Peter Chang heading to Shockoe? 525 at the Berry Burke opens Downtown, and Veggie Fest kicks off Saturday

Tons of food news this week: restaurant openings, closings, and a festival thrown in for good measure.

June 21, 2012; 10:10 AM • by RVANews staff

Last week we learned that EAT Restaurant Partners were looking at the former Stronghill space to house their fifth restaurant location. Richmond.com confirmed that they will transform the space into Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen and Bar, a Chinese twist on farm-to-table dining. According to West of the Boulevard News, EAT Restaurant Partners will host a logo design competition for the new restaurant, which is the same way they came up with the Blue Goat and Wild Ginger logos.

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In restaurant closing news, Sensi has shut its doors. The Shockoe Bottom restaurant opened in 2005 and specialized in modern Italian fare. The website and Facebook page are still active but the doors are locked, lights are off, and the phone is disconnected.

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According to Style Weekly, Richmond’s famous Szechuan chef, Peter Chang, has been looking downtown for possible expansion locations. Crispy fried eggplant available in the city? Yes, please!

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Back in February, 525 at the Berry Burke started the process of bringing another dining option to the Centerstage area of downtown. It looks like they are now officially open. Head Chef Taylor Hasty is serving up new American cuisine at the corner of 6th and West Grace. You can now view lunch, dinner, dessert, and cocktail menus. Hours are:

Monday – Thursday 11am to 11pm
Friday and Saturday 11am to “late night”
Sunday brunch 11am to 3pm
Sunday dinner 4pm to 9pm.

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This Saturday marks the 10th anniversary of the Vegetarian Festival. Head over to the Azalea Gardens in Bryan Park between 12:00 – 6:00 PM for over 30 vendors serving up delicious vegetarian fare. The festival is free, but bring a can of food to donate to the Lamb Basket, an emergency food pantry located in Lakeside serving Henrico. Tricycle Gardens will also be at the festival collecting donations.

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Next Thursday, June 28th, Shula’s American Steakhouse will be hosting a local beer dinner beginning at 6:00 PM. Stephen Tuzeneu, a Certified Cicerone and the Craft/Specialty Manager at Brown Distributing, will walk you through great beer and food pairings throughout the evening. Tickets are $75 and include a welcome beer, five courses paired with a local brew, tax and gratuity. Menu available here.

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Location change! This Friday, the beloved Food Cart Court will move from the parking lot of the Virginia Historical Society to the floodwall in Shockoe Bottom. From 6pm to 9pm you can enjoy dinner from Boka Tako Truck, Curbside Creations Food Truck, Dressed & Pressed gourmet mobile food truck, Flynn’s Foods, Mister Softee Richmond VA, Rooster Cart, RVA Vegan, and Sustenance Food Truck. Maybe head over to Friday Cheers for Alabama Shakes after you grab a bite?

photo by Ashley Jenkins