Battle of the Burgers: 19 Burgers Paired with Craft Beers
Melting Hearts: Last year's People's Choice (Southside), Bay Local's Fondue Burger Photo by David Uhrin A burger is more than just a burger. A burger is an idea. And a simple one at that. It’s the execution and the all-important add-ons that make America’s signature sammie come alive with possibility and burst with flavor, color [...]
New Musical on Edgar Cayce Premieres at Zeiders
“The audience will be traveling through time and space over a period of several thousand years,” says Bart Kuebler, music and artistic director of Zeiders American Dream Theater, of the new musical Remembering Tomorrow: The Lives of Edgar Cayce. An enigmatic figure with ties to local history and landmarks and considered the father of the holistic [...]
K’bana Blaq Releases New Album
On Feb. 11, the multi-hyphenate K’bana Blaq released his newest and most progressive body of work, Death to Mindless Music. The 15-song album is composed of a symphony of musical genres including soul, R&B and funk. Complementing these dance-worthy melodies are Blaq’s critiques on modern music and an array of social controversies we face in [...]
Forecast Unclear for ‘757’ Regional Brand
Take a deep breath, Tidewater. Hold your horses, Hampton Roads. Cool it, Coastal Virginia. Southeastern Virginians clinging to these names can continue to do so, says the Envision 2020 Regional Branding Initiative Task Force. They’d just like everyone—at least everyone locally, for now—to also embrace “757.” But why? And why so much confusion about our [...]
Dealing with Anxiety: 5 Simple Tips to Help You Relax
Feeling a little anxious these days? Us too. It seems like no matter how hard you try, it’s very easy to find yourself consumed by the coronavirus and the “what happens next?” scenarios. Pamela Smith, LPC, CEAP, is a licensed professional counselor with years of experience in individual and family counseling. If you start to feel [...]
Coastal Grill Offering Gourmet Meal Prep Kits
As local restaurants and small businesses of all kinds look for creative ways to serve their customers and the community during the Coronavirus pandemic, there is a silver lining in some of their delicious innovations. Virginia Beach mainstay Coastal Grill, located on Great Neck Road, is one of a few area eateries that has started [...]
Local Team Fat Kid Appearing on “Great Food Truck Race”
On Thursday, March 19 at 9 p.m., the Food Network premiered The Great Food Truck Race: Gold Coast in which seven teams of aspiring food truck owners from across the country compete for a $50,000 grand prize. Joining them are local chefs Jason Fossee, Alex Carr and Jacob Dooley representing Team Fat Kid from Virginia Beach. The competition features a [...]
Remote Work: 5 Tips for Staying Productive and Organized
Had you asked the U.S. workforce two months ago, the majority would view the #WFH movement as a luxury. But as the spread of COVID-19 exacerbates the need for remote work, U.S. professionals are realizing the downsides to being away from the office. Telecommunicating doesn’t have to be a drawback though – think of it [...]
Virtual Workouts to Do at Home
With all gyms and fitness centers on COVID-19 lockdown, getting in your usual workout routine might seem daunting. It’s easy to make excuses at a time like this but being dedicated to social distance doesn’t mean you should sit around on your couch or in front of a screen day after day. In fact, regular [...]
r. LUSK Studios Specializes in Decorative Arts
Photos courtesy of r. LUSK Studios Tucked amongst locksmith, auto repair and sign shops, a tattoo parlor, a kitchen and bath showroom and an HVAC supply company near Virginia Beach’s Town Center is a small business of a different ilk. r. LUSK Studios is Coastal Virginia’s answer to an old-school atelier under the direction of [...]
Flying High at the Military Aviation Museum
Double Trouble Two is a North American P-51 Mustang, the type of fighter plane flown by Americans that saw combat in the Second World War. It’s the kind of warbird in dogfights that dodged and nosedived, shelled the Axis powers and escorted bombers. At the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Double Trouble Two is [...]
Live from FlatIron Crossroads
Rolling over the wide sweep of the York River and up into the wildwoods of the Middle Peninsula to visit FlatIron Crossroads, I don’t know what I was expecting. Certainly not a church of music that shimmies with holiness or permission to shred on a ‘78 Telecaster that Ray Friend, owner and operator of the [...]
2020 YWCA Women of Distinction: Andrea Bear
Owner, Bear in Mind Strategies, LLC “Increasingly, both locally and globally, women working together are able to improve the world around them. So, yes, I think the “W” does make the difference, which is good for all of us.” In video production, Andrea Bear is a titan of industry. She climbed the ranks to [...]
2020 YWCA Women of Distinction: Richardean Benjamin
Associate Dean, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University “Education is synonymous with knowledge, and knowledge and information are the gateway to the world.” With five degrees and over a dozen prestigious accolades, Dr. Richardean Benjamin is the epitome of educational achievement. She imparts wisdom from all of her past and current roles as [...]
2020 YWCA Women of Distinction: Mary Blunt
Senior Corporate Vice President (retired), Sentara Healthcare “Your health is your greatest personal asset and [is] invaluable. We need to respect it and nurture it for the future.” Graduating from a physical therapist to the senior corporate vice president at Sentara Healthcare, Mary Blunt is nothing short of an expert on all things health [...]
