We like to imagine that this postcard from Birdie’s was shipped straight to Dolly Parton in Pigeon Forge, as suggested by the partial address. | Photo by Birdie’s Bar and Café
You’ve just finished the last bite of your sandwich, took one final sip from your espresso martini, plucked a lingering fly from your date’s now-polished plate.
You’re thinking, I wish I had something left to remember this meal by... some meaningful way to articulate just how good it was.
Enters: Handwritten postcards, a reviving trend in restaurant keepsakes. But which Richmond restaurants are leaning into the nostalgia? Turns out, there are quite a few.
This homegrown restaurant has become a sandwich staple over the years. For many, it’s a weekly lunch dig, and there lies the charm. It’s the everyday things that stir the most delightful and dear memories.
“Natasha, Pierre + The Great Comet of 1812" | Wednesday, Aug. 20-Sunday, Sept. 7 | Times vary | Firehouse Theater | $5+ | This electro-pop opera follows a story of betrayal and lust in Moscow’s high society during the Napoleonic Wars.
AnyFolk Writers Round | 6-9 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery | Free | Six songwriters, three songs each, no cost of entry, and as many craft beers as you want.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Haunted Hanover Tavern Tour | 8-9 p.m. | Hanover Tavern, Hanover | $12 | Creep through the shadows of a centuries-old building on a evening walking tour.
Friday, Aug. 22
Chesterfield County Fair | Friday, Aug. 22-Saturday, Aug. 30 | Times vary | Chesterfield County Fairgrounds | $12 | The fair kicks off its one-week reign this weekend, and there’s a world of entertainment, rides, and fried food in store.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Sun’s Down Surf’s Up Rodeo | 7 p.m. | Pipeline Trail + Overlook | Free | Kayak or wade over to this rocky riverside spot for an evening of water sports, open to spectators and organized to support improved river access at Pipeline.
A new sports bar is warming up to join Shockoe’s team, subbing in for longstanding oyster bar, Sam Miller’s, which closed earlier this summer. Elevation Sports Bar is a vision of pool tables, dart boards, and 35+ televisions. As a nod to its venue predecessor, Elevation’s owner aims to keep oysters on the menu. (Richmond BizSense)
Development
A 16-floor high-rise may be in the works for VCU Health. Slated to sit on the corner of East Leigh and North 12th streets, the project would account for 500+ medical beds. Demolitions would include the Health Science Library, Strauss Research Building, and a visitor parking deck on 13th Street. (Richmond BizSense)
Closing
Two Torchy’s Tacos restaurants are scheduled to close next week. Short Pump is keeping the torch lit, as one location will remain open on West Broad, but the chain locations in Carytown and Midlothian will have their last day of service on Tuesday, Aug. 26. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Edu
Elementary, middle, and high schools around Richmond rolled into the new school year yesterday, Aug. 18, with many local universities following shortly behind. We put together our own syllabus, covering the basics of enrollment, classroom ratios, and graduation rates at 10+ regional school districts.
Sports
Batter up. The Flying Squirrels’ pitched the 2026 schedule last week, marking the first season in CarMax Park stadium. Check out the six-month calendar, which begins next April. For now, you can plan ahead for next week’s games against the Akron RubberDucks.
Cause
The Virginia Lottery’s mission has one focus: giving back to Virginia public schools. Since 1999, all Lottery profits — totaling more than $12 billion — have gone to support local students and teachers in grades K-12. Follow the money.*
Wellness
Support your liver’s daily grind with Dose. This orange juice-flavored shot blends curcumin, milk thistle, ginger, and dandelion root into a vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free formula. Try Dose for 30% off — your liver will thank you later.*
Learn
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. Learn AI skills in three minutes a day with Superhuman AI newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
The Buy
The bra your wardrobe’s been asking for:
For the gym: Shop this strappy sports bra for a cute, ribbed look that’s non-padded and stretchy for extra comfort. For v-necks: This best-selling deep v bra features no underwire, seamless edges, and a material that’s soft on skin. For tees: Calvin Klein’s Invisibles comfort bralette is made from soft and smooth microfiber and is lightly lined for coverage.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
🎡 What year was the first Chesterfield County Fair?
The votes are split in a two-way tie, and one of the options is correct. Let’s see if you can funnel cake your guesses into the correct answer. We’ll help narrow things down. A. 1887 B. 1911 C. 1948 D. 1971
At the beginning of the year, my friend moved to Charlotte, NC, to work as an animator for NASCAR. I was rightfully bummed at the time, but I wasn’t too upset when he rolled into town this weekend with an extra VIP ticket.
One thing I learned about racing this weekend: Frankie Muniz, of “Malcolm in the Middle,” is an official Craftsman Truck driver.
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