Meet Prabir Mehta, our guest editor this week! Prabir is a Richmond musician with a love for science and community. His various musical offerings have been a part of our city's soundtrack for the past decade while always introducing new sounds, styles, and experiences along the way. Prabir is also the host of the weekly science minute on VPM's Morning Edition along with the Science Museum of Virginia, taking complex and interesting science news and turning it into relevant and entertaining content for the masses.
For nearly sixteen years Prabir has also been in a leadership role at Gallery5, one of Richmond's favorite nonprofit arts and culture organizations. In 2021 Prabir plans to release a new India-influenced album with his band Prabir Trio. The band has been taking Prabir's experiences of being an Indian immigrant and setting them to the backdrop of rock and roll. You can keep up with Prabir on all things by following @PrabirRVA. Here are his three tips for exploring and celebrating this place we love to call home.
Take it away, Prabir …
Nile
Ethiopian Bistro
Humanity's origins date back to Africa and so much of our early ancestral history played out in Ethiopia. That land has also been hailed as the birthplace of our love for coffee. Certain things come from certain places. The environment there, like all places, allows for specific foods to have become a part of that region's history and culture. I was born across the Arabian Sea in India, where similar flavors are often found in foods after thousands of years of cultural interactions. Regardless, eating at the Nile feels like home because it reminds me of some of those Indian flavor profiles, the staff is beyond hospitable, and ultimately I think back to the millions of humans who still carry with them the genetics of our species and how so much of that history comes from the land that makes this delicious food possible. Bonus points, it's in Church Hill...a much easier commute than half way around the world!
The big trees at Maymont. The Richmond area is so lucky to not only have the amazing James River Park System, but we have lots of other organizations that use their physical footprint to allow for peaceful and natural experiences. Maymont does this and for free. So cool. One of my favorite things to see year round is how the big trees at Maymont go through their annual seasonal cycles. The epic reds, oranges, greens, bare branches, and all the other seasonal changes on these trees are just astounding. Plus they're huge. They provide cooling shade in the summer, are a home for countless species, and decorate any selfie you take there with perfection. I love that Richmond loves trees and can't wait to see more planted in the future. I would highly suggest picking a tree at Maymont and visiting it every season to see just how remarkable and resilient life on Earth can be. It inspires me! For those who can, Maymont is worthy of a donation to ensure Richmond continues to have this treasure.
If you have not been, you MUST go to the North Bank Trail. One of my favorite aspects of life in Richmond is our proximity and access to peaceful and natural settings. I will happily walk a few miles through Richmond neighborhoods to end up at the beautiful James River. The North bank trail is a great walk, run, or mountain bike trail. I can't think of a better spot in this city to get away from it all while seeing some of our city's prettiest sights. And the best part? It's free, outdoors, and good for ya!
Gallery5's January exhibit, The Great Outdoors, features 55 pieces inspired by our favorite green spaces. Check out the work of local photographers and artists for free until Feb. 4th.
