Richmond Dining-Out scene

[burt]

My great niece is in New York today We went to MOMA and Top of The Rock and had drinks at West Bank Cafe afterward.

She and her b/f had dinner last night at KONA GRILLE in West Broad Village. She really likes it, though says it's pretty pricey (some entrees in the $30 to $36 range.) She says the decor and service are a-one. They had to stand and wait about 45 minutes for a table because even the bar was packed.

The sushi bar is especially attractive.

Apparently there is not a lot of parking space but free valet service is offered.

She flew in this morning on a sparsely populated Delta flight which arrived LGA early.

Edited February 9, 2009 by burt

[burt]

How about some vegan pastries, or gluten-free beer?

ELWOOD'S COFFEE SHOP opens in Carytown.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A 23,000 square-foot Fresh Market, the second in Metro Richmond, is ready to open at the end of March on Huguenot Road near Midlothian Tpk. They are about ready to begin hiring 85 full and part-time workers.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A new PANERA cafe is about to open in the VCU area. It will be near the almost ready CHIPOTLE on West Grace near Laurel Street.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All of this news, including a story about a sweet lingerie store, is from Lou Llovio's column in today's R-TD.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/...-231115/200575/

Edited February 9, 2009 by burt

[burt]

Here is Richmond dot com's list of hot pick-up bars:

http://www.richmond.com/arts-entertainment/26023

Click the picture in Related Info box for a slide show.

Edited February 10, 2009 by burt

[burt]

Joe Cates provides Style Weekly's happy take on GIBSON'S GRILL next door to The National -- actually in the same building:

http://www.styleweekly.com/ME2/Audiences/d...9D3430288834D1D

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After reading Joe's review of GIBSON's, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Short Order and see Deveron Timberlake's local restaurant news.

Edited February 10, 2009 by burt

[burt]

SKILLIGALEE looks like it should be on the shores of the Atlantic in Nags Head, but unhappily, Dana Craig writing in today's R-TD finds its fish offerings mostly "bland."

But, oh boy! About 35 years ago it was the cat's pajamas of seafood restaurants. It occupied a small-ish building at the northeast/east corner of Staples Mill Road and Glenside Drive near the Amtrak station. It had that beachy look outside and inside. It was intimate and charming. The unusual name of Skilligalee lent panache. And you could be sure you'd get fresh, well prepared fish of all kinds in a delightful setting. An evening of drinks and dinner was a treat.

I don't recall when the new, larger restaurant opened -- still on Glenside Drive but almost at West Broad Street. I think it was about 1979.

Here's Dana's review of the the still popular restaurant in its snazzy large building.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/entertain...-184705/204157/

SKILLIGALEE

Dana's rating: Two Stars

5416 Glenside Drive (near Reynolds Crossing.)

tel. 804/672-6200

Noise level: Moderate to High

Smoking and non-smoking sections.

Tab for two: $66

The restaurant's website (www.skilligalee.com) no longer works.

Edited February 12, 2009 by burt

[burt]

Melissa Ruggieri has some last-minute tips for dining out on Valentine's night.

From today's R-TD:

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/entertain...-185106/204178/

[burt]

Here's a convenient list of Dana Craig's recent rave reviews.

From today's R-TD:

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/entertain...-185106/204174/

This is a fairly recnt listing and does not, by any means, include all the local restaurants Dana has visited during her multi-year association with the Richmond Times

Dispatch.

Edited February 12, 2009 by burt

[burt]

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. If you are taking your sweetie out to dinner tonight, here's hoping you've made reservations. Some places are opening for dinner as early as 4PM to accommodate anticipated crowds.

Edited February 14, 2009 by burt

[burt]

Here's the kind of restaurant news that is not pleasurable to report. A place at the corner of Henry and West Broad Streets called NEW YORK FRIED CHICKEN has been operating without a license and has not paid meal taxes since 2007. The building at 501 WEST Broad Street one block east of Belvidere (US 1) once was a McDonalds that was shut down for being a nusiance gathering spot after midnight. How it was allowed to reopen and operate without a license has not been explained.

It is at the western end of the lively Gallery District directly across Broad from a new restaurant called THE BELVIDERE that recently announced plans for an opening.

From thoday's R-TD:

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/loca...-215040/210209/

Sometimes "Reader Reaction" writers don't fully read stories before offering their comments. The closure of this place is not likely to affect guests of the new Hilton Garden Inn since the hotel is about a dozen blocks in the opposite direction. An unfortunate number of these unpaid newspaper commentators are frequent contributors on just about any subject and delight in disparaging downtown revival. Some display an appalling lack of political correctness.

Edited February 19, 2009 by burt

[burt]

Melissa Ruggeri's Table Talk column in today's R-TD brings us up-to-date on smoking or non as well as early coffee, tea and pasteries.

The ever popular CAN CAN BRASSERIE at 3129 West Cary, contrary to brasserie tradition, will phase in a total no-smoking policy. From now 'til the end of February, you may light up after 3PM; throughout March, smoking will be tolerated only after 9PM. Beginning April 1st, it is non, non, non. Absolut! Step outside to puff.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AURORA at 4th and Grace says "nyet," As of now, no smoking in the building at all!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITIVE VIBE, the intriguing cafe at 2825 Hathaway Road in Stratford Hills, will open for Continental Breakfast on Mondays only from 7am 'til 11am.

Edited February 19, 2009 by burt

[burt]

Once you get past the location of the new ACACIA MIDTOWN across from the scruffy bus barn at Robinson and Cary Streets you're apt to flip out with pleasure over Dale Reitzer's culinary treats. Or, in so many words, says Dana Craig in today's 3-and-a-half star review.

