jasonb

Isn't it the dual-hotel project? Here's the article from a while back: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2010/may/05/jack05_20100504-223207-ar-161172/

It is an apartment building. I want to say its 3 stories tall, but I could be wrong. I read about it, but I am not sure where. I know the construction materials will be of higher grade than those used for the cary/belvidere apartments, which consisited of vinyl siding. I believe this is an all brick structure.

I'm guessing its part of the bond referendum, which is up for an april vote. The Department of Taxation also has a bid out there to get a new building, which I know is part of the bond referendum.

An even bigger question is "how is the construction of the new GRTC headquarters on Belt Blvd. going?" I cannot say I have read anything about it even though the project started in August 2007. It isn't scheduled to be completed until late 2009 or early 2010. So I imagine redeveloping the land near Robinson & Cary would be done by 2012-2013 depending on what they do...

agreed. no corners were cut when coming up w/ the idea behind DeLux... I've yet to eat there, but its a great place to grab a drink

I've heard they haven't inked the deal, yet... Hence the post. I submit my zip code (23220, which is ~ The Fan) about once a month, so I think they get the picture. haha. Too bad Ukrop's ruined our shot at having one on Libbie Ave...

Thanks. No, I didn't notice anyone eating, but keep in mind--I didn't arrive until 11:45 PM. The Ice Bar part opens when they have the grand opening, which should be in the nest 3-4 weeks...Infuzion has a parking lot for maybe 40-50 cars, but there's also tons of parking b/c no other businesses are open at that time of night in that area (for now). The crowd started off diverse, but by 12:30 AM it was entirely gay. I imagine different nights will cater to different clientele (since each has a different theme, such as salsa night, etc). I never went to Cafein's, but it will probably similar. Although with the immense amount of security, I doubt it will have the problems Cafein's had. Oh, the best part about Infuzion. Its entirely SMOKE FREE.

I want to strongly encourage everyone to use the Contact Us page on Trader Joe's web site and tell them how much we want one in the Richmond Metro area. Here's the link: Trader Joe's Contact Us Page I know Ukrop's and Fresh Market do not want them in the area, but I certainly do!

There are several critiques of infuzion in the rants and raves part of craigslist. However, I don't know how accurate most of it is. My take on the place: I went Saturday night. Its like nothing RVA has right now (and maybe has ever had) as far as a club experience goes. There are two main rooms/settings--the lounge and the club. The lounge is nicely furnished, has its own bar, and consists of 4 smaller rooms connected via a central hallway. The club area is one big room. As you enter the club, you see two huge projection screens on the far wall, a DJ booth and a long bar to the right, a VIP seating area (and what will be the Ice Bar) to the left. The state of the art sound and lighting systems are well utilized in the 5,000 sq ft club area, which also has what seems to be 18-20 foot ceilings...There are a few minor kinks related to bar management, but nothing out of the ordinary for a new business. Of course, the place was also extremely crowded, so waiting for a drink was somewhat inevitable. I imagine we'll hear several glowing reviews of the place before too much longer. I know I'll definitely visit again

sbc, here are recommendations: Recommendation #1 -- Diabetic friendly Strawberry Street Cafe--Great all you can eat soup and salad bar (search for strawberry street in richmond.com's restaurant section for coupon details). They also have steak and many other tasty items. I'd argue they have the best chicken pot pie and chicken and dumplings around. Star-Lite - Great Fan Restaurant with a HUGE menu! Recommendation #2 Cool Places Edo's Squid - hands down my favorite restaurant in RVA. very affordable--entrees are between $8 and $13. However, cuts of meat can be high priced. but the quality is amazing. reservations needed! I highly recommend the carbonara, fried squid, and tiramisu. Comfort - great southern food! Tarrant's Cafe - Great soups and sandwiches. For Brunch (decent prices) Capital Ale House 3Monkeys Recommendation #3 -- Celebratory some amazing places which aren't exactly cost conscious. However, they all offer great atmosphere and true fine dining. The White Dog Millie's Can Can Dogwood Grille Six Burner

