On this month's episode of Eat It, Virginia, hosts Scott Wise and Robey Martin sit down with Herbie Abernethy and Josh Novicki, the Richmond duo behind three of the city's most celebrated restaurants: Cobra Cabana, Hot For Pizza, and Brave Captain.

Herbie and Josh share the story of how two art school kids from East Carolina University, connected through a thriving North Carolina music scene, found their way to Richmond and built a restaurant empire rooted in community.

From the origins of Cobra Cabana's legendary $5 beer and shot deal, to the 40-year-old sourdough starter powering Hot For Pizza's pies, to the newly opened Brave Captain, this conversation is packed with great stories, colorful opinions, and plenty of Richmond restaurant recommendations.

You can read the full article at WTVR.com.

Eat It, Virginia is available on WTVR.com, the CBS 6 YouTube page, and Spotify.

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Baltik’s Bagel founder Yero Rudzinskas shares his journey from Michelin-starred kitchens and high finance to building one of Richmond’s most buzzed-about bagel shops. In this Eat It, Virginia! podcast episode, he reveals his bagel-making secrets, business philosophy, and why community connection drives his success.

You'll Learn:

• How Yero went from chef to banker to bagel maker.
• The process behind Baltik’s Bagel’s signature chewy, glossy crust.
• Why Richmond’s South Side was the perfect location for his Baltik’s Bagel.
• Tips for perfect bagels at home — fermentation, boiling, baking.
• His plans for expanding in Richmond’s growing food scene.
• Stories from New York City Bagel Fest People’s Choice win.

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Eat It, Virginia, co-hosts Scott Wise and Robey Martin sit down with Tim Gearhart, founder of Gearharts Fine Chocolates, to explore his 25-year journey in confectionery. Tim shares how his love for food began in Charlottesville, took him through a stint as a Marine Corps cook, and eventually led to opening one of Virginia’s most beloved chocolate shops in 2001.

He discusses the artistry behind Gearharts’ signature 16-piece collection, his seasonal creations, and the expansion into a Short Pump chocolate café.

Tim also unveils the story behind James River Chocolate Company and Gunny’s Bark, a veteran-inspired product benefiting the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

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Eat It, Virginia hit the road to Scott’s Addition in Richmond for a trip to Pinky’s, a Mediterranean‑inspired tapas spot with big personality, unforgettable flavors, and a whole lotta heart. 💖

Owner & chef Steve DeRaffele dishes on everything that makes Pinky’s special, from his mom’s influence (and the nickname that became the restaurant’s name) to the open‑concept vibe, neighborhood events, and some of the most drool‑worthy plates in Richmond.

🍽 Highlights include:

• Tapas that span Spain, France, Italy, North Africa & Greece — totally different flavors on one table
• The legendary pork belly (salt‑cured, braised, crisped, and plated with pickled peppers, fresh orange zest & smoked paprika aioli)
• Gluten‑free fried calamari and other allergy‑friendly eats that make guests cry happy tears
• Steve’s DIY buildout with skills passed down from his grandfather who built diners
• Tropical, vacation‑vibe decor designed by his wife Brittanny (owner of local jewelry shop SUN & SELENE)
• Neighborhood parties like oyster nights, hot dog wine pairings, Friendsgiving, and more

If you love Richmond’s food scene or just want to meet the chef behind one of the city’s most talked‑about restaurants , you’ll want to watch this.

👉 Subscribe to Eat It, Virginia on YouTube or Spotify so you don’t miss our next stop in RVA and beyond! 📺 Watch more at CBS 6’s YouTube page or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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On this episode of Eat It, Virginia! we sit down with Memi Shehata and Rania Yacoub of Egyptian restaurant Memi’s and Fan favorite 3 Monkeys in Richmond.

Memi’s, now celebrating its first anniversary, is one of the city’s newest Egyptian eateries. It’s the culmination of a journey that began nearly two decades ago and half a world away.

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When music lover and chef Matt Kirwan opened Daisy's at Tredegar this summer, it was like a dream come true. Located adjacent to Richmond's new Allianz Amphitheater, the restaurant has become a pregame destination for concertgoers.

"I still have to pinch myself sometimes," Kirwan told hosts Scott Wise and Robey Martin on the latest episode of Eat It, Virginia! "I got to go into every show and some of my favorite bands came through. Two of my favorite things in life, music and food, and now they're kind of together."

Daisy’s at Tredegar
500 Tredegar Street
Richmond, VA 23219

804-610-4468

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The Smoky Mug recently opened its expanded location along North Avenue off Brookland Park Boulevard in Richmond, growing from a 1,400-square-foot space with 8 indoor seats to a 3,000-square-foot restaurant featuring 35 dining room seats, a 10-seat bar, and a 25-seat lounge area. Co-owners Dan Lee and Ryan Maynes discussed their journey on the Eat It, Virginia podcast, sharing how their restaurant concept began during a COVID-19 pandemic dinner party in early 2020 when Maynes served his homemade brisket and Lee brought bourbon to share.

Maynes, a former paving superintendent, learned his barbecue skills growing up in Clayton, New Mexico, a town so small he graduated with just 42 classmates and could "throw a brisket into Texas from my parents' front door." For their first location, he built a custom smoker from a decommissioned 500-gallon propane tank. The restaurant combines Texas-style barbecue with Virginia and North Carolina influences, using Carolina vinegar sauce enhanced with Southwest seasonings and citrus.

The new space has allowed The Smoky Mug to expand beyond barbecue and coffee, adding a full pastry program with items like brisket-filled churro cookies and biscuits created by their trained pastry chef manager.

Lee emphasized that their success stems from focusing on service, hospitality, and community building, creating a space where families can gather and newcomers can meet longtime neighborhood residents.

The restaurant plans to celebrate its anniversary in October with their annual trunk-or-treat event while waiting for a second smoker to arrive in January, which will enable them to bring back special events like their Oktoberfest sausage-making celebration.

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Eat It, Virginia! takes you behind the scenes with two influential social media creators showcasing Richmond, Virginia restaurants and events to both longtime locals looking for new things to try and audiences who may have never heard of Richmond.

Paige Poprocky, co-owner of the Richmond Experience, and Lauren Z. Ray have built substantial followings by highlighting what makes Richmond special — from vegan-friendly restaurants to businesses that deserve recognition.

Connect with the show on Instagram where you can also find Scott and Robey.

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