Henry

No relation to the Nick family. I assume he will be open seven days a week, but didn't ask.

I poked my head into the Southern Railway Deli/Canal Street Cafe (still am not sure of the actual name) last night and the owner gave me a tour. He was born and raised in Athens, Greece so the eatery will have a Greek and Italian flare. I must say that his space is quite ambitious, and he has invested a lot of capital in some state of the art equipment. Personally, I am glad I am not the owner/operator because I don't see how he can be profitable. I don't see the market being big enough to ensure enough volume to offset his costs. Anyway, I am hopeful that he is succesful and have crossed my fingers for him. He is a really nice guy and will be a great asset to the neighborhood. At the north end, he will have specialty coffee(Italian variety), smoothies, pastries and Gelato ice cream. They will have a small butcher shop (with butcher), deli, prepared foods case, salads made to order, soup, paninis, crepes, gyros, and pizza with a one of a kind Italian Pizza Oven. He will also have a small section of convenience items ranging from milk to paper towels. On another development, Relish opened up in the Baskervill/Stool Pigeons building. It is owned and operated by the it's neighbor Triple Crossings Coffee Shop. Very neat space and a much more modest food offering than Southern Railway. They have a prepared foods case, salad and soup bar, desert case, and made to order wraps, burritos, sandwiches. They opened Tuesday.

Anyone go to Carytown for theNew Year's celebration? I went and had a great time. Kudos to the NY Deli guy and the Byrd Theatre guy. It felt a little like Bourbon Street...The only thing missing were the beads.

I smell some poll skewing Burt. Never trust on line polling.

Plus, I wouldn't trust Wilder as far as I could throw him. If the city does become the owner, Wilder could tell the VAPAF to stuff it and put what ever he wants to on Sixth and Broad. What has Wilder done to earn the trust and goodwill of the Foundation?

Virginia Performing Arts meets funding goal Richmond Times-Dispatch Dec 20, 2006 Carpenter Center [July 2005] DEAN HOFFMEYER / TIMES-DISPATCH LOCAL NEWS: City of Richmond The Virginia Performing Arts Foundation announced today that it has met its fundraising goal to build additional theaters and support spaces as part of a planned renovation of the Carpenter Center. Officials said they've raised more than $20 million from private sources for facilities planned in what is left of the Thalhimers building at East Grace and Seventh streets. RELATED Major details remain on plan for arts center Arts complex gets city-focused name The foundation reached its goal after receiving pledges of $3 million from Stan and Dorothy Pauley, $2 million from the Carpenter Foundation, $1.5 million from the Wachovia Foundation and $1.5 million from another corporation that did not want to be named. Officials said they will continue raising funds for an endowment. The arts center, planned to open in fall 2009, will be known as Richmond CenterStage. The Carpenter Center will be known as the Carpenter Theater, and the eastern portion of the block will be known as Dorothy Pauley Square. Its facilities are expected to include a community playhouse, multipurpose theater, arts-education center and support spaces. The foundation has spent the past year working with the city's performing arts committee to revamp the arts-center project with an emphasis on reopening the Carpenter Center. The committee is scheduled to submit its final report to Mayor L. Douglas Wilder by Dec. 31. For more on the arts update, see tomorrow's Times-Dispatch.

There is a lot of work to be done, but they are trying to finish by the end of the year.

Has the American Kennel Club approved that breed yet Burt?

Not to sound harsh, but I won't lose any sleep about a chain restaurant failing in Short Pump.

Burt, I checked out the Haunts website and you have your Scotts confused. Scott and Sandi Bergman own Haunts. Scott of RCW, Green Party and white elephant fame is Scott Burger.

Glad I'm not paying your credit card this month Burt. Thanks for the report.

Corporate Welfare!!!!! White Elephant!@!!!!!!! Don't Build On The River!!!@#!!!! The View!!!! Trying to keep the scottb theme going...........

Burt, Just because the Mayor made a nice comment, does not mean that the reporting was false. His history would say otherwise. Frankly, I'm surprised that he didn't take full credit like he did for the PM Research Center. Hopefully, he is learning to be a team player. Regardless, I will not let the mayor spoil the good news.

Agreed regarding the green roof. jbjust=a kindler, gentler scottb

Actually Burt they installed a new sign yesterday with Tavern written where Furniture was. The old sign is still on the wall. The big retail windows in the front are aweseome. I love those old Broad Street buildings.

I ate at Popkins last night and really enjoyed it. Neat atmosphere, very good service and the "bar food" was great. I expect it will be crowded for First Fridays tonight. It will be a great place to watch a big game with the guys.

Good news coupe...I flew Airtran recently and it was definitely full.

Popkins is now open!

Plan 9 has everything that I need. Plus they are local.

I poked my head into Popkin's today. The space looks fantastic. They will be opening next week. Or so one of the Chicago partners told me. Also, noticed a new soul food restaurant sign next to 201 W. Broad. Looks like construction may be starting.

Burt you are correct. The first First Friday of the season will be September 1.

braslin, make sure you stop by Richmond and spend a few dollars while you're here. Thanks!

Pink in Richmond is owned by two local women. They help me with my Christmas shopping. I doubt there is a connection with the New York store.