As things start to return to a new state of normal, it’s good to remember that’s not the case for everyone—especially for the small local businesses—especially in food—that we love so much.
National estimates show that one out of every six restaurants in America has permanently closed their doors since March. Here in Tidewater, community support and creative adaptations have lessened those numbers, but that doesn’t mean that our favorite spots are in the clear just yet. In Norfolk alone, 12 restaurants, watering holes, and coffeeshops received grants just last month from the Department of Economic Development, using Federal CARES Act funds. That just shows us how much more they need our support.
So as it starts getting chillier and harder to have outdoor seating (is Halloween really next week?!) let’s keep local outstanding eateries in mind throughout the region next time we want a drink, a delicious meal, or a cup of joe.
We will get through this together!
Social News
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Wanda Raimundi Ortiz, Bargain Basement Sovereign (Reina Queen Series), 2015 -
@sophialulubelle
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@norfolkcandle -
@nouvelle217
Some really great restaurant news – Nouvelle reopened after a three-month closure last week. The French-Filipino restaurant had to close its doors this summer due to a broken AC unit: temperatures in the kitchen reached over 100 degrees. With the weather cooler, they’ve brought back with new cocktails, new menu options and their killer kinilaw ceviche.
I don’t know about you, but I am really over watching movies on my laptop screen. Fortunately, Capstan Bar Brewing Company will host classic horror movies showings outdoors (or in the Taproom following COVID precautions if we have ornery weather) this Saturday from 8 p.m.-midnight. Movies are chosen in a private FB group due to licensing restrictions. Bring a lawn chair, kick up your feet and grab a drink – I’m interested in the Blood Orange Creamsicle Kölsch or the Ginger Beer.
We’ve talked about how their latest exhibit made us ask questions about race, now you can hear the collector, creators and curator ask questions too. MOCA will host a virtual conversation with Robert B. Feldman (collection owner) and two “Shifting Gaze” exhibiting artists Mark Thomas Gibson and Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz, moderated by Shannon Fitzgerald, executive director of the Mennello Museum of Art and curator of “Shifting Gaze.” In this time of unrest and deep, uncomfortable questions, hearing other’s stories and their expressions of self is so important. Tune in Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
It’s no secret that we love markets and local artisans, but this Saturday’s 757 Market at Five Points Neighborhood spot has even more, with a live Street Art Battle. The competitive all-styles visual art battle provides the artists with opportunities to showcase their artistry and technique. Enjoy it against a backdrop of unique handmade goods and delicious eats from 3-7 p.m.
Costume contests, delicious food trucks, live music, pumpkin painting – that’s what Halloween is all about! Maker’s Craft Brewery will host a Spooktacular Sunday with all of those fun things and more from noon to 7 p.m. this Sunday. While there, you can donate blood with the Red Cross and receive a free pint of beer as a thank you. We recommend the Beaglejuice collaboration they did with Wasserhund Brewing Company from our roundup of nine local limited-release fall craft beers.
A new Northern-Italian restaurant will open this spring devoted to the history of Suffolk from the restauranteur couple behind Vintage Tavern, River Stone Chophouse and Decoy’s. Named Amedeo’s after the Italian immigrant Amedeo Obici, who founded what we now know as Planters Peanuts, the new restaurant will open next year at 1301 Bridgeport Way in the new 3800 Acqua development.
Noteworthy on the Site
Three exhibits at MOCA are asking us questions about how we see race (and history)
Across three exhibits, MOCA is presenting new ways to see history, society, and our role in both.
Nine local craft beer fall limited releases we’re stoked about
Regardless of the temps, we’ve got the rundown on nine limited release brews that’ll remind you that it is, in fact sweater weather. Get them before they’re gone for a year.
Save the Date
Saturday, October 24
Yoga at COVA
COVA Brewing Company
Let’s soak up one of the last ‘warmer’ days we have as we welcome COVA Brewing company to the 757—yogi style. We will practice on the COVA lawn where we have PLENTY of space to socially distance in the outdoors.
Please grab a ticket in advance to help us follow social distancing procedures and read the deetz below with any + all questions. The ticket includes a post-yoga coffee.
TIME: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
COST: $12
Saturday, October 24
Opera in October
River Stone Chophouse
We will host a dinner that will include five courses of authentic Italian cuisine, wine pairings and of course the very talented Cara Isadora McKinney singing live opera. We will have two seatings, one at 5:30 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. This ticketed event has limited space. Tickets cost $120 inclusive of tax and gratuity. You can buy your tickets in person or over the phone at 757-638-7990. Keep your eyes peeled for our menu and more details to come.
TIME: 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m.
