RVANews

The Byrd Theatre pays tribute to America and the motion picture palace Saturday

Trevor Dickerson — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 13:01:24 +0000

This Saturday, there won't be fireworks, but there will be plenty of memorable melodies and fancy footwork. On Saturday, July 2nd at 10:00 AM, The Byrd's ongoing "Family Classics" series will turn back the clock to celebrate America's Independence through song and dance, featuring Yankee Doodle Dandy. The 1942 wartime musical stars James Cagney in a musical-biography of Broadway legend George M. Cohan.

All Family Classics continue to include a special performance by Bob Gulledge on the Mighty Wurlitzer and a classic Warner Brothers cartoon. Admission is The Byrd's standard rate of $2.00.

The movie palace will also be opening its doors for a free theatre tour and Mighty Wurlitzer Organ demonstration. From backstage to the balcony, visitors can learn about the theatre's decor, rare marble and two-and-a-half ton crystal chandelier, original set of Brounet murals, and even its ghosts. Guests will then receive a private demo of the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ, witnessing some of the unique sound effects, all made from hand crafted instruments housed in four rooms over the proscenium.

The tour will begin at approximately 1:00 PM following the conclusion of Yankee Doodle Dandy. Donations to the Byrd Theatre Foundation are welcome.

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Beer News: Wort winners, America Day, beer films

Ross Catrow — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 15:55:16 +0000

Photo by: zolakoma

Wort share winner

Tomorrow's the day that Center of the Universe unleashes the brew concocted by John Arthur, winner of the wort share contest. It's a super neat idea: COTU makes and gives away wort (unfermented, unhopped liquid that's basically a grain tea), home brewers finish making beer with it, and the best results are made by COTU and released to the public. This year's winner is a 4.5% Session IPA made with a ton of different hops. I am jealous of you, John Arthur!

Blood sweat beer

Thursday, July 9th at 7:00 PM--which seems like a million years from now--Strangeways will host a viewing of Blood, Sweat, and Beer, a documentary about the craft beer industry. They've worked with a bunch of breweries you've heard of including some localish East Cost guys. Check out the trailer and feel some emotional-sound-track-inspired feelings--you'll also want to start planning a trip to The Brew Gentlemen Beer Comapny ASAP.

A firecracker for your mouth

RVANews loves two things (we love many things, but here are two): the 4th of July and cider. Blue Bee Cider hits both of those spots for us with their Firecracker release tomorrow, The Day Itself. It's a dessert cider, described in the following way:"...a sweet Gold Rush cider is fortified with ginger-infused eau de vie. The eau de vie is a little more floral this time around and the Gold Rush shines through the ginger aroma with pineapple flavor." OK! Also, I hear King of Pops will make an appearance, soooooo...

Kickers tickers

IF WE WIN, YOU WIN! says the Kickers. They're running a really great promotion this weekend for the Women's World Cup Finals: pending the certain victory over Japan, anyone at one of the four official Kickers viewing parties (Gus', Baja Bean, F.W. Sullivan's, or Buffalo Wild Wings Westchester Commons) will get a free ticket to the Craft Beer Fest at City Stadium on August 1st. This is also a soccer game! Free tickets, beer, soccer, fests!

The following paragraph is not about beer

Triple Crossing just announced they've added Black Hand Coffee Company Cold Brew to their tap lineup. It joins Ninja Kombucha as a second non-alcoholic (and gluten-free!) option--which I think is amazingly brilliant.

— ∮∮∮ —

Elsewhere...

Here are some graphs about drinking and then a link to some resources for you if these graphs make you realize that maaaaaybe you're drinking too much.

The design of old beer cans is so different from what we've got today.

Other releases, takeovers, and things

Today is a ZZQ brisket day at Ardent, FYI.
Catch tonight's fireworks (that's July 3rd) from Legend's legendary patio. They've got all kinds of stuff going on, and you can sample their new West Point Light IPA.
I feel like I don't even need to mention it, but of course you can celebrate the 4th of July at Hardywood. They've got a billion things happening, plus a great view of the fireworks from the Diamond.
Speaking of, you can see those very same fireworks from the other side of the Diamond over at Isley's 2nd Annual Red, White, and Brew Block Party.
The Answer celebrates America with their new Bay Day Hoppy Blonde Ale, a 4.8% blonde ale that's dry hopped with an "ENORMOUS" amount of Galaxy hops. They'll also have a new special menu to pair with the new beer. Also, if you're looking for a place to watch the Women's World Cup, they'll be offering specials to anyone wearing a jersey or red, white, and blue.
Our wonderful food writer Stephanie Ganz alerted me to this Jay Frank pop up at The Cask this coming Thursday. The idea of having a prix-fixe-optional pop-up is a wonderful one indeed. Wait! She also speaks of a pig roast at Lickinghole on America Day! A PIG ROAST!
Get happy hour prices on all beers during the Women's World Cup at Triple Crossing this Sunday, y'all.

'Gram: @harpoonbrewery

https://instagram.com/p/4rIp9rooMS/

Beyond fireworks: Even more stuff to do this Independence Day

Susan Howson — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 12:30:54 +0000

Think outside the exploding rocket and load up America's Birthday with a bunch of other stuff, too. (But then, think back inside the exploding rocket and figure out where you're going to see fireworks.)

