By Kathy Chouteau
Can you feel the vibe? Taste of Richmond’s ‘Restaurant Week’ is upon us Oct. 7-13, rife with tasty opportunities to check out our city’s culinary scene. And, yes, Richmond most certainly has a scene.
“Taste of Richmond: Restaurant Week” is more than just a celebration of culinary excellence; it’s a thoughtful initiative designed to uplift local restaurants and bring the community together,” said organizers from Richmond’s Economic Development Commission (EDC).
The best part? In most cases, all locals have to do to “experience the diversity of the culinary scene” per the EDC, is show up and purchase some food or drinks—and reveal in the artistry of local chefs and restauranteurs. Here’s the “Restaurant Week” game plan:
Oct. 7 & 8: Before diving into Restaurant Week, know where to go and what to order. Look for @TasteofRichmondCA on Instagram for a preview of participating local restaurants and their signature dishes. Adding to the sneak peek will be behind-the-scenes moments, interviews and mouth-watering food photos. Yum!
Oct. 8: Head to CoBiz Richmond to check out I Love Granny’s Kitchen for lunch from 12 to 3:30 p.m. The eatery is bringing fresh, delicious and nutritious meals with home-cooked flavors to downtown Richmond. Visitors can order up the COBIZY Caribbean Bowl with jerk chicken, shrimp or tofu along with coconut rice and red beans, curry rice and peas, and plantains; or the YEE Soul Food Vegan Bowl with vegan oyster fried chicken, collard greens, mac & cheese or potato salad, candied yams and cornbread. CoBiz Richmond is at 1503 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond.
Oct. 9: A “Lunch + Learn” will be held at the Craneway Pavilion, alternately being dubbed the “Pickleball Pavilion,” during which Assemble will serve up delicious eats. The pay-for “lunch” portion of the event is from 1-2 p.m. at Assemble, while the complimentary “learn” element is from 2-4 p.m. at the Craneway (60 people max). If you’re not sour about the Craneway being dedicated to pickleball now, you can try your hand at the game; otherwise, go for the food and waterfront views. The Craneway Pavilion and Assemble are located at 1414 Harbour Way South in Richmond. Call (510) 736-0707 for more details.
Oct. 10: Locals likely have heard the buzz, but now it’s time to taste for yourselves what newly opened Johnny Boi Smash Burger in Point Richmond is all about. The Taste of Richmond folks tout Johnny Boi as creators of juicy, handcrafted burgers packed with flavor and made to perfection. Other options are on the menu too, like chicken and wings. Johnny Boi is located at 201 Tewksbury Ave. in Point Richmond and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. The eatery uses 100 percent grass-fed beef in its burgers.
Oct. 11: Sometimes a familiar friend hits just the right notes on a night out. Taste of Richmond invites locals to join The Factory Bar for a Restaurant Week Happy Hour, which will include delicious bites from Tacos El Tucan next door. “Sip on craft cocktails while enjoying mouthwatering tacos in the heart of Richmond’s social scene,” touted organizers, which called the duo an “unbeatable combo.” Find The Factory Bar at 12517 San Pablo Ave, in Richmond, and El Tucan, next door to it.
Oct. 12: Saturday will see Taste of Richmond welcome people to Perfusion Vineyard in Wildcat Canyon from 1-5 p.m., where organizers say award-winning wine will meet the vibrant rhythms of a live Brazilian Jazz Band. The experience will include seven tastings and food prepared by Pickles N’ Smoke in a beautiful canyon setting, with tickets ranging from $33.85 (no alcohol) to $44.52 (including alcohol). Get tickets here. Find Perfusion Vineyard at 6102 Park Ave. in Richmond.
Oct. 13: Topping of Restaurant Week will be a visit to another Richmond fave, The Backyard, which will have Andre Thierry’s accordion soul music on their palm tree-lined lot for a “festive finale,” according to Taste of Richmond organizers. Beer & wine, a menu of delectable eats and fun outdoor games round off the family friendly array of offerings. Find The Backyard at 205 Cutting Blvd. in Richmond.
Learn more about Taste of Richmond Restaurant Week here.