COST: $120 inclusive of tax and gratuity
Buy tickets in person or over the phone at 757-638-7990
October 17 through November 14
Virginia Artists Juried Exhibition and Ashley McEwen
The American Theater, Hampton
This much-anticipated, annual juried exhibition showcases many of Virginia’s finest artists and artisans. This year’s exhibition features $4,000 in cash prizes awarded to Best in Show, First, Second and Third Places and several awards of distinction in a variety of media. Artists from all across the commonwealth, who work in all styles, genres and media, may submit artworks for consideration. The current curator of the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, Diana Blanchard Gross, will serve as the 2020 Virginia Artists Juried Exhibition juror and judge.
Ashley McEwen: Surface Tension
Running concurrently in the Annex Gallery, 2019 Virginia Artists Juried Exhibition Best in Show winner, Ashley McEwen. Ashley McEwen’s paintings “deal with the concept of time as a network of possibilities that are intentionally tampered with, or left alone purely out of the desire to see what happens.”
TIME: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
COST: Free, Schedule an appointment in advance by calling 757-727-1490.
https://www.hamptonarts.net/events/detail/2020virginiaartists
Saturday, October 24
Fall Vintage Market
Simply Vintage
Enjoy rummaging through a spectacular variety of vintage treasures, antiques, project pieces, unusual finds, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, vintage decor, home/decorative arts, old toys and much more. Come have fun pickin’ in Historic Driver.
TIME: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
COST: Free to attend
Monday-Sunday, October 19-25
Fort Monroe Ghost Walk
Commanding General’s Residence and Garden
Welcome to the annual Fort Monroe Ghost Walk: Where History Meets Mystery. This year we have two new experiences for you to try.
About this Event—Daytime Option
Explore the Fort in the light of day by purchasing a $10 daytime program ticket online. Tour at your convenience between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. October 19-25. Receive a wristband and password to the self-guided walking tour when you arrive at the commanding general’s residence. Collect clues that lead you around the Fort and learn about the history and mysterious occurrences that have taken place on Fort Monroe.
About This Event—Nighttime Options
Join us for the Fort Monroe Ghost Walk; Where History Meets Mystery. This year a new format will lead you on a semi-self-guided journey to solve your own mystery, while sharing the traditional history and mystery you normally experience from the Fort Monroe Ghost Walk. Groups can range from three to six people depending on your comfort level.
The Ulysses S. Grant Path has clues to bring to General Grant on Fort Monroe to lay the groundwork for his famous Overland Campaign, which he is said to have worked on during his time on Fort Monroe in Old Quarters 1. Make your way to each location where you will learn the stories and history of Fort Monroe via scannable QR codes.
On Edgar Allan Poe’s Path, help the master at arms solve his cold case learning the stories and history of Fort Monroe by scanning QR codes to solve the case as one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous tales unfolds around you.
TIME: Daytime Option, 9 a.m.-4p.m at your convenience.; Nighttime Option, 5:15-9 p.m., every 45 minutes
COST: $10 online only, Purchase tickets in advance
September 25 through October 31
Haunted Hunt Club
Hunt Club Farm
Join our motley cast of characters as we celebrate, “30 Years of Extreme Halloween” with a scream park of Halloween thrills, terrifying haunts, live entertainment, midway concessions, vendors and more. The Haunted Attraction Association named Haunted Hunt Club Farm’s Halloween Festival as One of the Top-Rated Haunts in America. It has received the 2019 Trip Advisor “Hall of Fame” Certificate of Excellence and the My Base Guide listed it as a 2019 Military Trusted Business. Come out to experience our newly themed haunted attractions, meet creepy characters and prepare for an all new season of EXTREME HALLOWEEN.
TIME: Weeknights 6:30–11 p.m., Fri./Sat. 6:30–11:30 p.m., Ticket office closes nightly at 9:45 p.m., Check schedule online for changes
COST: General Admission $30, Fast Pass $45, Group rates available
October 24
EmiSunshine
Zeiders American Dream Theater
With music described as “old-timey,” the east-Tennessee native adds her own unique contemporary blend of roots music that displays equal parts Americana, bluegrass, gospel, blues and jazz. Critics have compared her to a young Janis Joplin, Iris Dement and Dolly Parton.
TIME: 3:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
COST: Premium $35, Standard $25, Military/Senior $21, Student Rush (one hour before the show) $15
www.thez.org
We welcome your two cents, so please let us know what you think about this Weekly Update and any thoughts, questions, story suggestions, tips, or recommendations.
Thanks for reading Edition 3 of the Weekly Update.
Stay well and have fun friends!
Sophia & the Boulevard Team