I visited strawberry st. cafe on presidents day. we had the brachetta pizza as an appetizer--it was really good! some of the tomato pieces were a bit larger than I prefer, but the flavor wasn't too tomato-ey. My friend got the chicken pot pie with mac 'n cheese. The pot pie looked amazing (I'm told it tasted grrreat)--the crust was thick and appeared homemade ,as advertised, and the inside was the the correct consistency. It was almost an extremely thick soup with a fair amount of white chicken and various vegetables. The mac 'n cheese was very cheesy--and it was definitely real cheese. I had the chicken and dumplings, which is served in a bread bowl. It was very tasty with good-size portions of white chicken. The dumplings were the perfect size--just right for eating. usually I've found them to be so small they're more like small carrots. haha. it was a great lunch with very attentive service After that we headed to Can Can for coffee. I'll just say we ended up getting what we ordered for free (the service and the produced were abysmal. haha). On the second try of delivering a chai latte and a mocha, everything was perfect. I think we hit them at a bad time with our first order, and I also believe it was this girl's first day...I've been to Can Can several times now and they've always been extremely professional (and the food has been great!). Might I add, did they get rid of their opening windows? I was sitting in the Cafe and I noticed the windows were no longer on tracks. My friend said they replaced the original windows a good while ago, but I guess I had just never noticed.

I dunno if chains really do all that much besides give out of towners, who aren't brave enough to try something one of a kind, a familiar place to eat.

with all of the Kraft news lately, I wouldn't be surprised if they were locating something next to PMUSA.

Are you speaking of the Ipanema on W. Grace St?? That place is more of a play on words--its almost entirely vegetarian (whereas brasilian food is supposed to involve a lot of meat)! haha. Everything is written on a chalk board and, they only offer up 1 or 2 meat dishes per evening (usually fish).

I posted about tarrant's on the 20th. great prices, great food, & great atmosphere!

I went out that way as well this evening and Regency was indeed vacant. However, I went there two weekends ago and they do a decent business. Their store lineup is actually fairly decent....too bad they didn't just completely revamped it into an upscale mall instead of building stony point...

I went to Tarrant's Cafe recently--the whole experience was extremely nice and the atmosphere is cozy, too! I had broiled rockfish in a white wine and butter sauce along with the cheddar cheese and broccoli soup and fresh mozarella and tomato's as an appetizer. Everything was great from presentation to portion size to taste. The waitstaff was friendly as well. One thing I will note--they do not offer many entrees at the moment. So, if you go expect to see about 7-8 of them, but a whole lot of soup/sandwiches/wraps/salads. The prices are extremely reasonable! I'd have to agree on Pasta Luna. I went there last night and while it was good, it just didn't come close to my favorite italian place (Edo's Squid). I'd even go as far as arguing that Pasta Luna is overpriced in comparison.

I had the chicken pot pot pie there 2 weeks ago, and it was tasty. Although I definitely ate the entire thing. haha, I was rather full afterwards.

I am not familiar w/ hole in the wall, but it is on laurel about a half block off broad street. When it comes to craving Italian food, I am addicted to Edo's Squid. I may visit Enoteca Sogno at some point, but the atmosphere doesn't seem appealing to me...

I went to Nile Ethiopian Cafe tonight. The atmosphere inside the place is nice b/c of the high ceilings, exposed beams, and the vibrant colors on the painted brick walls. The dining experience was very different (and very good) as well--it was my first time having Ethiopian food. Their combination plates are a great way to experiment since you get 5 different entrees on your plate. Most of the food is somewhat spicy, and I really do not know how to describe the actual dishes (everything is just that different!). However, the presentation was great. I had beef, chicken, and lamb, all of which were very flavorful and filling. The most unique part of the experience is using bread to pick up everything (there is no silverware). Anyway, I'd highly recommend the place. See December's Richmond Magazine for a more restaurant critic kind of review

You summed up nicely why I completely dislike everything about the cheesecake factory. haha. The only thing I enjoy is their cheesecake, which I do go there for occasionally. Of course, this is coming from someone who absolutely loves edo's squid, comfort, hill cafe, can can, etc...

I don't remember where I read it, but there was an article about the couple who purchased the theatre a while back (September or October, I think).

I haven't been to tarrant's yet, but the rest are all worth it for sure

Correct, but Kroger (the main developer of that shopping center, I believe) was required by the city to have ALL of those spaces in the development as opposed to having more space for retail. So, I understand why Kroger would be upset--The Firestone developer isn't having the same burden placed upon him.

I wish they would've stuck with just one name...