Hardywood wins the bronze, Selba gets a new chef, and the Central VA Wine Fest kicks off

A former head chef from The Phoenician takes the reins of Selba. Over at Capital Ale House, a new corporate executive chef has been hired, one who plans to tweak the menu to focus more on local ingredients, and the 7th Annual Central Virginia Wine Festival features 15 wineries this weekend.

May 10, 2012; 9:34 AM • by RVANews staff

Hardywood Park has quickly become Richmond’s hometown hero in the local beer movement. RVA loves them, not only because they are local, but also because Hardywood produces some tasty brews, people! Hardywood Park was recently took home the bronze for their Gingerbread Stout in the “Herb and Spice” category at the World Beer Cup, which was held in San Diego last week. Out of 80 beer entrants, Hardywood won 3rd place. The best in breweries around the world–27 countries to be exact–come to this event to show off their best beverages, so it was no small feat for Hardywood to walk away with a bronze. Way to go guys!

According to Richmond.com, Selba has a new executive chef. Chef William Harik, formerly of The Phoenician, is taking over Chef Abram Jackson position who has left on amicable terms for a new venture. Prior to The Phoenician, Harik was the chef and proprietor of Richmond’s Luna Grove Deli and Catering for nine years. He has studied in Paris and also worked the restaurant scene in DC. For the time being, the menu at Selba will remain mostly the same, but look for more of his Lebanese talents to show up on the menu.

Speaking of new chefs, Capital Ale House has hired a corporate executive chef. According to Richmond Magazine, William Erlenbach has been hired to create a consistent style and direction for their culinary program across all five Cap Ale locations. Erlenbach graduated from Johnson and Wales University and has cooked in Boston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and D.C before joining Capital Ale House in RVA. He plans to keep the menu straightforward with a focus on Virginia-based ingredients and to really play off of their craft beer selection.

This Saturday will mark the 7th annual Central Virginia Wine Festival located out at Innsbrook at the Snag-a-Job Pavilion. The event will feature 15 wineries and is the signature fundraiser for the Richmond chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. The weather is looking great, and it should be a perfect time for wine tasting. So get your tickets, and mark it on your calendar. We’ll do our part by offering four free tickets to the event.

photo by Fionnuala Bradley