Join us as we dive into the unconventional journey of Grayum Vickers, the innovative wine director and sommelier at Richmond’s Lost Letter and Lillian restaurants. Discover how this former high school meteorology teacher and punk rock musician found his passion for wine. Grayum shares his insights on coastal wines, the thrill of serving celebrities, and his excitement about the rare opportunity to offer Dom Pérignon by the glass. Explore how Grayum is helping to redefine Richmond's wine scene with his unique approach and expertise.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Cabaniss, owner of Revel Market and Bar in Lakeside and Julep's in downtown Richmond, discusses her Richmond restaurant journey which began in 1998.

She highlights the unique features of Revel, including a secret patio and how a trip to New Orleans inspired the venture.

She also addresses some of the challenges of running restaurants during inflation, owning a restaurant in downtown Richmond, plans for future events, and some of the celebrities she's served over the years.

Send your food and restaurants questions to Eat It, Virginia on Instagram or over email.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Ellington and Jon Schott join Robey and Scott to discuss the evolution and growth of Cirrus Vodka and the recent opening of its new tasting room in the Scott's Addition neighborhood of Richmond. The space, known as Ballast, also houses Yellow Umbrella and Slack Tide Fish Co. The tasting room's drink menu, created by Jon, includes a variety of vodka-based cocktails, with a focus on local products.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Robey Martin and Scott Wise as they embark on a delicious journey through Charlottesville, Virginia. In this episode of Eat It, Virginia, they’re joined by food writer Simon Davidson, who unveils the coveted Charlottesville 29 — his list of the ideal 29 Charlottesville restaurants.

Whether you’re a local foodie or planning a visit, this episode is a feast for the ears that will leave you eager to explore the flavors of Charlottesville.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robey Martin and Scott Wise discuss the latest restaurant news in Virginia, including the expansion of The Fishin' Pig to Innsbrook.

Nash Osborn joins to talk about The Fishin' Pig's origins, its growth to six locations, and its philanthropic efforts, including supporting Virginia universities and community events.

They also discuss the upcoming opening of The Fox and Lamb in Farmville, offering a members-only speakeasy and event space.

Scott shares his experiences at Susie's, Brave Captain, and Pink Room.

Robey's offers insight into Stanley's cheesesteaks in Richmond and Frank and Patty's in Virginia Beach.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Ferguson spends his workdays making Virginia real estate deals. But when work is done and it's time to play, Ferguson becomes TheBlackSommRVA, a role that allows him to share the wine knowledge he's learned while becoming a WSET Level 3 certified sommelier.

"The more I jumped into this business [commercial real estate], I started being around wine more, and I wanted to be a better agent and understand what my clients want. So I'm like, let me learn about it. I've just kept progressing. And here we are now," he said about the bridging of his real estate and wine careers. "During COVID, it was great when the world was shutting down, and you didn't want to talk to anyone about real estate. I would call people and say, 'Hey, let's drink wine and talk about something other than real estate. We'll sit six feet apart and just be humans.' Real estate is transactional, but it gets too transactional. So, like, hey, Justin is here to provide wine value to me as well."

But Ferguson doesn't just use wine to help his real estate career.

He's been able to launch a second career as the wine director at The Underground Kitchen in Richmond, Virginia.

"It is an experiential dining kitchen. So we're not open every day, which is great," he said. "The Kitchen pays respect and creativity to the LGBTQ community but also to chefs of color with flavors. We like seasoning. Chef Steve Glenn likes Creole and Southern cooking. So that's good portion sizes, but really well-seasoned food. It's fun pairing different cultures with wine."

Initially inspired by Dlynn Proctor and the movie SOMM, Ferguson said he hopes his efforts expose more people to the beauty and wonder of wine.

"There was a guy, his name was Dlynn Proctor, and he was, like, the only Black guy. There aren't many Black Master Somms. So seeing him in that role sparked the idea — representation matters," Ferguson said about his initial push toward earning his sommelier certification. "Because my family still, to this day, doesn't drink wine; they aren't wine people. They are beer and other alcohol drinkers. I think [wine] wasn't introduced throughout my culture the same way other spirits were."

When asked to recommend a bottle of wine for Eat It, Virginia listeners to try, Ferguson did not hesitate.

"The thing on top of my mind right now is, honestly, Black winemakers," he said. "One that I've been enjoying is O.P.P wine (Other People's Pinot Noir) by André Mack."

Other stuff on this episode:

• The opening of Ripple Ray's, a Grateful Dead themed bar in Richmond (2:10)

• The new Mardi Gras menu at Get Tight Lounge (2:45)

• The Sunday Bagel phenomenon (4:40)

• The opening of the Ugly Dumpling (6:45)

• Robey's new column in Style Weekly (7:50)

• Robey's recent visits to Brave Captain and Susie's (9:00)

• The Mailbag wants to know about James Beard Awards snubbing Richmond restaurants once again (12:00)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richmond is kicking off the new year with a fresh vision as Dr. Danny Avula is sworn in as the Mayor of Richmond on January 1, 2025. Just days before officially taking office, Mayor Avula sat down with hosts Scott and Robey to delve into a variety of topics centered around the vibrant restaurant scene in Richmond.

In this episode, Mayor Avula reflects on how food and family meals shaped his upbringing and shares his hopes toward fostering a strong partnership between City Hall and local restaurants.

Plus, we put him on the spot to reveal his favorite dining spots in both Richmond and its surrounding suburbs.

We want to hear from you! Email the show with your thoughts and suggestions for topics you'd like us to cover in 2025. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antonio Owen, the chef-owner of Sweet P’s in Richmond, Virginia, recently shared his culinary journey and life philosophies on the “Eat It, Virginia” podcast with Scott Wise and Robey Martin.

The veteran’s guiding philosophies in the kitchen is that no job is beneath him.

"If you think you’re too good to take out the trash, your whole mindset is wrong," he said.

This hands-on mentality has been crucial in establishing a strong, supportive team.

The restaurant also embraces fun, with the introduction of “Whitney Wednesdays,” a weekly event celebrating Whitney Houston’s music and food inspired by her favorite dishes.

In this episode, Robey also discusses an extensive list of Richmond-area Christmas bars that she helped compile for Style Weekly.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.