Genworth 32nd Annual Celebrate Freedom Independence Day Concert

A band of Americans--the 29th Infantry Division Band from Virginia Infantry Division National Guard--will play for us all at Genworth's corporate headquarters. Then, you may view the RVA on the James fireworks...all before Independence Day even dawns! You are ahead of the game, my friend! Like a good American should be!

Friday, July 3rd • 6:30 PM
Genworth Financial's World Headquarters, 6620 W. Broad Street
Free!

2nd Annual Frozen Drink and Yacht Rock Night at Pasture

Hang on Pasture's breezy patio with a daquiri, a strawberry Riesling frozen drink, and whatever else Pasture can think to make out of ice and alcohol. Once you've got enough in you, get those boat shoes moving with a smooth selection of easy rock. Pasture will be closed on July 4th, so this'll be your last pimento cheese opportunity for a couple of days. Use it wisely.

Friday, July 3rd
Pasture, 416 E. Grace Street
Pay for what you consume, dude!

I Know Richmond Bus Tour

Oh yeah, it's about to get patriotic up in this piece. Get on a bus and go check out some crucial sites in American Revolutionary War history! And...also some other historic Richmond things, but it's time to focus on that other, less polarizing war for ONCE in our LIVES.

Saturday, July 4th • 1:00 - 4:00 PM
The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay Street
$25, $20 for Valentine members--purchase tickets online or call 804.649.0711 x301

Independence Day Reenactment at St. John's Church

King George, you're about to be toast! We're going beyond Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or if that's not available, then I guess I'll have death" speech, and moving into "Oh hell no, you will NOT be taxing one more granule of our sugar" territory. (It's the Declaration of Independence, in case that was't clear.) What's not clear is who will be reading this magnificent document, but fingers crossed it's Franklin and he decides to throw in some jokes.

Saturday, July 4th • 11:00 AM
St. John's Church, 2401 E. Broad Street
$5 suggested donation

Blue Bee's Firecracker Release Party

I had the liberty of smelling this gingery brew myself--and it is as spicy as Betsy Ross's reply when George Washington suggested she stitch a little faster.¹ Last year, this small batch sold out as quickly as George could retort, "I cannot tell a lie, my shoeless, starving, freezing men in Valley Forge could sew a better flag than you."² This year, they've made a little more, and if it tastes as good as it smells, I will just climb into the batch and drink myself out of it. (This event features King of Pops, a monarchy we will all tolerate, and the Cary Street Ramblers.)

Saturday, July 4th • 12:00 - 7:00 PM
Blue Bee Cider, 212 W. 6th Street
Free to attend!

Hardywood: July 4

This was my event of choice last year, where I sipped cold beer that I actually liked (tough customer over here) and navigated through tolerably long lines. It's free, there are food trucks (12 of 'em), and beer tickets are only $6. They recommend bringing cash to speed things along or buying them in advance on the day before. Bands playing will include: The Mikrowaves ("American rock and roll"), My Darling Fury ("tech-fueled indie-pop with a classical tinge"), Manatree ("guitar-driven indie-whatever rock/math/pop"), Avers ("psychedelic pop, blistering garage rock, fuzzed-out shoegaze, free-formed throwback james"), and White Laces ("dreamy, atmospheric indie-pop"). Fireworks will eventually begin over at the Diamond, and you'll be in a decent spot to watch them.

Saturday, July 4th • 3:00 PM
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane
Free to attend!

Brandermill July 4th Celebration

The fireworks will start later, and you must be a resident to attend, but a full schedule of events makes this day a pretty fun one before that. Dress up as your favorite American Movie Character (think Lincoln, Forrest Gump, Tom Cruise in Born on the 4th of July, Christian Bale in American Psycho, Denise Richards in Drop Dead Gorgeous). Then, watch a parade chock full of floats and firetrucks. THEN, head down to Sunday Park for a little festival and free BranderBelle cruises.

Saturday, July 4th • see site for schedule
Brandermill, beginning at Swift Creek Middle School
Free!

July 4th Pig Roast with Belle & James

This forthcoming restaurant is intent on winning your hearts early with this pig roast in honor of purple mountain majesties and all that. The hogs themselves will be braised in Three Chopt Tripel from Lickinghole Creek, which is, uncoincidentally, where this event is to be held. Food of all kinds and music are covered in the price of admission. Booze will cost ya, which is only fair.

Saturday, July 4th • 12:00 - 6:00 PM

Lickinghole Creek Brewery, 4100 Knolls Point Drive, Goochland

$18

Got any more ideas? Feel free to add in the comments.

"I've got a couple of cherry trees out back that could use some cutting down, that is, UNLESS THAT STORY IS A HUGE FAKE, GENERAL." ↩
Their sexual tension would go on to inspire the hit show Moonlighting! ↩

Richmond the Beautiful

RVANews staff — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 12:29:30 +0000

Original -- July 02, 2010

In planning this 4th of July guide for you lovely readers, we started thinking about what this American holiday really looks like in our city: what are the very "Richmond" ways to celebrate Independence Day? From the fireworks at Dogwood Dell to the American flags hung from house after house in the Fan, thinking about these things got us a little nostalgic. So we thought it'd be fun to take a look back at Richmond's Independence Day celebrations over there years. Thanks to the folks over at the Valentine Richmond History Center, we were able to do just that.

(All of the following images are from the Richmond Times-Dispatch Collection, Valentine Richmond History Center.)

