Watch the docuseries, “Finding Edna Lewis,” available on VPM Culture YouTube and social media channels. Host and award-winning food writer and podcaster Deb Freeman explores the life and legacy of Virginia chef Edna Lewis, the “Queen of Southern Cooking.”

A seven-minute episode drops the third Friday of each month until February, leading to a one-hour television broadcast sometime that month. There will be an in-person premiere event in Richmond, which will include some never-before-seen footage. Dates and times for the event will be announced. 

The first installment was released on July 19 and featured chef Leah Branch of The Roosevelt in Richmond. Freeman and Branch prepared Lewis’ pan-fried quail with country ham while discussing Branch’s plans to have an Edna Lewis dinner at the restaurant.

Lewis was born in 1916 in Freetown, about 85 miles northwest of Richmond in a village co-founded by her grandfather who was born enslaved. In 1948, she became a cook at Café Nicholson in Manhattan, New York, which was frequented by big names such as Gloria Vanderbilt and Eleanor Roosevelt. John Nicholson, the owner, offered her a job after attending a dinner party in her home. She was one of few Black female chefs at that time. Lewis worked there for five years. At some point, she opened and closed her restaurant. She gained acclaim for her books; “The Edna Lewis Cookbook,” which was published in 1972 and four years later “The Taste of Country Cooking,” which became a bestseller and was reprinted 23 times. It took 12 more years before fans read her next release, “In Pursuit of Flavor.” Before retiring in 1995, she cooked at the historic Gage and Tollner in Brooklyn, New York.  Lewis’ final book, “The Gift of Southern Cooking,” was co-authored with Scott Peacock in 2003. Lewis is credited with changing the way people perceived Southern cooking and became one of the first pioneers of the farm-to-table movement.

Each episode of the docuseries will reveal more about Lewis through conversations and cooking with guests such as historian and cookbook author Jessica Harris and chef Adrienne Cheatham, author of “Sunday Best: Cooking Up the Weekend Spirit Everyday.”

Freeman hopes the documentary makes people proud of Virginia food, helps them understand the variety of Black foodways and encourages people to open a cookbook and cook.

“Eating something at its peak of flavor and being intentional with ingredients can create something special,” she said. “That’s what Edna Lewis did with her cookbooks and legacy.”

Lewis died in 2006.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya

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Chesapeake

Bergey’s Breadbasket, a family-owned deli and creamery, makes its own ice cream and milkshakes. Flavors vary each day, but the black raspberry is one of my favorites. Indulge in a flight of four treats or take home a pint or quart.

2207 Mount Pleasant Road. 757-546-9225; bit.ly/BergeyBB

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Hampton

I Scream U Scream opened a few days ago on Big Bethel in the former Dairy Queen location. It features 24 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream, including pistachio, butter pecan and strawberry. Customers can choose from 13 toppings. The place, owned by Randy Bowman of Bowman’s Soul-N-The Wall, also sells Nathan’s hot dogs. Vegan and turkey dogs are also available.

924 Big Bethel Road.

Sommer Freeze continues to scoop up Blue Bell ice cream after two years in business. Bride’s Cake is a go-to of mine.  It’s made with almond ice cream, white cake pieces and an amaretto cream cheese icing swirl. Can’t go wrong with their soft-serve vanilla, either.

308 Buckroe Ave., 757-527-4444; bit.ly/SommerFreeze

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Isle of Wight County

Word on the street: Cone Slingers is wanted for the best ice cream in the county. It has a Six Shooter Skink Coffee (coffee ice cream with almond and toffee bits), Cowboy Cookie Dough (Oreo ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough), Chuckwagon Chocolate (chocolate ice cream) and many others. Ride out with your partners for a house-made treat.

15141-D Carrollton Blvd., Carrollton. 757-745-8040; bit.ly/ConeSlingers

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Newport News

Try more than 15 ice cream flavors at The Hilton Creamery, such as the Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle (salty caramel sauce, brown butter ice cream and brown butter bourbon truffles) and Graham Central Station (graham-flavored ice cream with a crunchy graham cracker swirl and chocolate-covered honeycomb candies) — my loves. Create an ice cream sandwich or add the creamery’s newest topping: chocolate hard shell.

