Richmond Dining-Out scene

[burt]

Melissa Ruggieri's Table Talk column in today's Times Dispatch (inRich) is very enlightening. But I have to confess some confusion about the AURORA item. What are the hours of the new bakery/restaurant coming to the former site of CAFFEIN's at 4th and Grace?

Owner Scott Davison is quoted thusly:

"The bakery supports the restaurant, the bakery supports the bar, the bakery supports the nightclub."

So what gives at this well-known building diagonally across from LOUISIANA FLAIR?

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainmen...09-25-0021.html

[burt]

Here's Karri's latest column from Richmond dot com, and it's not filled with good news.

It seems CABO'S CORNER BISTRO at 2053 West Broad and EASY STREET at 2401 West Main have closed -- gone -- kaput!!! It took a while for Karri to track down and confirm the closures, but apparently it's true.

But all restaurant news is not bad. GIBSON's at The National would be open now if the City's licensing department would speed up its inspection and paper work. Maybe a week or two more will see this anticipated 2-level restaurant up and running.

http://www.richmond.com/restaurants-dining/25554

I'm a bit stunned about CABO's and EASY STREET. I thought they packed in the customers.

I think I've also read that BOTTOMS UP PIZZA abruptly closed its store in Woodlake. But never fear, the original on Dock Street in The Bottom is booming as ususal.

Generally, though...Times, they are a-hurtin'.

[burt]

Style's Deveron Timberlakes never fails to enlighten local gournamds in her weekly Short Order column.

This weeks she talks about the imminent opening of long-anticipated STRONGHILL DINING COMPANY at 1200 North Boulevard (a stone's throw from the under-construction Movie Time multiplex cinemas.)

There are also mentions about CHEZ FOUSHEE and AVENUE 805.

Thanks, Deveron.

http://styleweekly.com/article.asp?idarticle=17864

PS: She also has a piece elsewhere in Style about the abrupt closures of CABO'S CORNER BISTRO and EASY STREET in The Fan.

Edited October 1, 2008 by burt

[burt]

Dana Craig loves her sushi, especially if it's at OSAKA on River Road in the West End.

But, lo! OSAKA has branched out to South Richmond (or Midlothian, as the Chesterfireld Town Center area is called.) The famous Japanese restaurant's new addition is SUSHI O in a shopping center on Alverser Drive.

If service is a little slow, the wait is worth every delicious Asian morsel.

Here's Dana's review:

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainmen...09-25-0007.html

SUSHI O

Dana's Rating: Three stars

1228 Alverser Plaza

804/897-9878

Smoke free

Noise Level: High

Check Please? $70 for two.

Brandon Fox in this week's Style Weekly echoes Dana's praise for SUSHI O.

Here's her review:

http://styleweekly.com/food.asp

Edited October 1, 2008 by burt

[burt]

When Dana Craig, the esteemed restaurant critic of The Times Dispatch, compiles her reviews in book form she might borrow a leaf from the brassy and beloved Broadway entertainer Ethle Merman. In her autobiography, the all-time champion belter of song left an empty page in the chapter dedicated to one of her husbands.

Dana's generous one-star review of BEACH HOUSE BAR AND GRILL can be found on the pages of today's inRich.

BEACH HOUSE BAR & GRILL

4040E Cox Road (former location of Chesapeake Seafood)

tel. 804/612-6116

Web Site: http://www.beachhousebar.us

Noise Level: High

Check Please? -- $42 for two.

Rated by Dana: One Star

[Matt822]

Style's Deveron Timberlakes never fails to enlighten local gournamds in her weekly Short Order column.

This weeks she talks about the imminent opening of long-anticipated STRONGHILL DINING COMPANY at 1200 North Boulevard (a stone's throw from the under-construction Movie Time multiplex cinemas.)

There are also mentions about CHEZ FOUSHEE and AVENUE 805.

Thanks, Deveron.

http://styleweekly.com/article.asp?idarticle=17864

PS: She also has a piece elsewhere in Style about the abrupt closures of CABO'S CORNER BISTRO and EASY STREET in The Fan.

I had the joy of dining at Stronghill Dining Company last night and it was well worth the wait! The trip is worth it even if you go just to take in the sheer beauty of the decor and the friendliness of the staff. Just as the article described, the restaurant was relaxed and comforting but didn't lose any of its elegance. If you can manage to take your eyes off the interior design and look at the menu, you'll be able to give your taste buds just as much enjoyment.

I started with the tempura green tomatoes which were perfectly fried while others at my table tried the split pea soup (a special on the menu) and the various salads. All looked great and were talked about highly. For an entree I chose the scallops which were accompanied by a sea food fritter that I hope to see made into a starter or entree of its own in the future. Not to say that scallops weren't delicious - because they were - but the sea food fritter had such a great flavor that it would definitely be enjoyable on its own.

As an amateur baker my favorite part of any dining out experience is dessert and Lane's grandmother knew what she was doing when she made her bourbon pecan pie! The crust was light and flaky and the pie not overly sweetened as so many can be. The portion was just right, too...although I could have easily eaten the entire pie or at least taken the rest to go.

