Wumami and Nouveau Provisions, the Collab Richmond Didn’t Know it Needed
It’s a signal that RVA’s Black food and wine conversation is leveling up, and this collab might just be the blueprint for what comes next.
by James Ford III
Nouveau Provisions is a wine tasting room and retail wine shop in Carytown.
RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond’s food story has always been bigger than what makes the “best of” lists and more tapped in than the same ole tired places that create the “RTD 100”. I aim to celebrate the overlooked corners of the food community, not exclusively Black, but deeply rooted in the people, places, and plates that don’t fit neatly into tapestry of the major institutions (catch that stray).
“This is our corner of food, and we’re telling the story from the inside out.”
I’m longing for real talk, food talk, constructive and boastful conversations about the neighborhood spots we’ve loved for years, the new restaurants we’re eager to pull up on, and the food trucks and pop-ups (like Kwame’s Chicken Project with his playful parody on Chick-Fil-A with his latest pop up. The only way I will have CFA.) It’s about staying tuned in to what’s happening on social media too, whether it’s a conversation that needs to be addressed on “RVA Dine TGTB&TU” or tracking down nearly lost recipes with Wick’d Confections on TikTok. This is our corner of food, and we’re telling the story from the inside out.
Perfect pairings
Just like the perfect pairing of wine and food, some collaborations feel destined from the first bite. That’s exactly how it felt walking into Nouveau Provisions in Carytown, where George of Wumami has linked up with Nouveau’s team fresh off their 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup wins. Gold for the red blend, Silver for the white blend.
Crispy Fried Feta with spiced honey, sun-dried tomato, almond relish, benne seeds and a citrus oil drizzle
Tempura Fried Oyster Mushrooms witha Yuzu Aioli
The oyster mushrooms
I settled in with a glass of their award-winning house red while a plate landed in front of me: crispy tempura-fried oyster mushrooms dusted in Wumami powder, house-pickled onions and peppers, and a bright yuzu aioli. “You’ve got to have this with the wine, I’ll be back to check on you,” George said, and in that moment the whole vision clicked. I’ve been waiting on this voice from George: a story that connects his Wumami journey to this new lane at Nouveau. Through this collab, he’s not only cooking but helping create paths for us “putting on for the culture,” inviting ALL to see itself in the plates, the pours, and the experience.
Viva la nouveau
Together, it’s the next chapter. “I want people to experience, culture, and quality. It wasn’t about just “adding food,” it was about building something that feels complete. The timing felt right because Wumami had already grown past just being a food truck—we had built identity, consistency, and a small following” said George. He also gives a lot of credit to the people who supported him friends and customers before it was on anybody’s radar. Along with many other black chefs and local entrepreneurs there's one person that is deserving of flowers he said “my mom Jean Norman-Hayes! Without her there is no me or Wumami. Literally the backbone.”
“People should expect pop-ups, special menus, maybe even expansions beyond this space,” says Chef George. “Whether it’s with Nouveau or on our own, the goal is to keep growing Wumami into something that represents (ME) Richmond on a bigger level.”
Jerk Butter Shrimp served atop of a coconut rice grits, topped with pickled onion and a citrus oil. (Photo: E. Jackson/ TRS).
But when you walk into these doors be prepared to chill, relax, grab a great glass of wine and a few plates to elevate the whole experience. What this partnership means for Black food and wine, and what guests can expect from the first pour to the last bite, one thing is clear: this is more than a menu update. It’s a signal that RVA’s Black food and wine conversation is leveling up, and this collab might just be the blueprint for what comes next.
What’s next
You already know he knows we are watching, checking for what’s good, and making our judgments. It’s what keeps him motivated, but one if the biggest things that hypes him the most is the support in real time.
I’ll leave you with this,“I enjoy creating, I enjoy seeing people experience the food. Even when it gets heavy, that doesn’t go away— and that’s what keeps me grounded.”
Follow James Ford III at @just_something_i_ate on Instagram.
Nouveau Provisions x Wumami
3423 W. Cary Street
804-728-3855
Open Wed - Fri, 5-9pm
Saturdays; 2-9pm
Sundays; 12-4pm
Wine + Wing Wednesdays
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