cityhopper

River City Diner - Parham Rd I found myself walking into RCD unplanned as a service call on my vehicle was going to take a while. The crowd was not heavy around mid morning when I walked in. I was greeted immedidately and sat down at a table just as quickly. My waitress acknowledged me as I browsed the menu and she attended to other guests in her area. After I found my desired item, I felt maybe she tried to squeeze to many tasks in during that time frame before reapproaching me. Once she arrived I was delighted to order soup & salad until I was devestated to find out that the chili is WITH beans. This led me once again to choosing another option but it was actually great. She then left again and I had pretty quickly found a second option and I had to wait for her to make a few rounds to get my order. My choice for that morning was omelets and home fries. The food came pretty quickly and boy was the serving HUGE. The omelet had to weigh a pound. It looked delicious and the taste and price matched it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was determined to finish that mammoth size omelet down to the scrappings. As I enjoyed my meal I was both delighed and pissed to find out I only lived a few blocks away from another one of their locations. Well I have another 8 weeks to enjoy them until I am boding farewell to Richmond. I will certainly make sure to make rounds at RCD in the future. This is an EXCELLENT DINER. Service, Food and prices. I am dying to taste that Baked Diner Spaghetti soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [additions] This location had a few TVs located around the restaurant. I noticed they were more likely to seat larger parties by the TVs as opposed to single parties. I think the reverse would be a little more sensible.[/addition] They get TWO THUMBS Up and I wish I could take them with me to Atlanta

El Nopal (East End) Great little stop for lunch Qdoba - Stopped there once and loved it! Never found a "good" chinese restuarant

Bidding Happy New Years to Richmond Forum Members I wanted to personally thank everyone to any contributions they made from my request as I was curious of moving and then finally making the decision to relocate. I will also be bidding farewell to Richmond this spring. The choice of my leaving is for several reasons and I am most thankful to have had a job that is easily transitional. The development of the City still peaks my interest and I was certainly lurk over here to read updates in the future. I could return to the area in a few years. I really love Virginia; maybe next venture I'll try NOVA or retire in Williamsburg. I am sure this isn't the last I have seen of the Commonwealth but it's time again to make my departure. Thanks AGAIN cityhopper

In my job, I have opportuntiies to develop deals "out in the field". Anyhow, in having travelled around the Richmond's East End and downtown areas I have noticed a few things that raise some concern. After, watching a news segment detailing how these partners purchased several blocks of row homes and dilapiated homes to restore and convert into rentals, a few light bulbs went off in my head. With all the new constuction of homes and condos, what is being done in regards of the preservation of areas in low-income areas. There are always going to be a certain segment of the population that fall into this category for whatever reason, I still feel it's important that those areas are kept in the radar in regards to preservation, maintenance, etc. Will the City allow those areas to perish so more developers can purchase the area for a "good deal" and then build one-bedroom condows starting in the low 200s????

I stopped by during late lunch hours on both occassions and at those times there were no musicians. It would really be great if they could expand or have some type of indoor/outdoor venue. Their menu and reviews say they are open til 6p but I do not believe that to be the case. It appears it be more around 3-4p. I see the Ben and Jerry's is coming along in Carytown.... What is the name and location of the ice cream parlor I've heard/read others comment on in Carytown?

Louisiana Flair Amazing. Great Food. Great Service. Great Prices. The seafood gumbo is outstanding. My first visit, I went and at 2:00 pm they were shut down because they SOLD OUT of everything. However, the owner/cook allowed my party to sample the wonderful gumbo and we made a trip the very next day to get more. This was my first time tasting authentic 'Orleans cuisie and I enjoyed it. I hate they do not have weekend hours as it would be a great place to take guests to or enjoy a Saturday lunch.

Today I visited Port Warwick and City Center and I'm really impressed by both projects. I had not visited NN since late 2004 and at that point Port Warwick was in the beginning phase of developments. Space is certainly being conserved in the PW area, given the layout of the properties and how the garages are attached to the back of the home. While I like the concept, the homes in the center of the block have no "back yard" privacy, if you will. Nevertheless, I am greatly impressed and hate I didn't graduate early so I could have purchased one of the mixed-use units. Next, I headed towards City Center and opted for a walking tour since it was such a nice day out. Again, I was impressed with the expansion and could see myself as a young professional feeling comfortable living in that area. I was suprised with the number of private retailers open on a Sunday. It would have been nice to have seen TJ's closer to CC. The area reminds me of what Atlanta is doing with Atlantic Station. Certainly, AS has the edge over CC in regards to the choice of retailers. At the same time, CC has the edge in regards to the proximity to major employers and having similar mixed property in the same vicinity (Port Warwick). I think NN should be proud of their success in developing mixed use communities so brilliantly. Kiln Creek still looks as good as ever, too. I had a great time!!!

Thanks all!!! Sounds like it will be between Shackleford's and Crab Louie's. I'll report back after my visit.

Interesting concept. My building is set where most apartments only have windows on one side of the unit. For instance, my bedroom and bathroom have no windows.

To anyone who frequents RIC, as I, be cautious of places you choose to eat. Avoid the dine-in style restaurants like the plague!!!!!! An inspector who was talking very loud "shared" some very disturbing information in regards to some of the dining facitilies and their upkeep (or lack there of) as well as some of the area restaurants in the airport vacinity.

