To start their 2012 tours, Real Richmond Food Tours and More offered their VCU: Alternative Eats tour to a sold out crowd on a bright, crisp Saturday afternoon January 14th.  Maureen and Susan, tour hosts, take ticket holders on a mile and a half walk through Richmond’s culture, architecture, history – and, naturally Richmond’s food scene.  The tours feature at least seven different areas of the city, seven totally different tours. But, even the same tour experienced several times provides a very different perspective by stopping in different eateries along the way.  Tours are rotated so not all areas are available at the same time.

Today’s tour began at the William Miller House Bed and Breakfast, in the heart of the Fan, just a block from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus. After a quick briefing about the house, the two guest rooms, and William Miller (the marble carver who built the house in 1869), the group visited the dining room where breakfast is served to guests and the wine room where beverages and hors d’oeuvres are available for guests in the evening as they make their dinner plans.  Pat and Mike explained they began renovations in 1996 (still on-going, an old house is never done!) and opened as an urban inn/bed and breakfast in 2000. Then to the inn’s best feature – the Kitchen, where gourmet breakfasts are prepared for guests!

Real Richmond Food Tour tasted creme caramel at the William Miller House B&B during the VCU: Alternative Eats tour

First Mike had prepared creme caramel!   He explained that this version was a little sweeter than we serve our breakfast guests but it is an alternative for our fresh fruit course. Other options include a lavender panna cotta, surprise yogurt, fruit crepes or any other seasonal offering to feature Virginia’s bounty as a first course. That’s right – it’s just a first course.  After the first course, guests are treated to an entree course served on individual platters.  Real Richmond Food Tours is all about tastes, as they visit 5 or 6 stops along the way – so no entree today!

Mike has been perfecting his sous-vide technique for three years now and decided to spend a few minutes introducing the tour to sous-vide process to the tour.  Sous vide or cooking under pressure is a method of cooking foods in an airtight plastic bag in a water bath at an accurately determined temperature.  The temperature is lower than normally used for cooking, usually around 140 degrees F.  The concept is to cook the item evenly, not overcook the outside. The inside then has the same overall “doneness” and the food stays juicier.  This method is often used for meats and can be used for vegetables, etc.  Eggs come in their own airtight container (their shell) – they don’t need a plastic bag!  Mike offered tour-goers the opportunity to taste one of our fresh from the farm eggs prepared soft-boiled in the sous-vide, served on a toast square.  He was surprised how adventurous this group was; he had many takers. The sous vide technique was introduced to the US mainly through the efforts of Thomas Keller at the French Laundry in Napa Valley.  Here in Richmond, Philip Denny, chef at Six Burner, just a few blocks away and also in the Fan, was the first chef in Richmond approved by the health department to use the technique for guests.

Farm Fresh Eggs ready for their Sous Vide bath

Meyer Lemon Sorbet to cleanse the palate between tastes

To cleanse the palate, tour ticket holders were offered a Meyer Lemon sorbet, served on a Chinese spoon, and garnished with a mint leaf from the inn garden.  Next up, guests were offered pecan squares to go as they hit the streets of the  Fan for their next stops.

Miller House Pecan Squares

These tours are so popular that they sell out quickly and you need to plan in advance to purchase your ticket on-line to reserve your spot. It is a wonderful way to experience Richmond up close and personal!

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens as part of the GardenFest of Lights 2011 was open between 5 PM and 10 PM and pets on leashes were invited.  Morgan, the inn concierge at the William Miller House Bed and Breakfast, was delighted to visit. This holiday tradition includes more than a half  million lights, botanical decorations, and even trains! The fabulous peacock was there – moved from the lawn where it elegantly perched last year to a new location where its tail formed an archway under which to stroll. Penguins played on the lawn, candy canes, flowers made up lights, and even vegetables made from lights completed the picture.  The conservatory was a-blaze on the hill,  the promenade to access the conservatory was beautifully decorated with blue and white lights. Next Fido event is December 8th, followed by another January 5th. Leashed pets are welcome, a suggested $2 donation for the Richmond SPCA for each pet is recommended.

Morgan, the new concierge at Richmond's premier bed and breakfast, visits Lewis Ginter's GardenFest for Fidos

The magnificent peacock at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Carrots in the Children's Garden at GardenFest of Lights

Even watermelons and mushrooms

Check out the bunnies and the carrier pigeons!

Going to stop by the gift shop at Lewis Ginter and pick up some of these lights! Definitely dramatic!

Morgan and friend in front of the conservatory Christmas Tree

This weekend, October 28th and 29th, the Richmond International Wine Excursion kicks off a world-class culinary adventure combining both international and locally-sourced wine with cuisine featuring a global flair.

