Archive for Events
Wash Up. It’s Almost Time For Supper.
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Hello Farmhands!
This one is going to go in a bit of a circle, so strap in and just hang on for a bit:
The sister sent us some pictures of us when we were kids, and we saw a shot of our grandfather. A real character, that one. He was a hero on his high school football team, spent World War II on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, married the love of his life, raised two daughters, four grandchildren, and lived to see a handful of great-grandchildren. An electrician by trade, he spent many early mornings and afternoons rooting around in the fields of our family farm. There were certain seasons when you couldn’t kiss him goodnight. He would routinely pull an onion out of the ground, shake off the dirt, peel back a layer or two, and eat the darned thing like an apple. For realsies.
We often found ourselves bouncing around the back of his pickup down a rutted country road. With the sun in our eyes and the wind in our faces we’d be jerked to one side or another as he would suddenly veer off of the side of the road and screech to a halt. Somewhere, deep in a hillside, he had spotted a bramble of blackberries, and off we went with deep buckets to fill. We’d all head back to the house with our treasure; bodies painted purple like Violet Beauregardes.
Here’s the thing: Our grandfather worked with his hands, and ate stuff right out of the ground, fresh from the bush, or pulled from the tree. He scrubbed vigorously each morning and before sitting down for supper, and he was never sick. Never.
Not a day in his life.
When you head through the produce section of your local mega-grocery, take a moment and marvel at the bounty before you. Perfect stacks of perfect apples and bright orange oranges and sweetly round melons. Realize, of course, that these fruits and vegetables are grown, not to be nutritious, but to be shelf-stable and look good under the florescent lights of the mega-mart. Produce is graded based on size and shape and color.
Check this out: 90% of all of the Grade A commercial potatoes grown in America meet their deep-fried demise underneath the golden arches of our favorite burger chain. That’s a fact.
But we’re lucky in one respect: While we’ve become more prone to infectious disease due to increased use of chemicals and antibiotics in our food system, we’re a pretty healthy nation. We learned a lesson from our grandfather and are pretty meticulous about washing up when we get ready to prepare your food or pop something into our mouths. It’s the easiest way to prevent disease.
Here’s another fact: One of the dirtiest things in your home is your bottle of hand sanitizer.
And now the important one for today: The number one cause of death in children under five around the world is disease that could be prevented with proper sanitation and hygiene. We can’t suddenly fix their food supply or eliminate the problems with their drinking water, but we can do something today to help them with their hygiene. And it’s simple – give them some soap.
This is where we come in. Everyone has bars of soap under their sink. Some are there on purpose, and some are forgotten gifts from relatives who had no clue of your aversion to lilac. And then there’s the pile of wrapped hotel soaps, sure to be used one day, but not one soon. We’re collecting all of these soaps and donating them to Clean the World. They take clean, wrapped, unused soaps and distribute them to areas where washing one’s hands is a luxury. They also partner with chains like Marriott, who donate slightly used soaps. Clean the World is able to sanitize about 90% of them, wrap them up, and then send them out. You can donate your life-giving gift of soap at either Urban Farmhouse, and we’ll get it to Clean the World.
We’re also donating through Soapbox Soaps. They donate one bar to a child in need for every bar sold. So when you buy a Soapbox Soap at The Urban Farmhouse, it will help to 
clean some dirty little hands somewhere else.
That’s enough for now. Wash up. It’s almost time for supper.
What’s Going On?
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With all due respect to Marvin Gaye, the goings on at The Urban Farmhouse are pretty cool these days. We’ve been doing well at our flagship Shockoe Slip restaurant, and the feedback has been great for our Millworks location (and a special Thank You to the wonderful folks in Midlothian who have been so quick to embrace us). Our Late Spring Menu is days away, we’re adding new products to The Market, and we have a pretty full music calendar.
OH! And Artists! We have two new artists bringing in work for May. So there’s that.
We’ve also been fine-tuning and expanding some things:
You can reserve The Urban Farmhouse for your special event. Seriously. We’ll set aside the entire Farmhouse for you and yours. We’ve been conducting a not-so-stealth operation that offers catering and box lunches for businesses and such, and have actually hosted some events at The Farmhouse, like a recent wedding. Think about it: Beautiful Summer night, surrounded by your family, handsome groom, beautiful bride, the twinkling lights of the Slip and the windows thrown wide at The Urban Farmhouse….
Just think about that and imagine the same scenario on our patio at Millworks. Then contact ashley@theurbanfarmhouse.net. She’s a gem, and will get you all hooked up.
