sine Irish Pub will step up the blood-donating game by giving charitable individuals a free boxed lunch instead of the usual sugar cookie. Make sure to pre-register online, and pay a visit to the Bloodmobile to save some lives!

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Chuy’s, the delicious Tex-Mex chain that has taken Short Pump by storm, opened up a second location in Midlothian this week. Like its local predecessor, the reviews of this location’s quirky atmosphere and fresh dishes are so far so good!

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Rum’s the word, apparently, at Acacia’s Tiki Takeover Two: Polynesian Gris Gris next Monday, June 16th. Tickets are $10, and there will be door prizes, food, and delicious tropical refreshments.

Photo by: Richard Hayes