10349 Warwick Blvd. 757-990-3023; thehiltoncreamery.com

Michoacan A Pedir De Boca Ice Cream Shop, a chain, doesn’t have much of an online presence but comes highly recommended by local foodies. It serves not only mouthwatering ice cream but also paletas (ice pops made with fresh fruit) and other Mexican drinks (mangonada) and snacks (churros). 

14333 Warwick Blvd. 757-814-4500.

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Norfolk

Can’t talk about frozen treats without mentioning Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue, home of the original waffle cone. It opened in 1934. Pull up and order dessert (banana splits, ice cream floats and hot fudge sundaes), barbecue and fries, either carside or inside. It’s a perfect place for a casual date night.

1919 Monticello Ave. 757-627-4163; doumars.com

Inside Scoop Cereal Treats & More recently opened at Colonial Avenue and 29th Street with more than 15 ice cream flavors. Get a cereal-infused milkshake such as Frosted Flake and Fruity Pebbles. Dine in or take it to go.

2815 Colonial Ave. 757-590-6939; bit.ly/InsideScoopNVa

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Portsmouth

Paradice had a grand opening for its brick-and-mortar in May. It started as a food truck. The spot serves shaved and Italian ice, ice cream, and milkshakes seven days a week.

1906 Frederick Blvd. 804-855-9137; bit.ly/Paradice757

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Suffolk

Mad Batter Confections & Cones sells goodies including cookies, cupcakes and freeze-dried candy. It also dishes up a banana split parfait and the Cookies & Cream Sky High, with layers of cookies and cream and chocolate ice cream topped with hot fudge and Oreo cookies. Sounds scrumptious.

149 N. Main St. 252-506-1956; bit.ly/MadBatterSVA

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Toano

Enjoy Ice Cream at the Toano Flower Field in the historic Wilkinson House on Richmond Road. It offers strawberry, chocolate, old-fashioned vanilla and other familiars. Customers can pick flowers from the field to take home or take in the sights from the patio.

7816 Richmond Road. 757-707-6941; bit.ly/IceCreamTFF

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Virginia Beach

Gelati Celesti Ice Cream is having a “Midnight Madness” party from 12:01 a.m. to 1 a.m. to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. Everyone gets a free scoop. Patrons also can win prizes during normal business hours. Let the good times roll and the handmade ice cream flow.

754 First Colonial Road. 757-937-0471; 4485 Virginia Beach Blvd. 757-394-8668. Also Chesapeake, 613 Volvo Parkway. 757-410-0315; gelatiicecream.com

Lolly’s Creamery keeps it creative with monthlong flavors and limited releases. Recently, it shared Sarah’s Wedding Cake on social media. It included almond ice cream with strawberry jam and almond wedding cake pieces. Oh my. Don’t worry, all locations always have the classics, such as real deal vanilla, mint chocolate chip and cookie monster (cookies and cream with chocolate chip cookie dough).

414 Virginia Beach Blvd. 757-330-1490; 4000 Virginia Beach Blvd. 757-330-1490. Also Norfolk, 5109 Colley Ave. 757-330-1490; lollyscreamery.com

Head to Sundae Scoop for the salted caramel butter pecan. My past description: A buttery sensation with pecan pieces, ribbons of caramel and a touch of salt in each bite. Daily flavors range from ube to birthday cake to banana pudding. Can’t decide? Choose four and create a flight.

1832 Kempsville Road. 757-809-6637; sundaescoopva.com

Treat your kids to SuperHeroes Ice Cream. It was inspired by 4-year-old Brantley, the son of owners Coleman and Amberly Ferguson. The parlor has more than 20 ice creams, including Hulk’s Underwear (mint chocolate Oreo). Dine in, take out or book a party.

2724 N. Mall Drive. 757-376-8924; superheroesicecream.com

The SnoBall Shop features more than 60 classic and fun flavors, including cantaloupe, mojito and pink bubble gum. Get the SnoShake and thank me later. This delicious creation includes two flavors, special cream, and flavored drizzle and whip. The idea of getting shaved ice makes me feel cool.

