Meet this week’s guest editor, Mike Ledesma, one of the hardest working local chefs in the business. Mike is the owner and executive chef at Perch, an award-winning Scott’s Addition restaurant that just celebrated its two-year anniversary this week. Long before Mike became known for blending Pacific-inspired flavors with the Virginia spirit at Perch he was making a name for himself around town at Richmond Restaurant Group, Max's on Broad, Kabana and Patina. And before that he logged in time at the iconic Greenbrier in West Virginia and a list of impressive restaurants in Hawaii. But Mike wasn’t always racking up “Best Chef” awards. He began his career as a financial advisor where he learned to hustle, pay attention to detail, and evaluate risks. He used these skills to make a career jump in 2002 when he enrolled in culinary school and channeled his energy into his passion for food, ingredients, and people. Mike believes that to feed people is to love them, and it shows. Take it away, Mike …
Owning a restaurant requires a lot of hours and a lot of hustle. But it’s a lot easier to hustle when there is a greater purpose. My goal is to cook really good food, then teach others to do the same. Along the way, it’s important to be passionate about many things – both in the kitchen and in the community. Here are three ways I like to show my love for this place we all love to call home.
Full
Kee
I’m always looking for those who cook with purpose. When I’m not tasting and testing everything at Perch, I like to explore and support other local restaurants that are equally passionate about every single plate. The rolling dim sum cart at Full Kee, a Richmond institution for decades at 6400 Horsepen Road, is always at the top of my list. I tend to lean toward the shu mai dumplings and the roasted whatever that is hanging in the display window! This is the real deal.
When it’s time to take a break from the kitchen, I grab a beer from my friends in the neighborhood at Bingo Beer Co., Väsen Brewing Company, and Ardent Craft Ales. At Bingo, now is the time to sip on their Oktoberfest amber lager and settle in with some favorite classic games. You can score all games at half price during Double Play Tuesday. Just around the corner at Väsen, you can find more than just adventurous beer – they’re now creating opportunities to get active outside too. On Wednesdays, Väsen Run Club kicks off at 6 pm, offering a 3-mile loop on different routes around RVA. And every second Sunday of the month you can join the Väsen crew for their Mountain Bike Club. And make sure to save time to swing by Ardent while exploring the neighborhood breweries in Scott’s Addition. Ardent’s outdoor beer garden is back in action, with tables spread at least 6 feet apart, with a full menu featuring their latest releases like Sweet Potato and Sage Saison farmhouse ale,salads and handhelds, cider, and wine. For a full list of local craft beer options in Scott’s Addition and beyond, check out Richmond Beer Trail.
The best part of Richmond is the community, reaching out and making a difference. Sure, dining and drinking your way through RVA is always a fun way to get to know the community, but nothing tops giving back to it. That’s truly the only way to be a part of a place you love. While this has been one of the most challenging years for all of us, it's inspiring to see so many Richmonders stepping up, lending a hand, using their talents, and actively giving during the pandemic. For me, Perch is the perfect platform to use what we do well to support what our local nonprofits do well. I recommend finding a cause that’s important to you and taps into your passion. Check out groups like Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, Feed More, Building a Better RPS, and consider feeding frontline workers by adding a meal for first responders at checkout when ordering online at Perch. Give all of these groups a follow, roll up your sleeves, and proactively look for ways to use your hustle for good.
The first three Here members to tag us in a post supporting Perch or another favorite local restaurant this week scores a free Rep Richmond t-shirt sporting the RIC logo from Here Weekly. Snap a photo of your favorite local chef, a tasty dish, cocktail, or socially distanced seating.