Speaking of our PATIO AT MILLWORKS: It’s looking pretty sweet! It was hard when we first moved in, as we were about the first business to open up. Fortunately, our Southside Farmhands found us pretty quickly, so loneliness wasn’t an issue. Now, as the weather has ripened, we’ve been able to add some accoutrements, like tables and chairs. Right in the middle, we have a huge, family-style table that was made by this awesome guy, Bill Fields, who salvages wood from old buildings to create these amazing pieces. He also made our coffee tables. And we’re coloring things up a bit. Farmhand Brae spent some sunny days planting some herbs and stuff, so you’ll see some freshies on the tables. While we’re excited to welcome the return of the Farmer’s Market (May 4th. Quit asking), we’re trying to work out the logistics of starting our own vegetable garden. We’re in serious talks with the landlord and Mother Nature.
Lastly, we’re going to tweak this website. It’ll be easier for you to find menus, search for events, and we’re looking to showcase The Market. You know that you love bringing Farmhouse stuff home with you. It’ll be easier. And you’ll know when we launch the new website. One day you’ll click, and it’ll be like magic.
Now, on to the events. Farmhand Brae is handling our booking, and we’re rotating out featured artists and musicians. Live music will remain Saturday nights from 6 until about 8, and Sunday brunch music will be 11 ‘til one. If you’re interested in a gig, brae@theurbanfarmhouse.net. She’s your girl.
Our May artist in the Slip will be Joseph Cross. Joanna Tyka will be showing at Millworks.
Music in the Slip:
4/27 Sean Bendula
4/28 Gregg Sullivan
5/4 Sajak
5/5 Paul Galandis
5/11 Leah Kruszewski
5/12 Strummer
5/18 Emily and Steve Wilson
5/19 Jessica Salomonsky
5/26 Gregg Sullivan
Music at Millworks:
4/27 Strummer
4/28 Rachel Leyco
5/4 The Luckies
5/11 Sajak
5/12 Leah Kruszewski
5/18 10.5 Strings
5/25 Evan McKeel
See you soon.
Supporting Urban Gardening
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There are a few things that we like at The Urban Farmhouse:
- Good Coffee
- Good Food
- Good Coffee and Food that’s healthy and responsibly grown
- Good Coffee and Food that’s fresh
- Wearing Black
Numbers 1 and 5 may make us seem like coffee shop hipsters, and to be truthful, there are a fair number of Farmhands that sport body art, piercings and creative facial hair, but it’s who we are. But we’re fortunate to be able to combine our loves with our work here at The Urban Farmhouse.
That kind of makes us sound like missionaries or something: “Our Work.”
Well, we kind of are missionaries. Our mission is to provide folks who visit us with food, drinks, and merchandise that represents the finest that Mother Earth can provide. And to try to do it as locally as possible. When we use Bearer Farm Honey, we’re supporting their efforts to let bees be bees. We sell biodynamic wines because they’re tasty and the process respects the fields the grapes are grown in. Local fruits and vegetables are fresher, usually taste better, and support the farms and farmers who pump billions of dollars into Virginia’s economy. We kind of feel like everyone should have an Urban Farmhouse nearby. Currently, there are only two neighborhoods that fit that bill, but who knows…..
That’s why we jumped on board to help out some dear friends at Tricycle Gardens. A short trip from Shockoe Slip, in Richmond’s Manchester district, they created an Urban Farm. Perfect, right? It’s very much like an urban oasis – an unused parcel of city space that has been turned into a garden overflowing with fresh food. What’s truly great about it is that there are many in our cities and towns who don’t really get to experience this. We’ve talked about it before: Some people live in “food deserts.”
There is a certain sense of satisfaction that comes with being at an Urban Farmhouse early in the morning. When our deliveries show up, we open crates and packages of fresh produce, and honest to goodness, you can smell the freshness. It smells like earth, sun, sweetness, tartness, and good. Wine makers call it “terroir.” You can taste this stuff and smell it and feel like you’re right there where it was grown. And that’s what Tricycle Gardens brings to folks who are in a food desert. They can see a bona-fide farm, right in their neighborhood. They can see things growing, buy produce that was in the earth just moments ago, and eat healthy stuff that they probably haven’t had access to in a while.
Tricycle Gardens also has a tremendous outreach program. They run classes on growing your own food, on container gardening for apartment dwellers, on composting and worm bins, and they let people participate in the process of making fresh food. It’s said that if you want to engage someone in something, get them to do it. Sure, sounds like fun, but until you stick your hands in the earth or bite into a fresh-from-the-vine tomato, you just don’t know.
And here’s the thing – Tricycle Gardens is a non-profit driven almost solely by volunteers. In about a decade, they’ve used this passion to create almost a dozen gardens around Richmond, a market, and a greenhouse for winter growing. Our part of the deal is easy. We combined our logo with theirs, splashed it on some shirts and hoodies, and offered to sell them to whoever wants one. That pretty girl at the top of the page is Brae. She’s a Farmhand, and she’s wearing one of the shirts. The proceeds from each and every sale will help them to grow, to spread that message, and bring some “terroir” to some folks who may have never tasted it.