1401 Lynnhaven Parkway. 757-598-5598; thesnoballshop.com 

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Williamsburg

Head to The Swirl, owned by Anna Fiorello, whose husband is the proprietor of Antonio’s Ristorante Italiano next door. It offers more than 10 gelato flavors imported from Italy; I’m a fan of its pistachio. The takeout spot also has soft-serve ice cream and desserts including cakes, cannoli and cookies.

801 Merrimac Trail. swirlgelato@gmail.com; bit.ly/TheSwirlWmbg

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Yorktown

Pelican’s SnoBalls is a franchise with locations throughout Hampton Roads. It sells New Orleans-style shaved ice with more than 100 flavors, including banana, root beer and egg custard. This stand also has hand-dipped ice cream. The season ends in October; get it while you can.

5519 George Washington Memorial Highway. 757-598-2135. Also Chesapeake, 1124 N. George Washington Highway. 757-774-6707; Newport News, 11075 Warwick Blvd. 757-870-3420; Suffolk, 2332 Pruden Blvd. 757-774-6707; bit.ly/PelicanSnoBallVA 

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya

Suffolk Sweets Week is happening Saturday through July 20. It showcases desserts ranging from cherry pie egg rolls at Derl’z Restaurant & Pub to tempura banana split at Sushi Aka to peach cobbler at Rennee’s Restaurant and Lounge. Find other decadent offerings at area businesses. Order off the Sweets Week menus and enjoy. Details; bit.ly/SSweetWeek.

Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week takes place Monday through July 21. Diners can get brunch and lunch for $15 and dinners for $35 or $45. Participating restaurants include Todd Jurich’s Bistro, Norfolk Seafood Co. & Oyster Bar, and the Monastery Restaurant. Reservations are encouraged. Details; bit.ly/DNRestaurantWeek.

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Save the date:

Chesapeake Restaurant Week, Oct. 11 through 18. bit.ly/CVARestaurantWeek

Suffolk Restaurant Week, Nov. 10 through 17. bit.ly/SSweetWeek

Rekaya Gibson, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com, 757-295-8809; on X, @gibsonrekaya 

Yorktown celebration

Yorktown is having its 45th Independence Day Celebration with festivities starting at 8 a.m. with a run-walk and ending with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. The Patriotic Food Pavilion opens at 3 p.m. Fun for the family.

Thursday. Historic Main Street and Riverwalk Landing, 331 Water St. 757-890-5900. bit.ly/Yorktown4th

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July 4th Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day at the Great American Picnic & Fireworks. Enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue and other tasty treats. Top off the evening by watching the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

5 to 10 p.m. Thursday. Town Point Park, 113 Waterside Drive, Norfolk. 757-441-2345. bit.ly/July4PicnicVA

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Amusement park eats and drinks

Head to Kings Dominion this summer. Watch the fireworks at 10 p.m. for Star Spangled Nights for Independence weekend: Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Return July 13 through 28 for the Grand Carnivale, featuring the culture and cuisine of China, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Menu includes smoked duck fried rice, crepe Florentine, schnitzel sliders, cannoli and paella. The fun doesn’t stop there.

The Food and Wine Festival is Aug. 2 through 25 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Sip local wine from places such as Chateau Morrisette, Barboursville and Williamsburg Winery while enjoying a charcuterie board with lavender honey and other treats.

16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell. 804-876-5000. bit.ly/KSDEvents

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Smashin’ good time

Meet friends at the Pungo Smash Fest for all-you-can-eat shrimp, smash buckets and more. Regular table seating is limited to two hours. Live music starts at noon and lasts until closing.

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Blue Pete’s Restaurant, 1428 N. Muddy Creek Road, Virginia Beach. 757-426-2278. $29 shrimp, $10 buckets. bit.ly/PungoSmash

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Barbecue contest

Bayside Harley Davidson is having a barbecue contest. No entry fee. Bring your best beef, chicken, pork or other flavorsome proteins. The public gets to taste and vote. Winners get cash.