Recommendation Request Seafood Restuarant Celebrating birthday for family member (in their 50s but don't tell them I said that ) and I'd like to visit a resaturant that has a laid back atmosphere, seafood dishes fried or baked (dietary reasons), and a tab between $10-$15 per dish for the main course. Flexible w/ location, but prefer something Central to downtown, Fan, or Midlothian areas. Also, preference of a restuarant that have Sat and Sun brunch or early dinner hours. Thanks

Well, my first response is cost but in the process of considering an impending job transfer opportunity I am trying to be open to more locations. I'm looking to begin my Masters next year, so Philadelphia, DC, and Orlando are on the short list. Yeah, I Know, FLORIDA, but I got a pretty good offer from them (so....). I was originally looking at UofR but the package was not competitive as I would have like and I would have to wait til Fall '08 to begin coursework. BTW, my SO, is too much of a punk to do the West Coast LMAO!!!!!!!!!!! I love going to Havana, thats a nice little spot. I KNOW this is not my last venture in Richmond or VA for that matter. I am going to enjoy my time down here until I make an alternate decision. I have no doubts that when my SO and I settle down to have a family we will live either in Central VA or NOVA. For now, I guess I have more "cities to hop" too!!!!!!!!!!!

I actually lived in a very nice flat and townhome in Atlanta at very reasonable rates. I have an apt in the Bottom, paying 800 (no utilities), streeting parking, <650 sq ft. Now, I chose the particular location due to some amenity choices, but I have had more problems at this place than even some of the dumpy apartments I lived in during College on the Peninsula. Live in downtown (one of the highest rated apartments in the City) and work South of the City. I pretty much frequent the Shockoe Bottom spots. I have yet to venture into the VCU/Fan spots; I figured it would be more of a younger college crowd. Well, some of it will depend on my job. I would expect no longer than another 6-9 months.

90 Day Synopsis Well, it's been 3 months since my transition and I decided to share some thoughts. 1. I would consider this a good place to raise a family (good neighborhoods and schools given area code, easy commutes, flexiblity to other larger metro areas) 2. I would not consider this a good place for young (single) professionals for several reasons (jobs, cost of living as a bachelor/bachelorette, etc...) 3. As far as things to do, I have to say it is acceptable giving the city size (at least for the summer). I'm not sure if my opinion will maintain the same during the fall/winter months. All of my friends and family who have visited me have enjoyed sightseeing and wine and dining. There are many things about Richmond, from the history to the rare gems, that make this a wonderful city. I like this City in my mid 20s; I would probaly love it in my mid 30s. Needless to say, I would love to see what it will do to keep youngsters like myself who will often flock to the Raleigh's, Charlotte's, and Philly that mix jobs/culture/service at a consistent level. I will continue to enjoy this City while on work assignment but look forward to my next venture.

Newmovers Overview So, I've been a Richmonder for 1 & 1/2 months and had some interesting experiences thus far. Job I relocated here on a job offer. Work has been good and I have no major complaints. It was a great transition and given the company's presence it is certainly offers the opportunity to move, if necessary. Living I reside in the cusp of Shockoe & Churchill. It's a great area in that the dynamics provide a good mix of home and activity right in it's backyard, per se. Some of the homes are amazing, given the history. I really like the area and it's proximity to work is excellent. I do find that for the amenties, size, parking issues, other miscellanous aspects, and the rents are certainly higher than comparable cities with often better accomdations overall. I reside in of the highest rated apartment in the area and I was not impressed with the "what you get for the $$$". I've lived in two metro areas and I found that Richmond prices are at metro rates w/o truly metro living amenities, IMHO. Entertainment This one, it's hard for me to elaborate solely because I have worked so frequently I have barely enjoyed the City. So, I'll have to come back to this at a latter date. I will say that the commute to Norfolk is yucky; I went down on a few occasions and it felt like I was driving to DC Amenities/Lifestyle/Public Services Not sure if this is the right title, but I'm referring to everyday services any family would peruse. Cavalier Telephone is hands down the WORSE utility company I have ever had to deal with and I only hope that my relationship with them will be short. Rudest customer service. I also blame in part to the owners of this building who would wire with one carrier who is not the Telecom (long story). More specific to downtown, I think there is a big failure of along E Broad and getting major retailers in the area. I cannot understand this. For me, I'm not sure space is a good excuse considering I've seen cities like Midtown Atlanta and areas of DC have retailers located on 1st or 2nd floors of multilevel buildings or they build high and have retailers stacked multilevel. Lot of opportunity in downtown but not truly perused. I hate I have to travel 10 mi to get to a Walmart, Target, etc... Travelling is a breeze for the most part. I absolutely hate the roads. I already had a flat and experienced some damage due to street parking. Roads are bad all around the River district. Restaurants. Richmond gets an A just due to the variety. Love the fact chains are not in an influx but I noticed you will only find them in strategic areas, not always accessible along highway exits and such. The people. Honestly, I have met a lot of transplants thus far. Hard to say if I get a since of community feeling maybe simliar to what goes on or around the 757 area code. History. VA is full of history. No need to elaborate here. I definitely want to spend some more time learning more about history in regards to architecture, neighborhoods, and real estate. At some point I hope to invest in the area. Overall So is RVA my final home? Not sure! I could see myself leaving and coming back at a latter date, possibly when my family were to expand. While, I have never been a great fan of NOVA, it's likely I could be there due to a job transfer. I'm happy to be back in the state of VA. I hope I experience all the fruits RVA has to offer. I look forward to watching the growth take place in this City. I think there is so much potential, as long as plans to build enrich the community and not just the Investors. Thanks to all for all the help that was provided during my transition.