Cruisin' for BrewsB y E m i l y J o n e s , P h o t o s b y J a s o n P a r k s a n d B r a n d o n M o n t i j o

TWhen Tommy Miller was busy pursuing advanced degrees, he never guessed

he’d be running brewery tours instead of a development company. The

Virginia Commonwealth University graduate – who has a bachelor’s degree

in real estate and land development and a master’s in urban and regional

planning – decided to add entrepreneur to his resume when he went on a

brewing tour while attending a wedding in San Diego about two years ago.

refreshments.

Once Miller has perfected Richmond’s tours, he’ll have plenty of

options to expand throughout Virginia, which is home to about 40

craft breweries, with many more on the horizon.

“Tour goers get special attention from the pros – all while having

a designated driver shuttling them between sites,” Miller said “The

allure of Richmond Brewery Tours is being able to have a good time

with family and friends, while taking in the sights of the region and

enjoying local craft beer,” Miller said.

For more information on booking a tour or joining a pre-arranged

one, visit www.rvabrewerytours.com or call (804) 404-BREW. n

His West Coast beer-sampling adventure led to a new passion and

prompted him to start Richmond Brewery Tours.

“I thought San Diego Brewery Tours was a great excursion for both

locals and tourists, so I wanted to bring it back to our area,’’ Miller said.

“Once legislation was passed supporting local craft breweries, and I

saw so many potential breweries breaking into the market, I thought

there would be no better time to begin the tours here.”

Richmond is already home to Center of the Universe, Extra Billy's,

Hardywood Park, Midnight and Legend breweries. In addition, at least

four more are planning to open in the near future.

Miller uses a mini-bus to take groups of up to 14 people on a

four-hour guided tour that begins with a brief Beer 101 course and

two complimentary tastings at Capital Ale House in downtown

Richmond. Next, they head to three other breweries for some serious

VIP treatment, with reserved seating and sample flights of craft beer.

In addition, guests will receive a behind-the-scenes tour at one of the

breweries they visit, where they discuss what it takes to make a fine

craft beer.

If learning the ins and outs about ambers and ales isn’t enough,

guides also serve up some interesting facts about the Richmond

region, along with a free souvenir, complimentary snacks and

R I V E R C I T Y

MAY/JUNE 201344

45www.richmondnavigator.com

more eventsFRIDAY CHEERSBrown's Island. Venturerichmond.com

5/10 The Lone Bellow

Radical Face

5/24 RVA Music Night with NO BS! Brass Band

Murphy's Kids

Former Champions

5/31 The Head and The Heart

Black Girls

6/7Charles Gradley & His Extraordinaries

6/14Kishi Bashi

Lake Street Dive

6/21Karl Denson's Tiny Universe

The Pimps of Joytime

6/28Infamous Stringdusters

James Justin & Co.

THE NATIONALThe National. thenationalva.com

3/15 Shooter Jennings

3/15 The Shins

3/15 The Legwarmers

3/15 Best Coast

3/15 The National

3/15 Tame Impala

3/15 Local Natives

Seedowntown

Dominion Riverrock May 17–19 The community is united with a mix of sports, music and fun, set against the

backdrop of the downtown riverfront. Watch participants in a mud run, freestyle

bike competition and high-adrenaline activities in and around the river. Even

your furry friend can compete in the Ultimate Air Dogs event!

Brown's Island. Dominionriverrock.com

RVA Fireworks on the James July 3This family-fun event features performances by the SPARC, the Richmond

Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Richmond Ballet’s Mind’s in Motion. Bring

a picnic and a blanket to enjoy a music simulcast and see the state’s largest fire-

works show!

