Spring is here, and the eighth edition of Richmond's annual fungi fest, Mushroom Mania, returns April 19 to Stone Brewing Co. Ahead of the event, festival founder and 'shroom fanatic Lauren Vincelli has hunted down mushroom maniacs around the city and beyond, highlighting offerings from the region's many fungi friends.
Chaotic Good Tempeh: This lean protein is made by binding cooked beans with the mycelium of Rhizopus oligosporus during the fermentation process. Chaotic Good Tempeh founder and chef Keith Gurgick, aka "Macho Man Mike Celium," works out of Hatch Kitchen crafting tasty tempeh burgers, chickpea breakfast sausage, Italian and chorizo-style crumbles, tempeh pastrami, brisket, and bacon — all plant-based. Shop online, at Birdhouse Farmers Market and Good Foods Grocery.
Easterday Mushroom Co.: A local mushroom company led by trio Justin, Dima and Steffen Easterday. "[Dave Boso of Rappahannock Mushrooms] trained the guys for months while we were waiting for the mushroom grow house building to be put up. We're very grateful for him," Dima says. They specialize in growing lion's mane, oyster, chestnut, reishi and golden enoki mushrooms and are currently part of the Birdhouse and Dorey Park farmers markets. Spot Easterday mushrooms on the menu at The Roosevelt, HealThySelf Healthy Mixes Herb Spot, Penny's Wine Shop, RVA Big Soup, Celeste Farms, Sweet P's and VegTable RVA.
Read more at Richmond Magazine