Noon to 1:30 p.m. July 13. 2211 Frederick Blvd., Portsmouth. $5 tastings. 757-397-5550. bit.ly/BHDBBQ

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Other events to explore

4th of July Feast: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. St. George Tucker House, 113 W. Nicholson St., Williamsburg. 888-293-1776. $45 adults; $25 children 3 to 10. bit.ly/4JulyFeast

Independence Day Market: 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Doodle Doo Farms, 416 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach. 757-237-4920. bit.ly/DDFarmsVB

Weekend Brunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen, 4561 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach. 757-916-8080. bit.ly/3Notchd

Order Up: Three Notch’d Brewery and Craft Kitchen in Virginia Beach hits the spot

Charcuterie Workshop with Storyboard Charcuterie: 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 9. Azar’s Mediterranean Specialties, 108 Prescott Ave., Virginia Beach. Tickets $70. 615-965-5204. bit.ly/CharVB

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com, on X, @gibsonrekaya

The Peruvian restaurant is in an industrial area on Central Drive near London Bridge Road. Drive slowly in the parking lot or you’ll miss it. Signage is good but bad eyes might fail you.

Traditional fare includes causa (cold mashed potatoes, Peruvian yellow pepper and lime), lomo saltado (tenderloin pieces, crispy onions and sauteed tomatoes) and anticuchos (beef heart). The spot also offers Peruvian beer, pisco sours (a brandy cocktail) and a nonalcohol purple corn drink called chicha morada.

I’ve visited several times since the restaurant opened in March. Sandra Vidal, who is from Peru, greets me with smiles each time. She owns the business with her friend Maurillio Santiago. Vidal dreamt of having an eatery but she leaves the cooking to Santiago.

The place is cozy with its seven tables and counter seating. Paintings display Peruvian life, giving the white walls pops of orange, red and yellow. My husband, Curtis, and I always sit near the window.

On one of my stops, I was surprised to see pasta dishes and fried Oriental rice on the menu. My server, Flor, explained that Peruvian cuisine was influenced by different cultures including Italian and Chinese.

I made a note to try those later and ordered what has become my go-to meal — pescado a lo macho. Curtis and I can’t get enough of this yumminess. We agreed that Vidal should bottle the creamy seafood sauce — the star —and sell it; I would buy a vat. The sauce smothered a thin, lightly fried piece of tilapia and succulent shrimp. I rarely eat tilapia but it is sensational in this dish. I then swirled in the white rice and the sliced, roasted potatoes — a perfect combination. This entrée convinced me that Pisco Paradise is where crustaceans eat.

A week later, I found the ceviche mixto equally pleasing on a hot summer day. I loved the raw calamari, shrimp and white fish marinated in the lime juice. It allowed me to appreciate each ingredient while the garlic, onions and cilantro added plenty of flavor. Magnificent. The accompanying sweet potatoes eased the acidity and the Peruvian corn gave the dish a hearty texture. Fresh. Simple. Delightful.

I enjoyed one of my Peruvian favorites, pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken), on a separate occasion. I tried dish for the first time about a decade ago at a different restaurant. I’ve been a fan ever since. Pisco’s version fell in line with what I loved about the entree: well-seasoned, roasted meat with crispy skin and an addicting spicy green sauce (aji verde) on the side. It never disappoints.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya
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IF YOU GO

Where: 500 Central Drive, Virginia Beach

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday

Prices:  $12 to $20 appetizers, $17 to $24 entrees,

Details: 757-937-1677

Beer and wine

Kitchenfinity is celebrating the opening of its beer and wine garden. Enjoy an afternoon of alcohol and nonalcoholic drinks, grazing table bites and live entertainment. The ribbon cutting starts at 2 p.m.

1 to 7 p.m. Friday. 9500 Fechteler Road, Norfolk. 757-505-7556. bit.ly/Kitchenfinity

Wander the lavender fields

Drive to Gloucester for Lavender You Pick and Lemonade. Admission includes a farm pass and tour, a bouquet of lavender and a cold glass of lavender lemonade. Yum.

