by Kate Semp, RichmondMom.com
The recent transition of Ukrop’s stores to Martins has been a very emotional one for many Richmonders. A quick search of Twitter, Google and Facebook and you will see many comments about what a large piece of the Richmond experience Ukrop’s is to the community. Some that did grow up in Richmond did not understand that many were not losing a grocery store but a warm friendly location that carried the smells and treats of childhood and many special events.
I am not a local Richmonder but I am married to one. Early on in my relationship I tried to win over my now husband and step-daughter by cooking for them. Turns out I made a few key mistakes. For my step-daughter a Sunday family dinner is incomplete without White House rolls. Period.
And when I set out to put on the perfect birthday party for my loves I made the biggest mistake of all – I planned on making the cake! My mother in-law to be was offended -mad even. She always got the cake and it was always from Ukrop’s.
Little did I know at the time that a Ukrop’s cake IS a birthday in Richmond. This became more evident as we began to attend birthday parties with our children and many parents say, “I always make sure I am here for the cake cutting. I love Ukrop’s cake.” Which is always followed by the discussion – the cake or the icing – what is your favorite part and why?
Another childhood staple is the infamous Rainbow Cookies. This crumbly cookie of goodness is part of a quiz, “How Richmond Are You” and even has it’s own Facebook group (not Ukrop’s sponsored). This cookie triggers for many memories of shopping trips with their mothers and stopping by the bakery for their free cookie. The rainbow cookie is Ukrop’s.
But my husband’s all time favorite is the Chocolate Fudge Pie. He would eat a whole pie in a sitting if my kids didn’t make him share. But at any moment I can find him standing over the pie fork in hand. Often I grab the little individually wrapped pies at check-out. A little token of love for my husband to let him know I was thinking about him.
Food is powerful. Simple smells and tastes can invoke memories and emotions. Moments shared with loved ones in the past can bring those feelings back to the present. And Richmonders can breathe a sigh of relief that the foods they love are still available to share with friends and family and can create new memories.
