This year, I decided to celebrate my birthday in a unique and exciting way – by embarking on a food tour with Discover Richmond Food Tour! Food tours have always been a fantastic avenue to delve into the history and flavors of a new city, country, or town. In my case, I opted for an exploration of my very own hometown – the old and vibrant city of Richmond. Although I didn’t grow up within Richmond’s city limits but rather in the suburban outskirts, the hustle of city parking and the presence of enthusiastic VCU students downtown still manage to induce a hint of stress in me. Yet, amidst mastering my parallel parking skills and hoping for generous parking spots or easy pull-throughs, I found myself immersed in the charm of a city that is both familiar and foreign to me.
With my traveler’s spirit, I viewed Richmond through the lens of an explorer, seeking out delightful and touristy activities for my birthday celebration. Naturally, my search began on the trusty platforms of Google and Facebook. If you’re questioning whether people still utilize Facebook, especially folks of my age or younger, the resounding answer is yes! Facebook remains a hub for groups and insights into local activities, making it an invaluable resource for travelers seeking recommendations or tour options in unfamiliar locales.
Personally, I adore experiential and enjoyable moments on my birthday, so I settled on the idea of embarking on a food tour with the esteemed Discover Richmond Food Tours. Despite my somewhat last-minute invitation, many of my local friends had other commitments. However, a dear friend from North Carolina made the journey to spend the birthday weekend with me, warming my heart with her presence. Additionally, a newfound friend, whom I met during a memorable yet somewhat chaotic Miami airport misadventure, joined in the festivities. A shared experience of navigating flight mishaps and an unexpected extended stay in Miami forged a unique bond between us because of certain airline woes. (American Airlines, I’m side-eyeing you!)
The morning of my birthday greeted me with the most splendid spring day, setting the perfect backdrop for the Churchill food tour I had chosen. This particular tour promised a tantalizing journey through five distinct food and drink establishments nestled within the Churchill area. With a duration of three hours and a cost of $70.
Now, let’s dive into my impressions of each stop. Allow me to preface this by emphasizing that I’m not a food critic nor a habitual reviewer; I’m just an ordinary individual who cherishes experiences, both the exceptional and the not-so-exceptional. As I share my thoughts and viewpoints on this tour, I encourage you to consider embarking on it yourself, either solo, with friends, or alongside family. After all, indulging in delightful cuisine while working off those calories through a leisurely stroll is a win-win in my book.
Patrick Henry Park & 8 1/2 Pizza
Our Churchill tour commenced at Patrick Henry Park, where we exchanged warm greetings and our knowledgeable tour guide initiated a dialogue about the rich history of the Church Hill area. Our inaugural destination was none other than 8 ½ Pizza, a casual and quick-bite joint. Although it is not a sit-down restaurant, it promises an array of mouthwatering pizza options. During our visit, we sampled two distinct slices. Admittedly, the details of the first slice have escaped my memory, but the second slice – a sumptuous margherita like pizza – won me over. Bursting with fresh flavors, it was the impeccable tomato sauce that truly delighted my taste buds. However, a challenge our tour guide playfully presented to us was guessing their secret ingredient. Feel free to drop your guesses in the comments; while I remained clueless, one of my friends managed to crack the code!
Second Bottle
Our journey continued to a destination called Second Bottle. Here, we embarked on a wine-tasting adventure, treating our palates to two splendid French wines – Domaine Migot Brut Rosé and Nicholas Boudeau Brouilly, a red blend that tickled our senses. While our guide enthusiastically gave us a wealth of knowledge, I will admit that the intricate wine talk with wayyyy above my head. Nevertheless, the Second Bottle boasts an impressive array of global wines, igniting my curiosity to return and explore their offerings further. Keep an eye on their social media and mailing list for upcoming wine-tasting events; you won’t want to miss out.
Libby Hill Park
The next chapter of our tour led us through a captivating stroll past historic homes nestled within Church Hill, culminating in Libby hill Park. This vantage point affords an exquisite view of Richmond City, making it an ideal setting for a picturesque sunset. For those seeking an enchanting date night locale, hint hint: Libby hill Park might just be your answer. During this stop, our guide gave us insights into why Richmond earned its name and drew parallels between some of the architectural styles and those found in Old New Orleans. Just note this area is a popular spot to take pictures so just be aware of others who might be in the background or just maneuvering around.
Proper Pie
Proper Pie emerged as a delightful surprise on our itinerary, whisking me away to fond memories of devouring meat pies during my study-abroad months in New Zealand. Meat pies are omnipresent street food in the land of the Lord of the Rings, I mean New Zealand. Proper Pie’s claim to fame lies not in offering a sit-down dining experience, but rather in providing delectable pick-up-and-go pies. Our taste journey led us to a Pork and Peach pie, a tantalizing option. Alternatively, vegetarians or those inclined towards plant-based fare could savor the curried lentil spinach pie. My Pork and Peach pie was a splendid concoction of sweet and savory flavors, although my only gripe would be the size of the pulled pork, which I found slightly too big. Nonetheless, armed with an ironclad stomach and unwavering determination, I devoured this delicious meat pie…a Proper Pie one might say!
Kahlo’s Taqueria & Bar
Our culinary odyssey took a Mexican turn with a stop at Kahlo’s Taqueria & Bar, where we succumbed to the allure of Tico-Tacos. This leg of the tour felt like a whimsical trip down memory lane for me, as our guide recounted his time living in Mexico, while my friend shared her tales of a university sojourn in Spain. It was fascinating to trace the cultural resonance of Frida Kahlo, whose influence extended beyond her native Mexico to touch both Spain and my experiences in Panama. Our taste buds were treated to the classic carnitas taco, adorned with traditional tortillas, onions, and cilantro. A dip in the accompanying salsa elevated these tacos to new heights, Yummiiiii. As it was my special day, a Margarita with a twist of passion fruit made its way onto the menu, though my heart truly lies with Passion Fruit Mojitos as my drink of choice.
Sub Rosa Bakery
Last but far from least, we culminated our gastronomic escapade with a dessert (or perhaps breakfast pastry, depending on your perspective) at Sub Rosa Bakery. This charming establishment invites patrons to savor their pastries while enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee. A noteworthy detail: Sub Rosa Bakery crafts its flour in-house, meticulously refining the weight and ingredients for the ultimate pastry perfection. Our final indulgence consisted of a croissant-like confection, generously filled with decadent chocolate and boasting a delightfully flaky top. Needless to say, flakiness prevailed, resulting in a delectable yet inevitably messy experience for both me and others who ate this pastry.
Yay or Nay? Discover Richmond Food Tour
My rendezvous with Discover Richmond Food Tours was a resounding success, leaving me eager to explore further sections of the city, such as Carytown and the Arts District. An enticing beer tour through Scott’s Addition also beckons, given my appreciation for both beer and the prospect of mingling with strangers or loved ones. One element that consistently intrigues me about guided tours is the opportunity to cross paths with like-minded individuals, although let’s be honest – it’s not a guaranteed outcome every time!
Stay tuned, dear readers, for more of my escapades, spanning from culinary reviews and board game hotspots to community groups and other serendipitous discoveries that rekindle my connection with Richmond in this exciting stage of adulthood.
As Always Thank You for Reading My World, My Vision, My Adventure!
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AllThingsBiola 