10 a.m. to noon. Saturday. Under the Stars Lavender Farm, 7235 Dutton Road. 804-413-9131. Tickets $17. bit.ly/LUPick

Dine for a cause

BayFest, a Ballyhoos restaurant charitable event, includes an all-you-can-eat oyster roast, seafood, fried chicken and barbecue with sides. Also, unlimited beer. Proceeds benefit Bayside Power, which provides financial assistance to Bayside High School students.

1 to 6 p.m. Saturday. 2865 Lynnhaven Drive, Virginia Beach. 757-412-4441. Tickets $60. bit.ly/BayFestVB

Whole hog barbecue

Leave no crumbs at Malbon Brothers BBQ Pig Pickin. Cost includes all-you-can-eat smoked hog, coleslaw, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and rolls. Cool down with some Aloha VB Shave Ice.

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. 1896 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach. 757-427-9607. $10. bit.ly/PigPick

Wine dinner

Grab your Passport to Italy Wine Dinner while you can. It includes a five-course dinner with five wines, ranging from whites to sparkling to reds. This is the best travel deal of the summer.

7 to 9 p.m. July 2. Juan’s Mexican Cafe and Cantina, 2310 George Washington Memorial Highway, Gloucester Point. 804-642-5401. Tickets $65. bit.ly/ItalyWD

Other events to explore

Pirate Fest: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Big Ugly Brewing, 845 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake. 757-609-2739. bit.ly/BigUglyBrew

4th Anniversary Celebration: 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday. COVA Brewing Co., 9529 Shore Drive, Norfolk. 757-917-5499. bit.ly/COVABrew

Customer Appreciation Party: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Capone’s Bar & Grill, 1130 Green Run Square, Virginia Beach. 757-468-3177. bit.ly/CaponeParty

Golden Girls Drag Brunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 7. Wine and Design, 882 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. 757-771-9905. Tickets start at $14.68. bit.ly/GoldenDrag

French Macaron Baking Class with Genevieve: 3 to 6 p.m. July 7. Cafe Genevieve, 317 S. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach. bonjour@cafegenevieve.com. Tickets $110. bit.ly/MacaronVB

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya

The restaurant serves the same fantastic Korean fried chicken that gets marinated for 24 hours before cooking. It also has sushi like the Portsmouth store. (This should make some customers smile; the Chesapeake spot doesn’t sell the bite-sized pieces of goodness to avoid competition from a nearby shop.)

Try the crunch, volcano or spicy rolls. Wash them down with a drink from the new self-serve beer station. Cheers.

14 Towne Centre Way, 757-527-2288; https://bit.ly/ChickRollHVA

Now, more restaurants are taking a break after the weekend, leaving folks who don’t want to cook or eat fast food fending for themselves. It’s also disappointing for visitors starting their vacations and looking for a place to eat.

Well, we’ve compiled a list of places that are open on Mondays for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s not exhaustive but the suggestions will keep you fed, happy and in some cases, entertained. We recommend checking social media or websites for updates on hours before going. They are subject to change.

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Chesapeake

Meet friends at Lockside Bar and Grill anytime. They are open 7 a.m. to midnight. Enjoy breakfast, seafood entrees, drinks and more with a water view. Cheers. 200 N. Battlefield Blvd. 757-410-5999; bit.ly/LocksideCVA

Maymar Filipino Restaurant makes pancit, lumpia, adobo and other tasty items. Leftovers reheat well at home. Find them across the street from the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 805 N. Battlefield Blvd. 757-548-1731; maymareats.com

Start your morning at Sunrise Breakfast Shoppe, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. It has omelets, pancakes, sandwiches and other early-morning favorites. Weekday lunch specials are available. 222 N. Battlefield Blvd. 757-436-9534; bit.ly/SunShoppe

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Hampton

Brandon’s Kitchen is a quaint diner serving breakfast and lunch 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It has sausage and gravy, crispy fried fish, good-looking pancakes and everything else you would expect. Prices are reasonable, too. 3370 Commander Shepard Blvd. 757-865-4250; bit.ly/BrandonHVA

29th & Green Bistro is open 3 to 10 p.m. Try cocktails with familiar names such as The Missy Elliot made with Patron Reposado and vegan dishes such as crab cakes made with hearts of palm, chickpeas and bread crumbs. Small bites and entrees are available for those with light or hearty appetites. 2274 Executive Drive. 757-527-4043; 29thgreenbistro.com

