Thanks and Gratitude

by Fayeruz Regan 11.2024

These are a few of my favorite things.

The moment you flick your porch lights off to trick-or-treaters, the holidays are upon you. Suddenly it’s November and you can hear the faint trill of Mariah Carey’s voice carried on the wind.

Before I get caught up in the holiday season, and I always seem to, I try to pause and focus on gratitude. There are valid reasons for having mixed feelings about the Thanksgiving holiday, but no one can deny that giving thanks and practicing gratitude is tremendous for your mental health.

Every November, I like to list all the things in Richmond I’m grateful for. It’s a reminder to me, and all of us, that no matter how insane the world feels, no matter how rapidly this city is expanding, Richmond, Virginia is one incredible slice of life.

In 2024, I’m grateful for:

Paul Keevil of Millie’s Diner. 

Not only is Millie’s a knockout brunch spot with the best corned beef hash in town (using slow-braised brisket), but owner Paul Keevil is a British ex-glam rocker, and strolls the diner like royalty. He provides in-flight entertainment as he regales you with stories from L.A.’s 80s-era Sunset Strip. If the story gets really intense, he’ll slide right into your booth. He’s pure charm. 

Cary Street hikes

Windsor Farms is stately, but the streets are flat. The hills are hidden, serving as scenery for the mansions on the edge of the river. Not the case for the neighborhoods west of Windsor Farms. From Westmoreland (just west of Windsor Farms) to Rio Vista (close to the Huguenot Bridge), the neighborhoods on the south side of Cary Street offer hilly hikes in upscale neighborhoods with plenty of beauty to take in. The architecture, gardens, and inclines will leave you breathless. 

The unquenchable spirit of social progress

Richmond may be a mid-sized city, but it’s known for its big city tastes – especially for the arts and cuisine. And when it comes to social protest, we’re right up there with Brooklyn,  unapologetic in our compassion for human life.

$5 salsa dance classes at Havana ‘59

Havana ’59 is already like stepping into a different world. But on one sweltering night, I saw groups of friends and couples scurrying up a dark flight of stairs. It led to a rooftop terrace, where a bombastic dance instructor guided beginners through salsa moves, and for only $5! Though it was 90 degrees after sunset(!), we stripped off layers, sipped on Cuba Libres, and gave it a shot. 

On this particular night, I remember a thunderstorm was rolling in. The sweltering, still air was swept away by cool winds. The strung lights above our heads swung like mad. Lightning flashed but there was no rain, so it added ambiance to the dance floor. The wind whipped our hair around and we danced like no one was watching. There was magic in the air that night. Numbers were exchanged. Friends were made. I can’t promise dramatic weather, but lessons take place every Thursday at 8p. 

The food!

I’m grateful for the Fruity Pebbles milkshake at Beauvine, the pupusas revueltas at El Cielito Lindo, The Philly cheesesteak fries at Roy’s Big Burger, the portabella sandwich at Stir Crazy Café, the artichoke pizza from 8 ½, any cheese from Ballerino Creamery and every damn thing on the menu at the Kobop food truck at Blue Bee Cider. I mean how so much flavor can be pumped out of that teeny food truck is beyond comprehension.

In this mad, mad world, it’s important to find little slices of joy and hold onto them. If we wait for everything to be perfect first, well… 

Happy Thanksgiving!