— ∮∮∮ —

Fourth of July Parade, July 3, 1963; photo by Maurice Duke

Fourth of July at the Carillon in Byrd Park, July 3, 1974; photo by Rich Crawford

Fourth of July concert and fireworks at Dogwood Dell, (Richmond Concert Band performing), July 3, 1974; photo by Rich Crawford

John Boyle, age 9, leading a Fourth of July parade through the Salisbury neighborhood in Midlothian, July 4, 1975; photo by Don Pennell

Girl walking in Fourth of July parade through Byrd Park at Swan Lake, July 4, 1977; photo by Masaaki Okada

Children playing at Pine Camp Recreation Center on the north side of Richmond, July 4, 1977; photo by Don Long

Henry Gonner talking about his 1913 Model T Ford Touring car to Andrew Olson at Maymont's Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 1988; photo by Alexa Welch

Sally Southworth and her granddaughter Carter Southworth hanging an American flag at Mrs. Southworth's home, 4100 block of Grove Avenue, July 3, 1988; photo by Alexa Welch

Fourth of July celebration at Cat’s Cap, St. Catherine’s summer creative arts program, 1971

Original Dixieland Strutters Performed at Carillon in Byrd Park, July 3, 1977; photo by Don Long

2015 July 4th Fireworks Guide

Susan Howson — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 12:29:30 +0000

America's finest holiday, Independence Day is a day when, surely, we can find something to agree on. Here are some suggestions:

Parties are cool, do you agree?
Fireworks are really beautiful, do you agree?
Man, we are lucky to live in America, one of the easiest countries to live in despite its many, many polarizing issues, do you agree?
It's super cool that we (with the help of some other people) secured our independence and came up with some great ideas that have inspired democracy the world over, do you agree?

Let us group together and "Oooooohhhhhh" in unison, like true Americans!

RVA Fireworks on the James -- July 3rd

The state's largest fireworks show (says Venture Richmond), this wizardry is designed by the Gruccis of New York City, home to a highly concentrated number of Americans. It's designed to be viewed from all 360 degrees, so you can watch it from wherevs and know you're still getting the Full Effect. There's also a music simulcast from WRIR FM, 97.3.

Details

Event begins at 6:00 PM
Fireworks begin at 9:15 PM
Many parking options exist (as well as road closings)

Recommended viewing sites

Brown's Island (the official site, with food vendors, see site for rules and regs)
Manchester
Chimborazo Park
The Virginia War Memorial, where the City will be sponsoring a free event that includes the Richmond Brass & Percussion Consort and some food trucks!
RVA Paddlesports has a sweet idea: they'll paddle you out to a deserted island in the middle of the river, feed you Goatocado bowls, fruit, and hot dogs, make you s'mores, and watch these fireworks with you, and then paddle you back. It costs $89 per person ($159 for two tickets), and sounds like just about the chillest, most beautiful way to celebrate that I've ever heard of.
The Genworth Financial 32nd Annual Celebrate Freedom Independence Day Concert is more than just a mouthful to say. It exists on a great spot for watching fireworks. More on this in our separate piece about not necessarily fireworky ways to celebrate the day.

Dogwood Dell 4th of July Celebration -- July 4th

This event draws many Americans with its live patriotic music--provided by Richmond Concert Band and Carillon bells--and its beautiful surroundings. And its fireworks of course. We recommend bringing chairs and blankets and picnic baskets full of berry pies.

Details

Concert begins at 7:30 PM
Fireworks begin at dusk (we'll say 8:30, just to be on the safe side)

Recommended viewing sites

Dogwood Dell, obviously • 1300 Blanton Avenue
Anywhere in Byrd Park that has a good view
Somewhere on Riverside drive across the river

Goochland County Fireworks -- July 4th

Head out to Goochland, which may be closer to some of you Short Pump Americans anyway, and enjoy fireworks with much less light pollution and many more cricket sounds.

Details

Fireworks begin at 9:00 PM
No alcohol, please

Recommended viewing sites

Goochland Sports Complex, 1800 Sandy Hook Road
Goochland Elementary, Middle, and High School Complex -- 3150 River Road West

Kings Dominion Nights of Fire -- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer

Your theme park day will end in a fiery inferno--of controlled gunpowder in airborne displays! As you wearily trudge with all of the other Americans who have spent their day riding some of the best roller coasters in the world (Volcano forever!) towards the entrance, stop and marvel at the 9:55 PM fireworks show. The 4th of July is, in fact, a Saturday, but you could spend your Friday doing this as well. And Sunday too.

Details

Included with normal park ticket
Fireworks begin at 9:55 PM, park closes at 10:00 PM

Recommended viewing sites

The Eiffel Tower, I mean, right?
Upside-down from the Berserker
Not the Volcano

Independence Day Celebration and Superblast Saturday with the Flying Squirrels -- July 4th

The Akron Rubberducks dare to take on the Squirrels in front of hundreds of cheering Americans who will be whipped into a patriotic frenzy. Good luck, Rubberducks, and sorry about that name. Fireworks follow the game!