The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery serves a full food menu 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Customers can find interesting appetizers such as chipotle mac eggrolls, smoked salmon dip and bao buns (brisket or short ribs). It has the usual bar finds such as flatbreads, sandwiches and burgers. 504 N. King St. 757-224-1216; hevanguard757.com

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Newport News and Yorktown

Aux Delices has dessert covered 1 to 9 p.m. Indulge in ice cream and crepes with names such as Napoleon (Nutella), and Marie Antoinette (strawberry, raspberry amaretto or blueberry bourbon pecan). Belgian waffles are also available. 129 Herman Melville Ave., Newport News, 757-586-5584; bit.ly/AuxDelice

Papo’s Colombian Restaurant, in the Fort Eustis area, is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The beef and chicken empanadas are popular, according to its website. So is the Bandeja Paisa, which includes a fried egg, Colombian sausage and fried sweet plantain. 15505 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, 757-866-3752; bit.ly/PaposColo

Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Bar has meats ranging from wings to ribs to turkey. You can also get them in bulk, some with advanced notice. There are appetizers, salads and sweet options too. Join them 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 10900 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, 757-595-4320; smokenn.com

Joe & Mimma’s, an Italian restaurant and pizzeria, serves guests classic dishes11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Choose from pasta, pizza and subs. Leave full and hopefully without grease stains on your shirt. 5742 George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown, 757-898-6612; bit.ly/JoeMimm

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Norfolk

Byrd & Baldwin is an upscale steakhouse. One reader said it was a great spot for special occasions on Mondays. It’s only open for four hours (5 to 9 p.m.) so make a reservation. 116 Brooke Ave. 757-222-9191; byrdbaldwin.com

Crave Bakery and Coffee Bar relocated from Chesapeake to Norfolk in January. Imagine croissants, cinnamon rolls, buffins (a biscuit and muffin ) and other goodies, including breakfast, lunch and coffee menus. Where to start? The sweet potato hand pie. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 200 College Place, 757-904-1411; bit.ly/CraveBakery

Karla’s Beach House has outdoor seating, according to Google. Get there early for breakfast or later for lunch. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Word on the street is that the chicken and waffles are good or you could go for healthier options such as egg white veggie omelet. 3248 E. Ocean View Ave. 757-937-3844; karlasbeachhouse.com

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Portsmouth

Grab a meal at The Downtown Eatery & Deli 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It prepares sandwiches with Boars Head products. The menu also has baked potatoes, soups and salads. 425 High St. 757-966-2977; bit.ly/TDEDPVA

Guads Mexican Restaurant is popular in Hampton Roads with three other locations in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., select from an extensive menu of foods such as burritos, fajitas and tacos. Pair them with margaritas. 612 Court St. 757-399-6120; bit.ly/Guads

Yoolks On Us has two locations in Portsmouth open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving Benedicts to omelets to sandwiches. It also makes a giant mimosa bigger than my head. Share it with friends. 515 Washington St., 757-392-3992; 6205 Portsmouth Blvd. 757-800-3129; yoolksonus.com

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Suffolk

Danny’s Downtown Dogs celebrated its grand opening in October. It sells all beef hot dogs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including a Suffolk Dog topped with Producer’s Peanuts peanut butter, house-made candied bacon and green onions. Not into franks? Try the grilled chicken or bacon ranch-loaded fries. 165 N. Main St. 757-809-0182; bit.ly/DannysDogs

Get your roll on at Nana Sushi 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some include the Dragonfly with tuna, avocado and cucumber; the deep-fried Ariel with assorted fish; and the Spicy Girl with tuna and salmon sashimi. Other dishes include seafood, noodles and hibachi entrees. 6255 College Drive. 757-686-1560; nanasushisuffolk.com

Treat yourself to something at Sugar Mama’s Bakeshoppe 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. She has an assortment of cupcakes such as key lime, strawberry and banana pudding. Don’t forget the cookies. Customers can order specialty cakes and fruit arrangements. 908 N. Main St. 757-935-5042; bit.ly/SMama

