Bartender, mixologist, bar chef…  Richmond  embraces their bar czars. So what’s next in the days of potions and foams? A chef who is the bartender.  Bistro 27 will take the term “bar chef” literally on Mondays and Tuesdays, beginning next week, when chef/owner Carlos Silva steps away from his stove to tend bar during happy hour. 

He’s calling his new gig “meet the chef” and he’ll introduce guests to the foods he grew up on in Brazil. Some of the happy hour freebies will include chicken hearts, gluten-free Brazilian cheese rolls and beef tripe. The following Monday, February 27th, Carlos promises Mexican food “you have never seen before”, prepared by his close buddy of 20 years, formerly of Tavern on the Green and a proper Mexican chef. 

When: Monday & Tuesdays from 4pm-8pm

What: Chef Carlos bartends with guests chefs, free bar nibbles

Where: Bistro 27, 27 West Broad Street

Pictured, rising culinary star Caleb Shriver, Tim Bereika of Secco (best wine program), Lee Gregory  (best new restaurant, The Roosevelt) and Dale Reitzer (chef of the year). 

Named for master chef Paul Elbling, this was the inaugural year of the Elbys awards. Began by Richmond Magazine, the Elbys recognizes the RVA restaurant industry. 

Facts about Chef Elbling:

Apprenticed at age 13, master chef by 24

Ranked in top  50 French chefs in the US

Opened Chez Francois before settling in Richmond with La Petite France

Held 3 Guinness Book of World Records (biggest omelette, sandwich and ice sculpture)

Visit him at the French Food Festival April 24th

Niky & Eduardo

Kelly Blanchard chocolate tasting, C’est Le Vin

Red moon cake & sesame paste

Baked lamb chops Szechuan-style

Chairman Mao’s favorite braised pork with bok choy (to assemble into a bao by diners)

Duck breast with cut spicy pepper

Baked sea bass with asparagus