Industrial Farm-to-Table

These days, every city seems to have a warehouse district. Milwaukee, Seattle, San Francisco, LA, Santa Fe and Nashville were all cities we visited with thriving post-industrial areas where artists consorted with baristas; gallery owners shared salads with modern blacksmiths; and yoga moms stretched just feet from where cattle used to be slaughtered, or where metal was galvanized. And who can argue with the rent? Especially when in many cases the city provided tax incentives for young millennials to move in with their Ikea furniture and $3,000 bicycles.

Richmond is no different. There is the older, more established historical warehouse area called Shockoe Bottom that is home to numerous galleries, restaurants and even a few large law firms. Another such area, where I visited, is called Scott’s Addition. Amidst many still functioning industrial companies were galleries, breweries, yoga studios and architecturally interesting condo-lofts.

I was on my way to get some coffee at Lamplighter Roasting Company, but figured there was probably some breakfast to be had nearby. Turns out, I was correct. Urban Farmhouse Market & Café is a bit of farm-to-counter heaven in the midst of this up-and-coming area. Sort of a cross between a general store and Urban Outfitters, it boasts local wines, condiments and baked goods. Numerous empty tables were available for the local hipsteratti, presumably to work on their novels while freelance designing ultra-cool websites.

Chatting with the young woman who took my order, I found out this is their third location in Richmond. Clearly they’re on to something. And the food is decent. My bagel (though not quite up to‘New York’ standards), served with egg whites and local bacon was excellent, and felt healthy. It was even offered up with a few slices of melon.

Expect to see more restaurants and coffee places showing up in Scott’s Addition and areas like it all around the country. This is a trend that is here to stay.

To learn more about our thirty day adventure across America, check out our other publications WHERE DO WE FIT IN? and 30 CUPS ACROSS.