Details

At time of writing, tickets still exist and will cost you $12
The game begins at 6:05 PM
Fireworks begin as soon as humanly possible (sometimes baseball takes forever, but that is just the American way)

Recommended viewing sites

Any seat at the Diamond, but choose your bathroom breaks carefully. You may miss it.
The July 4th celebration at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane
Venues in Scott's Addition that provide an unobstructed Easterly view

Chesterfield County Fourth of July Celebration

As an American who grew up in Chesterfield County and spent one Independence Day in high school stuck in traffic trying to exit this event, I can tell you that it was worth it. Bring the B-52s Greatest Hits with you in a Discman so that you can recapture my specific memory. Nice rural-ish setting and plenty of room to find a seat, assuming you get there at a reasonable time, which I'd recommend to be like, 7:00 PM. Blankets and such are a great idea. So is a cooler full of cold non-alcoholic beverages and maybe some sandwiches.

Details

Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road
Fireworks begin at dusk

Brandermill July 4th Celebration

If you are a resident of Brandermill, America, you may take part in the July 4th festivities. Those suckers will explode over the reservoir in a beautiful fashion. There will also be patriotic tunes.

Details

Beginning at 5:00 PM and ending at 9:45 PM, Millridge Road will only allow access to Brandermill Residents who show hangtags or driver's license with a Brandermill Woods
You can get around this by getting a reservation at the Boathouse at Sunday Park
Fireworks begin at 9:15 PM
There are good reasons for all these rules, but it is a sad story that has been covered many times before, so we won't go into it

Recommended viewing sites

Sunday Park, 4602 Millridge Parkway
Your own deck or backyard, provided you are a Brandermill resident

— ∮∮∮ —

And as always, if you take a photograph using a flash during a fireworks display, you will feel my hot breath upon your neck, and my whispered message in your ear, "A flash not only hurts the photo you are trying to take, it detracts from other viewers' experiences." And then I will give you a brief shoulder rub in apology for possibly hurting your feelings.

Isley Brewing Company hosting second annual Red, White, and Brew Block Party

Trevor Dickerson — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 14:27:19 +0000

Isley Brewing Company, located at 1715 Summit Avenue in Scott's Addition, is hosting their 2nd Annual Red, White, and Brew Block Party on Saturday to coincide with Independence Day festivities and fireworks.

The event will feature a DJ, live music, an 'urban patio dance party,' food trucks, beer pong, corn hole, and other fun activities.

And after the Flying Squirrels finish their July 4th game, the brewery's back deck will be the perfect spot to watch fireworks at The Diamond.

The party kicks off at noon and runs through 10:00 PM, or whenever the Diamond fireworks display wraps up.

Photo: Isley Brewing Company

American apparel: How we dress is who we are

Susan Howson — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 19:09:56 +0000

Last year, during a summer day at Kings Dominion, I started keeping track of the T-shirts I saw. "Everyone's entitled to be stupid. You're abusing the privilege," said one guy's shirt to me. Another's promised "Next sarcastic comment in 3...2...1..." while another simply proclaimed "DRUNK!" next to an American flag.

I couldn't figure out why it was so cool to insult everyone who can see your shirt-clad chest, or why you'd want to show the world that you really, really slay it with sarcastic comments on a regular basis. But my favorite was definitely the flag--its cheerfulness combined with a deep pride in being both American and intoxicated gave me a weird respect for the wearer. Drunk on a roller coaster? You're made of stronger stuff than I, fellow patriot.

Kristen Stewart, the Valentine's Nathalie L. Klaus Curator of Costume and Textiles, told me, after a few minutes deliberation, that the T-shirt is probably America's most quintessential garment. It's comfortable, it's cheaply produced, it's durable, and it gives us a chance to tell everyone what we stand for. It's casual sportswear in a nutshell--a type of apparel she feels that our youngish country had the biggest hand in popularizing.

My own T-shirt during this interview has the text of Strunk and White's Elements of Style printed on it--I guess so everyone knows that I am likely to correct their punctuation, which is a nice warning to other people ("Don't invite this one to a party!"). I suddenly feel very silly and aware that every single thing I am wearing indicates something about both our country's social, economic, and cultural history as well as my own.

July 4th is a big one for overtly American gear, of course. "Never forget" 9/11 memorial shirts, bald eagles flying through lightning storms, Calvin peeing on the rest of the world...those are easy to make fun of. But the rest of us are also really into showing our national pride on Independence Day--it's a tradition. My own son doesn't know this yet, but he will be wearing a "Party Like Its 1776" shirt this weekend, and he can deal with it.

Is it because we don't really have a historically cultural mode of dress that we can embrace collectively?

Stewart knows that every single stitch we are wearing is significant--we're walking textbooks of history and we don't even know it. The humble cotton garment was (in the Western world) a highly covetable item. Easy to spin, amenable to colorfast dye, highly washable, and, of course, light in texture for the hot days, cotton became so popular that England banned the sale of it in order to protect its miffed wool producers. But in 18th century America, cotton was in the clear.

In fact, much of our angst against taxes collected by the Motherland was due to the fact that we were providing England with a lot of raw materials like cotton for textiles and other manufactured goods, which were then turned into a sellable product, and sold back to us, with taxes included.

As far as fashion goes, the elite still looked to London and Paris as guides. Of course, the average amount of physical exertion required of a colonist still surpassed that of a Parisian, so Americans leaned towards the practical. Separates (i.e. a top plus a bottom, as opposed to a suit or a gown) really came into their own in good old North America, two hundred odd years before separates in the form of T-shirts and jorts would queue up into long, snaking lines, waiting for their turn on a roller coaster.

Marie Antoinette, decidedly not drab.