Better make reservations early because this Reitzer guy has a big following.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/entertain...-181626/209949/

ACACIA MIDTOWN

Dana Craig's Richmond Times Dispatch rating: 3 1/2 stars

2601 West Cary Street

Website: http://www.acaciarestaurant.com

Noise level: High

Smoke-free

Tab for two: $92

Edited February 19, 2009 by burt

[Shakman]

...

Sometimes "Reader Reaction" writers don't fully read stories before offering their comments. The closure of this place is not likely to affect guests of the new Hilton Garden Inn since the hotel is about a dozen blocks in the opposite direction. An unfortunate number of these unpaid newspaper commentators are frequent contributors on just about any subject and delight in disparaging downtown revival. Some display an appalling lack of political correctness.

It is easier to react than to think. People are more interested with inserting their comments rather than reading and /or listening.

Edited February 20, 2009 by Shakman

[ric75]

Looks like Highwater will be seeing some changes in coming weeks... a new stakeholder has entered the picture and wants to turn it into a gourmet burger joint.

Highwater to Flip (Burgers)

[burt]

Looks like Highwater will be seeing some changes in coming weeks... a new stakeholder has entered the picture and wants to turn it into a gourmet burger joint.

Highwater to Flip (Burgers)

This may be good news. VERBENA gets raves for its menu, preparation and presentation; LUCKY BUDDHA and CHA CHA CANTINA are popular Shockoe Slip watering holes.

I think HIGHWATER has, or began as, or has connections with a restaurant in Charlottesville.

Edited February 23, 2009 by burt

[burt]

Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday) is today!

Here's a short compilation by Frances Correa of Richmond dot com of downtown places to celebrate tonight:

http://www.richmond.com/arts-entertainment/26077

BLACKFINN, CAPITAL ALE, BANK, LUCKY BUDDAH and CHA CHA CANTINA are the spots listed.

Incidentally, Karri Peifer of the same dot com address says that she has learned VAULT (underneath BANK) is aiming for an April opening.

[CommRE]

Looks like Highwater will be seeing some changes in coming weeks... a new stakeholder has entered the picture and wants to turn it into a gourmet burger joint.

Highwater to Flip (Burgers)

Good - it needs changes. I went there once and had very poor experience. The manager said she would send me gift certificates to get me to come back. They never materialized. Once it changes hands I'll give it another shot.

[burt]

I read somewhere that Mo Roman's PIE restaurant on the ground level of Berry Burk at 6th and Grace Streets is still very much in progress, but due to the slow economy it is being delayed until later in the year. My guess is that Roman will aim for an opening in September to coincide with the launching of Richmond Center Stage.

[wrldcoupe4]

I read the delay was due to the ever-delayed Vault. Once Vault is finished and open, the focus should shift to Pie.

[burt]

Attention bargain hunters:

Karri Peifer has a delightful Eat Beat column in today's edition of Richmond dot com. Select a "cheap-date-night" location from among Karri's list.

http://www.richmond.com/restaurants-dining/26082

Edited February 26, 2009 by burt

[burt]

Melissa Ruggeri has some interesting items today in her Table Talk column.

BOGART'S, the smoky, intriguing backroom venue for jazz and other musical entertainment closed down its Lombardy Street location in The Fan when its owners were unable to negotiate a lease renewal.

But, after numerous delays, the new BOGART'S has opened its spacious, if less atmospheric, new restaurant/bar at 1903 West Cary Street. There is a 32-foot oak bar, an outdoor patio, free Wi-Fi and parking behind The Lofts at Cary Place. Tel. 804/353-9280

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A ninth Virginia LONGHORN STEAK HOUSE has opened at 4409 South Laburnum Avenue. Tel. 804/222-0084 to pin down its exact location on the Laburnum corridor.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Perhaps the shortest lived restaurant in Richmond's history opened and closed within a fortnight. The former TABLE 9 at the corner of Meadow and Park Avenue was taken over by a young musician and renamed CREDO'S PARK AVENUE CAFE. The intent was to offer acoustic entertainment along with light fare, but a neighbor complained when the owner was strumming his guitar. Rather than risk further complaints, he turned over the keys to the owner of the property -- no less than Johnny Giavos of GIBSON's fame -- who says he knows of "plenty of people who want to be in there."

[burt]

Our contributor, jbjust, was the first to tell us about MEDITERRANEO, the new Italian/Spanish restaurant near the junction of Rts. 288 and 711 on Winterfield Road.

Today, Dana Craig's 3-star review in the Times Dispatch corroborates his evaluation.

The wait for a table can be long. Reservations strongly advised.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/entertain...-183211/215802/

MEDITERRANEO

Dana's rating: 3 Stars

3730 Winterfield Road

Midlothian (although the location is actually across the Powhatan County line.)

804/794-5350

http://www.mediterraneocuisine.com

Smoke free

Tab for two: $56

[nhughes]

Seen in the window of a locked POMEGRANATE EURO BISTRO, a sign indicating that they have closed the business.

[burt]

Seen in the window of a locked POMEGRANATE EURO BISTRO, a sign indicating that they have closed the business.

Ahhh, that breaks my heart. POMEGRANATE was one of the best in the City, IMO.

I guess it reflects the lower trafic of business people visiting Richmond as much as the tightening of belts all over.

The Slip has lost a good one!

[Shakman]

Darn it. I never got a chance to dine there. I hope whatever takes its place will fit in just as well.

[crashvt03]

I went to Kona Grill @ WBV on Saturday night with my family and the meal was fantastic. The sushi was incredible and everybody really enjoyed their main courses. Desserts were very good as well, though we wish we knew they were big enough for 2 as we had a lot leftover. Thankfully we had a reservation as there was already a 45 minute wait when we arrived at 5pm. I would highly recommend the restaurant for anybody willing to venture out to the Short Pump area.