I ate at The Boathouse last Thursday night's open house. The place was packed and there was definitely an energetic vibe. The menu was vast ranging from sushi to brick oven pizza to seafood and steak choices. The food was good, but i don't think it is fair to judge the food quite yet. Give them time to work everything out. They staff definitely broke a lot of plates and glasses! The physical space is spectacular. Big room with vast windows and obviously some great views of the river and skyline. I also really liked that they had ouside decks to enjoy the views. I definitely see it being a destination place for special occasisons and out of town guest. It will also bring some much added life to Rocketts Landing. They have not started construction on the formal dining room which is on the level below. They will also have an outside space for weddings.
Last night I ate at Ballicaux. As Burt mentioned the menu is very interesting. Again the food was good, but this was there first night open so I won't judge them. The prices were actually reasonable, especially when you consider the physical space. If anybody remembers the old Bogarts, you won't believe the transformation. This has to be the coolest ambiance in any Richmond restaurant. You forget that you are in the Fan (not that the Fan is a bad thing) and feel that you are in a SOHO neighborhood. By the way, the place was packed!
Both are fantastic additions to the city's restaurant scene.