18th century fashion got a big jolt when colorfast dye was developed. Suddenly, the combination of cotton, which took to dye much better than linen or wool, and bright, fun colors that would stay that way after repeated washings made it possible for much lower economic classes to get in on the colorful action. In fact, various upper-class folks spoke out publicly, warning the plebeians to know their place. Only the well-to-do can wear colors, they said. The rest of you should focus on your perfectly acceptable drab wardrobe and get back to work.

That attitude faded as surely as the old kinds of dye would disappear under the bleaching sun--colorful clothing would no longer be a symbol of privilege.

As American as apple pie

In Richard Martin's American Ingenuity: Sportswear 1930s - 1970s, which Stewart recommends, should you feel the need to do more research, the author puts forth a theory that, in the 1930s and 1940s, American designers for the first time began to intentionally and confidently create an American look. "They wanted to proclaim that they had something to offer that Paris didn't," explains Stewart. "It began before we were cut off [from Europe, by World War II] and then was very quickly injected with urgency and energy because we were cut off. The wheels were already on the car but the war gave it some gas."

A "sport suit" circa 1920.

The bricks for that foundation were laid in the 18th century, she says. The fundamental principles behind that first wave of American-driven sportswear were centered around adaptability, a ready-to-wear philosophy, and the versatility of a one-size-fits-most approach--even a celebration of it. And revolution-era Americans pretty much embodied those very tenets. You want to march your impractical redcoats into our forests? Cool, we're gonna hide behind some trees and reload our muskets.

In the intervening century and a half, high fashion still looked to Europe as its guiding star. But when we felt the squeeze of war in the 1940s, American designs became inherently popular--there wasn't really anything else to buy, after all.

Fast forward 30 years to the Battle of Versailles, which actually isn't associated with any such war, but was the name of a fundraising fashion show in 1973. French and American designers teamed up to save the crumbling palace and hosted a competition in which Yankee upstarts and French sophisticates would show off their designs. Icons like Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Dior fully expected to win--but were grateful for the Americans' support of the cause. What followed was a typical French to-do for the time--jewel-encrusted, over-the-top, and hours-long. When the Americans--including Oscar de la Renta, Stephen Burrows, Halston, and Anne Klein--hit the runway, it was a different experience entirely. Simple, chic, and focused on fit, the whole thing felt fresh and new (it even featured African-American models, which was a relatively new thing) and wrapped up in something like 45 minutes. At the end, the French threw their programs in the air and conceded the stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkFxzMsIbBg

"It was a wonderful moment when the American aesthetic rose into the ascendancy and was formally accepted by France," says Stewart. Just three years shy of the 200th anniversary of our revolution, which, of course, wouldn't have been possible without France's assistance.

Americans all over the country will celebrate that revolution this weekend with sparklers, pies, and lots of red, white, and blue cotton sportswear. Just as our forefathers intended.

Do America proud with a 13 Original Colonies Cookout

Stephanie Ganz — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 16:00:10 +0000

VIRGINIA -- FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA BURGER

You don't need a recipe for the dish representing the first (and best!) colony. Just close your eyes and imagine an all-beef burger topped with Milton's Local bacon, sliced Hanover tomato, and fried Rappahannock River oysters, plus a slick of good old Duke's mayonnaise. Pledge allegiance to this burger.

MASSACHUSETTS -- BEANTOWN BEAN DIP

Who's a wicked big fan of bean dip? YOU AHHRR! Trust me Donnie, you're gonna freakin' love this dip.

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- PRIMARY (APPLE) PIE

New Hampshire is integral to our electoral system but less of a star in the culinary world. We're dodging a "boiled dinner" bullet and giving New Hampshire apple pie. They do get first pick, after all.

NEW JERSEY -- PORK ROLL BÁNH MÌ

It's a modern miracle that we can now buy Taylor Ham, aka "Pork Roll" in our southern Krogers; this was not always the case. Previously, displaced Yankees were forced to order their beloved ham products from the Internet. But it's finally here, and it's just as good as they said it would be. It also happens to have exactly the right balance of salty-hammy-slightly-sweet flavor to work beautifully in bánh mì. Just take this easy-to-follow recipe and upgrade your ham with pork roll for a new New Jersey classic.

NEW YORK -- HOT DOGS (NATHAN'S FAMOUS AND/OR GRAY'S PAPAYA)

From a humble Coney Island hot dog stand to a national hot dog empire, the Nathan's Famous story IS the American dream in a snappy all-beef casing. Created by a Polish immigrant in 1916, Nathan's Famous hot dogs are now sold in over 40,000 retail locations across the country, and the original Coney Island hot dog¹ stand is still open.

For a classic Nathan's dog, top your grilled wiener with warm sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard, and griddled onions. For the Gray's Papaya version, swap out the griddled onions for this zesty onion sauce.

MARYLAND -- GRILLED CRAB CAKES WITH OLD BAY AIOLI

Old Bay Seasoning was developed in Maryland 1939 to spice up crabs and sell more drinks, and it's enjoyed a devoted following ever since. Its creator, Gustav Brunn, escaped Nazi Germany and ended up in Baltimore in 1938, so we can thank freedom and democracy for the best spice blend to ever season a crustacean. THANK YOU, FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY!!!

RHODE ISLAND -- FROZEN LEMONADE

Rhode Island's lemonade game is surprisingly strong for a state that doesn't even get that hot. Rhode Island frozen lemonade, like the famous Del's, is more of a granita than an 'ade, but don't bother with a spoon; just squeeze the cup into your upturned mouth until the entire slush of lemonade plops on your face at once, LIKE AN AMERICAN.