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Virginia Beach

757 Korean BBQ had a grand re-opening in April to reintroduce the restaurant to the community. The menu got a makeover with some lower prices. Cook your barbecue or order off the menu 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.. 4885 N. Witchduck Road. 757-497-7424; 757kbbq.com

Milton’s Bay Cafe offers a Greek twist to breakfast and lunch classics, per its Facebook page. The menu looks like it has something for everyone, including vegetarians. Decide for yourself, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2253 W. Great Neck Road. 757-481-1793; bit.ly/MBCafeVB

Enjoy tapas, cocktails and live jazz at The Roads Bistro 5 p.m. to midnight. The wings, perogies, and mac and cheese are some of my favorites. Sit and chill. 3809 Princess Anne Road. 757-904-1566; theroadsbistro.com

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Isle of Wight County

The Cockeyed Rooster Café serves breakfast 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get items such as scratch-made biscuits, omelets and signature pancakes and waffles. It also has a variety of burgers, sandwiches and salads. 1268 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield, 757-357-7667; cockeyedroostercafe.com

Andrae Marable, owner of The Pack, has spent a decade curating travel experiences with delectable food and drinks in mind. Charleston was the perfect fit, with its rich history and culinary scene. I loved the idea of exploring the city like a local for the next three days.

Our second food stop before hitting Charleston was Buc-ee’s, a popular chain known for everything, including its fare. I had never been but Marable said it was like Walmart on steroids. He was right. Our group was swallowed up in hundreds of other visitors picking up ready-to-eat Texas brisket sandwiches and shopping for Buc-ee’s souvenirs. I could barely move my handcart through the crowd, but I managed to grab some items that YouTubers swore by, such as the Beaver Nuggets (a caramel-coated puffed corn snack), jerky, fudge, hot roasted cashews and a chopped brisket sandwich. All were tasty. I understood then the cult following and can’t wait for the New Kent location to open.

We rolled into North Charleston around 3 p.m. Hotels were plentiful and the rates were cheaper than downtown.

A welcome reception was held — about 10 minutes from our hotel — at the Starlight Motor Inn, a 1961 restored motel. A lot of us took pictures of the landmark sign before entering the two-story building. The lobby’s retro vibe took me back in time with its wood panels, green and blue floral seating, and a picture of a young Little Richard sitting with two friends in the lobby. We went to the bar on the second floor, and it had its own cheerful patrons rehashing the day’s events. I could tell from the black and white photos of sailors drinking and a couple doing the bump, a popular dance from the ’70s, that it must have been a happening place back in the day. Sounds like it still is.

The Cocktail Bandits — Charleston bloggers Taneka Reaves and Johnny Caldwell — prepared two cocktails for the group: Reclaiming My Time, with Bacardi rum, Aperol, agave and pineapple and lemon juices; and a Ciroc Limonata spritz, with prosecco and lemon juice. Later in the trip, they would curate other events, host a private tasting at our hotel and give us some mixology education to re-create concoctions at home.

At dinner downstairs, the buffet stretching across the center of the room displayed some of my favorites: barbecue chicken, collard greens and buttermilk fried whiting. The red rice reminded me of New Orleans jambalaya. It’s a Lowcountry side dish that was brought here by the enslaved from West Africa. The Southern-style cooking of the collard greens was too. Marcus Middleton, chef and owner of Keoni’s, gave us a taste of the diaspora that left an impression on our palates.

Other fare did too. The next day, the shrimp and grits hit the spot at Ms. Rose’s Fine Food & Cocktails, a restaurant inspired by family recipes. Some historians believe the dish originated in South Carolina or Georgia. What I knew for sure, though: Yummy layers of flavor tickled my taste buds with succulent shrimp, cheesy grits and spicy sausage. That wasn’t up for debate.

The restaurant is named after Rose “Roza” Mibab Goldberg, a Holocaust survivor who passed away in 2020. It is known to have some of the best fried chicken in town. Her daughter continues the legacy. I planned to get some on my next visit.

One of my memorable stops on the trip was the International African American Museum at Gadsden’s Wharf, the largest single point of entry for enslaved Africans, according to the Preservation Society of Charleston. About 260,000 entered South Carolina from 1670 to 1808.

