Food news: critics, coffee, panels, and lawsuits

This week in RVA food news, we’ve got a new coffee place downtown, an interesting lawsuit, an incredible food panel, and more.

August 29, 2013; 7:58 AM • by Ross Catrow

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema takes a (couple) quick trips down to Richmond1 and checks out Dutch & Company, Rappahannock, and the Roosevelt. He gives Dutch & Co. “2.5 stars” which apparently is “good/excellent.” I’m exercising incredible restraint to not write 600 words about how that might be the worst ratings system I’ve ever seen.

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Hey! Do you like music? Do you like food? Do you like exploring the intersection of both with some of Richmond’s most acclaimed and fantastic food/music folks? If so you need to be at Fall Line Fest’s Fueling Richmond panel discussion. Featuring Jason Alley, Chris Bopst, Constantine Giavos, and Nate Gutierrez, these subject matter experts will talk about the overlap in music and dining creativity.

The panel takes place at The Camel on September 7th at 1:00 PM. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online.¹

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It’s Labor Day weekend! That means at least two things: 1) you probably aren’t coming in to work on Monday, and 2) some of your favorite restaurants are gonna close up shop. Hey, restauranteurs gotta take a vacation every once in a while too! Two of our favorite spots, Sugar Shack Donuts and Heritage, are both closed until Tuesday September 3rd.

Word of advice: if you’re headed out to eat this weekend, check Facebook before you leave.

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Richmond BizSense reports that Strangeways, one of RVA’s newest breweries, has turned to the courts to stay the strangest of them all. Owner Neil Burton filed a trademark-related suit against Massachusetts-based Strange Brew back in July. One of the downsides of a growing industry, I guess?

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Last week, Sefton Coffee opened at 24 N. 8th Street. It’s owned by Jenny Skinner, who owns Apropos, a local roasting company that delivers fair trade coffee to your door. Sefton is a roughly 700 sq ft coffee house with high tables and a bar. In addition to coffee, Sefton serves tea, sandwiches, and pastries from local businesses Flour Garden Bakery, Nettie’s Naturally, and Dixie Donuts. It’s open Monday – Friday from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

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Fan of the Fan is reporting that the new Ed Vasaio (Edo’s, Mama Zu’s) / Tuffy Stone (Q BBQ) collaboration will be called “Rancho T”. Honestly, it could be called “Bugs and Dirt”, and I would still be incredibly excited to see what those two guys come up with.

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Also on the BBQ tip, Church Hill People’s News has the word that Zagat named Alamo BBQ’s Cuban sandwich The State Sandwich of Virginia. While we absolutely LOVE Alamo, we’re pretty partial to the brisket sandwich.

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August 29, 2013 7:58 AM 1