Richmond International Wine Excursion October 28 and October 29 at Historic Tredegar on teh banks of teh James River

This first annual event will take place at Historic Tredegar, where large, temperature-controlled tents will be in place. Tredegar, of course, is on the banks of the James River and the weather forecast is projecting a beautiful, crisp autumn day.  More than 250 wines representing 12 countries and 100 of the best wineries will be poured by representatives of the wineries who will share their expertise and knowledge. Each attendee will receive a beautiful Riedel crystal wine glass as a souvenir.  There’s even a Locavore Luncheon – a feast of sumptuous, locally-sourced cuisine paired with selected wines.

Whether you take in one event or more, various ticket packages are available. Tickets. For a full schedule of the events and to plan your day, check Schedule. The event opens at 6 PM on Friday, closes at 10 PM, and re-opens on Saturday at noon and runs until 10 PM. What can be better than wine, food, and a beautiful fall day along the James River?

Paul Simon is coming to the Landmark Theater on November 29, 2011 and tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM Friday morning.  Paul turned 70 years old last week and begins his fall tour in Phoenix AZ on October 17th. Stops include Las Vegas, New Orleans, Newark, and Orlando – among others. During this tour he will perform some of his legendary hits (a few that haven’t been heard live in years) as well as music from his newest album “So Beautiful or So What.”  Tickets to this concert at the Landmark are bound to go fast so get your tickets early and plan an evening in Richmond’s thriving Fan District: dinner, concert, and an overnight stay downtown to eliminate the commute and the parking woes!  Learn more about Paul Simon!

Brazier Studio and Gallery on West Main Street in Richmond’s Uptown area of the Historic Fan District has announced an art event for October!

Brazier Studio and Gallery Welcomes Kevin Menck

First up is an artist reception with Kevin Menck on October 20, 2011 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Brazier Studio and Gallery.  Kevin is a landscape painter who spends hours “en plein aire” outside taking his inspiration and working directly from nature. Kevin, who was born and raised in Tennessee,  fine-tuned the fundamentals of drawing as an illustrator.  Finally, motivated by his love and appreciation for the outdoors, Kevin now paints landscapes from nature capturing not only what he sees but the atmosphere of the moment. During the reception, visitors will be encouraged to meet Kevin,  discuss his inspiration and his process, and view many of his latest works.

As an added bonus, Kevin Menck, will be teaching a PLEIN AIRE Workshop October 21 through October 23, 2011 at Brazier Studio and Gallery. Info and Details.  Advance registration is required for this limited space workshop which features demonstrations in the morning and hands-on painting on location in the afternoon. This is definitely an opportunity not to be missed!

The Brazier Studio and Gallery is just blocks from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, in the historic Fan District, on West Main Street – in an area filled with galleries, working artists, restaurants, and around the corner from Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast. Known for its hearty gourmet breakfast each morning, this lodging alternative is the best way to stay in Richmond, Virginia.

Loryn Brazier, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, has her studio adjacent to the  gallery which proudly represents both impressionist and realist works by dozens of artists. Loryn Brazier is known for both her portraits and her landscapes which hang in corporate offices, in universities, hotels, hospitals, as well as private homes.

Downtown Richmond Virginia’s fab free three-day festival on the riverfront opens October 14 and runs through October 16, 2011. The final performers were announced last Thursday and include Original P (a funk band), Los Tres Reyes from San Antonio with their Spanish romantic music, Tibetan sacred music and dance by Tibetan Monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery in India, Circleville Ohio banjo musicians Tony Ellis and the Musicians of Braeburn and traditional Irish music by the Old Bay Ceili Band of Baltimore.  This annual festival, now in its fourth year, will feature over 20 performers and performing acts on seven stages throughout the weekend. SCHEDULE.  Most of the performers are new to Richmond this year, so this is not a repeat of previous year’s lineup!  And, though you will be able to find typical festival food, this year’s food vendors can take your tastebuds on a trip around the world with traditional foods running the gamut from Thai, Indian, Mexican, Italian to southern delectables like Cajun.

One of Virginia’s largest and most-loved events, The Richmond Folk Festival finds its roots in the National Folk Festival, held in Richmond in 2005, 2006, and 2007.  Richmond’s residents and visitors loved the riverfront festival along Tredegar and on Brown’s Island so much that when the National Folk Festival moved on, the Richmond Folk Festival was born and continues to get bigger and better each and every year. Last year more than 190,000 folks visited the Richmond Folk Festival. This year’s event promises to explore and celebrate the roots of the rich and diverse culture that we know as American culture through dance, music, crafts and food – to the delight of the entire family. Make plans to attend now! You don’t want to miss it.

Central Virginia’s own professional symphony orchestra, the Richmond Symphony, will kick off its Genworth Financial Symphony Pops series with “a Symphonic Night at the Movies: Casablanca” on Saturday October 1, 2011.