If you believe in terroir, and want to help us support Tricycle Gardens, stop in The Urban Farmhouse and pick up a hip shirt. You can also shop online here. And Thanks.
Psst: We have the scoop. Pass it on.
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You know that we like to shop local. We also like it when you shop local. Whether you’re in Downtown Richmond or cruising Midlothian, we appreciate it when you visit with The Urban Farmhouse or with the locally owned businesses in our area. That doesn’t stop with our food and drink. The musicians and artists that we feature either come from or have pretty strong ties to the Richmond area.
That being said, we often get questions on our Facebook and Twitter asking who’s playing or what artist did the amazing piece on the wall. We’ve kind of filled our calendars on a case-by-case basis, but based on your interest and in an effort to get a little more organized (what with two Farmhouses to mind!) we thought that we’d get a little ahead of the curve.
Want to know what’s coming up?
Music in the Slip:
- March 2 – Sean Bendula
- March 3 – Josh Lief
- March 9 – Matthew Blanton
- March 10 – Gregg Sullivan
Music in Midlo:
- March 2 – Dwayne Sanders
- March 9 – Sean Bendula
- March 10 – Strummer
- March 16 – Matthew Blanton
- March 23 – Evan McKeel
Artists in Shockoe:
- March – Samantha Kardos
- April – Deanna Delgado
Artists in Midlo:
- March – Deanna Delgado
- April – Austin Fitch
We’re also having Wine Tastings in Shockoe and Midlo. All of the tastings will be from 5 to 7. On March 6 we’ll welcome Andes Importers to Shockoe. They’ll be in Midlothian on March 27. March 20 we’ll have DelFosse Vineyards in Shockoe.
And Food! We’re sampling food! On March 8 we’ll have Wheeler Wood from Biscotti Goddess from 11:30 til 2 at The Urban Farmhouse Midlothian. Get your nom nom on on.
We’ll expand this a bit and get you some more details as we get them. Stay tuned and hungry Urban Farmhouse friends!
March Music at The Farmhouse
Posted by: | CommentsAll Saturday evening music runs from 6:30-8:30.
Brunch music on Sundays is from 11-1.
March 10th: Moogly Blues Band
March 11th: Ron Caribe
March 17th: The Bowie Trio
March 18th: Hannah Staniford
March 24th: Tabb
March 25th: Pablo Franco
March 31st: Luz del Sol
A Little AlliterUrbanAtion
Posted by: | CommentsNothing preachy this week, but instead, some Urban Farmhouse wordplay:
On the eve of the holiday way down in the Slip
the Farmhouse was quiet. Not a squeak or a drip.
The shelves and the counters were scattered with goods
from farms and from gardens; some things from the woods.
Some natural fragrance (with local beeswax),
to keep your kiss moist: some lip smack from Mac’s.
Some bottles of wine labeled biodynamic,
and delicate spices from Simply Organic.
But The Urban was quiet as friends spread good cheer
with balsamic salads and Virginia craft beer.
Perhaps they are snacking on Chappaqua Crunch?
No artificial flavors to be found in the bunch.
We hope that they’re noshing on food with a face.
The face of a farmer we caution in case…
And spending their holiday with friends warm and dear
as twenty and twelve draws ever near.
The Urban will be here with music and art,
and savory vittles we’d like to impart.
So stay nice and cozy and share Christmas cheer
with hormone-free chicken and gluten-free beer!
Happy Holidays from The Urban Farmhouse!
Special 2-for-1 Bake a Cake Deal This Week!
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When it’s too chilly to stay outside for long, come in and bake a cake! It’s simple and fun and a great way to entertain the kids too!
Take advantage of the Buy-1-Get-1 Deal at the urban Farmhouse on all of our organic Dr. Oetker and gluten-free Kinnkinnick cake mixes. And when you’ve finished creating that masterpiece, take a picture and send it to us by the end of the month for a chance to win Free Lunch!
We’ll make out decision after close Monday, February 28 – so get yours in before then!
You can share your cake pics with us on Facebook -
http://www.facebook.com/theurbanfarmhouse
We’d love to see what you come up with – funny or fancy and always dee-lish!
Wednesdays & Wine at the Urban Farmhouse
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Hump Day will now be the new TGIF – almost…
Introducing Wednesdays & Wine at the urban Farmhouse! This wine tasting series will take place on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 5-6:30 p.m., led by a Farmhand Sommelier. We are passionate and careful about the wines we select for our market and want to share why. The setting will be informal, just like the urban Farmhouse and we hope you’ll become as excited as we are. During this time you’ll enjoy tastings of at least 3 special wines. It’s also Happy Hour where you can enjoy even more specially priced wines and no corkage.
Here’s what’s coming:
Wed., Feb. 16th, 5-6:30 p.m. – “OBS”
“OBS” is our shorthand for Organic, Biodynamic and Sustainable wines. During this tasting, you’ll learn about the differences and why there is increasing interest from wine connoisseurs and even those who enjoy 2 Buck Chuck!
Wed., Mar. 2nd, 5-6:30 p.m. – Love By the Glass
The urban Farmhouse is excited to participate in this month-long event, sponsored by the Virginia Wine Organization to support our local wines. We’re pleased to have Genevelyn Steele CSW from Republic National Distributing Company lead this tasting and discussion. Ms. Steele is a veteran sommelier, with extensive experience in the Virginia wine industry. She has worked at several Virginia wineries firsthand and brings a wealth of knowledge on this continuing growth industry.
Stuck inside with toxic air? Try this very green solution!
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With winter in full swing, we are definitely spending more time indoors… Unfortunately, this is where everybody spreads the germs. In these confined spaces, we are more likely to come in contact with viruses that cause colds and flu, and to experience the effects of indoor air pollution.
There are many natural and easy precautions to take to avoid viruses like maintaining immune systems with enough sleep, a natural diet with plenty of fresh, organic fruits and veggies, and of course washing hands regularly. But is there anything we can do to protect the air around us as we batten down the hatches, and stay indoors for winter?
Yes, says a study by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. It was reported that common houseplants such as bamboo palms and spider plants help to purify indoor air.
It can be quite easy and inexpensive to clean your indoor air. And you will want as it is reported that indoor household air can often be more toxic than air pollution. Some of these nasty indoor pollutants have been reported to cause diseases that show up much later, such as respiratory diseases or even cancer. Making sure that your air quality is as good as possible can make a big difference especially for young children with breathing problems, asthma, or allergies.
The study recommends for a home of under 2,000 square feet that at least fifteen live and common houseplants be grown and nurtured indoors to help improve air quality. They suggest that the plants be grown in six-inch containers or larger. Some of the best plants to clean indoor air can easily be found at your local nursery and include:
Heartleaf philodendron,
Elephant ear philodendron
Cornstalk dracaena
English ivy
Spider plant,
Janet Craig dracaena,
Weeping fig
Mauna Loa or peace lily
Selloum philodendron
Chinese evergreen,
Bamboo or reed palm
Snake plant
Red-edged dracaena.
These common plants may provide us some assistance with cleaning our indoor air and improving the quality of life inside during winter. Not only do these beautiful plants add some life to your surroundings, but they are also surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air.
5 Sustainable Ways to Give More and Spend Less!
Posted by: | CommentsGiving gifts that are personal and unique require imagination and time. We have a few ideas for sustainable giving below…and fortunately they don’t take a lot of time. Forget all the stuff, it’s the thought that counts during the holidays. Why not make it a bit more personal and meaningful this year with a few of the following ideas:
1. Homemade treats like cookies, candy, chutney, or preserves make excellent gifts. Last year, with an overabundance of homegrown tomatoes, we made spicy Moroccan tomato chutney in the summer and shared our organic harvest with friends and family for a tasty Christmas treat. You could make some granola with the kids and package it up for grandma, create dried soup mixes with colorful pastas in jars with homemade labels, concoct cocoa powders with personalized mugs…the list really is endless here.
2. Give services instead of stuff! You must have lots to offer…this could include childcare services, dog walking, car wash and detail, raking & gardening, painting inside or out, cooking or shopping for an elderly friend, laundry detail for a few weeks, or general cleaning for a close friend. You could also give music lessons or offer tutoring services if you’ve got something like that to share…
3. Share lucky things…we’ve all got them (or we think we do). Whether yours is a furry rabbit foot or a stone worn smooth with a ring all the way around it, a lucky charm is a great gift. Perhaps it’s a found object or a special shell from a perfect beach. Pass it along with a good story and let your recipient experience the luck or joy it has brought to you. It’s almost like giving a bit of magic.
4. Re-gifting and second-hand goods were once considered “cheap.” However, these days used gifts are some of the kindest of all to the environment, as they use no energy or resources. You’ll have to use your own judgment here… but things like vintage clothing, art books, old bikes, dusty sports equipment (you thought you would use), forgotten tools, and grown-out-of toys and children’s clothes. There are loads of finds in your own cupboards but there are some downright treasures at the local thrift stores…
5. If you really want to spend money, opt for gift certificates or theater tickets as they come at no expense to the environment…maybe spring for a much needed massage, help a budding artist with a painting class at Virginia Museum of Fine Art, or give exciting tickets to the IMAX movie at the Science Museum.
