Eat It, Virginia!

Richmond pizza legend Billy Fallen is back with a new Billy Pie restaurant in Henrico’s West End. In this episode of Eat It, Virginia, Scott Wise and Robey Martin sit down with the longtime baker, restaurateur and entrepreneur behind Billy Bread, Aziza’s on Main, Billy Pasta and Billy Pie to talk about his decades in Richmond’s food scene, his family’s restaurant roots, and...

Five years after his pandemic-era appearance, Chef Evan Campbell returns to Eat It, Virginia with an update on his culinary journey. Robey Martin and Scott Wise catch up on Evan’s move from running The Stables and Franklin Inn in Richmond to a serene apple orchard resort in Sedona, Arizona. Back home in Virginia, Evan now leads food and beverage at Westminster Canterbury , manages seven dini...

In this episode, we explore the unique partnership behind Richmond's Get Tight Lounge with co-owner Drew Schlegel and Chef Dalisa Campbell. Schlegel, a Baltimore native who worked his way through the restaurant scene starting at the Lily Pad, brings authentic Baltimore-style pit beef to Richmond alongside business partner Randy O'Dell. Campbell, whose culinary journey spans from her grandmother's...

Join Scott Wise and Robey Martin as they sit down with Fred Enriquez, co-owner of Auntie Ning's Filipino restaurant in Richmond, Virginia. Fred shares how his childhood and family's Filipino restaurant in Virginia Beach inspired him to bring authentic Filipino cuisine to Richmond. Once in Richmond, Fred and his business partner Kristin Hobday combined their shared faith with their passion for hosp...

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, foun...

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 pro...

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 beh...

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...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

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...

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...

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 spec...

Chef Kyle Perkins has found his culinary home at Salt & Meadow inside The Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia, where the breathtaking waterfront views and local seafood inspire his cooking.  "I came and I walked through the front door at the Tides Inn. I saw the view, and I said, 'Yep, sign me up,'" Perkins said. Before joining The Tides Inn as executive chef, Perkins worked at Twin Farms, a...

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 opportun...

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,...

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...

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 fo...

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 Far...

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 an...

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 upbrin...

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...

Kat McCay Stanley discussed her extensive restaurant ventures, including the recent rebranding of Holy Mackerel in Prince George County, Virginia, to The Salty Siren , which offers a seafood-heavy menu. "When Holy Mackerel hit my radar, there was no turning back. The potential there, the view, the building... So I thought, 'Is this crazy? This is pretty crazy,'" she said about her plan to revamp t...

David Whitby, owner of Shoreline Seafood Market , discussed his journey from his parents starting Yellow Umbrella to his new venture Shoreline -- a seafood market and a 10-seat restaurant for special dinners. Whitby emphasized the importance of sourcing high-quality seafood globally and shared tips for new seafood cooks who might be intimidated to prepare seafood at home. Robey and Scott also disc...

When you think of Virginia's finest food and drink, you might think of Virginia ham, Virginia oysters, and Virginia wine. But Marshall Rabil suggests Virginia peanuts should be atop that list. Rabil should know a thing or two about peanuts. (36:35) His grandparents, Dot and HJ Hubbard, started Hubbard Peanut Company, which you may now know as Hubs, in Sedley, Virginia, back in 1954. (21:07) Rabil...

Restaurant owner, entrepreneur, media personality, and community cheerleader Kelli Lemon wears many hats in Richmond, Virginia. On this episode of "Eat It, Virginia," Kelli shared why she decided to open Urban Hang Suite in downtown Richmond and what that experience has taught her about life, business, and the city she calls home. "Kendra [Feather] is the reason Hang Suite is open," Lemon said. "C...