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.
Meet Matt Johnson, this week's guest editor! Matt has been a Pentagon policymaker, mathematician, corporate change agent, frontman of a punk rock band, and author. While his road through life is certainly winding, at his core he's just a storyteller from Iowa trying to leave this place better than he found it. Matt's first book, American Hearts, is a collection of essays to help us better understand the American Spirit. His second book, Work Songs, is based on the idea that for as long as we've had language, we've had music for the work we do. But modern work has no song, and that's why Matt wrote his recent collection of stories about work that we must not forget. When he's not writing and inspiring RVA through his own work, Matt likes to explore and celebrate this place we all love to call home! Read on for his three tips ...
Walk
a Historic Cemetery
Richmond's cemeteries really can offer limitless perspective during the most stressful and hectic times in life. The walking triggers the physiological healing our bodies need, and the collage of epitaphs can stretch the mind and heart. I'd recommend Hollywood, Evergreen and East End Cemetery, and encourage you to stop and read the gravestones out loud as you walk. Your words will give new life to their legacy and their words might influence yours.
From where I sit, the James River Park System is unmatched. I grew up on the Mississippi, but the weaving trails along the banks and seemingly infinite swimming holes here in Richmond make this the best river experience of any town I know. We may be in the heart of winter, but nothing compares to staring across the James as a nearby train roars by. And if you'd like some company, the Friends of James River Park maintains a 2021 calendar of events filled with organized hikes, educational opportunities, and ways to get involved with improvements to the Park.
This might seem like a curveball in the mix, but as a vegan who has eaten at dives and off-the-grid spots across the world, Harrison Street Cafe is my favorite. The menu is entirely vegetarian, and while they are not destined for a James Beard Award or Michelin Star, there is something magical in the spirit and ethos of this place. The food tastes great, and the ambiance offers a gateway into a time gone by. Limited hours M-F during the pandemic. Order online or by phone for contactless pickup. And whether it's Harrison St. Cafe or another local spot, remember to show some love to our locally owned, independent restaurants this winter.
For as long as we’ve had language, we’ve had songs for the work we do. Whether it’s sea shanties bellowed defiantly against gale-force winds, field songs sung under blistering sun, or industrial folk set to the rhythm of the machines that run, work songs helped our ancestors fight boredom, find meaning, build connections, and survive. But modern work has no song.
There are no hymns to sing in the offices, factories, fields, shops, and restaurants where we work today. We let the music die, and we did it when we needed it the most. And that’s what this book is all about. This is a collection of stories by Richmond author Matt Johnson about work that we cannot let die. Stories that could be our songs.
Here's to great returns! Elisabeth Edelman puts her editor hat back on and returns for a guest spot that's sure to get your year ahead off to a good start. As many longtime Here readers know, Elisabeth founded our weekly newsletter years ago prior to it becoming part of the Richmond Gridfam! In addition to launching Here, Elisabeth is also the proud founder of Golden Word, a powerhouse communications agency that chases doing good work with good people. Prior to Golden Word, she studied journalism at the University of Richmond, cut her teeth on PR with five action-packed years in NYC, and broadened her marketing grasp in-house at Ledbury. Take it away, Elizabeth ...
Despite the considerable headwinds of this pandemic, I tend to focus on what’s still possible and what’s still good. I’m already thinking ahead to 2021 – specifically thinking about what I can do now to set myself up for a strong start to the new year. Here are a few suggestions to help you think big for 2021.
Cloth
& Paper
First things first: let’s get organized. I like making my ideas and plans for the year tangible by writing them down. Richmond-based Cloth & Paper is an incredible resource for planners, notebooks and office supplies – expect chic and minimal. I particularly love the soothing tones of their neutral sticky notes. This is an easy way to make WFH a little more zen.
Reading has been a source of escape, connection and growth through the pandemic, so I’m doubling down for 2021 with a reorg of my book club. I’m excited to ditch the mayhem of email chains and Doodles in favor of Bookclubz, the book club management app that streamlines all communication and keeps book clubs happy. And it's a Richmond-based startup!
And the source of our book selections? I am straight obsessed with bbgb in Carytown. They are perhaps best known for children’s books, but their recommendations across categories are my secret to finding my next stunner of a book.
To round out our 2021 prep, I bet you thought I’d recommend a local gym or workout. Wrong! I’m a serious sweet tooth, and we all need something to look forward to. So let me tip you off to Recess, the dessert delivery service from Charm School co-founder Meryl Hillerson.
Check their Instagram for new menus every other week, then place your order via email or text. Think sweet treats like Apple Galette with Brown Sugar Oat Crumble or Salty Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. *drooling*
Tap into more of Elisabeth’s tips by checking out Golden Word’s series of virtual PR workshops, “How to Pitch Yourself: For The Job” sessions, and the “Boost.”
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