2020 YWCA Women of Distinction: Elle Harris
Executive Director, The W. Agency, Inc. “There’s no glass ceiling if there is no ceiling.” Elle Harris has donned a host of leadership titles and mentor positions at local nonprofits, civic leagues and churches, but recognition is not what Harris is after. With a deep seated passion for young women and mental health, Harris [...]
2020 YWCA Women of Distinction: Judy Jankowski
Head of School, Chesapeake Bay Academy “Our commonalities far outweigh our differences if only we are open to looking outside of ourselves.” If given the opportunity and proper support, everyone can reach their full potential. Judy Jankowski quickly realized this truth during her early years working as an educator for special needs students and [...]
2020 YWCA Women of Distinction: Allyson McNaughton
Veterinarian, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center “As I talk to [students], teach them and show them new things, their excitement, questions and growing interests reminds me how lucky I am to do what I do, and my passion for this work gets reinvigorated.” While some doctors apply their skills in operating rooms and [...]
2020 YWCA Women of Distinction: Jeannette Rincon
Communications Command Operations Department Head/Lieutenant, United States Coast Guard “Our people are our most important resource and we need to make sure we take care of them so they can maximize their contribution to our service.” Jeannette Rincon committed her life to the United States Coast Guard at just 17 years old. She has [...]
2020 YWCA Women of Distinction: Nicolle Vasquez Del Favero
Assistant Attorney, Office of the General Counsel, NAVFAV LANT “I believe that if we had more women in power, we would see less global conflict and more compromise, leading to more progress in our world.” This Woman on the Rise has no intention of slowing down. Nicolle Vasquez Del Favero boasts an extensive portfolio [...]
2020 YWCA Women of Distinction: Aleea Slappy Wilson
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, City of Norfolk “An impactful leader allows their life to be an example that inspires, challenges and encourages others to show up as their best most incredible selves.” Aleea Slappy Wilson may only be three years into her Norfolk residency, but she has enacted major changes in the city [...]
Daring to Be Powerful: YWCA Women of Distinction
Photography by Dave Uhrin and Jim Pile Nine women join the ranks of our region’s most powerful female leaders in the 32nd year of the YWCA South Hampton Roads’ Women of Distinction Awards. From courtrooms and classrooms to marine life and maritime, these nine honorees are making waves in a plethora of industries, all in [...]
Six Easy Spring Backyard Projects to do During Quarantine
In our pre-quarantine lives, the spring season likely meant being slammed with work obligations, end-of-school events and exams, sports tournaments and more. However, now that we are sheltering in place, there are few better ways to make the best of unexpected free time than by enhancing your outside space. Like many local families, Melissa and [...]
The Arts Must Go On…Virtually
Experience the Virginia International Tattoo through VAF's new Virtual Connections program. Stay-at-home orders may have you missing afternoons lingering at your favorite art museum or the excitement of experiencing a live performance on stage, but the COVID-19 quarantine doesn’t have to result in a life void of culture and creativity. In fact, it’s easy to access [...]
Healthcare Heroes
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life for everyone, but -- aside from coronavirus patients and their families -- no one more so than health care professionals. Like law enforcement and firefighters, they are rushing toward the danger while everyone else flees, afraid for their lives. These brave men and women are not only putting [...]
Norfolk’s Glass Light Hotel Illuminates Food Art
Dale Chihuly’s Ikebana Glass on Glass Paintings. Peter Bremers’ Duality. Serge Gouloumès’ Slow Cooked Farm Egg. Be careful with the first two, they're part of the Perry glass art collection displayed for the public, as well as guests, in the new Glass Light Hotel & Gallery in Downtown Norfolk’s historic Royster Building. But dig into [...]
The Coach House Returns to Norfolk
Originally, John Power was just going to consult on what to do with the former Chow space on Norfolk’s North Colley. “But the minute I stepped in, I knew I was the one that had to do it,” says the seasoned restaurateur who also co-owns The Blue Point on the Outer Banks. “The place has [...]
Rustic Spoon-fed at Virginia Beach’s The Rustic Spoon
Ryan Hines pulls out an item from his desk with unabashed excitement, fingering it delicately as if marveling at a diamond. It’s his Grandmother Lillie Mae’s, circa 1930s, biscuit cutter. “Look carefully,” he says. “See Hines etched into it?” It’s emblematic of what he and business partner, Jay Kulas, want their new breakfast/brunch/lunchery, The Rustic [...]
Rumba, a Rare Food Court Find
With all the hoopla over big city food halls, you might be surprised to learn there’s a foodie destination in Patrick Henry Mall’s food court. At Rumba Cafe, the scintillating flavors of Cuba convey via lechón asado (roast pork), shrimp al ajillo, grilled chicken marinated in mojo sauce (garlic, sour orange, lime, oregano) and a [...]
Sydney Meers Brings New Restaurant to Selden Market
Two months after turning off Stove The Restaurant, Sydney Meers knew that retirement was the right call. Then came month three. Petting his three cockatoos and two cats, it hit him: “This is not fulfilling” (his rescues probably thought otherwise). So he did what he does whenever feeling frisky, he whipped out his sketch pad. [...]
Experience the Estate at Kingsmill
Commanding what is surely one of the most breathtaking views of the storied James River is the Estate at Kingsmill. Stretched atop a gentle rise at the end of a winding wooded lane, the Estate is a luxe lifestyle destination set on a bluff along the shoreline of the secluded and understated Kingsmill Resort. Only [...]