Richmond's Carpenter Theatre, formerly Loew's Palace, to host Richmond Symphony Pops

Enjoy this special night at the movies, with the classic Humphrey Bogart film “Casablanca” at the Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage accompanied by live music by the Richmond Symphony. This time “Play it again, Sam” comes to you with the full width and breadth of a symphony orchestra. “Casablanca” will never be the same!

Take a break from shopping for “Let It Snow,” the Richmond Symphony’s classic holiday tradition of time-honored carols and festive music setting the mood for a celebration of the holiday season on December 3rd and 4th. Erin Freeman will conduct this 2011 performance of one of Richmond’s favorite annual events to get you into the holiday spirit!

The Pops series will continue on Saturday January 21 with “The Music of Ella Fitzgerald Starring Patti Austin.”  Grammy and Oscar nominee Patti Austin joins the Richmond Symphony to perform a tribute to the music of the “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald.  The evening will be sure to touch your heart with these timeless classics.

Performances all take place at the Carpenter Theatre in Richmond’s downtown at 612 East Grace Street.  More INFO about the Richmond Symphony and Tickets.

When you plan a trip to Richmond VA, check out the historic Fan District’s premier bed and breakfast for guest room availability and check the Symphony’s schedule to enhance your visit by taking advantage of one of Richmond’s best secrets!

Labor Day signals the end of summer. It’s back to school time and Fall is right around the corner.  Rocketts Landing is hosting a “Rocketts Red Glare” Labor Day Fireworks on Monday, September 5, 2011 beginning at 7:30 PM with a concert by The Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Fireworks start at dark bursting over the James River.  Organizers suggest you bring a chair or blanket to sit on,  a picnic or dine at one of their restaurants, and enjoy the fun!

Details.

Don’t miss this exciting event!

The Richmond Symphony has announced their 2011-12 season and subscriptions as well as individual tickets are on sale! The symphony will appear at the Carpenter Theatre of Richmond’s recently renovated CenterStage in downtown at 612 East Grace Street. A pre-concert talk will take place one hour before the scheduled hour. Don’t miss it – it will provide insight into each program!

The Richmond Symphony schedules 2011/12 season at The Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage

The Altria Masterworks series opens the season with “The Miraculous Mandarin” featuring violinist, Elena Urioste, on September 17th and 18th. The program will feature work by Beethovan, whose compositions develop intense  harmonies, driving rhythms and a wide range of loud and soft dynamics.  The program will also feature Brahms’ work highlighting the middle of the orchestra, particularly the violas, clarinets, cellos, and horns. Steven Stucky’s “Dreamwaltzes” is on the program, bringing his 21st century approach to the work of his composing predecessors.  “The Miraculous Mandarin Suite” by Bartok finds its roots in the world of folk music, which he transformed into exuberance for the full orchestra.

On October 15th and 16th, the Masterworks series continues with a program focused on Shostakovich and Dvorak. Followed on November 12 and 13th by Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G with guest pianist Anton Nel, featuring additional works by Rossini, Poulenc, and Stravinsky. Ravel’s concerto reflects a little bit of jazz influence from 1920′s Paris. Oh la la!

The series continues with 5 more concerts into 2012.  MORE INFO. Tickets.

The Richmond Symphony was founded in 1957 by a small group of music lovers who have provided Central Virginia with a professional orchestra that incorporates both traditional and contemporary works into a diverse repertoire including classics, jazz, gospel, contemporary, and popular music. Guest artists who have appeared with the Richmond Symphony include internationally known artists and musicians like Aretha Franklin, Andre Watts, Pink Martini, Itzhak Perlman, among others. The Richmond Symphony equals great music right here in central Virginia’s front yard!

If you happen to be planning a weekend in Richmond, check the schedule for the Richmond Symphony and get tickets to enjoy one of Virginia’s cultural treasures.  And, check out Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast in the historic Fan District adjacent to downtown for a great place to stay!

Saturday September 10, 2011 is the day! The story starts out that William Byrd stood on a hill overlooking the river in 1733 and thought that the particular bend in the river looked just like that of the river in Richmond-on-Thames, England. Byrd decided to name the new city where he stood Richmond.  That view is best seen from Libby Hill Terrace and on Saturday, September 10, 2011 between 10 am and 6 PM, the Historic Richmond Foundation is calling artists of all ages, amateurs and professionals, residents and visitors to preserve that view, which has remained virtually unchanged for 275 years, through artists’ creative work.

Libby Hill park has been reserved; plenty of bottled water, snacks and lemonade will be on hand for participants. So set your GPS for 2801 E. Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia and enjoy the view that named Richmond with other artists.  Make it a day and bring a picnic. It’s bound to be creative!  A follow-up event will be held on October 6, 2011, a party, art show, and art auction to create awareness of The Richmond View.

If you’d like to make it a special weekend, plan a stay at Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast – just 2 miles away, west of downtown in the historic Fan District.