By Paul Spicer
Instead of just writing about our favorite makers, we decided to become one. What better way to report on those making things in RVA than for Grid writers and publishers to roll up their sleeves and make something too. It’s time that we make good stuff – beer, coffee, ice cream, and bikes are just the start.
Making Coffee
It didn’t take Stephen Robertson long to hatch a plan. Robertson, director of sales & marketing at Blanchard’s Coffee Company, listened to our idea to use Grid magazine as a platform to help make a new blend of locally roasted coffee. Springing to action, he quickly connected us to Ali Croft and Tim Skirven, of 504 & 1/2, who had kicked around a similar concept. Before we knew it, a plan was hatched and Blanchard’s was hosting a Cupping Party (the purest expression of coffee extraction) with our newfound roasting team. A first in Richmond, the public was invited to learn about the small farms responsible for the beans, discuss their favorites, and ultimately vote on the next line of Blanchard’s coffee in true crowdsourcing fashion. On hand via Skype was one of the coffee farmers in Guatemala responsible for what was in our cups. Best of all, when the coffee is made, a portion of its profits will go to support a local cause that will ultimately be selected by Richmonders. Grid will chronicle our joint effort to create this new coffee in future issues, along with Facebook and Twitter.
Making Ice Cream
Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream in Carytown was another locally made product that made our list of something we wanted to be a part of making in RVA. Pegged as the “You Name It. We’ll Make It” contest, Grid has teamed with the popular ice cream shop to solicit ideas for a new ice cream flavor to be served this spring at Bev’s. To bring the next flavor of Bev’s to your ice cream cone we’ll need your help – whacky ideas welcome. Watch for signs at the shop and drop your suggestions for a new ice cream flavor into the box at the counter at Bev’s. Grid’s homemade ice cream will be served for one month in Carytown with proceeds benefiting Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN).
Making Beer
Topping our Maker’s list at Grid was beer. Good, local beer. We turned to our friends at Ardent Craft Ales for a crack at the process. In the coming months, Grid will begin brewing beer with the Ardent gang to be served at private events in RVA that are designed to raise money for charity. Ardent, which currently resides in a garage off Jefferson Street in Union Hill, is known for opening its doors on the weekends to let Richmonders sample the lineup they’ve been making of late. Longtime homebrewers Thomas Sullivan, Paul Karns and Kevin O’Leary are taking the last steps to bring their sophisticated homebrew recipes to the public as they officially launch in the coming months.
Making Bikes
Hold on to your seats, RVA – Grid gives you: the mighty Beer Bike. As fans of local brew, we quickly began pondering how we might deliver it using an alternative form of transportation. Teaming up with local craftsman Sonny Fleming, we began mapping out plans for Richmond’s first handmade bike capable of carrying local beer to farmer’s markets and festivals for sampling and to fill growlers. Made from recycled, local parts and salvaged wood, Fleming is putting the finishing touches on Grid’s beer bike, which boasts a handy wooden bar top that extends from the handlebars. Never satisfied with just one, Grid’s beer bike is the first in a series. Next up, we’ll work with Fleming to create bikes capable of carrying locally roasted coffee as well as kombucha. Check in regularly online to see the latest progress on our Makers projects on wheels.