Food News: Derby Day! Growing businesses! Farmers’ markets!

May already looks like an awesome month for everything food. Not only is it South of the James farmers’ market’s opening weekend, but we have much to celebrate as RVA-grown food businesses blossom in different parts of Virginia. Make us proud!

May 1, 2014; 9:18 AM • by Scotti Cutlip

While Sugar Shack is open for longer weekend hours, there are now new locations in the works. RVA’s favorite doughnut shop is quickly expanding to Midlothian, and there are talks of an Alexandria location. Today RVA. Tomorrow… all of Virginia!?

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It’s that awesome time of year again: when there are ways to get the freshest of the fresh from every corner! This Saturday, South of the James Farmers’ Market starts their summer hours, and vendors sell wares that span from RVA gear and popsicles to an abundance of local produce. But get there early! Hours run form 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

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You’re going to need the freshest of eggs to go along with your fresh veggies, fruits, and Yoder’s, so Ellwood’s will host a class on how to raise your chickens this Saturday. For $6, learn how to take care of your chickens no matter how big or small the coop.

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ShaZzam! According to Richmond BizSense, Sweet Frog founder Derek Cha has come up with a new food business that sounds like a tasty precursor to the frozen dessert we’ve all come to love: a food truck branded as Zzam! Fresh Korean Grill. There’s already a restaurant location set in Charlottesville, and he’s currently searching Carytown for spots to station the new food truck.

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Another Richmond favorite expands up north in DC! Travis Croxton, owner of Rappahannock Oyster Co. will open a bar and restaurant called Rocksalt, in the Mosaic District. If it’s anything like Rappahannock, there’s no doubt it will be successful.

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Those looking for something other than chicken and steak and more towards blood sausage and cow tongue, will rejoice in their exotic palates now that El Tango Argentinean Bistro is coming downtown. Run by the father-son duo, Maximo and Max, the Argentinean steakhouse will open next month on E. Franklin Street.

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The short-lived Diner-Myte has closed after only being opened for four months. However, they have higher hopes for Dicarlo’s Pizza which will open in the same location soon.

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Cigars? Cigarettes? Fresh air? The Tobacco Company Club recently announced that they will go smoke-free. According to the press release, they’re considering the needs of the younger crowd and will be making renovations in the coming weeks. Way to go possibly more health conscious young’uns!

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Huzzah! According to Richmond.com, Saison Market will finally open TODAY. Co-owners Jay Bayer and Adam Hall will wake up bright and early to provide Jackson Ward with gourmet food, wine, beer, and–later on–Lamplighter coffee. It’ll have pretty much everything that makes the world go round. Or at least Richmond, for that matter.

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Derby Day is a big deal! And we’re not just talking about the size of the hats, but two great events this Saturday, May 3rd. Center of the Universe will host their second annual Kentucky Derby Party from 3:00 – 9:00 PM, where they will reveal a specialized Derby brew and host an array of contests, live music, and delicious food. For those who want to start things a little earlier, The Rogue Gentlemen will host their first Derby Day party at 12:00 PM. They will offer an endless array of delicious food, mint juleps, bourbon, and the unveiling of the restaurant’s patio. Fingers crossed for patio weather!

Photo by: pietroizzo