River City Food Tour
It was the night after one of those really long nights… There were four bands playing at The Broadberry. My cousin was celebrating a major promotion at work. My man and I hosted an after party at our place. We just barely missed the sun coming up when we fell asleep.
When noon rolled around the next day and we roused, we both smiled knowing we had a tasty adventure in the works for the afternoon. We were excited, but skeptical that the joy of the River City Food Tour experience may not overcome our hangover blues.
We were wrong to doubt. The two-and-a-half hour culinary journey through Carytown was one of the most interesting appointments either of us had shown up for lately. My partner grew up in Richmond. I have lived here for the past decade now. We both thought we knew something about Richmond’s history, where to eat, and who the movers and shakers are/have been.
Brian Beard, the founder and face of River City Food Tours, proved us wrong. His funny stories, well thought out collection of maps, and inquisitive personality kept us and the crew of about eight other tour goers on our toes for all 2.5 hours. He took us behind the scenes of Richmond’s history (Bison trails?!) and into the minds of Richmond restaurant owners, managers and chefs who share their business and personal philosophies that paint the stories behind the food we are lucky to have at our fingertips in RVA.
I’d like to take you on a photo diary of my day with Brian and River City Food Tours. You’ll have to take the tour yourself to taste, learn, and laugh. Brian offers standard weekend tours and can schedule private tours any day of the week. Learn more here.
First Stop: Carytown Cupcakes
Dessert is always better first!
On the move…
We never walked too far in between stops. Brian paused along the way to paint a picture of Richmond’s strange past.
Hi, Brian!
I’ve been a on a lot of tours around the world, and this guy might be one of my favorite guides. He’s calm, confident and creative.
Second Stop: C Street
Third Stop: 10 Italian Cafe
My favorite stop because of the food, the coffee, the atmosphere, and the owner’s philosophy and energy.
Fourth Stop: Virginia Diner Shoppe
Because Virginia and peanuts. And hot sauce.
Fifth Stop: Xtra’s Cafe
This restaurant creates something new and unpredictable for each tour! It’s never the same.
Fifth Stop: Don’t Look Back
Brian says these are the best tacos in town. You’ll have to decide for yourself!
Us, not having any fun at all…
At the end of the tour, you’re provided with special discounts and coupons to take a visit back to any of the restaurants from your tour! I’ve already used three…
What a ride! Or walk…
Thank you, Brian! I can’t wait to share this experience with more friends, family, and followers.
Stay tuned TOMORROW for what I wore…
For those of you who made it to the end of this article, you’ll know to follow us both via email and social media for something you’ll want to be the FIRST TO KNOW. Sign up for my newsletter on my side bar on sweetsauceblog.com and sign up for River City Food Tours newsletter via the pop-up form at rivercityfoodtours.com.
Cheers, Ya’ll!
Best way to overcome a hangover! What a great idea. And LOVE Don’t Look Back!
THE best and Brian was so funny and knowledgeable
I can’t believe I’ve never been to Xtra’s – looks delish! (Although, I disagree on the “best” tacos…there are some AMAZING ones hidden in the back of Latino markets here in town)
Xtras has always been a winner! It was fun talking to the actual owner of the restaurant about their philosophy. So neat