BOOZY UPGRADE: Turn your frozen lemonade into a Liberty Lemonade with the addition of Rhode Island-made Sons of Liberty Whiskey.

CONNECTICUT -- APIZZA ON THE GRILL WITH MOOTZ

Connecticuters have their own language when it comes to things like pizza. New Haven, the state's second-largest city, has some of the world's finest pies, but you'll need to know how to order it--even how to say it--if you want to get it. They call theirs "apizza," and mozzarella or "mootz" is considered a topping, not a standard ingredient, so you'll need to order it too.

Apizza is made in the Neopolitan style, which means the center crust is slightly chewy and on the thinner side, with a crispy, near-charred crust perimeter. You can achieve something similar in flavor by grilling your pizzas. Let Simply Recipes show you how.

DELAWARE -- ONE BOURBON, ONE SHOT, AND ONE (DOGFISH HEAD) BEER

You know what they say about Delaware...yeah, me neither. But I do know that George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers are totally from Delaware, and their blues/classic rock style makes them AMERICAN TO THE BONE. As for the beer, Dogfish Head has been made in Rehoboth Beach area since 1995. Try the new Festina Peche, a Berliner Weisse; it should pair well with Georgia's peach ice cream.

NORTH CAROLINA -- UTZ'S CAROLINA BBQ CHIPS

Like a beacon in a Tarheelblue bag, Utz's Carolina BBQ chips represent the blessed union of BBQ potato chips and Salt and Vinegar potato chips. They're like the Blue Ivy Carter of potato chips. Do not omit them from your cookout.

SOUTH CAROLINA -- FROGMORE STEW

Neither a stew nor made with frogs: Discuss.

Frogmore Stew--named after its place of origin, Frogmore (now Beaufort), South Carolina--is also known as a low country boil. This big pot of shrimp, crab, potatoes, corn, and sausage is meant to be eaten with friends and by hand. There's nothing fussy about a bawl. The fact that this recipe refers to a "lazy simmer" two separate times should give you some indication about the spirit in which Frogmore Stew is meant to be enjoyed.

PENNSYLVANIA -- HERSHEY'S/TWIZZLER'S FIREWORKS CUPCAKES

The 4th of July is the best of all possible holidays because it's like Jerry Bruckheimer's version of what a holiday should be: There are clearly defined roles of good and evil, and at the end, everything blows up. Celebrate the blow-up-iness of Independence Day² with these cupcakes, which evoke explosive vibes with the help of Twizzlers.

GEORGIA -- PEACH ICE CREAM

Who's got peaches? Georgia's got peaches. But lucky for you, Virginia's also got peaches in abundance right now, so get yourself to the market and then make Virginia Willis's perfect summer ice cream.

Photo by: wallyg

Not to be confused with a Coney Island Hot Dog, which is from Detroit. ↩
Independence Day was actually produced by Roland Emmerich, not Jerry Bruckheimer; but it is still an American Classic. ↩

Leaves of three, let it be

Nathan Cushing — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 13:10:39 +0000

Original -- July 02, 2014

Poison ivy¹ makes its home in Asia and North America and affects over 350,000 people annually in the US. Many of us know it well.

"It's everywhere," said Peggy Singlemann, Director of Horticulture at Maymont and co-host of WCVE's Virginia Home Grown radio show. "It's a common native plant here in the Richmond area, and all of Virginia for that matter."

Singlemann doesn't mince words about poison ivy's hazards. "This is not a plant to take lightly," she said.

Don't hate the player, hate the allergen

Poison ivy would be another ho-hum plant if it weren't for urushiol, the clear sappy liquid it exudes. Urushiol's potent stuff: you need just the amount that fits onto the head of a pin to infect 500 people.

Roughly 15 percent of the population is unfazed by urushiol and will never develop a reaction to it (yay!). Unfortunately, for those who are affected by urushiol, repeated exposure often makes subsequent rashes worse (boo!).

If you do touch poison ivy, Singleman recommends you wash the spots with Tecnu, the wash used by Maymont employees. "Soap and water will not take this oil off," she said. It's best to use the wash within six hours of exposure.

After coming into contact with poison ivy, do your best to quarantine the part of you body exposed to it. "The [urushiol] can attach to your clothing and your pet's fur," Singlemann said. "The oil is so persistent. It doesn't go away." Immediately wash the clothing you were wearing when you were exposed.

If a rash develops,² take an antihistamine (Benadryl) to ease itching and use a topical cortisone ointment (Cortisone-10) to reduce inflammation.

How do I spot poison ivy?

"Leaves of three, let it be." It's true: poison ivy leaves do grow in bunches of three. But leaves can be smooth or jagged, making poison ivy tricky to spot. To make it more challenging, leaves are green in spring and summer, but change color in autumn with the fall foliage.

Each poison ivy leaflet grows on its own stem that connects to the main vine. "There's a definite sheen to it," Singlemann said, describing the leaves. "It's got a little shine."

Singlemann said there's often a reddish dot where the three leaves come together. "That tends to stand out pretty quickly for people," she said.

Another tell is that poison ivy stems are often brown, not green like other native plants. Poison ivy stems often have dark brown hair-like tendril, especially when the plant is climbing up something, like a wall or tree.

Poison ivy also lacks thorns, and will sometimes gave berry-like drupes that are green at first and become white and waxy.

