National Geographic names Richmond on list of 'where to travel for food in 2016'

Richmond, Virginia has been named on National Geographic's list of 'places to travel for food in 2016.'

Sandy Allen

National Geographic recently shared its picks of destinations to “travel to for food in 2016.” Among international and food-centric destinations such as Sydney, Australia; New Orleans, Louisiana; Sicily, Italy and Belfast, Ireland, our very own Richmond, Virginia made the list.

According to the article, chefs in the capital city are “whipping up Southern cuisine with a contemporary flair.” Local Richmonders have long enjoyed the unique atmosphere and wide array of cuisine, craft beer, local wine and culinary events available in the Richmond region. Richmond restaurants mentioned in National Geographic’s online article include The Roosevelt, Rappahannock Oyster Company and Heritage as well as Belmont Butchery and the tasting room at Blue Bee Cider.

Richmond’s historic buildings, former factories, tobacco warehouses and river-front locations give the area’s eateries a charm all their own. Dine among the exposed beams, brick facades, wrought iron and cobblestone streets of the historic neighborhoods and cultural centers of the Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott’s Addition, the Museum District, Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom.

Top Chefs have taken up residence in the Capital City of Richmond, including Bryan Voltaggio of Family Meal, located at Willow Lawn, and Mike Isabella of Graffiato, located at 123 West Broad Street. Isabella is also the author of the cookbook, "Crazy Good Italian."

Local peanuts, old fashioned ham, farm fresh vegetables and Chesapeake Bay seafood are just a few of the unique items that Richmond chefs implement into their menus. The craft beer scene has exploded in the Richmond region to include Ardent Craft Ales, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Strangeways Brewing as well as the California-based Stone Brewing Company.

To read all about the National Geographic’s picks of where to travel for food in 2016, please visit travel.nationalgeographic.com.

Speaking of the Richmond food scene, Richmond’s spring Restaurant Week takes place April 18 – 24, 2016. This popular event, now in its 15th year, includes a variety of Richmond restaurants that feature a special three course menu for $29.16 per person. In case you were wondering, the .16 reflects the year.

A percentage of proceeds from Richmond Restaurant Week benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. Dinners usually include an appetizer, main course and dessert. Visit RichmondRestaurantWeek.com to learn more and view menus.