The Buy Fresh, Buy Local Hampton Roads had it’s annual Farm to Fork festival highlighting local area food, drinks, and crafts to the public. Many well known eateries and artisans were present to share chef inspired treats. Copies of Dishing Up Virginia were available to be signed by the the author Patrick Evans-Hylton and tickets could be bought for pours of regional wine. Live animals, honey bees, and music were spread out among the tents and between the bites.
More photos at i<3food fb
The first annual Ribtoberfest made its debut at Town Point Park, downtown Norfolk, VA. The venue was packed for BBQ fans lining up for a taste of the smoked meats. A battery of craft brew was lined up and serving the thirsty patrons with local beers from Smartmouth, O’Connor, Beach Brewery, Back Bay, and many more. The weather was perfect along with the food, outdoor entertainment and music was provided for all to enjoy.
To help kick off Young Veterans Brewing Co.’s grand opening recently, The Porch hosted a tap take-over featuring the brewery’s beer. Great turnout and the first keg (Even Keel I believe) was empty in 25 minutes.
Young Veterans Brewing Company opened its doors to the public this past weekend. The turn out was great and the beer spectacular. The taps were all manned, offering a taste of what the area will be enjoying at their local bar or grocery.
Malbon’s was there with their truck selling tacos and BBQ, the line to get inside to order a beer snaked past it. People were chatting and excited about the new Virginia Beach brewery. The 1st place winner in both local Battle of the Beers “Jet Noise” was popular, as was the Pineapple Grenade, and Semper Fi.
Battle of the Beers - Norfolk Edition
Young Veterans Brewing Company’s Jet Noise took home 1st and their Pineapple snagged 2nd. O’Connor Brewing coming in 3rd with their new Sasion. 80/20 Burger Bar provided the space and they kept some great food rolling out of the kitchen. To top it all off, the weather was perfect. Fun stuff.
The Creative Wedge in Virginia Beach, VA hosted a book signing by local author and columnist Lorraine Eaton. Her book Tidewater Table is collection of local recipes that includes original recipes from the United States’ first cookbooks.The Wedge had samples out and a delicious caramelized onion & balsamic dip I could quit eating (they sent some home with me!)
Lorraine was great, taking the time to talk to customers about her book and food in the area.
The 12th Annual Virginia Beer Festival was 18-19 May 2013. Over 75 breweries carried with them over 100 beers for to sample.
I can’t believe I didn’t post some of these photos here! Sorry! A few weeks ago we attended the 5th East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic in Virginia Beach, VA. There were 19 completing restaurants working for a Critic’s and People’s choice award. If you check out the close-up shot just above you’ll see this years winner — Mannino’s. Here are the results:
2013 Winners
Critics’ Choice Award
1st Place: Mannino’s Italian Bistro
2nd Place: Blue Pete’s Restaurant
3rd Place: Murphy’s Irish Pub
Honorable Mentions: Lynnhaven Fish House, Passion the Restaurant, and Tradewinds
Peoples’ Choice Award
1st Place: Mannino’s Italian Bistro
2nd Place: Rockafeller’s Restaurant
3rd Place: Blue Pete’s Restaurant
Honorable Mentions: Freemason Abbey Restaurant, Murphy’s Irish Pub, and Sofia’s at the North End
I really think Whole Foods should have placed, I was honestly surprised that they didn’t even get a mention. Better luck next year guys, everyone did a great job! Can’t wait.
Dishcrawl Hampton Roads conducted it’s first Portsmouth Dishcrawl. I was fortunate enough to be invite and I’m glad I was. We visited Brutti’s, Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas, Gosport Taven, and Krush - A Sourtern Bistro. I’ve never been to any of the four shamefully, so this was a great opportunity to get sample of what they have to offer.
Dishcrawl works this way: Buy a ticket, meet at the rallying point—in this case Portsmouth, then you walk to four restaurants chosen by your Dishcrawl ambassador. Each restaurant will have small plates for the diners in the group allow them to sample what the house has to offer. HR’s rep is Chynee Cousins, super sweet and she seemed to really enjoy guiding us around Olde Towne Portsmouth. An unexpected bonus was the light drizzle we walked through. People tended to huddle together under umbrellas and the streets took a somewhat ethereal quality about them.
The next Dishcrawl will be in Portsmouth again on 4 June. Don’t miss it, tickets are limited.