And just because you see animals touching or eating leaves, that doesn't mean they're OK for us. Animals can graze on poison ivy with no ill-effects.

How do I deal with the stuff?

"Poison ivy is everywhere in our community," Singlemann said. "I think we all need to understand it's out there." Wear pants, long sleeves, and gloves when you're doing yard work or hiking.

If you spot poison ivy in your yard, don't burn the plant. "The oil does travel in the smoke," she said. If inhaled, urushiol can irritate and swell your lungs.

Despite its many drawbacks, poison ivy does have an upside. Some argue that poison ivy-ridden Fire Island off Long Island in New York was named not only for the plant's fiery itch, but for its reddish beauty in autumn.

"There's always a silver lining," Singlemann said.

"Least-Welcome Sign of Summer"; The Wall Street Journal

photo by Beatrice Murch

Toxicodendron radicans for you botanists in the audience. ↩
Some people may develop blisters after exposure to poison ivy. If that happens, GO TO A DOCTOR. ↩

Bring this local stuff to your 4th of July cookout

Ross Catrow — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 10:00:13 +0000

Throwing parties can be stressful, but, I'd argue, even attending parties carries with it a bucket of anxieties. What do you wear (red, white, and/or blue, baby!)? What do you do with your hands (fill them with a beer!)? What do you do when you inevitably run into your ex(es) (try not to cry!)? And, maybe most stressful, how do you contribute to the consumables?

To help with the last one, I give you my suggestions for what one should bring when invited to a 4th of July cookout. I've them separated into categories which I sorted by importance.

— ∮∮∮ —

Booze

Blue Bee Cider; Charred Ordinary -- I asked my cider-drinking pal which Blue Bee she'd recommend, and she said "literally all of them." This was super unhelpful, and now we are no longer speaking.
Hardywood; Cream Ale -- A classic-style beer to drink on a classic-style American holiday. Also, if you can find their Bohemian Pils on tap, fill a couple of growlers immediately.
Wineworks; Box of Viognier -- Wine in a box, you say? I do say, especially when it's made by Virginia's wine making paladin Michael Shaps. With a box, you save a couple of bucks, and it balances nicely on the edge of a table.

Desserts

Shyndigz; Strawberry lemon cake -- Fact: lemons are the best flavor around. Also, this monstrous cake will fit the holiday's red-white-and-blue color scheme while smugly dominating the rest of the dessert table
Sugar Shack Donuts; Apple fritters -- Three or four years ago it might have seemed weird to bring doughnuts to a party in Richmond, now it almost seems weird not to bring them. The apple fritters here are massive (cut them in half), delicious, and as American as apple pie.
Proper Pie Co.; Dutch apple pie -- Sorry USA, the Dutch version of this American classic is better. Deal with it.

Side dishes

Mosaic; Signature dips (PDF) -- Man I love dips. The Signature Dip situation from Mosaic comes with everything you need to slip successfully into a deep dip coma.
Pickled Silly; Sampler -- Pickling is by far the most delicious of the ways to preserve food. Pick up this sampler to prove to your dumb friends that just about anything made of matter can be pickled deliciously.
Billy Bread; Loaf -- When you bring a crusty loaf of bread to a party, you're basically saying "Friends, I think too highly of you to let you use mere plastic spoons. Please, use this delicious, edible spoon I call 'bread', instead." You can never have enough bread at a party.

For the grill

SausageCraft; Saturday Nite -- The perfect sausage, and I'm quoting here, "to soak up alcohol late on a Saturday night." If you can't find the Saturday Nite, try the San Miniato, which are a bit smaller (but twice as adorable).
Yellow Umbrella; um...a fish? -- Here's what you do, go into Yellow Umbrella and speak these words to the person working there: "I must grill and serve a sea creature for me and my friends. Help me to do this please?" They'll take it from there, and you'll walk out with something both delicious and impressive.
Ellwood Thompson's; Corn -- Yeah that's right. Corn. Leave the husks on, soak them in water for a bit, and then grill them until you feel good about yourself. Oh, also slather them in butter--that's a critical step.

Photo by: Another Pint Please...

A Melting Pot of Condiments

Stephanie Ganz — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 10:00:53 +0000

Oh how I love the 4th of July! There's plenty of baseball and fireworks; it's secular; and there's no gift exchange. It's perfect. It's also a day off in which to engage in a very American pastime: outdoor gluttony. The food, my lord, the food! What is America if not its food? And yes, of course, you should celebrate with hamburgers and hot dogs because it says we must in the constitution, but this year I suggest you also embrace what makes America truly magnificent--other countries--by infusing your hot-dog-and-hamburger-guilding condiments with the flavors of foreign lands.

— ∮∮∮ —

1. Ketchup

English settlers brought ketchup with them to the colonies, so it's possible that ketchup was the first American condiment, and though it's only the third-best-selling condiment in the US,¹ what it lacks in gross sales, it makes up for in covering the taste of gross foods.

If it weren't for the British, we wouldn't even have the Fourth of July. And what do the British love? Curry. I know, you, American that you are, object immediately: "Not in MY ketchup!" you shout from your desk, arousing suspicion from coworkers. "Curry in ketchup is ridiculous," you whisper to no one.

But trust me. Embrace the curry. Let spices do their thing, and enjoy this curry ketchup with sweet potato freedom fries and endangered buffalo burgers like the forefathers would want you to.

