Lauren Vincelli

1 week ago | richmondmagazine.com | Lauren Vincelli

Spring is here, and the eighth edition of Richmond’s annual fungi fest, Mushroom Mania, returns April 19 to Stone Brewing Co. Ahead of the event, festival founder and ’shroom fanatic Lauren Vincelli has hunted down mushroom maniacs around the city and beyond, highlighting offerings from the region’s many fungi friends. Chaotic Good Tempeh: This lean protein is made by binding cooked beans with the mycelium of Rhizopus oligosporus during the fermentation process.

1 month ago | richmondmagazine.com | Lauren Vincelli

In addition to Women’s History Month, March is Women in Pizza Month — cheers to all the nonnas, mamas, daughters, workers and entrepreneurs who keep the dough twirling. The first slice goes to these local women making their mark on the Richmond pizza scene. 2314 Jefferson Ave. Owner Ashley Patino and her crew are the reigning pizza queens of Richmond.

1 month ago | richmondmagazine.com | Lauren Vincelli

206 N. Shields Ave. First opened in 1989 by owner Sam Patel, the convenience store has become a neighborhood fixture. Today, the market is managed by Tina Kafantaris, co-owner of the seminal family restaurant located opposite. “We’ll even run across the street to Joe’s [Inn] to grab you a carrot or a cup of ricotta if you’re desperate,” she says. That level of service has attracted lifelong loyal customers. A Shields Market secret: It’s an oasis for entertaining.

Jan 14, 2025 | richmondmagazine.com | Lauren Vincelli

A taste of the Windy City is available without a plane ticket, thanks to Redemption BBQ and Market (3420 Lauderdale Drive) and its owner, John Vest, a pastor turned pitmaster turned pizzaiolo. Redemption currently offers hot deep-dish Chicago pies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The open-secret offering started as a love letter to Vest’s wife, Anna, a native of Chicago. The couple lived there together for 16 years before moving back to Virginia and starting Redemption BBQ as a food truck.

Oct 30, 2024 | richmondmagazine.com | Lauren Vincelli

Wine and dine like Hannibal Lecter One of the most famous gourmands of our age is also the greatest villain in cinema history — Dr. Hannibal Lecter, the former forensic psychiatrist also known as The Chesapeake Ripper. Dr. Lecter explores some truly cruel and creative cooking with surprising connections to the area. We may not want to recreate his cooking, but we could be inspired by the food and wine pairings of Virginia’s famous cannibal cook this Halloween.