[Richmond Dining-Out scene]

Dana Craig was too young to appreciate the rave notices awarded to LA GROTTA when it opened ten years ago, but she can be sure her Times Dispatch three-and-a-half star review will be prominently displayed henceforth.

The Shockoe Slip osteria serves up sophisticated Italian fare and impeccable service.

I believe LA GROTTA has connections with two other exceptional restaurants in Richmond -- Carytown's AMICI and downtown's BISTRO 27.

Enjoy Dana's review and slideshow:

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainmen...10-09-0009.html

LA GROTTA

Downunder at 13th and East Cary in Shockoe Slip

Tel. 804/644-2466

Noise Level: Comfortable

Website: http://www.lagrottaristorante.com

Dana's Rating: 3 and 1/2 stars

Check Please? $75 for two (not including vino)

Table ( iin the Fan and Cobblestone Bakery are for sale. $60,000 for Table 9? What is that guy smoking???

[Richmond Dining-Out scene]

GIBSON's, Johnny and Katrina Giavos' new restaurant planned for the National Theater at 7th and Broad streets will not open until late April or early May. Concerts have been booked into the Hall beginning late February. How they will be affected by the restaurant situation is not yet clear.

The Historic Richmond Grand Opening Gala has been postponed from February 9th and now is rescheduled for April 19th.

Not a reply to the above...But has anyone heard about the closing of Acapella's on Church Hill or of the pending closing of Cafe Gutenburg?? Can't believe this

[Richmond Dining-Out scene]

Does Big Daddy's pull-out mean that he needs a larger space than Wildcat's for his proposed Piano bar, or am I reading something into your remark above, Nat? When you say it "was too small for the big response he was getting", it sounds like there is a big potential audience for a piano bar.

I would be curioys to know whats happening at Wildcats then, if its not going to be a piano bar.

[Richmond Dining-Out scene]

nhughes, I have a suggestion for The Bottom.

Walnut Alley is very funky, but why not promote it as "fun" funky? All it would require is a few doors chopped into the rear of existing buildings and some small neon signs attracting customers into the interiors of bars, restaurants and shops whose main entrances are now, and will remain, on Main, 17th, Franklin and 18th streets. The alley running north south in that block as well as other cobble-stoned, car-free alleys could get the same treatment, adding an air of exotic mystique to The Bottom.

That's my 2 cents.

Thanks to everyone for the response to my 17th Street queston. Seems like there is some life getting pumped back into that stretch of the Bottom. I need to check out LuLu's for sure. And good for PapaNingo for expanding. That must mean somebody can make it down there. It seems like the names change so frequently in the Bottom. What about the place on the corner next to the old Wildcats? Between Wildcats and Old Butch's rather. It was called the ZOne? And what was that about the St Somewhere... that might be the best spot of all. Can't believe it is just getting sat on. Happy New Year!!

[Richmond Dining-Out scene]

Here's a nice little piece from Style on Lulu's, the new restaurant soon to be opening in the Bottom. Looking forward to a little more life on that stretch of 17th

Style Weekly - Enter Lulu's

Hey folks, I am new to this site and am enjoying the Richmond restaurant talk. Everyone really seems to know their stuff and have enthusiasm. Quick question after reading about LuLu's... What's going on with the rest of the 17th Street area in Shockoe Bottom. I have heard things about a pianao bar and the fireman's themed halligan's but don't know what to make of it all. Any news?? Thanks for the great posts