Eat It, Virginia!

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, found their way to Richmond and built a...

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 process behind Baltik’s Bag...

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 behind Gearharts’ signature 16-pi...

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 the open‑concept vibe, neighborhood...

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 of my favorite bands came through....

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 concept began during a COVID-19 pan...

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 special — from vegan-friendly resta...

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 boutique resort in Vermont that he...

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 opportunity to offer Dom Pérignon by...

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, plans for future events, and some o...

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 products.

See omnystudio.com/listener...

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 for the ears that will leave you eager...

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 Farmville, offering a members-only spea...

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 and understand what my clients want. S...

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 upbringing and shares his hopes toward fo...

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...

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 the restaurant along the James River ...

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 discussed the state of service at Richmo...