A definite highlight is that the restaurant is smoke free during dinner service...a very nice treat compared to other favorites around Richmond. I look forward to becoming a regular at the bar where the martinis are as inventive as they are tasty. The cupcake was a fabulous end to my dining experience at 1200 N. Boulevard.

Be sure to check it out!

Edited October 2, 2008 by Matt822

[burt]

That's a terrific review of STRONGHILL, Matt.

Here is Mellisa Ruggieri's Table Talk column from today's inRich which describes what, to me, appears to be a very off-beat menu for Richmond. Like VERBENA in The Fan, it seems heavy on game.

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainmen...10-02-0028.html

By the way, is Stronghill one or two words?

Also, does it have a roof-top patio which was mentioned early on in news releases?

Edited October 4, 2008 by burt

[burt]

Is the long anticipated opening of GIBSON's at 7th and Broad Streets in the National Theater imminent?

Possibly. Maybe even next week!

Edited October 8, 2008 by burt

[burt]

It appears the "game trend" is expanding.

Deveron Timberlake in Style Weekly tells us that the venerable HELEN's at 2527 West Main on the corner of Robinson is launching its new menu which will include quail, frog legs and vinison in various presentations. The staple seafood options like Snapper en Papillote as well as steak are still popular, but like VERBENA a block away in The Fan and STRONG HILL on The Boulevard, a move toward gamier offerings seems to be finding favor.

[burt]

Well, I for one, am happy to see BISTRO 27 revisited. While always popular, it opened a couple of years ago to less than anticipated food critic ratings.

Style Weekly's Joe Cates dropped in again recently. Click on the words "Come Hither" at this website:

http://styleweekly.com/food.asp

Bistro 27 is in the downtown Gallery District at the southeast corner of Broad and Adams Streets.

Edited October 8, 2008 by burt

[burt]

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)

Edited October 10, 2008 by burt

[nickle]

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???

[burt]

Isn't (or wasn't) TABLE 9 the tiny place at 2001 Park Avenue that used to belong to Frank Chiocca. Is Cobblestone Bakery part of it?

[burt]

Dana Craig visits MELITO's out there in the far West End and finds it friendly and satisfying. She points out that this is a favorite of lots of regulars.

Isn't this place where Richmond's famous entertainer Eliott Yamin worked at one time? Or was he just one of the regulars? Or am I making this up?

Here's Dana's review with slideshow:

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainmen...10-16-0004.html

MELITO'S

Rating: 3 stars

8815 Three Chopt Road

Tel: 804/285-1899

Noise Level: High

Smoke Free

Check Please? $37

Edited October 16, 2008 by burt

[burt]

Melissa Ruggeri's Table Talk column at inRich has some news:

The SILVER DINER at Innsbrook will open its first Richmond location on election day, November 4TH. Here's its website: http://www.silverdiner.com.

The mysterious AURORA that seems to have been kept under wraps has exposed itself. The combination bakery/restaurant is open from 7AM 'til 6PM in the old bank building at the southeast corner of 4th and Grace Streets. It hopes to have an ABC license in about two weeks and to offer drinks and tapas. It's still unclear whether owner Scott Davison will expand operations and offer dinner.

POSITIVE VIBE CAFE, the iconic eatery at Strafford Hills, has engaged an executive chef, Maurice Wells, and a new sous chef, Chris Vaughn. Both had experience at FLEMING'S STEAKHOUSE in Stony Point Fashion Park before joining POSITIVE VIBE. A new menu was launched Tuesday. Some of the items are smoked bison brisket chili, Caribbean jerk catfish, salmon and an unusual shepherd's pie.

[ric75]

It appears Pie is definitely happening. I was biking last night through downtown and saw that had put paper up in the windows with the words "Pie... you'll want a piece of it" or something along those lines. Can't wait to see that stretch of Grace come alive next year. I have a few pictures of this space before they put the paper up and will work on posting those. Hopefully that means in less than a month

Acacia is also looking near completion.

[burt]

Style Weekly's food critic, Joe Cates, knows a good hot dog when he bites into one. He's had the best Chicago has to offer, and Richmond's CITY DOGS in Shockoe Slip is right up there with the best, says he.

http://styleweekly.com/food.asp

[burt]

Style's Deveron Timberlake names a new restaurant which I bet few know about. It is AZIZA's at 2110 East Main Street. The space, a door or two east of Globehopper Coffee House across from Tobacco Row, is the brainchild of Billy Fallen (remember "Billy Bread"?)

A specialty here is Lebanese cooking served up by Billy's Mom, Rusty, who learned it from Billy's grandma, Aziza. At present the former drug store which was called McGuire Park Pharmacy, is open Mondays thru Fridays from 11am 'til 6pm. A liquor license may arrive in a couple of weeks and possibly, service will be extended to Saturdays and Sundays. Hopes are to offer dinner in the not-too-distand future.

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More from Deveron:

The former Graffiti Grill at 403B Ridge Road reopened this week as RIVERS RIDGE and has an up-scale menu. Call 804/288-0633 for hours, reservations and more pertinent information.

