Ask Lauren: an afternoon in Carytown, wine & beer stores, and a birthday outing

This week we ask Lauren how to spend a day with the kids, where to grab a great a six pack of beer, and how to host a birthday party while being considerate of dietary restrictions.

October 18, 2013; 6:00 AM • by Ross Catrow

Now, through the magic of the internet, you too can ask Lauren your myriad food-related questions. Well, technically, you can leave your questions in the comments below, I’ll ask Lauren, and then I’ll let you know what she says. It’s like the three-legged stool of restaurant recommendations.

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Me and the kids have this Saturday all to ourselves, and I want to have some FUN.

Nothing says day of fun with the kids like an afternoon spent in Carytown. Instead of aimlessly wandering the length of Richmond’s Mile of Style, follow our patented Carytown Fun Day Plan:

Hit up World of Mirth and buy something silly.
Head to Can Can and grab a couple of burgers at the bar. Can Can is a great place to take kids of all ages and their classy zinc bar makes everyone feel fancy.
After you’ve stuffed yourself with one of the city’s best burgers, waddle down the street to Bev’s for some of the city’s best homemade ice cream. Current flavors include: maple walnut, pumpkin, apple pie, and rum raisin.
And, if you haven’t already slipped deep into a food coma, across the street at The Byrd there’s a 4:30 PM showing of Monsters University.

I’m looking for a local spot to pick up either an interesting six pack of beer or a bottle of wine. Any suggestions?

Like I always say, we’re living in a Virginia beer and wine Golden Age; you can hardly spit without hitting some new, locally fermented beverage. One great side effect of all this spit-worthy booze is that your local beer shop just got about a billion times better! No longer are the coolers at your corner store stocked with Coors Light and Yellow Tail only. Heck, I just bought a six pack of Virginia-brewed beer at a Sheetz this weekend! No joke! Anyway, here are a couple great picks for finding all sorts of great beer and wine:

Once Upon a Vine has two locations–one on the Northside and one on the Southside–absolutely packed with wine and beer choices. You can also order kegs if you’re the type of person who has a keggerator in their basement.
It doesn’t get much more convenient than Shields Market in The Fan for all of your beer, wine, and snack needs. Stop by, grab a six pack, and don’t forget to pick up some wasabi peas!

Soooooooo some of my friends want to take me out next Friday for my birthday. Probably six or eight people, not too expensive. People do have diet restrictions (dairy and gluten). Go!

The Daily, which we can’t stop talking about, is perfect for a biggish party with some dietary restrictions. A HUGE chunk of their menu is vegan, gluten-free, or both–plus lots of items can be made vegan or gluten-free on request. They’ve also got an extensive craft cocktail list ranging from blackberry lemonade to triple ginger ale. One question for you, are we invited?