As mentioned in our recent article Richland Theatre, the community group whose presentations are delivered on stage at the historic Village Theatre in Richland, there is new “foodie” life in the Parkway. As people drive into Richland on George Washington Way from the south to the north, the buildings at the 600 and 700 blocks were built in the 1940’s. Most still maintain their unique facades and new businesses have sprung up over the past few years and the location has proven unique and desirable.
The Renewal
There has been a rejuvenation of these two city blocks over recent years, spurred in part by the building of the new Park Place Apartments that are sandwiched between George Washington Way and Howard Amon Park. Richland planners worked a long time to come to an agreement with a builder that would bring a strong economy to this part of town and they hit it out of the ballpark by bringing people to live, work, and eat in this part of town.
Food!
Foodies Too opened in the corner of the Parkway where Paper Street Brewery was a couple of years ago. They offer an American fare of deliciousness, brews, and local wines. Next door to them is Miss Tamales, specializing in, you guessed it, tamales! However, don’t be afraid to try their pozole soup or tacos. An anchor restaurant is Stone Soup, selling delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups, but they are not open in the evenings after shows. New to this side of the street is Soi 705, a late-night pop-up Thai gathering spot. Continuing north in the Parkway you’ll find fresh sushi at Oh Sushi, but again, they are not open late.
Broadening Horizons
Across the street from these restaurants are several gathering places with eclectic choices in dining and drink. Frost Me Sweet has been a mainstay in the Parkway and is so popular they have expanded, first to offer outdoor seating and then into the adjacent building. Originally a store offering cupcakes galore, it is now known to offer a unique dining experience. Just across the breezeway from Frost Me Sweet is the new night-time bar called the Moniker Bar. It offers craft cocktails, wine, and beer. Being open until 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and until 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday helps keep the nightlife alive in the Parkway. In addition to their signature cocktails, Moniker serves Panasian, Indian, and South American fare. There is outdoor and indoor seating so you can enjoy our warm summer evenings.
Wine!
In the same building, sharing an entrance with the Moniker, customers will find the Wine Social. When you visit Wine Social, you will surely interact with winemaker Marc Newman. The environment is warm, with candles and soft lighting. The staff knows their wine! If the customer needs suggestions, they have found the perfect place to enjoy some of the best wines offered. Also enjoyable are the a la carte charcuterie boards. Customers at a table are given a sheet with the choices frequently offered on charcuterie and given a pencil to mark the boxes of which items they want. The paper is passed around and then the marks tallied in the kitchen to create the perfect and individualized charcuterie board…no more items left that no one at the table likes! Check out Wine Social’s event page at winesocialbar.com for music and tasting events.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a taco, sushi, or a sandwich for lunch, or you want an intimate evening with drink, fine food, and possibly music, new life has emerged in Richland’s Parkway!
