Sisters, Food, Music, History: A Road Trip Down South, Y’all

For the first time in decades, I had MLK day off, so we decided to travel down south to see Sophia. Due to iffy weather, Ben and Phil picked me up after school Friday and we barreled on to Sophia’s apartment, south of Richmond, Virginia. I don’t need to tell you that the traffic was a bear.  When was the last time you heard anyone say, “…and the best part was, traffic around D.C. that holiday weekend was delightfully light!”? 

We hung out together in the morning, on furniture that used to be ours a year ago, drinking coffee, eating bagels, and catching up. We made our way into Richmond some time past noon to eat at ZZQ, a Texas-style barbecue place that the owner told us will be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on January 31 (and throughout that weekend). Though we have had great BBQ before, we all agreed this place was off the charts.

We waited in the line that snaked outside the door, feasting on the smells emanating from the restaurant. When we got to the cafeteria-style line, Ben made the bold decision to secede from the family style plan, in favor of his own sandwich, piled high with pulled pork. My initial thought was that he would regret not sharing in the mounds of beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey breast, and sides. Before we even sat down, though, I saw through his strategy. He meant to have his ginormous sandwich, AND a fair share of our bounty. I’ve got to hand it to him. Ben’s food acquisition strategies are on point.

Butcher paper stood in for plates, and by the time Phil, Sophia and I had dolloped a bit of everything on the paper in front of us, Ben had finished his sandwich. I don’t know how. Honestly, the thing was five inches high! Ben has skills. This freed him up to start in on the family tray. He even finished up the pickled red onions and the mound of house made pickles. I guess if I were counsel for the defense, I would say, “But, your honor, that brisket! Have you had the brisket? It melts in your mouth!” No court in the land could convict.

After lunch, we intended to walk around Carytown, but when it started drizzling, we ducked into Roastology, a hipster coffee house, for a hot drink and, for Ben, a blueberry muffin. 

From here, we walked to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, to meet Phil’s sister, Mary, and her husband, Rachid. After a trip to Penzy’s to stock up on spices, Mary and I walked, while the others drove to Poor Boys, a Cajun style restaurant. 

The food was fine, and Ben found his hush puppies to be a revelation, not because they were the best he had ever had, but because the hush puppy genre was new to him. He held one aloft, turning it this way and that, “This thing? This thing is great, I’ll tell you that.” Sophia liked her Po’ boy sandwich, but had to admit that her only knowledge of Cajun food or culture came from a Scooby Doo movie that Ben has watched approximately 700 times.

The reason we chose this establishment was not for the food, but because Mary and Rachid’s son, Abe, was playing there that night with his band. Ben was super excited to hear BRAHIM! play in the back VooDoo Room. He was even more excited that the venue included a dance floor. From the time the local first act, Grebes, started playing, Ben was out there mixing it up. He danced all night, and declared it, “Just like prom.” (Lena, get your dancing shoes ready!!!) Ben is definitely the best dancer in the family, though the bar is pitifully low.

When I asked Abe how he would describe BRAHIM!’s musical style or genre, he said “R&B fusion.” He and many of the band members are trained jazz musicians, and their high-energy, original set was great to listen to, and if Ben is any indication, dance to. Music lovers, check them out on Spotify and see for yourself!

The next day, we went out for a delicious brunch at Indian Fields Tavern, on our way to Jamestown. 

Although I loved the afternoon, and couldn’t get enough of the new archaeological finds, this was not the universal experience for all four family members. Apparently, Candy Crush is still a valuable tool for escape when your parents are being nerds.

When we returned to Sophia’s apartment, we made crepes for dinner with both savory and sweet fillings. I loved reviving a family favorite, all-hands-on-deck, in her tiny kitchen.

The intention was to watch an Austin Powers movie after dinner, but everyone except for Phil promptly fell asleep on the couch. I guess that’s what a great weekend does for you.

We were all sad to say goodbye Monday morning, but we look forward to the next time we are all together again.