Homemade Curry Ketchup recipe; Coffee and Quinoa

2. Mustard

It was the beginning of 20th century in America. Radios and automobiles were new technologies people were just beginning to access and explore, and then along comes an innovation unlike any other: prepared mustard. George and Francis French pioneered the spreadable novelty, which they introduced on a major scale at the St. Louis World's Fair, locking in the French family as the dominant player in the American mustard arena for the next hundred years.

But mustard is actually quite easy to prepare from scratch, and when you do so opportunities present themselves--like the opportunity to booze things up with the addition of your favorite German lager, for example. Jean Marie Kennedy knows all about mustard, having made and sold her own around Richmond for years as Simply Savory. Her recipe uses hometown favorite Legend Lager, so score one for Freedom.

Sweet Beer Mustard

Makes approximately 2 cups

1/2 cup yellow mustard seeds
1/3 cup brown mustard seeds
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup mustard powder
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. kosher salt
12 oz. Legend Lager
1/2 cup cider vinegar

Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive container. Cover and let stand overnight at room temperature. The liquid may completely absorb, and that's OK. Add to the work bowl of a food processor and process until smooth and spreadable. There will still be some whole mustard seeds.

If it seems dry, add additional beer, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistancy is reached.Will keep, in an airtight container, indefinitely.

3. Remoulade

French in origin, Remoulade is very similar to its British ally tartar sauce, but the former is typically smoother and more complexly seasoned. Feel free to draw whatever conclusion you will on the parallels between a country's condiments and its people. This particular remoulade, from Burger Bach owner Angela Whitley, is all USA thanks to a Walker-Texas-Ranger roundhouse kick to the tastebuds care of fresh jalapeño.

Substitute this remoulade for mayonnaise in your favorite mayonnaise-based potato salad recipe. HIYAAH!

Jalapenño Remoulade

16 oz. mayonnaise
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large fresh jalapeño
1 tablespoon parsley
1 tablespoon chives
1 clove garlic
1 stalk celery
1 tablespoon capers
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Place ingredients in a blender, and blend about 2 minutes or until smooth.

4. Mayonnaise

In Japan, miso is everything, a traditional culinary staple with high nutritional value and cultural significance. Regional, even familial, varieties abound, making our barbecue sauce varieties seem limited by comparison. There really is no true American equivalent. But you know, I always say, "If you can't beat 'em, join them into your mayonnaise recipe and then dip stuff in them!"

The resulting combination of fat and slightly floral funkiness is addictive in the extreme. This is a mayonnaise that makes up its own dipping excuses. Out of chips? Dip a cucumber in it! Just a spoon!? Oh go ahead, no one's watching. Your bare hand? OK, whatever you're getting weird again!

Photo by: Ashley Burton

Sriracha-Miso Mayo; The Dish

Behind mayonnaise and salsa. ↩

RVANews

The Byrd Theatre pays tribute to America and the motion picture palace Saturday

Beer News: Wort winners, America Day, beer films

Wort share winner

Blood sweat beer

A firecracker for your mouth

Kickers tickers

The following paragraph is not about beer

Elsewhere...

Other releases, takeovers, and things

'Gram: @harpoonbrewery

Beyond fireworks: Even more stuff to do this Independence Day

2nd Annual Frozen Drink and Yacht Rock Night at Pasture

Richmond the Beautiful

2015 July 4th Fireworks Guide

RVA Fireworks on the James -- July 3rd

Details

Recommended viewing sites

Dogwood Dell 4th of July Celebration -- July 4th

Details

Recommended viewing sites

Goochland County Fireworks -- July 4th

Details

Recommended viewing sites

Kings Dominion Nights of Fire -- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer

Details

Recommended viewing sites

Independence Day Celebration and Superblast Saturday with the Flying Squirrels -- July 4th

Details

Recommended viewing sites

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Details

Recommended viewing sites

Isley Brewing Company hosting second annual Red, White, and Brew Block Party

American apparel: How we dress is who we are

As American as apple pie

Further Reading

Do America proud with a 13 Original Colonies Cookout

VIRGINIA -- FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA BURGER

MASSACHUSETTS -- BEANTOWN BEAN DIP

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- PRIMARY (APPLE) PIE

NEW JERSEY -- PORK ROLL BÁNH MÌ

NEW YORK -- HOT DOGS (NATHAN'S FAMOUS AND/OR GRAY'S PAPAYA)

MARYLAND -- GRILLED CRAB CAKES WITH OLD BAY AIOLI

RHODE ISLAND -- FROZEN LEMONADE

CONNECTICUT -- APIZZA ON THE GRILL WITH MOOTZ

DELAWARE -- ONE BOURBON, ONE SHOT, AND ONE (DOGFISH HEAD) BEER

NORTH CAROLINA -- UTZ'S CAROLINA BBQ CHIPS

SOUTH CAROLINA -- FROGMORE STEW

PENNSYLVANIA -- HERSHEY'S/TWIZZLER'S FIREWORKS CUPCAKES

GEORGIA -- PEACH ICE CREAM

Leaves of three, let it be

Don't hate the player, hate the allergen

How do I spot poison ivy?

How do I deal with the stuff?

Related

Bring this local stuff to your 4th of July cookout

Booze

Desserts

Side dishes

For the grill

A Melting Pot of Condiments

1. Ketchup

2. Mustard

Sweet Beer Mustard

3. Remoulade

Jalapenño Remoulade

4. Mayonnaise