Brown's Island. Fireworksonthejames.com

R I V E R C I T Y

MAY/JUNE 201346

Located off Chippenham Parkway. Take the Stony Point Parkway exit. 804 - 560 - SHOP

Saks Fifth Avenue | Dillard’s | Dick’s Sporting Goods | CineBistro

May 25 through September 2Thursday-Saturday 4-8 pm • Sunday l-5 pm

For performers and other details, visit ShopStonyPoint.com

Let us entertain you at our festive summer concert series featuring the latest and greatest hits in music,

fashion, food and fun. Enjoy our many restaurants and unique stores, 40 of which can only be found here.

Presented by

Take a shot at our 18-hole

Championship Course

Book a Tee Time Today!

804.598.4221

1525 Mill Quarter Road in historic

Powhatan

millquarter.comOpen to public year round.

Booking in advance recommended.

$19

After 3 pm, Monday–Friday.

Must present this coupon.Limit one coupon per visit.

Expires 7/1/13

per person with cart up to 4 players

$24 After 3 pm,

Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

Must present this coupon.Limit one coupon per visit.

Expires 7/1/13

per person with cart up to 4 players

47www.richmondnavigator.com

Richmond Shakespeare

TThe best teachers of Shakespeare help their students to understand

that the bard is fun and fascinating, and that his plays are full

of universal emotions and sly plays on words and stereotypes.

Richmond Shakespeare is among the best, giving audiences both

delight and deep thought in its summer festivals at Agecroft Hall and

its three-show winter season.

The company, which will open its fifteenth summer festival with

previews on June 13, draws on a base of professional local actors and

some guest artists, plus volunteers for both backstage and front-of-

the-house duties and paid technical positions. Jan Powell, artistic di-

rector, notes that the 2013 season will offer shows that highlight the

company’s broad range of artistry.

“As a new artistic director, I wanted to bring people in to see what

we are doing now,” she says. Shows in the summer festival are A Com-

edy of Errors and Othello. Richmond Shakespeare’s winter season, per-

formed in various places including the Gottwald Theatre at Richmond

CenterStage and the McVey Theatre at St. Catherine’s School, typically

offers a fall and spring show plus a Christmas show connected with

literature. Past offerings have included a show based on Dylan Thom-

as’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales and a popular two-actor version of A

Christmas Carol.

The company’s main showcase is its summer festival at Agecroft.

The authentic 15th-century English Tudor estate was dismantled and

rebuilt at 4302 Sulgrave Road in the 1920s, providing a spot for theater

that Powell can barely praise enough.

“I love this place,” she says. “The grounds are gorgeous, and as a

setting for Shakespeare, it’s perfect. When Shakespeare’s company

toured, they played in the courtyards of estates, exactly this environ-

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ment.” The intimate space seats about 150, allowing the audience to

see the spectacle and hear the beauty of Shakespeare’s language.

Powell says she chose this summer’s shows for their contrast.

Othello, which will feature Stephen Seals as Othello and Ryan Bechard

as Iago, is rich in emotion and language, offering what Powell calls “a

saturated feeling.” On the other hand, A Comedy of Errors is “a fluffy,

sweet, fun, silly show” with a much larger ensemble cast.

While the summer shows have already been cast, volunteers and

other workers are always welcome at Richmond Shakespeare.

For information, call (804) 232-4000 or visit www.richmondshake-

speare.com.

The Richmond Shakespeare Festival will note its 15th

summer with two plays at Agecroft Hall.

A Comedy of Errors, June 13 through July 7

Othello, July 11 through August 4

Performances are at 8 p.m.

Performances may be canceled due to inclement weather, so au-

diences are advised to check with the box office if it is stormy or ex-

tremely hot.

Information and tickets: (804) 232-4000, www.richmondshake-

speare.com

B y J o d y R a t h g e b , P h o t o s b y B r u c e P a r k e r

R I V E R C I T Y

MAY/JUNE 201348

Tomorrow, and tomorrow,

and tomorrow…

The future for Richmond Shakespeare

holds an exciting collaboration as the com-

pany will merge with Henley Street Theatre

within the next two years.

