This Friday (2/4) brings the return of First Fridays. On the First Fridays of every month, galleries along Richmond’s Broad Street stay open late and open new exhibits. Restaurants in the area host specials, and stores stay open late, too. Check out the First Fridays web site for a map and more information.
Along with the events in the main area, restaurants in galleries in other parts of town host events, too. For example, Olio, a restaurant and European market in Richmond’s Fan District, hosts a wine dinner on First Fridays. It’s scheduled early, from 6 p.m. to 7:30, so attendees still have time to hit a few galleries afterwards if they so desire. Each month the menu changes, and dishes are served family-style to keep the cost down. A wine expert pairs the menu with carefully chosen wines, as well. This month’s dinner costs $30 per person, including tax but not gratuity, and there are still a few seats left.
The menu includes:
- Olio’s Sweet & Spicy Arugula Strawberry Salad
Arugula, spinach, strawberries & walnuts tossed with a cumin-lime vinaigrette and topped with a dusting of freshly shaved parmesan cheese.
- Seasonal Seared Ocean’s Bounty
Buttery salmon and shrimp combined with eleven herbs and spices, then sauteed in extra virgin olive oil and placed atop charcoal-grilled polenta, drizzled with a dijon crema.
- Raclette Party in a Souffle Cup!
Chunks of red-skinned potatoes, spicy German Bratwurst, assorted vegetables and marinated breads topped with melty, creamy Raclette cheese and broiled until brown and bubbly! (Vegetarian version available)
- Angel Food Cake
Served with pistachio gelato and a sweet lime syrup
To make a reservation, call Olio at (804) 355-5182. If you can’t make it to the dinner, consider stopping by Olio while you’re in town for rustic European sandwiches, fresh salads, cheese and meat plates, picnic supplies, beers from all over the world, hand-selected wines, and a selection of European groceries and snacks.
