vol. 108 / ComfortHere's to creating comfort and joy in this place we call home in the year ahead.
VOL. 108 / COMFORT
Here's to not only finding, but creating, comfort and joy in this place we call home in the year ahead. We've rounded up a few sources of inspiration, including the duo behind delicious southern-inspired meals made from scratch; a Richmond artist creating sculptures made from found objects; and a cozy neighborhoodshop that offers coffee and house plants! Read on ...
Comfort
Let's start by raising a glass to Jason Alley and Michele Jones, owners of Comfort, for sharing their love of food and community with Richmond and beyond. Over the past 17 years, Jason and Michele have racked up an impressive collection of culinary awards and are celebrated for turning Southern-inspired classics into modern hits. Beyond the accolades, their real claim to fame is the warmth and hospitality they bring to everything they touch. In recent years, the duo shifted their business model to focus on ending hunger in our area by donating net profits to Feedmore. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation now, as Jason and Michele announced earlier this week that they will be closing the doors to Comfort at the end of the month. But there's still time to stop in, dine with them, laugh with them, and to thank them!
From his Southside work space, artist Keith Ramsey creates practical art for everyday use. A creative force in the Richmond art scene for 20 years, Keith's art ranges widely—including sculptures made from found objects, cityscapes with towering buildings and an occasional peek at the sky painted with oil and acrylic on canvas, vibrant paintings that cast the viewer's eye skyward without the obstructions of the modern world, bikes that have been redesigned into conceptual art pieces, furniture that serves as functional art, and more. As one of the most inviting artists around, Keith can often be found painting on the patio at Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream or inspiring other artists to pursue their passions. Seek him out, ask him about his latest creations, and dream up a collaborative piece with him.
Nestled in the perfect corner shop in Union Hill is Pomona Plants and Coffee. It's a place to linger while soaking in the plant vibes and enjoying a cup of coffee with friends and strangers alike. Thoughtfully curated by Frayser and Melissa Micou, Pomona is a two-in-one offering that has a little something for everyone. On the food and beverage side you'll find coffee by Blanchard's, housemade herbal sodas, nut-based milks, shrubs, grilled bread baked by nearby Sub Rosa, seasonal and housemade spreads, fruit chutneys, local cheese, and more. And on the retail side, Richmonders are treated to houseplants, pots, plant care tools, herbal based aroma therapy, greeting cards, and goods by local artisans. Whatever brings you to Pomona, you'll quickly settle in and feel right at home in this community gathering spot for all things comforting and connective.
With the holiday rush behind us, and our attention turning toward a meaningful start to a new year, we asked Doc Jana for her recommendations for celebrating and appreciating the spirit of this place we call home. Dr. Tiffany Jana is an Awareness Artist who identifies as a non-binary person of color with an invisible disability. Tiffany leverages a variety of mediums to raise awareness about diversity and equity to bring people together across differences. Tiffany has been featured in the New York Times, Fast Company, Huffington Post, Forbes, Inc Magazine, and Psychology Today. In addition, Tiffany is the best-selling author of four commercially published books, a leader in the social enterprise business community, an award-winning public speaker, and has just launched a YouTube docuseries called “Life with Doc Jana.” Take it away, Doc...
Coffee
& Community
Urban Hang Suite is the place to go to sip, meet, connect, and just chill. Everything from the inspiring murals to the nostalgic art supports the uplifting of the people’s vibe. Urban Hang Suite is a whole mood conveniently situated on 3rd and Broad featuring light fare and plenty of caffeine to start your day.
If coffee isn’t your thing, Saadia’s JuicebBox and Yoga Bar (pictured) is around the corner on 2nd and Marshall. Saadia’s vibe is bright and refreshing and offers a menu of fresh juices, smoothies, açaí bowls and healthy fare. Be sure to check the events calendar because there’s a yoga studio in the back and I’ve met some of the most gifted yoginis in Richmond in that studio (I’m looking at you Syd the Yogini).
Perception Organic Spa in Carytown offers a luxurious oasis for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle. The owner takes great care to create a meticulously intentional, nurturing experience for all of her clients. Whether you want a pedicure, a polish change, or a massage, you will enjoy the experience from beginning to end. And if you're hungry after being pampered, head across the street to Sen Organic Small Plate (pictured) for homemade Vietnamese cuisine curated by the owner of the spa! You'll recognize the attention to detail and the tropical aesthetic across the street as well. The spa serves hot herbal tea all day, and the sister restaurant, Sen, boasts my favorite tea selection in the city. Be sure to peruse the tea menu!
Richmond Hill is an ecumenical retreat center that sits at the highest point in the city. Its story is Richmond legend and it’s right up my alley as it’s a facility that has historically and continues to support the spiritual health of the city. It has a focus of racial reconciliation and a beautiful chapel where I love to pray and reflect. The walking labyrinth provides a moving meditation for the restless mind and a stunning garden for quiet contemplation. There’s a bookstore and library for people seeking spiritual support and guidance. I completed my first silent retreat there, and there are countless programs and offerings for fellow travelers from all walks, faiths, and traditions. They even have residencies for people ready to devote a season of their lives to service. Whether you already have the answers or you are seeking greater connection and inspiration—Richmond Hill offers solace and sanctuary to everyone.
vol. 106 / Silent 🤫Sarah Choi provides her tips on how to enjoy this place we love to call home.
VOL. 106 / SILENT
This week's issue is all about slowing down, finding space for yourself, and connecting with this place we love to call home. With that goal in mind, let's meet your guest editor, Sarah Choi. You may know Sarah from the unique experiences she has created around RVA, such as Silent Reading Party, which encourages Richmonders to carve out an intentional quiet space in our busy lives for reading the old fashioned way. And who couldn't use a quiet moment during this busy holiday season?! Sarah, who is also a marketing consultant working to connect hospitality businesses with the Richmond community, has three favorite tips to provide during this busy time of year. Take it away, Sarah….
Blanchard's
Coffee Co.
The month I moved to Richmond six years ago, I got my coffee destinations mixed up and walked into Blanchard's Coffee Co.'s roasting facility on Westwood Avenue thinking it was a coffee house. They very kindly offered me a fresh cup of coffee anyway. I'm so glad their first, actual coffee house is now open on Broad Street, just minutes from my office. It's minimal decor always provides an aesthetically serene start to the day (until the coffee kicks in). Oh, and I still love stopping by their roasting facility on Westwood Avenue where they offer free public coffee cuppings every Friday at 10:30 am.
If I can claim to be a regular at any Richmond restaurant, Fighting Fish in historic Jackson Ward would be it! I'm there almost every week, and all the servers know what I order, every time. My favorite is Chirashi, a traditional Japanese rice bowl topped with sashimi, but sometimes I will get poke bowls. Having grown up in Korea, I am always searching for properly seasoned sushi rice and Chef Billy always hits the right rice vinegar, salt and sugar balance.
Work takes me all over the city seeing many people every day, so intentionally quieting down is a regular practice. I can't always get to it raising a toddler, but my favorite experience is to attend a sound bath at Lucid Living, resting and listening to the ethereal sound of Himayalan Singing Bowls. Everything is made of energy, which emits frequency, and after an hour of listening to the beautiful sound that fills the room, I feel more in tune with everything and everyone.
Represent Richmond well in our comfy cotton t-shirt emblazoned with a hand-drawn design. Yes, that's Richmond's airport code. We consider this tee perfect attire for traveling this holiday season, gift giving, or enjoying a lazy day off. Trust us — it's so super soft, you'll be wearing it everywhere.
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