I browsed through the core exhibit, which contained more than 150 historical objects, more than 50 pieces of art and nearly 50 films. I sat in a re-created praise house and read about how food ingredients from West Africa, Europe and Native Americans were part of the food traditions of the Gullah Geechee people, who descend from West and Central Africans. I also took a picture of the Jah Defender, a masquerading suit made by Demond Melancon and worn during Mardi Gras, among other things. It brought back memories of living in New Orleans.

Every exhibit reminded me how resilient my ancestors were. I wanted more time to digest the content, but I left with a heart filled with pride and hope for the future.

On Saturday afternoon, the group took a carriage ride through downtown Charleston. Palmetto Carriage Works has operated since 1971. Our horse, Trevor, knew where to take us, and his handler, Trey, told us stories of yesteryear.

Wealthy people resided in large homes near the street while slaves lived in separate, smaller quarters in the back. Downtown was the heart of Charleston before the Civil War. In December 1861, a wind-driven fire destroyed much of the city. Trey pointed out the differences in structures as Trevor trotted down the street. We began to see less brick being used. Side porches were influenced by European design, wrought iron fences created by the enslaved, and buildings reconstructed after fires and storms. History was everywhere and I was enjoying the ride.

The bus driver took us to Johns Island on Sunday to see the Joseph Fields Farm. Chef Amethyst Ganaway, a food writer and recipe developer, had a spread of crab rice, squash, zucchini, baked chicken and whiting when we arrived. She picked the vegetables earlier in the day from this farm. Fresh and delicious.

Joseph Fields, a third-generation Gullah Geechee farmer, pulled us around the 50-acre certified organic farm on a tractor-trailer. I felt like a kid on a hayride. He stopped occasionally to pick bell peppers, cucumbers and green tomatoes for us to consume or take home. Justin and Owen, brothers and the only kids on the trip, helped him pick. Fields’ smile revealed how proud he was of his harvest and the chance to share this moment with us. Before we boarded the bus, he cut up red and yellow watermelons. Sweet. Juicy. Delicious.

What else was pleasing? Shopping at Charleston City Market, which was built in the 1800s. I walked the four-block complex looking at jewelry, art and other goodies. The beauty of sweetgrass baskets, handcrafted by Gullah artisans, caught my eye. The weaving technique originated in Africa. Some group members purchased the baskets to bring back to Tidewater.

On our final evening, a few of us attended the Spoleto Festival USA at the College of Charleston. The performances celebrated Gullah history with a fusion of jazz and praise house melodies. More than 20 South Carolina artists, including Grammy-winning musician Charlton Singleton, filled the night air with rhythmic wonder. It escaped through the surrounding iron fence, moved through the giant live oak trees and vibrated in the nearby neighborhood. It accomplished what music does: Bring people together.

I couldn’t think of a better way to end our trip.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekayagibson@virginiamedia.com, on X, @gibsonrekaya

Health issues among the ownership were cited as the reason behind the sale of the building at 702 High Street, near Green Street. Robert Weedon owned the building and was co-owner of Gosport with Jennifer Ford and Eric Stevens.

The restaurant’s last day will be June 22. The sale on the building to Kenny Bullock will close July 1, Stevens said. The property includes two condo units above the restaurant, which is known for its selection of craft beers and comfort food.

The news didn’t sit well with loyal customers. Some wrote on social media that they were heartbroken; one gave his last respects to the “best chicken tenders and chicken sandwich ever.”

Stevens said he was sad about the restaurant’s closing, too.

“We’ve been a part of that community for 11 years. Between the residents of Olde Towne and the guys who work at the shipyard and the people visiting the hospital, it’s heartbreaking to leave that.”

What’s next for the restaurant? Stevens said he wasn’t sure what the new owner had planned or whether a new restaurant would open after the sale. An employee outside the restaurant on Thursday speculated that it would reopen under new ownership.

But for now, Gosport’s current ownership encouraged everyone to stop by one last time. Its sister restaurants, Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas in Olde Towne and The Public House in Norfolk will remain open.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya