National Food Days
It seems like there is a “national day” for everything from National Talk like a Pirate Day to National Penpal Day there is almost nothing that goes unrecognized. Various foods seem to have especially popular national days. For instance, National Mac and Cheese Day on July 14th or National Peanut Butter Jelly day on April 2nd. These little recognitions make everyday a holiday and can help give you a reason to celebrate the little things. The huge variety of restaurants in the Richmond Arts District make it easy to celebrate these national food days! Here is a list of all of the days you can celebrate here in the Arts District this summer.
June 17, Eat All Your Veggies Day: Definitely one of the healthier national days but that doesn’t mean it can’t be one of the most fun. Here are two options for veggie packed meals!
For anyone who doesn’t want only vegetables, try Bar Solita’s Basil Pesto pizza. It’s topped with roasted butternut squash, ricotta, red onion, shaved brussels sprouts, toasted and spiced pumpkin seeds.
For those on a plant based diet everyday is Eat All Your Veggies Day there is a NuVegan cafe location in the arts district where you can build a yummy vegan meal.
Sushi Donut with Eel at Fighting Fish
June 18, National Sushi Day: The Arts District is home to Fighting Fish Sushi. Fighting fish offers everything from traditional sushi rolls to sushi burritos and a sushi appetizer shaped like a donut.
June 25, National Catfish Day: Mama J’s in Jackson Ward has been rated as the best catfish restaurant in Richmond on Yelp and Foursquare. They have a catfish entree, catfish nuggets as an appetizer and a catfish sandwich.
June 28, National Ceviche Day: Ceviche is a seafood dish typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, topped with seasonings and mixed up with other fresh ingredients such as avocado. Rappahannock offers a ceviche appetizer made with their local catch and Fighting fish has a shrimp ceviche appetizer.
June 30, National Ice Cream Soda Day: Charm School Social Club on Broad Street serves their homemade ice cream in float form!
Kale Caesar Salad at Max’s on Broad
July 4, National Caesar Salad Day: Nothing says independence like a caesar salad right? Try any of these varieties of caesar salad in the Arts District.
Bar Solita’s caesar salad made with anchovy, parmesan, romaine lettuce and focaccia croutons in caesar dressing.
Tarrant’s Cafe’s caesar salad made with romaine tossed with Caesar dressing, parmesan, croutons, onions, olives, tomatoes & cucumbers.
Max’s on Broad’s caesar salad with curly kale, pepitas, croutons and classic caesar dressing.
July 6, National Fried Chicken Day: Headover to Mama J’s for some classic fried chicken or check out the fried chicken and waffles at Tarrant’s Cafe (chicken shown in thumbnail) made with maple, pomerey and tahini sauce with a side of green beans.
July 10, National Piña Colada Day: While they don’t have a traditional pina colada on their menu, Kabana Rooftop offers a variety of tropical drinks that will give you that same island feel.
July 13, National French Fries Day: French fries can be found all over but that doesn’t mean all fries are made the same. Tarrant’s Cafe has classic french fries and sweet potato fries, Max’s on Broad serves frites, and the Secret Sandwich Society serves pimento cheese alongside their fries.
July 14, National Macaroni Day: Capital Ale House serves three different kinds of mac n’ cheese. They have a southern style with pulled pork, homestyle, and a chesapeake style with shrimp and crab.
July 17, National Hot Dog Day: If you’re looking to really celebrate the hot dog then Perly’s Deli Dog is right for you. According to their menu, “Deli dogs are oversized & served on a poppy seed bun with choice of garlic dill fries, everything-potato chips, potato salad or coleslaw. Three Dresses free, each additional is $0.75. Add a schmear of chopped chicken liver, fried egg, turkey bacon or beef bacon for $1.50 each.” If you’re looking for a traditional hot dog for you or your kid, Tarrant’s Cafe offers a hot dog on their children’s menu.
Two Scoops, Rainbow Sprinkles and Toasted Fluff inside Charm School’s housemade cones
July 23, National Vanilla Ice Cream Day: Charm School offers a unique variety of homemade ice cream flavors but don’t worry if you’re more of a vanilla fan or if you’re just looking to stay true to this national day, they also offer vanilla ice cream.
July 29, National Chicken Wing Day: Obviously a very different day than the National Fried Chicken Day from earlier this month. Chicken wings are snackable and often coated in delicious sauces and rubs. Saison serves a chicken wing appetizer with a Smoked Jalapeño and Charred Pineapple Rub.
Written By: Emma North