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SAVOR, a new Manchester Cafe across the James at 201 WEST 7TH Street in the Corrugated Box Building is open. Deveron says breakfast, lunch and dinner "to go" are offered Mondays thru Fridays, with brunch on Saturdays. She adds that beers and wines are available on and off premises, so I guess you can eat in-house as well as take it home. But you'd better call 804/527-2867 for clarification or visit http://www.savorcompany.com..

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SAIGON RIVER is a new family-owned Vietnamese restaurant in Chesterfield at 11001 Midlothian Tpk. Tel. 804/379-2747.

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BAGEL CZAR. Here's what Deveron has to say about it:

"Open at 929 W. Grace St., this business replaces Nanci Raygun and a long string of clubs and bars that packed the house if not the block. New owner Missy Wernstrom brings music back to the venue starting at the end of this month, along with dinner service and beer and wine."

Missy says "I would like this place to be separate personalities day and night."

Food offerings are sandwiches, bagels, soups, salads, house-made cream cheese and natural meats. Deveron says it is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays for now. Dinner and drink service may begin at the end of the month. Tel: 804/355-0064. Website: http://www.bagelczar.com

Edited October 19, 2008 by burt

[burt]

It appears Pie is definitely happening. I was biking last night through downtown and saw that had put paper up in the windows with the words "Pie... you'll want a piece of it" or something along those lines. Can't wait to see that stretch of Grace come alive next year. I have a few pictures of this space before they put the paper up and will work on posting those. Hopefully that means in less than a month

Acacia is also looking near completion.

Good news from ric75's bike tour. I expect PIE in the Berry Burk building will live up to Mo Roman's reputation for style and great food. Seems to me I've heard that it will have an open kitchen where pizza makers may be seen tossing the dough. And I'm sure it will offer more than pizza on its menu.

"PIE...you'll want a piece of it." If that's NOT their slogan, ric75, they should hire you on for promo.

Hasn't ACACIA been offering take-out during their construction phase? The new ACACIA is at the corner of Robinson and Cary Streets in The Fan.

[wrldcoupe4]

Burt, that is the slogan on the windows

Acacia, now called Acacia Midtown looks good... too bad the surrounding area is no where near looking good yet. They're taking a leap getting in ahead of the big changes to come (inevitable redevelopment of the GRTC site next door) and hopefully people will follow.

Edited October 17, 2008 by wrldcoupe4

[burt]

How long has it been since PAPA NINGO, the Dominican restaurant on East Franklin Street in the Bottom, announced it was expanding?

Well, according to Ginger Warder at Richmond dot com, the management has taken over the large adjoining space, tripling its size. And not only that! It will have a bar and dance floor. I wonder if they have to have a cabaret license if customers entertain themselves moving to the salsa beat?

Judging from comments accompanying Ginger's story, service could stand some improvement.

http://www.richmond.com/restaurants-dining/25705

Edited October 21, 2008 by burt

[burt]

I'm posting Deveron Timberlake's entire Short Order column because it contains a super picture of the new AURORA and also brings us up to date on other foodie emporia.

For instance, AURORA at 4th and Grace is open from 8am 'til 6pm. But cocktails are not yet available. The liquor license is anticipated in a week or two. Management hopes to expand hours to include dinner service perhaps in a month or so.

ZED Cafe at 5109 Lakeside Avenue in the far North Side has changed management.

THE TRACK in Carytown has reopened, and POPKIN TAVERN at Jefferson and Broad Streets downtown has gussied up its pub grub menu.

http://styleweekly.com/article.asp?idarticle=18029

[burt]

IMO, it's almost a given that when a good restaurant mongrolizes itself, quality drops.

R T-D critic Dana Craig verifies this state of affairs in her one-and-a-half star review of EUROPA. A formerly delightful Shockoe Slip restorante that oozed a European feel with its decor, general ambiance and Spanish tapas is now just another eatery offering ordinary Italian fare. Who needs it when quality is just a block away at LA GROTTA?

A big mistake, Richmond Restaurant Group!!! Richmond needs a true Spanish restaurant and you were on the right track. Why commonize a good thing?

EUROPA

Rating: 1 and 1/2 star

1409 East Cary Street in Shockoe Slip

Tel. 804/643-0911

Website: http://www.europarichmond.com

Noise Level: High

Check Please? -- $57

Edited October 23, 2008 by burt

[wrldcoupe4]

Si plays the part of a true Spanish restaurant, no?

[burt]

Si plays the part of a true Spanish restaurant, no?

Si y no, Coupe. At least I think I read somewhere in this thread that SI has minimized the Spanish influence on its menu. But when I visited last year, it had a great Madrid kind of tapa bar feel and food selections to match.

Even EMILIO's (two locations -- one at Meadow and Broad and a larger and nicer version in Midlothan) has tempered its Spanish flair, so I've been told.

EUROPA used to have a terrific tapas selection. The bar scene there has always been active and busy. It saddens me to learn that it has broadened its Mediterranean offerings to emphasize so-so Italian fare at the expense of a solid Spanish touch.