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Eric, Kendra, Romyn and Baelin Law, with dog Quidjit.
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Romyn learning from Chef Scott Hoyland.
Romyn Law is just 12 years old, and he’s already a regular fixture in some of the most vibrant circles in Williamsburg. When he’s not studying for school or practicing clarinet, he can be found whipping through some prep work behind the scenes in the kitchens at the Blue Talon Bistro and Culture Café, where he has the rare privilege of volunteering and learning alongside the region’s most elite cooks. In his downtime, he races, raids and pillages in online and tabletop games.
He holds the town in the palm of his hand, and he’s not even old enough to drive. When a kid like this spills the beans on the best local spots, it’s wise to take note.
Get Up and Get Ready
Weekdays are dedicated to the rush of getting off to school, but weekends run at a different speed. On leisurely mornings, Law enjoys walking the Jamestown Island loop with family, exploring the woods and beach and catching the occasional Pokémon. Some days, he’ll ramble through Colonial Williamsburg with his dog, Quidjit.
Break for Lunch
Law’s first choice for lunch is the one he cooks up himself in the professional kitchen at Culture Café. On his work break, he constructs an “avocado smash,” a mound of creamy avocado atop crisp toast crowned with a fried egg. One of the first things he learned to make, this item surprised him by becoming a personal favorite.
“I didn’t really think I was going to like it, but I like the things on it individually, so I thought maybe I’d like it together,” said Law.
Game On
Games are serious business for Law. He likes to meet up with friends at open board game nights and for seasonal Smash Bros and Dungeons & Dragons tournaments at the Williamsburg Regional Library.
“You get to play for fun, and go against different skill levels. You’re probably not going to win it, because there are some really skilled players. But it’s just cool to be there.” said Law.
A Magical Evening
Law’s love of food mingles with his other great passions, and his affection for J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding series resulted in a Harry Potter themed four-course feast he hopes to present for a one-night engagement at Culture Café.
“We’d have English-themed main courses, because that’s where Harry Potter takes place. Instead of calling breadsticks ‘breadsticks,’ we’d call them wands. And for one of the desserts, we thought we could fold some cards into chocolate bars to be like wizard trading cards,” Law said.
Growing Up Local
We’re a small town, but that’s a distinction Law enjoys. He said, “Williamsburg has a lot of opportunities. I’m lucky I got into a kitchen, and the library offers a lot of things to do. I also have a good group of friends who like the things I like and we do things together. It’s a smaller area, so you get to bump into the same people and meet your friends in different places.”