The change will be gradual, with operat-

ing management merging in the next fiscal

year, followed by a full organizational merger.

The arrangement will allow both companies

to retain their names and identities, but will

streamline business operations.

Henley Street Theatre has produced clas-

sical and contemporary works since 2007. A

previous collaboration with Richmond Shake-

speare was a co-production of The Winter’s

Tale in 2010-11. n

321 West 7th Street Richmond, VA (804) 232-3446

OfferingAppetizers ~ Snacks ~ Burgers ~ Sandwiches ~ Dinner Entrees

Restaurant & Bar Hours:Mon.-Thurs. 11:30am - 11:00pm

Fri.-Sat. 11:30am - MidnightSun. 11:00am - 10:00pm

Close to all hotels in The River District & only a short drivefrom Broad St., Short Pump, Midlothian or the Airport

The area’s Award Winning Bar and Restaurantwith great beer, great food, and captivating views of Richmond

Join us every Sunday for Brunch.It all starts at 11am with a greatbrunch menu & Bloody Mary,Mimosa & Sangria Bar.

www.legendbrewing.com

The area’s Award Winning Bar and Restaurantwith great beer, great food, and captivating views of Richmond

BlueGrass

Music

Every Sunday

Night

49www.richmondnavigator.com

CITYdining

Richmond natives Ian Kelley and Casey Ward have reunited after their culinary

ventures around the country to bring Richmond a new spot to satisfy their sweet

tooth. The partners of Sugar Shack Donuts, located at Leigh and Lombardy Streets,

have been busily experi-

menting with ingredi-

ents to bring a unique

variety of yeast, cake,

vegan and gluten-free

donuts. Along with the

classics, expect seasonal

creations such as Straw-

berries and Cream, Bour-

bon Poached Peaches,

and Mangoes and Cinna-

mon. Kids will jump for

joy with flavors like Cot-

ton Candy or Cinnamon

Toast Crunch. Nothing

pairs better with a fresh donut than coffee that will be roasted daily on-site. In addi-

tion to donuts, the duo is rolling out other baked goods including cheesecakes and

bagels (try the Guinness flavor!).

A full shop, coffee house and take-out window will be open from 6 a.m. to 6

p.m. At 6 p.m., the take-out window and patio will remain open until 9 p.m. or later.

Delivery will also be available, including catering for company meetings. Saturdays

will offer kids two work-

shop style classes where

they can decorate warm

donuts with a variety of

icings, glazes and top-

pings. Before the kiddos

devour their artwork,

their photo will be taken

to grace the Donut Hole

of Fame wall. Go to www.

facebook.com/Sugar-

ShackDonuts to keep an

eye on what’s coming

out of the test kitchen!

Jorge's CantinaJorge’s Cantina (2526 Floyd Avenue. 918-1857)

has opened in the Fan, providing a new authen-

tic favorite for margaritas and Mexican cuisine.

In addition to the usual fare such as sizzling fa-

jitas, burritos and taquitos, break out of the box

with dishes like avocado fries and fresh ceviche.

Broad AppétitOn June 2, Broad Appétit returns to offer the

best Richmond restaurants have to offer in one

place. Over sixty local eateries will show off their

culinary skills with three-dollar mini-dishes. As

you graze your way down Broad Street (between

Henry and Adams), wash it all down with Virginia

wine and beer. Last year brought out everything

from pan-seared scallops to pork belly tacos and

watermelon basil pops to lavender lemonade.

Also, check out local art, produce from local

farmers, and live music and cooking demonstra-

tions. Whet your appetite at www.broadappetit.

com.

dining happenings

A New Spot for Richmond's Sweet Tooth at Sugar Shack Donuts

R I V E R C I T Y

Specialty donuts will include creations like Peanut Butter

& Jelly and a reverse version, Jelly & Peanut Butter.

Some of their other baked items will include cheesecake,

such as this Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor.

MAY/JUNE 201350